rbanuchi
Boca Raton
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I am traveling to Grand Canyon area next september, and not sure if I should be a car trailer for my Toyota FJ, or just rent a mini van for 4days while at the canyon. I am spending about 8 days to see the Canyon and travel to Bryce, Zion, Archs and Monument Park. Should I spend 1500 to 2,0000 grand to tow my car all the way there? or just rent a car while I am there. The cost of mini van for seven day is 380 dollars. Not sure if its worth all the hassle to tow. but I am going to three more long distance places on the next three years. Looking for the most cost effective route. any Ideas would be appreciative. I have a Class C 32 footer lepechaun coachmen.
Thanks
Rob
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CISCO8325
Peoria,az.
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Joined: 07/21/2006
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When I went to the G.C I have a 31ft class c. we stayed at the koa and rented a car .In fact the koa we stayed at had setup for us to go thur them for car rentel from enteprise, car was waiting there when we showed up. It was nice and cost efficent and the return of car rentel was onsite where we were camping..
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Joined: 07/03/2005
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Rob,
You don't have to spend that kind of money to set up towing your Yota. Take a look at Readybrake.com. I built my tow bar for my Samurai and use their Ready Brake brake system. It works great. You can use their bar-brake combination and you will be very happy. Or buy a inexpensive bar from JC Whitney.
If you have front leaf springs you can make new front spring shackles that are sort of triangle shaped out of 1/4" steel and add a third 5/8" hole in the front between the top and bottom bolt holes for the spring and connect the bar there and pull from there. I have towed my Samurai over 30,000 miles with that setup.
The convenience of having a vehicle to use all the time will allow you to enjoy your RV travels a lot more. Having to get the MH road ready and resetup every time you want to go see something or go to the store is a PITA.
Jim
* This post was
edited 08/17/08 07:58am by jauguston *
Jim, Sharon and Buddy the Yorkie
1999 Gulfstream Sun Voyager 31' ISB Cummins 210 uprated to 275
Trippe-Lite 1800w inverter 4-6v GC batteries
3- Kyocera 130w solar panels
1987 Suzuki Samurai tintop Toad w/VW 1.6 turbo diesel power
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Horsedoc
Dixie --- N. Georgia
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Joined: 09/30/2002
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Jim > Not sure the FJ is approved for 4 down towing - is it?
The sites at Tailer Village are large pull thrus so space would not be a problem. Are you estimating the cost of extra fuel at that price?
We tried to save some money a few years back when we were there (and also in Vegas) and wished we had brought the towed. Buses run from Trailer Village, but slow and aggravating to use. Plus there were other parts of the park we wanted to see, but no way except to walk - not a good idea in that heat.
Cost of rental vs money/fuel saved might be a wash.
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lane hog
Tucson, AZ
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Joined: 07/06/2003
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The cost of the rental sounds reasonable - there are buses which run thru the most popular areas at Zion and Grand Canyon during peak season, but there is more to see if you have an extra set of wheels.
We're heading up to Vegas next month, and considering a rental instead of bringing the van with.
- 2005 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C (was a three-time Jayco owner)
- 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic toad (had Ram 2500 CTD, Durango, Liberty...)
- Onan Microquiet 4000, plus 130W solar and Honda EU2000i twins for backup
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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Why would it cost you 20,000 (or even 2,000 assuming a typo) to tow a car? 
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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rbanuchi
Boca Raton
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skipnchar wrote:Why would it cost you 20,000 (or even 2,000 assuming a typo) to tow a car?
The labor and parts will run just under 2 grand as a rough estimate. Now there is a law that the dinghy must have brakes so add another 800 dollars installation charge as I was given by Florida outdoors RV center. That is why I was considering now a car trailer because the FJ is not meant for 4 wheel down towing. And the trailer would have brakes on the tandem axles. Oh well. I appreciate all the input and information.
Rob
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Doug and Cassi Glass
Clifton Forge, VA
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I doubt your hitch will tow an FJ. Most Class C motorhome hitches are rated at 3500 pounds. You might check that to help with the decision making process.
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F-TROUP
VISALIA, CALIF
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Joined: 05/13/2007
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Just use your class c and stay in the RV park in the Grand Canyon, as you can't use a vehicle to tour anything there. They provide a shuttle system thats FREE for thoes who don't want to tow a vehicle.
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lane hog
Tucson, AZ
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I wasn't aware that they've added some new bus routes at GCN. There are now buses that run from the Village to Desert View and into Tusayan. These are pilot routes which run thru Labor Day weekend only. Hopefully they'll resume in 2009.
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