Posted by Binky and Brpward on February 12, 1999 at 18:16:53:
         We are ready to trade in a car for a tow car. We want a GeoTracker or some
         similar type car but we are getting conflicting advise. What is the criteria for a
         good tow car. Must we buy a Saturn? Is any standard shift okay? Are there
         other features we should consider? Please advise. While we would prefer a
         convertible or semi-convertible, when it comes time to write the check, we
         would buy the best "tow car" for the long run. Binky and Broward 

Posted by RamblinReeces on April 05, 1999 at 12:33:14:
        In Reply to: tow cars posted by Binky and Brpward on February 12, 1999
          We tow a Geo Tracker and love it. It is light weight and perfect for zipping
          around in towns when we park the RV. One caveat, it does rack up mileage
          when being towed. However, we don't travel that many miles. We prefer to
          spend our time sightseeing rather than driving. 

Posted by Don Miller on February 15, 1999 at 11:44:38:
        In Reply to: tow cars posted by Binky and Brpward on February 12, 1999
         Motorhome magazine publishes info on all the vechicles that can be towed,
         what transmission to buy and what speeds are safe for the vechicle. If you don't
         have this years copy check the back issues at your local libary. 

Posted by John Veach on February 15, 1999 at 21:08:52:
        In Reply to: Re: tow cars posted by Don Miller on February 15, 1999
         No you don't have to buy a Saturn. I am on my second Saturn toad, but pulled
         a van on a tow dolly in between. The Saturn is by far the most popular, but I
         also looked hard at 4wd vehicles. Most of them can be towed with an
         automatic with 4 down. Before we leave to hit the road full time (about 2.5
         years) I will probably trade my Saturn for a Jeep or the new Chevy Tracker.  

Posted by Agnes on February 17, 1999 at 11:38:35:
        In Reply to: Re: tow cars posted by John Veach on February 15, 1999
         We bought a Chevy Malibu, automatic, to tow 4 wheels down behind our "yet
         to be bought" motor home. We looked at some of the smaller SUVs that were
         towable but decided that we'd prefer the comfort of a sedan with the ability to
         transport older passengers, like our parents. We used the Motor HOme
         magazine listing to find out which vehicles were towable "4 down."
 

Posted by Jim Zimmerman on February 25, 1999 at 14:51:39:
        In Reply to: Re: tow cars posted by Agnes on February 17, 1999
         We've towed a 4wd Jeep Auto better than 60,000 mi's 4 down, transfer case
         in neutral and transmission in Park. 

Posted by Cyndie Shaner on February 28, 1999 at 21:31:04:
        In Reply to: Re: tow cars posted by Jim Zimmerman on February 25, 1999
         Is a tow bar the only modification required to tow a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee
         with 4wd? My RV dealer suggests I need a drivetrain disconnect and a lube oil
         pump. My owners manual indicates the transition in neutral and the transmission
         in park for emergency towing only. Any insight or help is appreciated before I
         go making major mods to my jeep for a tow vehicle. Thanks. 

Posted by Woody Webster on April 23, 1999 at 10:13:41:
        In Reply to: Re: tow cars posted by Cyndie Shaner on February 28, 1999
         Read Motorhome's toad issue. Bought a '98 Cavalier Z-24 convertible
         5-speed. Tow bracket from Road Master, I think. Removing one little fuse
         turns off speedometer/odometer during towing. No mileage accumulates. Car
         won't start without this fuse. Had to have a convertible with 4 seats towable 4
         wheels down. Other choice was Pontiac Sunfire. Dealers couldn't find one. Got
         the Z with terrific rebates. Good luck! 

Posted by Martin and Symphony on February 23, 1999 at 16:04:58:
        In Reply to: Re: tow cars posted by Agnes on February 17, 1999
         Aloha you wonderful people, Symphony and I just one week ago purchased a
         Tourmaster '40 and will be full time in June. We just ordered and paid
         @$1750.00 for the Stowmaster and tranny pump etc for our automatic Jeep,
         before they actually install it, is this a good way to go? How about the dollies? I
         see most on the road with 4 down sooo I thought the majority might know. (?)
         Also, anyone have any feedback on the Tourmaster, I can not seem to get
         anyone to respond--scares me alittle--too late though. Thank you for your
         assistance---Aloha!

Posted by Bob on March 10, 1999 at 01:05:10:
        In Reply to: Re: tow cars posted by Martin and Symphony on February 23, 1999
         Four-Wheel drive Jeeps (Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee) do not
         require any add-on devices when towed 4-down. Go to a Jeep dealer and ask
         for "The Jeep Four-Wheel-Drive Handbook". It explains the various transmissions
         and transfer cases available on the different Jeep models. 

Posted by Don Miller on February 24, 1999 at 15:16:24:
        In Reply to: Re: tow cars posted by Martin and Symphony on February 23, 1999
         If your jeep is 4 wheel drive you don't need a pump. Just put trans in park and
         transfer case in neutral.

Posted by Dick Goodman on February 24, 1999 at 02:55:54:
        In Reply to: Re: tow cars posted by Martin and Symphony on February 23, 1999
         Yes, it does seem a little late to ask for advise after you bought a system.
         However, most people are towing with 4 down and selecting a tow car that
         doesn't require the cost and trouble of a trans pump. Examples are Saturn,
         Honda, and possibly the small Chev. Check Motor Home Mag's annual issue
         that addresses this issue. Thae Saturn,and several others, also don't rack up
         mileage while being towed due to the elec. instrumentation. Any other
         questions? 

Posted by Tim Williams on April 13, 1999 at 12:01:47:
         Is anyone out there towing a 944 Porsche, or any Porsche for that matter? I
         would really like to take my 944 with me, great gas mileage and a real kick to
         drive. 
 

 Posted by Flossie on April 11, 1999 at 15:36:47:
         We just got a new 32 ft. Winnebago. We want to tow a vehicle. We already
         have a Suzuki Sidekick, automatic 4X4, and can get the auto hubs changed to
         manual. But we would need to stop, and start up the car engine every 200
         miles or so, we've been told, to get oil into the system. Is this OK? Or would
         something else be a better choice? All info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
         
 

Posted by Dick Davis on April 13, 1999 at 08:19:57:
        In Reply to: Vehicle To Tow posted by Flossie on April 11, 1999 at 15:36:47:
         Flossie, I like a 4 x 4 vehicle, plus they are actually better to tow, especially
         those that have a manual transfer case. I've towed a Jeep Wrangler for 4 years.
         And it is one of the best. No modifications necessary. No distance or speed
         restrictions. Not extremely heavy. A Jeep Cherokee is also good - but it might
         be a little heavy for your motor home. Happy travels. 

 Posted by Otto Feiler CO on April 02, 1999 at 15:28:39:
         I own a '92 S-10 Blazer that I was hoping to use as a tow vehicle. From what
         I've read in the owner's manual, it looks like a no go with the overdrive
         transmission. I have seen and heard of others that have done this and was
         wondering if anyone on here has any first hand experience towing one. I really
         hate to get rid of this vehicle, it's been a good one. Any info will be
         appreciated. Thanks.
 

Posted by Patrick on April 04, 1999 at 14:12:28:
        In Reply to: Towing an S-10 Blazer posted by Otto Feiler CO on April 02, 1999
         Otto: I not the "expert", but from what I've read in MotorHome Magazine and
         others, is that the 1999 Blazer, is the first Blazer that is designed to tow on all
         fours. There are two other GM autos that have been designed to do the same.
         One, a 1997 Chevy Malibu (which I bought for that purpose) and the Chevy
         Cavalier. Of course, there's always the Saturn. I phone call to Remco or
         Roadmaster or a e-mail to either will get you "connected to the real experts".
         Good luck, Pat Morrison aka 
 

Posted by ken roberts on April 14, 1999 at 00:01:09:
        In Reply to: Re: Towing an S-10 Blazer posted by Patrick on April 04, 1999
         We have a 99 blazer mdl LT w/autotrac transmission that we bought
         specifically for "towability" and it is a dream 4 on the ground,no pump and the
         set up is a matter of minutes 

Posted by Dave Lloyd on April 05, 1999 at 19:40:31:
         Has anyone had any experience towing a Mazda Miata with all four wheels
         down? I have a standard shift Miata and have been getting conflicting advice
         regarding the ability to tow this vehicle. (Mazda says NO, Remco says YES). I
         really would like to have someone with some first hand experience comment on
         whether this can be done. Thanks in advance for any comments.
 

 Posted by Treva Meads on April 08, 1999 at 10:26:10:
        In Reply to: Miata Toad posted by Dave Lloyd on April 05, 1999 at 19:40:31:
         My husband and I saw a Miata being towed the other day and wished
         desperately to talk to the person towing it. Our wish was granted when the
         motorhome pulled to the side of the highway. We turned around and went back
         to "visit". Texans are like that, you know. We enjoy a good conversation. The
         driver said that the Miata had about 40,000 miles on it and that he had towed it
         for about 5,000 with no special modifications, leaving it running, or stopping
         periodically to start the engine. He said that he just decided to tow it even
         though Mazda did not recommend it and has seen no problems. We have a
         motor home and had wondered if one could be towed, but are changing to a
         fifth wheel. Our curiosity just got the best of us when we saw that he stopped.
         As it turned out he had missed a turn and was confused so we were able to
         help him out. 
 

Posted by Woody Webster on April 23, 1999 at 09:22:40:
        In Reply to: Re: Miata Toad posted by Treva Meads on April 08, 1999
         We have a '92 with 65600 miles, 7,000 of which were accumulated 4 wheels
         down behind our coach. We, too, were called by the Miata club and told not
         to do that. Didn't follow their advice. Initially bought a dolly. Sold it, bought a
         4-wheel trailer, sold it bought a tow bar and bracket. Much easier, lighter,
         safer. The baby tows wonderfully. Don't know it's there except for the rear
         camera. Still tow it and use it every day. No ill effects. Even if this burned out
         the transmission every year for 2 years, it's cheaper than buying a tow trailer!
         Good luck! You've got a wonderful little car. Consumer Reports lists it as one
         of the best used cars on the market!