Alaska Proof - Our RV Tow Car Solutions

A casual explanation of our Alaska RV Tow Car Solutions. We weren't sure what buy to protect our tow dinghy from damage on these Alaska roads, so we purchased what was recommended from our tow bar manufacturer and we hoped it would work as promised. We've been using it all for a few months now and we feel it does work, so we've shared our thoughts in this video.
Get more details, my thoughts, experience and links to the products on our website: www.gonewiththe...
Cameras:
Sony Alpha a6000 with 16-50mm lens amzn.to/1JfXvh8
Tripods & Selfie Stick:
Gitzo GT2542 Traveler Tripod amzn.to/1U3dJ7y
Joby GorillaPod SLR with Ball Head amzn.to/1JRlYz1
Audio:
Sony Gun Zoom Mic ECM-GZ1M amzn.to/1U3bn8X
Editing:
MSI GS70-096 Crimson amzn.to/1U3bYaC
ASUS PA248Q LED IPS 24.1" Monitor amzn.to/1hXxw7u
Adobe Premiere Pro CC amzn.to/1JRiCfr
Magic Bullet Looks amzn.to/1hXybFT
Get our entire gear list and reviews here: www.gonewiththe...
Music:
"Already There" by Josh Woodward (www.joshwoodwar...)
© Gone With the Wynns 2015

[@chadsexinton]

Im not even into RVs, but I like watching you guys talk and present. the whole production is great.

[@YarelysNatureG]

Wow, the tire ordeal was a bigger and longer problem than I anticipated. Thank you for the great, sweet,brief documentary on RV tires.

[@ChristineBEACHCRICKETLowery]

You two make anything FUN! Just Love watching the both of you!

[@drawwithlight8915]

I enjoy your videos so much. Recently, I've gone back and watched many from the past years. The travel tips/adventures are just as helpful as the RV tips. Keep them coming.

[@gonewiththewynns]

Karen Wilson Thanks Karen, we get less views on our Travel videos which is a bummer, but we get a lot of flack that we've "Sold Out" on our RV videos. It's so nice to receive a message like this, it gives us the motivation we need to keep on truckin'. Have a great week.

[@austdisco3970]

Hi guys, great trip and videos. We have lots of dirt outback roads in Australia and have learnt a lot about towed vehicle damage. You questioned the need for the rear flaps on the RV. We have found the problem is when they drag on the ground they actually spray stones up over anything following so you are correct they are probably causing more than they are protecting. Keep up the great work. :-)

[@gonewiththewynns]

AustDisco That's what I've found too, I need to ditch these things ASAP!

[@puterausman7682]

Im sorry, i guess those 29 people who dislike your video are fellow travel blogger who aren't quite successful. Keep it up guys, we love your videos..only we have hard time to watch it because our small baby keep crying all night.

[@bobrunde2755]

The back flaps are good to have.I see where Rvs not having the rear flaps with that set up have had rock thrown thru the space above the screen and the bottom of the rv not a big space but a bouncing rock can go any where and hit windshields.

[@DavidSmith-bt6qe]

I am subscribed and I have seen all your videos from the past and have enjoyed them all. Keep them coming.

[@bryantford3054]

Love your videos. You 2 are very good at putting out an informative & enjoyable product. I think those extra mud flaps help, but they most likely increase drag-decreasing your MPGs. They make mesh-type flaps for 18 wheelers that allow wind to go through but not much else. Worth taking a look. Enjoy Alaska. I miss it a lot, especially when it's 105 degrees here. Thanks.

[@gonewiththewynns]

Bryant Ford We discussed the mud flaps with Roadmaster and Fleetwood and they agree it is unnecessary for our Rig.

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Bryant Ford Do you have a trailer or motorhome? I see what you're getting at but people with that kind of motorhome/tow car setup don't worry about decreased MPG. 10 is the best you're gonna get.

[@allaire123]

@@gonewiththewynns Maybe installing mud flaps to the bottom of "The Guardian" would have provided protection to the lower front of your smart car.

[@freqenc]

Love the vids. Avid Sub of Nomadic Fanatic and came across your vlogs and subbed. Loved them and I was stationed in Fairbanks but my favorite time was Juneau and Haines AK. The northern lights were amazing. And Yes I travelled via ferry. The coastline and it felt like a cruise. I highly recommend it when you want to adventure something new. Thanks again for the amazing vids. *_KE_* Keep Exploring!

[@0HARE]

I really enjoyed this video. You guys are always so upbeat and charming. Great information, also. If I had a motorhome, I would surely invest in a trailer to tow the car. I would also add a motorcycle, bicycle, canoe, and other gear to the trailer. Like a rolling garage. Thanks for another great video! Happy Trails!

[@javinsac]

It almost looks like you could get away with just the screen thingy. You guys rock! No pun intended. ;)

[@mrbadx19]

that front guard looks cool, if you add a rally light bar on the roof with turn signals you could drive your car like that! i wonder what it would do for gas mileage... i get 50mpgs most of the year (when it's above 60F) with my smart.

[@johnw.7584]

But it dose work for rocks that come from the tire and road. Just nice to have a 2 mad flaps on. Love it

[@kong3]

That looks like a great setup. Thx for sharing this.

[@ralphmalone8337]

LOL "I didn't need a how not to do video!" Good job guys, really enjoy your vlogs.

[@gonewiththewynns]

Ha, thanks.

[@chrismd00]

Thanks for the info. It seems the package is still imperfect as you lost a light. I would recommend a trailer with a guard across the front. It will save you paint, transmission, and car miles

[@SNORKYMEDIA]

and tyres

[@MOVIMKR7]

nice work, awesome couple, i will keep watching, blessings

[@Steveanders0n]

Nice job with your Video. Caught a lot of your Thousand Trails Videos they are great also.

[@azboatscope4842]

Love your videos! Great work guys! Seems like just using the mesh would work. If the debris hit the mesh, then the plastic wall guard on the car is redundant. Right?

[@jjtexas3967]

Your videos are awesome. Just want to ask you if you still have those flexible solar panels. I am preparing to add solar panels on my RV and would like to gather all info I can.

[@dailyguidedog8432]

So cool, we are actually like a days drive from you lol, keep up the awesome work! I started a daily vlog about my seeing guide dog and myself. I would love some more subscribers. Thanks for the inspiration!!

[@questionmark4348]

Great video, very informative,Thanks

[@SledgeOfHouseHammer]

It's certainly a good idea to have as much protection for the toad as possible but I think a minor redesign such that the cloth piece is on the underside of the towbar and extends all the way to the bottom of your SmartCar's front airdam, the giant plastic shroud would be unnecessary.

[@lawrenceconstantine7735]

very informative great job thanks

[@richardgardner5916]

Have you ever tried a low boy trailer to haul your car on? You could load the car on backwards.

[@RangerRob]

Great Review. Thank you very much!

[@1bakerblue]

What do you guys do for a flat tire? do you carry a spare? Great video, I've used the Guardian for years and love it. We tow any one of our two cars, they are set up for towing, 2014 SRX and a 2015 Ram 1500... Have fun and be safe...

[@gonewiththewynns]

Rudy Hernandez Our Smart doesn't come with a spare, but we carry one inside the bay of the RV.

[@1bakerblue]

No, I meant a spare for you RV...

[@shea_duncan]

Rudy Hernandez 1 or 2 videos before this they got a flat on the RV and went over what they did / used.

[@DayInMontreal]

I think your rear flaps helps, the default flaps on your wheels are too small, rocks can go under. Maybe you could replace the small ones with your new big one, but your setup seems fine.

[@theodoreschjenken153]

Nice video. What campground was this shot at ?

[@danveneski726]

Hey Jason, also up here traveling alaska in our RV this year. What program do you use to edit all of your videos you do with your go pro? Also, are you using a gimble for most of it or just a good ol' selfie stick?

[@johnbutler2231]

Ok, these comments are too upbeat :) I enjoy your videos as well.

[@cozydram1]

thank you for sharing really enjoy the vid’s thank you.

[@docyt]

If you have the Toad Defender do you need the Guardian? Another $900 is pretty spendy on top of what was spent setting up our toad.

[@akbychoice]

If rocks didn't make it back far enough to hit the flaps in the back, then you wouldn't need the other two items either. So I do believe that they do help minimize the risks of rock damage.

[@hufinnpuff3068]

I have seen RVs with wide rear back flaps that covers the whole rear as an addition, which is also removable. I wonder how does that compare to their setup.

[@akbychoice]

Hufinn Puff without a full flap I found that rocks made it past my mud flaps, hitting my trailer then bouncing back and chipping the tailgate paint on my F-450. In the future I will have a full flap.

[@DaleB809]

Well done video..thank you

[@michaela.l1618]

ALASKA, Liked👍

[@priscaperez1969]

Hello Jason and Nikki, I have a beetle. Which tow would you recommend? I love your videos, wish I could be following you in the road so to learn !!! Thanks :)

[@allaire123]

NOT TRUE, there are quire a few front wheel drive automatics that can be easly towed 4 wheels down. Check your owners manual.

[@LAPGOCHINSTRUCTOR]

Is there any reason why you didn't/don't use a trailer ? Your car riding on the trailer - would have less wear and tear your trailer could have brake assist so would be safer and as your trailers wear out you simply replace them rather than a new car - just asking. Have been watching your very enjoyable professional videos or quite a while now and looking forward to the next ATB Richard

[@UhOhUmm]

+ExRE_Sapper also increase gas mileage since smart car would only need a small one axis trailer.

[@johnlafleur1794]

Simonas Mažeikis could

[@CMWally]

+ExRE_Sapper, I'm not sure about their situation, but with a full trailer or a tow dolly for the toad car, you have to find a place to store the trailer (or dolly) when you are camping. It may not be a problem when you're out in the back woods, but when you're in an urban or suburban campsite, that is a lot of room that you may not have.

[@mikefreyder315]

Don't see the need for the plastic shield with the screen attached at the bottom of the shield. can a rock penetrate the screen? and hit the lights? I agree the mud flaps seem to be over kill.

[@robertestes4703]

About the extra mudflaps on the back,nothing wrong with a little extra insurance.

[@johnmcvicker6728]

Question for the Wynns - what video camera and mic do you use for the videos? Also - for this one in particular, did you think about a small box trailer rather than the expenses of the tow bars, tow defender and all the rest?

[@gonewiththewynns]

+John McVicker You can see our camera gear here: www.gonewiththewynns.com/hd-video-secrets or in our travel store under "Cameras and Computers": www.gonewiththewynns.com/store As for the tow car question we address that here: www.gonewiththewynns.com/need-rv-tow-car and here: www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-to-rv-tow-car Hope this helps.

[@daleschmidt7157]

That is one heck of a "Cow Catcher" you have for your Smart Car. I also like that hammock. Can you sleep in it while someone else drives? :>)

[@berniefaulkner]

What is the best mounting attachment bracket for smart car and towbar for 2015

[@laz0524]

Seems like the only thing you really needed was the stowaway that rolled out, I don't think anything is getting past that to hit the black shield.

[@RayVal53]

Wow... Did they also say you "definitley needed" to buy blinker fluid, glow-stick batteries and a stack of ID-10-T forms?

[@gonewiththewynns]

+RayVal53 Hey, it has worked and it would have saved a lot of damage to our car if we would have had this from the beginning. But glow-sticks are always a great add on to any purchase. :) -nikki

[@RayVal53]

+Gone with the Wynns Indeed! Happy trails!

[@nielswil]

Are you gonna use these solutions in the US from now on?

[@gonewiththewynns]

+Niels Willemse yes, if we would have had the screen from the beginning it would have saved our car a lot of damage.

[@FastPips]

good video thanks

[@bryantford3054]

They're on Amazon. Called ECO-flaps. Wish I was better at sending links.

[@19Photographer76]

Where was the campground?

[@seredin]

How are you able to avoid the issue of working when in Canada or other countries? You obviously are making an income traveling though them (evidenced by your videos, product placement and sponsorships), but you never indicate that you are to the border agents. Is there a special exemption you have or have they just not caught on yet? I ask as I contemplate about a blog/vlog for toy hauler/motor cycle activities in my retirement.

[@jamesnikki5]

Tow cars get a lot of damage, I would be nice to have a custom made tow trailer, easy to get in and out, always gets in place and probable protect a lot more the car, I may be the best for a car that small, but great video anyways :)

[@jameswilkinson4411]

Do drive wheels of tow car need to be disconnected?

[@gonewiththewynns]

On some vehicles. Check the owner's manual for your vehicle.

[@LPJ2]

I guess you 2 came from place with warm weather , how is the cold weather treating you ? lol , beside , change your beer , if you still drink that cold beer like before , you will get tummy ache in Alaska .

[@tradersato]

Why not just get a small trailer for the smart and not have to deal with the 5 years of rolling a cars odometer without actually using it, not to mention keeping it away from all the nasties you describe like flying gravel...

[@timcox359]

Personally, I think something like this road debris curtain flap is better than just mud flaps. (It will help keep dirt, salt & grime down. Then, you wouldn't need the big plastic shield on the front of the car. (I wouldn't think.) mudflaps.com/c-290500-mud-flaps-by-style-towtector-brush-system.html

[@MrFlyboy1313]

No such thing as too much tow vehicle protection,just too little.Extra flaps were a good idea.

[@dmang0]

Do you miss the RV?

[@gonewiththewynns]

+dmango Definitely on our land adventures but we love our boat.

[@ticklemetricia8306]

How do you all travel for three months how do U afford that don’t u all work

[@gonewiththewynns]

There's a whole section of the blog devoted to how the Wynns and other nomads make money while traveling. Check it out here! www.gonewiththewynns.com/make-money-travel Curious Minion

[@walkerhartfield5306]

That's not a car, just an expensive golf cart with some fancy wheels

[@madison5399]

You need a few kids to REALLY enjoy RVing. That hunk of junk will be on CL in a week after first born child.

[@johntuck5174]

Dude, next time stand off to the side to direct someone how close to pull up. I could not imagine how bad your wife would feel if she inadvertently hit the gas instead of the break.

[@gonewiththewynns]

+John Tuck yep, it's our policy now after we got a lot of comments saying the same. :)

[@crissknight9062]

contacts with 9 the ability to work with you and your family and

[@pattycota6195]

:)

[@jimsmith9666]

Hell to be rich! give us a break, you should be over 57........

[@Zraupp10]

thats what the flaps on the back are for .................. you flags are little short ............

[@bdrzz]

this women very cute

[@walkerhartfield5306]

Why a smart car? Get a Prius or an little 4 door sedan. Plus why is your car and rv full of advertisement

[@MrFelixify]

Doesn't look like advertisenent, It's their own logo for their site and youtube channel. And why not a Smart car? what's wrong with it?

[@GamingAmbienceLive]

*that net is useless*

[@TraderRoss]

Just think if you had a toy-hauler you could put that ugly little thing in the back of it.

[@cechk01]

...

[@hillarylevenworth8824]

A couple giving advice who can't plug a tire? No thanks.