Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Jeep, jeep, where are you?

Well, my idea of just finding a little jeep to tow behind the RV hasn't been quite as easy as I thought it would. Seems that jeeps are so popular that if one comes in on a trade, it's often sold within a hour after putting it up for sale!

This tow vehicle must have the ability to be towed 4 wheels down (dollies or trailers are too much of a hassle) and, hopefully, it won't rack miles while being towed. That really narrows the field so we 're looking mostly at Jeep Cherokees and Ford Explorers.

Naturally, we want something at a good price so we're looking at older models. I'm making the whole process more difficult because I want a color that matches or blends with the motor home colors.


Today we thought Ed had found the perfect one online - a beige Explorer. When we got there, it was white (I'll bet a guy put it on their site. Guys don't know the difference in creme, winter white, ecru, or eggshell, do they?). White will "do" since the RV does have one white strip on it. We're going back to test drive it tomorrow.

Update as of February 23rd: We now own a 1997 WHITE Ford Explorer which is in amazingly good condition with leather seats, sunroof, a 10 CD changer, and shiny paint.

We still need to install a Neutral Tow Kit that will allow the Explorer to be towed all wheels down and a supplemental braking system that will cause the Explorer's brakes to be applied when the coach's brakes are applied. This shortens the stopping distance by almost a third and is now required by law.

Lazy Days will install the base plate on the car which lets it be connected to the tow bar. It's one step at a time and Ed's staying on top of it. Who would ever dream there would be so much detail involved?



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