Any thoughts on Kar Kaddy?

[Ray Davis]

So while researching a towing solution, which includes not only the products, but finding someone I'd trust to potentially cut into brake lines, etc on my bus, I happened across this

http://www.demco-products.com/Pages/RV/kkss.htm

So, this is a space saving version of a tow caddy, costs $2400 from an online seller, and seems like it's ready to go, with brakes etc.

I can indeed purchase a tow bracket, have it installed on my vehicle, but I've talked to a few different places which specialize in this stuff, and they get around $500, just to install a tow bracket. That put the cost of a tow bracket at roughly $900. The cost of braking systems varied wildly, but started generally at about $1500 installed.

So, right there, I'm at $2400, and setup for one vehicle. Or, I could consider this system for the same price, and potentially use it on some other vehicle.

Technically Honday now says my car is not towable 4-wheels down, although members here indicate that is hogwash. So, that does provide a way to tow my car, without warranty issues?

Anyway, I just thought I would ask if anyone has any experience with Kar Kaddy type of products. Pro's and cons?

Thanks in advance.

Ray

[win42]

Ray: Check around for a used Car Dolly their out there and the owners will take just about anything to get rid of them. U-haul rents them if this is a one time trip for you. Don't sweat the brakes, there is no way your Honda is going to push your Prevost around.
Harry

[Ray Davis]

I did a quick check on Ebay, but there was only a singe unit there, and it looked pretty abused. I will keep my eyes open, however.

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Ray,

There are a bunch of folks using those dollies. They are a great idea for having the ability to tow numerous types of cars since the car requires no preparation.

But if you will tow just one car all the time, there is nothing more convenient than towing four wheels down. I can tell you that the Honda is unlikely to affect your braking regardless of whether you have supplemental braking or not, so you can ignore that cost.

As far as the installation cost of the kit, I suggest you limit it to just the mounting brackets you need and take Mike's advice and add the magnetic mount lights. It is not pretty, but very functional and apparently cheaper than what folks are trying to charge you for prepping the car.

[MangoMike]

Ray,

Just my proverbial 2¢, but the Dolly is just one more item you have to store and deal with at the campsite. Plus, frankly, it just looks cooler towing 4 down. (Unless of course your part of the Fast Roger I have a new car every week club).

MM

[Ray Davis]

Thanks for the comments guys. I agree that the dollies are probably a pain in the backside.

Ran across this during my searching, http://www.readybrake.com/

Now this is kinda interesting. I can't decide whether it's just elegantly simple (and cost effective), or it's too simple to be useful. You can get a brand new towbar and braking system for about $700!

I've never heard of this unit before today.

Ray

[MangoMike]

Ray,

The braking system looks LewSimple. Plus you can use it with Roadmaster and Blue Ox brackets.

Mike

[merle&louise]

Ray,

I have been towing a 2005 Honda Pilot four wheels down for 15,000 miles. I use a Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow hitch(stays mounted on the MH). Just put the Honda in neutral and go, then every 8 hours I start the engine and let it idle in neutral for 1 minute, put it in D for 1 minute, and R for 1 minute. Then, I am good for another 8 hours of driving. These are the instructions in the owner's manual for towing behind a motorhome. The Pilot weighs about 4,000#; therefore, I do not feel that I need a braking system. I really don't feel it when I put the brakes on hard. Total cost of this setup is about $1400 @ Camping World (tow bar, car mount, and lights hook-up). I didn't think that was too expensive. It took the installer 8 hours to install the bracket on the Honda! They have to completely remove the front bumper. It is a first class installation.

The advantage of towing a Honda (or any other vehicle that doesn't require a drive-shaft disconnect) is simplicity. I don't know why Honda says you should not tow 4 wheels down; I know people who have been towing Hondas 4 wheels down for 20 years! I believe as long as you follow the 8 hour rule of starting the engine to circulate the transmission oil you will be o.k. (just my opinion). Honda probably had a transmission claim under warranty that was being towed behind a MH. If the owner didn't follow the 8 hour rule that could have caused the problem.


Good luck with your decision.

[rfoster]

Ray: Opinions are like - well plentiful. My recommendation would be to pass on the dolly and tow your car four down. With a dolly -you have to deal with it at the campground as Mango as suggested, plus deal with it when you get home. Either in the yard, and mow around it every week , or take up storage some place, or it gets stolen. Just something else to get your attention.

You can't back up with it - not all cars, trucks, suvs with fit it unless you purchase a Heavy Duty, which you don't always need. You will need a spare tire and wheel for it (at least another $100.00) You will probably need a Jack for it (add for that two) You'll need a couple of good padlocks to loose the keys for when you need them, as well as an extra set of straps in case one brakes, tears, or goes missing.
Plus I bought a new one and after about 5000 miles I had a tire to desenagrate (sp) busted the plastic fender, destroyed the front (yes front) and rear light, wiring harness and damaged a nice 3 series BMW. So I don't tow as much with it as I used too. - unless I am towing a well used light auto. I purchased the blue ox Aventia and brackets for a Yukon / Tahoe (no brakes yet)but plan to get some before SF. But that's my take and that is why they make chocolate and vanilla.

[lewpopp]

Tuga

Honda dealers claim that the car is towable in confidence.

The reason they say that it isn't is because of the exact explaination you put forth in telling how you drive for 8 hours , put it in D for 1 minute and then R for one minute and then to neutral.. Reread your post. If you are really doing it the way you explained, you are playing russian Roulette with the transmission. Too many people are running it through the gears and coming from Reverse to neutral at the end and THAT IS WRONG. You have to come out of drive prior to ending up in neutral. There is some sort of gear or lever that screws up the tranny if you come out of reverse last.

This is very important and that is the exact reason Honda says it's not four down towable because the customers are not impressed with the exact directions.

I said that a diplomatic as I could, but I wanted to put it in CAPITAL LETTERS so everyone saw it.