Official MOA RV thread...

As an aside, I tried using a “wheels down/flat towed” vehicle. With the inability to back up more that 6” and the specific transmission requirements not to mention the electrical (battery) considerations, I would suggest to people now that ask, putting the “toad” on a trailer.
YMMV
OM

Omega Man said:

As an aside, I tried using a “wheels down/flat towed” vehicle. With the inability to back up more that 6” and the specific transmission requirements not to mention the electrical (battery) considerations, I would suggest to people now that ask, putting the “toad” on a trailer.

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I considered that because I didn't want to sell my Subaru WRX, which can't be flat-towed. I could also put my Tacoma in it with a bike in the bed (somewhat risky haul...)

The problem with a car/truck on a trailer is that the trailer is HUGE and doesn't fit into anything but the chock-a-block pull-through campsites inhabited by 50' long rigs. Not my kind of "crowd"

But you're right... we bought that older CR-V because after 2014 they could not be flat towed, due to a CV transmission. I hope I can deal with the not-backing-up situation... with the toad, I will always be traveling with my wife.

That, and I cannot stand Jeeps.

Thanks for the kind replies. We completely lucked out on the color scheme - I like it as well. We were lucky most of all that the bus had been repainted as original paint from that RV would've looked like crap. The seats/couches had also been recovered/updated, so our overhaul of it ended up being some aesthetic, and then some mandatory when a water leak and major floor rot forced us to tear into things. If you're looking for ideas on RV customizations, I have a bunch.

Regarding a toad vs. trailered vehicle, I wasn't super in favor of the toad option because the only vehicle we had that could be used for one was my 2017 Ram 3500 diesel (which actually has more horsepower than the bus). We ended up buying the Land Rover specifically as a toad, which I didn't want to do as we had enough vehicles. But we've really enjoyed the "adventure car" and it's been great. The lack of backing up is annoying, but in 30k+ miles I've only had two times (both my fault) when I've had to disconnect the car because I misjudged and needed to back up when I couldn't. I think the overall inconvenience of that is way lower than the inconvenience of having to stash a trailer (not to mention buying one) that I would've otherwise had. We liked to boondock a lot and so ability to be compact in those locations helps a great deal.

The inability to bring a motorcycle with the toad is an annoyance, but given that we've always gone places as a family, not enough of one to really matter. I wouldn't realistically ride separately from everyone else. When the kids get older and my wife and I start making RV trips ourselves, we'll probably then just trailer the bikes.

H got a call from new owners insurance asking for pictures at sale… The rig is now residing on TX/OK border and got a recent hailstorm They will pay their claim after that exchange. I had taken every possible angle including roof and undercarriage just in case!
We kept it , and other units, under awning unless in use to control environmental issues as much as possible. We see so many parked out in open and always wonder about sun and hail exposure long term. Had a bud replace skylights and a/c cover several times. Realize it’s not an option for most owners.

Still strange seeing empty bay next to shop

This morning on The RVers, there was what was supposed to be a segment on how good RV service can be. Having been involved for years, it’s was really a segment on how and why having an RV repaired is so problematic……..even and especially with warranty issues/work.
OM

Tow vehicles

Instead of what I may pull, maintenance of the tugboat way up there. Have kept up with general maintenance and very few issues on current truck… that said…

After a year of several 1200 mile round trips either pulling our now gone Toyhauler or cargo trailer and more runs to come, putting some serious miles on my 02 3/4 ton Cummins Dodge. Replaced front hubs and brakes OCT21 and some control arm bushings. Probably 10k miles later, just got truck back with complete front end rehab. Everything but shocks as they were new a few months back. The last run home I heard a lot of rattles though steering felt normal.
Mileage 210K.
Drove home in a completely new truck! Not a rattle or bang or noises when turning and it seems much tighter in feel. The tech said one of the control arms was sketchy and looking at old parts I kinda swallowed hard seeing the total amount of wear. Every bushing was due to say the least. Looks like a new truck down there

Was fine with price as the price of new truck makes that a no brainer.
Don’t use the truck as a daily driver unless I need to haul something typically, so a new truck just isn’t on the list. Will keep this tractor a bit longer! Figure 300K and will revisit.

Had almost made one more trip but had that gut feeling that I needed to do something now. I had passed a late model 3/4 Ford with similar sized trailer as mine my last return trip along the center barrier blocking fast lane with front wheel folded under his truck . Yeah… that could be me as my truck is maybe twenty years older.

Anyways, don’t overlook the part in front of the trailer! Safe towing!

Steve, this is a great resource for all trucks Cummins powered-

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/

Geno’s garage (part of TDR) is a great source for both aftermarket and OEM parts.

I did shocks all around and steering stabilizer recently on my 2003 SRW 3500 4X4 and yeah, it makes a difference.

OM

Thanks

I looked at scope of this repair and definitely glad I let the local guy do all of that and alignment in a day
I’d still be beating on something about now
Even had them do the serpentine as that has bamboozled me on occasion.

Go Dodge!

henzilla said:

Thanks

I looked at scope of this repair and definitely glad I let the local guy do all of that and alignment in a day
I’d still be beating on something about now
Even had them do the serpentine as that has bamboozled me on occasion.

Go Dodge!

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The serpentine belt is a crazy swap for sure. When I replaced the steering linkage parts on mine- later there was a recall, I did a Redneck alignment here in the yard.
When I end up doing ball joints, the beating will start. I will do both drive axels as assemblies.
OM

Is the RV industry softening? There is talk of it. Here is a thread from one of the RV forums mentioning the manufacture Grand Design-

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/grand-design-lays-off-150-employees-621152.html

I have been a towable from Grand Design and would rate them “better than average”.

OM

Good day all.

After looking for five years, we finally pulled the trigger and bought a new to us 2023 Thor Four Winds 27R Class C motorhome and brought it home in December. We took a 17 day shakedown cruise between ski trips in February. We stayed in a mix of military and commercial campgrounds, friends’ driveways and even a Cracker Barrel parking lot.

We are looking for a way to transport the motorcycle and are most interested in a rear mounted lift. My R1200c weighs about 600 lbs and we would prefer a hydraulic unit. I have seen some info about Mighty Hauler which can take up to 1000 lbs. Looking for any recommendations based on personal experience.

Hope to see some of you at the Rally in Redmond. We will be in the event RV Campground.

Thanks for your help!

Congratulations Bob!
Those are real popular rigs. Easy to drive and maintain.
I would do some careful checking on the suitability of that much weight added on to the rear of that (any) motorhome. Motorhome chassis have affixed frame extensions which generally won’t stand up to the weight/leverage a lift type hauler will add.
Some indication of rear capacity can be obtained by checking the trailer hitch for the rating tag attached to the hitch- typically 5000lb trailer weight, 500 hitch weight.
The other consideration is the “vortex” directly behind the motorhome sucks in an amazing amount of dirt/dust and will quickly cover your bike.
Hope this helps.
Let us know how you make out.
OM

Thanks Gary!

For clarification, we are most likely looking for a frame mounted lift. Hitch mounted will probably be too much weight.

bobs98 said:

Thanks Gary!

For clarification, we are most likely looking for a frame mounted lift. Hitch mounted will probably be too much weight.

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Sure Bob,
You may be able to tell how well this is going to work by crawling under the rear and see if they added on to the original chassis’s frame- extended it.
The extended frame rails are the weak spots.
Probably a good idea to check with the lift supplier if it is going to be safe. I generally see these on the back of diesel pushers with Spartan, Prevost or Freightliner chassis which of course has full length frames.
This RV forum is pretty good- here is a thread.


Good luck,
Gary

Here is our current RV . Don’t bring the RT with us when RVing .
Have done that in the pass…..have owned Class B and C motorhomes and all size of travel trailers .

bobs98 said:

Good day all.

After looking for five years, we finally pulled the trigger and bought a new to us 2023 Thor Four Winds 27R Class C motorhome and brought it home in December. We took a 17 day shakedown cruise between ski trips in February. We stayed in a mix of military and commercial campgrounds, friends’ driveways and even a Cracker Barrel parking lot.

We are looking for a way to transport the motorcycle and are most interested in a rear mounted lift. My R1200c weighs about 600 lbs and we would prefer a hydraulic unit. I have seen some info about Mighty Hauler which can take up to 1000 lbs. Looking for any recommendations based on personal experience.

Hope to see some of you at the Rally in Redmond. We will be in the event RV Campground.

Thanks for your help!

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Congrats on the camper! Looks very nice!

Like OM, I would be REALLY sure the frame will support a lift, and plan on some method of covering the bike while on the lift. I'd suggest a "small" trailer instead, as it will be easier to protect the bike from dirt etc. than if it's hanging off the RV. My dad had a Safari 34' pusher for years, towed a Suzuki 4x4 behind it, and the 4x4 was always dirty. The vortex behind the RV also makes the dirt get places it wouldn't normally get...

Thanks all for the replies and suggestions. Will post what we end up doing.

Our new camping RV:


We have friends with a similar rig and decided to simplify our camping. We sold our Lance trailer and went with a Sportsmobile Sprinter van, 170 inch WB, dually, 3500 4WD. We love boondock camping and we're looking forward to finding those dirt roads we would never risk with the trailer and just heading on down to see what we find.

powwow said:

Our new camping RV:

View attachment 97436
We have friends with a similar rig and decided to simplify our camping. We sold our Lance trailer and went with a Sportsmobile Sprinter van, 170 inch WB, dually, 3500 4WD. We love boondock camping and we're looking forward to finding those dirt roads we would never risk with the trailer and just heading on down to see what we find.

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That is a sweet rig! Factory 4X4 is wonderful.
OM

Since it is a dually I think it has 6 wheel drive.