Dolly's have GOT to be a PIA (where to leave it/deal w/ it & you can't back up w/ one, if the car is on it)....same storage/parking problem w/ an enclosed or open trailer.
I flat tow our jeep (wrangler) - its as easy as pie and the turning radius is as good as the coach (w/out the jeep). I use a blue ox aventa (aluminum) tow bar (retail is over 1200 for the bar & base plates) i picked it up via craigslist for 250 bucks (got lucky, the previous owner also had the jeep/wrangler base plates & sold 'em to me for 50 bucks...they retail for 450).
our cabinets stay shut for the most part....but you've got to do a PRE-FLIGHT and make certain they're shut TIGHT...we've got one thats a little loose on its catch but even it stays closed....everyone has had a cabinet pop open at least once.
best MPG we've seen is slightly over 13 (slow going backroads in light fog, from atlanta to destine)...and even that leg of our trip saw generator run time (we slept in a rest area for a few hours).
generally and consistently we get 9.9 mpg (on long interstate trips....houston tx to winchester va)...the thing gets crap mileage on short trips (houston, tx to austin, tx).
worst I've seen is 8.6 running a bit hard/fast thru the mountains of tennessee & virginia.
we like our coach for the same reasons - can take the 120lb Sheep Dog & we leave when we want...and sleep anywhere we're tired (usually interstate rest areas)...and we sleep better....ive slept 8h in rest areas when i was REALLY tired.
my mother in law loves me more for the coach....she gets to see her daughter (my wife)...and we sleep on the "curb" - so we don't crowd or cramp their lifestyle like we might if we stayed IN their house.
we've got the smart-shift (12 speed meritor)...i wish i could start off in a higher gear than the default (auto mode) 3rd....but to do that i'd have to pay someone to reprogram the coach....speaking of which - our cruise sets at 72mph (max)...it would be nice to be able to set it higher but i think better of it...dont need to go fast & it just burns more fuel if you do.
these things take time to get used to - go slow, don't be afraid to get out and walk around to check - before proceeding....its a lot less embarrassing to stop/slow down & walk around than it is if you damage something....my moto is...ive got reverse and I'm NOT afraid to use it !
regarding backing up (can't be done, even w/ a flat tow) - but i can disconnect our jeep in about 30 seconds or less (pull 2 pins & disconnect the electrical/plug)...ive gotten into situations (rare) where i had to back up & had the jeep...but again....id rather do it / take my time and NOT damage expensive stuff - than try to look "cool" or take a chance.
heres a few pics of the flat tow / tow-bar set up
