What's the best toad?

Lew - When did you grow another pair for her to cut off? Anyway, I like your toad. Plenty of stickers so we know it is you from a distance.

jim

Hybrids are commanding a serious premium these days. I don't really need to spend the extra bucks for another one

Ray

Here is another NEW Entry to consider for towing. I called them and they are towable all 4 down, with apparently no problems, except the mileage keeps ticking on the car. But this is sure a neat contender for just two people. Hence the name 2008 smartfortwo

http://www.smartusa.com/index.aspx The only forseeable problem with this vehicle, is no towbars available yet? They are coming to the US the first of next year, and owned by Daimler/Chrysler.

1 Liter Engine 3cyl 71hp

I am considering a mini-cooper. I know that there's a couple of people towing them in the group. I assume I need to purchase a stick shift tranny for that. Is that correct (Mini-owners??)

Ray

Ray: As with all BMW vehicles, Mini does not recommend towing. However I have towed an "S" six speed for over 10K miles with no problem. I consulted with an expert before towing it - Steve with California Coach towed his 20 K miles before someone bought it from him in a collision at a red light. The trick is to start it up every 3 or so hours of towing or when you wet your whistle, so you can strectch you legs and allow the oil to lubricate inside the Gertrag Tranny. I am not sure that the tailshaft is lubricating the tranny adequately or not, so let it idle for 3 or 4 minutes at each stop. I have left it running by accident, but fortunately they are very fuel efficient - especially when towing.:cool:

Roger... You have all the time in the world when traveling with Jon. As most everyone knows, he stops every hour to check the air in the tires. Good time to start the baby pooper, I mean Cooper.

Personaly I like the Mercedes Convertible:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g3...stol/toad3.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g3...stol/toad1.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g3...istol/toad.jpg

Roger,

Thanks for the info. It sounds very similar to the Honda routine. Do you run it through the gears while it's running at the stops?

ray

As a manual you only idle it in neutral. If you run it through the gears nothing is turning until you let out the clutch and I'll bet Roger's mini will stall as long as it is hooked to the bus.

Ouch! That's a real "DUH" moment on my part! :eek:

Been awhile since I've owned a manual transmission. The Honda automatic has a very specific pattern for shifting before towing. Don't quite make sense with the manual tranny!