"TO tow or not to tow, that is the question"

[bizisphoto@...]

Yes, Rich....similar name for sure. There are lots of Guidrys in South Louisiana. Myhusbandwas Rod Guidry....he passed away in '96 and my son David runs the business now. I still go to work just because I love the place.....but would always rather being out in the Bird.

Susan

M380

New Orleans

In a message dated 5/19/2009 9:30:03 A.M. Central Standard Time, BigRichPho@... writes:

Susan,

Last night I mentioned I knew a John Guidry. Well, much latter I
realized WRONG, sorry and it was a Joe Guider! Pretty close though. And
I visited you site and very nice place, I must say,

Rich
--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", Susan Guidry ...>
wrote:
>
> Rich,
> I tow a Honda CRV with no modification.....great tow car. Also check
> out http://www.remco.com for info. They have a list of cars that can be
> towed 4 down
> and tell you which modifaction is needed if any.
> I have a little in common with you....photography !! I own a large
> camera and imagining place in New Orleans. I checked out your web
> site.....very nice work,
> I might say.
> Susan Guidry
> Lakeside Camera Photoworks
> http://www.lakesidecamera.com
> 2007 M380
> New Orleans, La.
>
> On May 18, 2009, at 6:54 PM, richafranco wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> > Don,
> >
> > Thanks for the link to FMCA, I'll head over there. How expensive is
it
> > to modify, say my Expedition to be towable? I had a Jeep, actually
2.
> > The first one was the worst vehicle I've ever owned and also the
first
> > year, 1984 that it came out, Cherokee, 4wd. After I traded it in 3
> > years
> > later, I bought a 2 door, 2wd and it was great.
> >
> > It would need to be used, I over the new car years, what would you
> > recommend in a used, under $8,000 or so?
> >
> > Rich
> > --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Don Bradner"
> > bluethunder@
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > The primary source of information is a special towing guide every
> > January in the FMCA magazine. They have it on their site at
http://www.fmca.com
> > - you have to join the site to read it, but I think you can do so
> > without paying anything.
> > >
> > > We towed a Hyundai Santa Fe for 4 years (current models cannot be
> > towed without modification, but older ones with manual
> > transmissions/2-wheel drive could), but moved to a Jeep Liberty when
> > we
> > took up geocaching and needed reasonable off-road/dirt road
> > capability.
> > There are a tiny number of Jeep products that can't be towed without
> > mods, but generally they are only ones with 2-wheel-drive. 4-wheel
> > Jeep
> > products almost always have a transfer case with a Neutral position.
> > >
> > > Since almost anything can be towed with after-market modifications
> > there is almost nothing you won't see being towed in your travels. I
> > would say, though, that the Jeep line is probably the highest number
> > of
> > any single brand.
> > >
> > > Don Bradner
> > > 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder" towing '07 Liberty
> > > My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
> > >
> > > On 5/18/2009 at 10:47 PM richafranco wrote:
> > >
> > > >Steve,
> > > >
> > > >Thanks and I'll check out the magazines, never thought of that,
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>

---

An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps!

[Fred Bellows]

<!--[if gte mso 9]>

Normal
0

Rich, one thing to look at specifically, that Pete
mentioned, if you're going to be full-timing, or even semi-full-timing, is the
size of the bath and kitchen, and how they can annoy you after awhile. I
totally agree, and can easily see where that would become the biggest issue,
even within just a few weeks. Now, even the older `birds tend to have ok sized
galleys, but the bathrooms are smaller, especially the sinks, and, boy, are
their showers small! Look carefully at those when you attend a rally, maybe
even ask if you can stand in the shower, and imagine that for months at a time!
The shower in my SP is plenty roomy, and I remounted the showerhead up high.
It's nice. And the swing-wall bath is a wonderful thing! I don't know if you're
interested in more info about considering a motorcycle instead of towing a car,
or if you're even into bikes at all, but here's some thoughts on it. From what
I understand, the biggest hassle with toads, is not all these hardware issues
and expenses that have been detailed on this thread, but the fact that you
can't (hardly) back up. The benefits, of course, are that it seats 4, it's more
comfy, with heat and AC, and you're in out of the rain. But I'm figuring that
if it's really bad weather, I'm probably not going to go-see-do much that day,
anyway. So for me, the fun of the bike, and the benefits of no-tow, outweigh
the drawbacks. By the way, our Vespa has tons of lockable storage. Plenty for
camera gear, I'm sure, because you can fit two full face helmets under the seat,
plus a little more room under there, and then there's the whole extra accessory
trunk, which is huge as well. We have put 8 bags of groceries in this scooter!
Oh, and we use 4 electric bicycles when we have 2 guests, to bike into town,
see the sites, etc., they're great! `Sorry this is so long, -just some more
food for thought.

<!--[if gte mso 9]>

Normal
0




\/\/\…Fred

__________________

Fred & Wendy Bellows

Queen Creek, AZ (so.east Phx)

'90 SP36

"Maunder Maximum"

photos of coach
and upgrades

current location

[bizisphoto@...]

No, Rich....no sister at all. I do shoot but only for fun and don't have a personal web site.

I must have missed your earlier questions....are you looking for a bus or do you have one already? I got in on the tow question thread.

Susan

M380

New Orleans

In a message dated 5/19/2009 10:11:24 A.M. Central Standard Time, BigRichPho@... writes:

Susan,

Did you have a sister here in Orlando maybe? Anyway, are you a shooter?
Do you have a web site?

Rich
--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", bizisphoto@... wrote:
>
> Yes, Rich....similar name for sure. There are lots of Guidrys in South
> Louisiana. My husband was Rod Guidry....he passed away in '96 and my
son
> David runs the business now. I still go to work just because I love
the
> place.....but would always rather being out in the Bird.
> Susan
> M380
> New Orleans
>
>
> In a message dated 5/19/2009 9:30:03 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> BigRichPho@... writes:
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Susan,
>
> Last night I mentioned I knew a John Guidry. Well, much latter I
> realized WRONG, sorry and it was a Joe Guider! Pretty close though.
And
> I visited you site and very nice place, I must say,
>
> Rich
> --- In _WanderlodgeForum@WanderlodgeFWan_
> (mailto:"WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com") , Susan Guidry
bizisphoto@biz
> wrote:
> >
> > Rich,
> > I tow a Honda CRV with no modification. I tow a Honda CRV with no
modifi
> > out http://www.remco.com for info. They have a list of cars that can be
> > towed 4 down
> > and tell you which modifaction is needed if any.
> > I have a little in common with you....photography !! I own a large
> > camera and imagining place in New Orleans. I checked out your web
> > site.....very nice work,
> > I might say.
> > Susan Guidry
> > Lakeside Camera Photoworks
> > http://www.lakesidecamera.
> > 2007 M380
> > New Orleans, La.
> >
> > On May 18, 2009, at 6:54 PM, richafranco wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Don,
> > >
> > > Thanks for the link to FMCA, I'll head over there. How expensive
is
> it
> > > to modify, say my Expedition to be towable? I had a Jeep, actually
> 2.
> > > The first one was the worst vehicle I've ever owned and also the
> first
> > > year, 1984 that it came out, Cherokee, 4wd. After I traded it in 3
> > > years
> > > later, I bought a 2 door, 2wd and it was great.
> > >
> > > It would need to be used, I over the new car years, what would you
> > > recommend in a used, under $8,000 or so?
> > >
> > > Rich
> > > --- In _WanderlodgeForum@WanderlodgeFWan_
> (mailto:"WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com") , "Don Bradner"
> > > bluethunder@
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > The primary source of information is a special towing guide
every
> > > January in the FMCA magazine. They have it on their site at
> http://www.fmca.com
> > > - you have to join the site to read it, but I think you can do so
> > > without paying anything.
> > > >
> > > > We towed a Hyundai Santa Fe for 4 years (current models cannot
be
> > > towed without modification, but older ones with manual
> > > transmissions/ transmissions/2-wheel drive could), but moved
to a
> > > we
> > > took up geocaching and needed reasonable off-road/dirt road
> > > capability.
> > > There are a tiny number of Jeep products that can't be towed
without
> > > mods, but generally they are only ones with 2-wheel-drive. 4-wheel
> > > Jeep
> > > products almost always have a transfer case with a Neutral
position.
> > > >
> > > > Since almost anything can be towed with after-market
modifications
> > > there is almost nothing you won't see being towed in your travels.
I
> > > would say, though, that the Jeep line is probably the highest
number
> > > of
> > > any single brand.
> > > >
> > > > Don Bradner
> > > > 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder" towing '07 Liberty
> > > > My location: http://www.bbirdmaps. My locati My locat
> > > >
> > > > On 5/18/2009 at 10:47 PM richafranco wrote:
> > > >
> > > > >Steve,
> > > > >
> > > > >Thanks and I'll check out the magazines, never thought of that,
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2
Easy
> Steps!
>
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221823248x1201398651/aol?redir\
=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd\
=May
> Excfooter51609NO62)
>

---

An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps!

[richafranco]

Susan,

Last night I mentioned I knew a John Guidry. Well, much latter I
realized WRONG, sorry and it was a Joe Guider! Pretty close though. And
I visited you site and very nice place, I must say,

Rich
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Susan Guidry
wrote:
>
> Rich,
> I tow a Honda CRV with no modification.....great tow car. Also check
> out http://www.remco.com for info. They have a list of cars that can be
> towed 4 down
> and tell you which modifaction is needed if any.
> I have a little in common with you....photography !! I own a large
> camera and imagining place in New Orleans. I checked out your web
> site.....very nice work,
> I might say.
> Susan Guidry
> Lakeside Camera Photoworks
> http://www.lakesidecamera.com
> 2007 M380
> New Orleans, La.
>
> On May 18, 2009, at 6:54 PM, richafranco wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> > Don,
> >
> > Thanks for the link to FMCA, I'll head over there. How expensive is
it
> > to modify, say my Expedition to be towable? I had a Jeep, actually
2.
> > The first one was the worst vehicle I've ever owned and also the
first
> > year, 1984 that it came out, Cherokee, 4wd. After I traded it in 3
> > years
> > later, I bought a 2 door, 2wd and it was great.
> >
> > It would need to be used, I over the new car years, what would you
> > recommend in a used, under $8,000 or so?
> >
> > Rich
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner"
> > bluethunder@
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > The primary source of information is a special towing guide every
> > January in the FMCA magazine. They have it on their site at
http://www.fmca.com
> > - you have to join the site to read it, but I think you can do so
> > without paying anything.
> > >
> > > We towed a Hyundai Santa Fe for 4 years (current models cannot be
> > towed without modification, but older ones with manual
> > transmissions/2-wheel drive could), but moved to a Jeep Liberty when
> > we
> > took up geocaching and needed reasonable off-road/dirt road
> > capability.
> > There are a tiny number of Jeep products that can't be towed without
> > mods, but generally they are only ones with 2-wheel-drive. 4-wheel
> > Jeep
> > products almost always have a transfer case with a Neutral position.
> > >
> > > Since almost anything can be towed with after-market modifications
> > there is almost nothing you won't see being towed in your travels. I
> > would say, though, that the Jeep line is probably the highest number
> > of
> > any single brand.
> > >
> > > Don Bradner
> > > 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder" towing '07 Liberty
> > > My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
> > >
> > > On 5/18/2009 at 10:47 PM richafranco wrote:
> > >
> > > >Steve,
> > > >
> > > >Thanks and I'll check out the magazines, never thought of that,
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>

[richafranco]

Bill,

Thanks for the info and the Blue Ox tip. I still don't know if I would
need ground clearance over mpg's. I really shoot most of my images
pretty close to the road and don't go on long hikes, unless there's
something there that I need a photo of, like I did at Lower Calf Creek
Falls, in Utah. About a 3 mile hike in. All the rest of my gear was back
in the parking lot. I'll email you the photo from that trip, but I don't
see a way to attach a photo,

Rich
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bill Garamella"
wrote:
>
> We just set up our 2006 Honda Civic manual. No modifications... the
car only weighs 2,700 lbs and it gets about 39 MPG highway. There is a
surprising amount of room in this little buggy. It also has a pretty
good safety rating too.. not to mention low cost of ownership
>
> Used Blue Ox base plate and Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar. Tested the set
up for the first time this weekend and am very happy with it. Without
the back up camera, I would not know its there.
>
> NH Bill 1983FC 35 "Casa Billisa"
>

[richafranco]

Tommy,

Thanks for the info. Why do you have to stop and crank it up,etc., every
6-8 hours?

Rich
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "tommy.rountree"
wrote:
>
> All:
>
> I pondered and ruminated for months about a toad considering all the
options, transmission pump, drive axle disconnect, tow dolly, etc.
Finally bought a little 2001 Honda CRV auto transmission "full time 4-w
drive" with 130,000 miles on the clock. It already had a Blue Ox base
plate and pins as well as wiring. Prior owner was an RV'er. I already
had a Blue Ox Aventia tow bar. Martha and I have now pulled it about
5,000 miles and it does great. You just have to follow the owners
manual's instructions for shifting sequence prior to pulling out and
stop ever 400 miles or so, crank it up, shift through the gears let it
run for three minutes or so, and off you go again. Looks like there are
a lot of the little buggers for sale at very reasonable prices.
>
> Tommy Rountree
> 1994 WB
>

[richafranco]

Jack,

Thanks for the info. Is your CJ a hardtop? Have you had any issues of
banditos trying to share some of your stuff with them?

Rich
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jack & Donna Smith"
wrote:
>
> Each case is a bit different. One item not mentioned is how quickly
the Toad can be disconnected and driven away. This calls to mind when we
were in Santa Fe NM, and wanted to see the "Historic District" We parked
the coach in Walmart, Unhitched the Toad and went sightseeing for 3 or 4
hours, Then reconnected and were on our way...
> Out Toad is a Jeep CJ with an auto tranny. To tow this, I fitted WARN
LockOut hubs on the rear axel. With these unlocked, it rolls freely... I
leave the T-Case engaged, & the Tranny in Park.... One other change I
made was to disable the steering wheel lock, so I dont have to leave the
key on..
> The Dana 300 transfer case will not lube when towed, and another
adantage to the Warn rear axel is thet are floating shafts, and much
stronger than the original 2 piece AMC20 shafts..
> Jack Smith
> 1973FC31
> SoCal
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "tommy.rountree"
tommy.rountree@ wrote:
> >
> > All:
> >
> > I pondered and ruminated for months about a toad considering all the
options, transmission pump, drive axle disconnect, tow dolly, etc.
Finally bought a little 2001 Honda CRV auto transmission "full time 4-w
drive" with 130,000 miles on the clock. It already had a Blue Ox base
plate and pins as well as wiring. Prior owner was an RV'er. I already
had a Blue Ox Aventia tow bar. Martha and I have now pulled it about
5,000 miles and it does great. You just have to follow the owners
manual's instructions for shifting sequence prior to pulling out and
stop ever 400 miles or so, crank it up, shift through the gears let it
run for three minutes or so, and off you go again. Looks like there are
a lot of the little buggers for sale at very reasonable prices.
> >
> > Tommy Rountree
> > 1994 WB
> >
>

[richafranco]

Fred,

Thanks for the info. In days past, I did have and drive motorcycles and
reall enjoyed them, on and off road. But I hardly bounce as good as I
used to and my days doing so are over I think. Ideally, a scooter, being
pulled by a jeep!!!!

Rich
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Fred Bellows"
wrote:
>
>
> Rich, one thing to look at specifically, that Pete mentioned, if
> you're going to be full-timing, or even semi-full-timing, is the
> size of the bath and kitchen, and how they can annoy you after awhile.
I
> totally agree, and can easily see where that would become the biggest
> issue, even within just a few weeks. Now, even the older `birds tend
> to have ok sized galleys, but the bathrooms are smaller, especially
the
> sinks, and, boy, are their showers small! Look carefully at those when
> you attend a rally, maybe even ask if you can stand in the shower, and
> imagine that for months at a time! The shower in my SP is plenty
roomy,
> and I remounted the showerhead up high. It's nice. And the
> swing-wall bath is a wonderful thing! I don't know if you're
> interested in more info about considering a motorcycle instead of
towing
> a car, or if you're even into bikes at all, but here's some
> thoughts on it. From what I understand, the biggest hassle with toads,
> is not all these hardware issues and expenses that have been detailed
on
> this thread, but the fact that you can't (hardly) back up. The
> benefits, of course, are that it seats 4, it's more comfy, with heat
> and AC, and you're in out of the rain. But I'm figuring that if
> it's really bad weather, I'm probably not going to go-see-do
> much that day, anyway. So for me, the fun of the bike, and the
benefits
> of no-tow, outweigh the drawbacks. By the way, our Vespa has tons of
> lockable storage. Plenty for camera gear, I'm sure, because you can
> fit two full face helmets under the seat, plus a little more room
under
> there, and then there's the whole extra accessory trunk, which is
> huge as well. We have put 8 bags of groceries in this scooter! Oh, and
> we use 4 electric bicycles when we have 2 guests, to bike into town,
see
> the sites, etc., they're great! `Sorry this is so long, -just
> some more food for thought.
>
>
>
>
>
> \/\/\ Fred
> __________________
> Fred & Wendy Bellows
> Queen Creek, AZ (so.east Phx)
> '90 SP36
> "Maunder Maximum"
> photos of coach and upgrades
> <http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/MaunderMaximum>
> current location <http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user1.cfm?user=125%20>
>

[richafranco]

Susan,

Did you have a sister here in Orlando maybe? Anyway, are you a shooter?
Do you have a web site?

Rich
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, bizisphoto@... wrote:
>
> Yes, Rich....similar name for sure. There are lots of Guidrys in South
> Louisiana. My husband was Rod Guidry....he passed away in '96 and my
son
> David runs the business now. I still go to work just because I love
the
> place.....but would always rather being out in the Bird.
> Susan
> M380
> New Orleans
>
>
> In a message dated 5/19/2009 9:30:03 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> BigRichPho@... writes:
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Susan,
>
> Last night I mentioned I knew a John Guidry. Well, much latter I
> realized WRONG, sorry and it was a Joe Guider! Pretty close though.
And
> I visited you site and very nice place, I must say,
>
> Rich
> --- In _WanderlodgeForum@WanderlodgeFWan_
> (mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com) , Susan Guidry
bizisphoto@biz
> wrote:
> >
> > Rich,
> > I tow a Honda CRV with no modification. I tow a Honda CRV with no
modifi
> > out http://www.remco.com for info. They have a list of cars that can be
> > towed 4 down
> > and tell you which modifaction is needed if any.
> > I have a little in common with you....photography !! I own a large
> > camera and imagining place in New Orleans. I checked out your web
> > site.....very nice work,
> > I might say.
> > Susan Guidry
> > Lakeside Camera Photoworks
> > http://www.lakesidecamera.
> > 2007 M380
> > New Orleans, La.
> >
> > On May 18, 2009, at 6:54 PM, richafranco wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Don,
> > >
> > > Thanks for the link to FMCA, I'll head over there. How expensive
is
> it
> > > to modify, say my Expedition to be towable? I had a Jeep, actually
> 2.
> > > The first one was the worst vehicle I've ever owned and also the
> first
> > > year, 1984 that it came out, Cherokee, 4wd. After I traded it in 3
> > > years
> > > later, I bought a 2 door, 2wd and it was great.
> > >
> > > It would need to be used, I over the new car years, what would you
> > > recommend in a used, under $8,000 or so?
> > >
> > > Rich
> > > --- In _WanderlodgeForum@WanderlodgeFWan_
> (mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com) , "Don Bradner"
> > > bluethunder@
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > The primary source of information is a special towing guide
every
> > > January in the FMCA magazine. They have it on their site at
> http://www.fmca.com
> > > - you have to join the site to read it, but I think you can do so
> > > without paying anything.
> > > >
> > > > We towed a Hyundai Santa Fe for 4 years (current models cannot
be
> > > towed without modification, but older ones with manual
> > > transmissions/ transmissions/2-wheel drive could), but moved
to a
> > > we
> > > took up geocaching and needed reasonable off-road/dirt road
> > > capability.
> > > There are a tiny number of Jeep products that can't be towed
without
> > > mods, but generally they are only ones with 2-wheel-drive. 4-wheel
> > > Jeep
> > > products almost always have a transfer case with a Neutral
position.
> > > >
> > > > Since almost anything can be towed with after-market
modifications
> > > there is almost nothing you won't see being towed in your travels.
I
> > > would say, though, that the Jeep line is probably the highest
number
> > > of
> > > any single brand.
> > > >
> > > > Don Bradner
> > > > 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder" towing '07 Liberty
> > > > My location: http://www.bbirdmaps. My locati My locat
> > > >
> > > > On 5/18/2009 at 10:47 PM richafranco wrote:
> > > >
> > > > >Steve,
> > > > >
> > > > >Thanks and I'll check out the magazines, never thought of that,
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2
Easy
> Steps!
>
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x...redir\
=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd\
=May
> Excfooter51609NO62)
>

[Al Scudder]

Fred is right you CAN NOT back up on a Toad. There is one bar that you can but it will have some limitations to do that. Look at FMCA Classifieds and look for it or in Motorhome. Scooter are a blast. Our set up is a Tahoe or a Trailblazer we have both with the aux brake from M&G hooked up to the coach air brakes. with a runaway feature that would be a must. But we also have 2 Yamahas on the back of thew Toad. they are on a platform andf ride nicely on the back. They are easy to take off and on so that if you are just camping one night at at =ime you can take the toad and the scooters or you can take just the scooters and leave the next morning with out too much difficulty. Look at the Chevrolet lines for the past thee or four years and most are towable 4 down. all 4 wheel drives are 4 down. the van and the crossovers are 4 down also. make sure that if you choose a toad from a list of models make sure that you have the YEAR SPECIFIC on the potential Toad. Transmissions change sometimes and one year vs the next might not work.

Scooter 2000LX MIchigan

Packin up for G.L.A.S.S. Berrien Springs, MI, Shipshewana, IN, Streetsboro, OH

Honk if ya see the Yamaha training wheels

---

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: nytexcel@...
Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 13:03:04 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: "TO tow or not to tow, that is the question"

Rich, one thing to look at specifically, that Pete mentioned, if you're going to be full-timing, or even semi-full-timing, is the size of the bath and kitchen, and how they can annoy you after awhile. I totally agree, and can easily see where that would become the biggest issue, even within just a few weeks. Now, even the older `birds tend to have ok sized galleys, but the bathrooms are smaller, especially the sinks, and, boy, are their showers small! Look carefully at those when you attend a rally, maybe even ask if you can stand in the shower, and imagine that for months at a time! The shower in my SP is plenty roomy, and I remounted the showerhead up high. It's nice. And the swing-wall bath is a wonderful thing! I don't know if you're interested in more info about considering a motorcycle instead of towing a car, or if you're even into bikes at all, but here's some thoughts on it. From what I understand, the biggest hassle with toads, is not all these hardware issues and expenses that have been detailed on this thread, but the fact that you can't (hardly) back up. The benefits, of course, are that it seats 4, it's more comfy, with heat and AC, and you're in out of the rain. But I'm figuring that if it's really bad weather, I'm probably not going to go-see-do much that day, anyway. So for me, the fun of the bike, and the benefits of no-tow, outweigh the drawbacks. By the way, our Vespa has tons of lockable storage. Plenty for camera gear, I'm sure, because you can fit two full face helmets under the seat, plus a little more room under there, and then there's the whole extra accessory trunk, which is huge as well. We have put 8 bags of groceries in this scooter! Oh, and we use 4 electric bicycles when we have 2 guests, to bike into town, see the sites, etc., they're great! `Sorry this is so long, -just some more food for thought.

\/\/\…Fred
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Fred & Wendy Bellows
Queen Creek, AZ (so.east Phx)
'90 SP36
"Maunder Maximum"
photos of coach and upgrades
current location