Mortorhome Dinghy towing problems

It is possible for some to back up, but generally not recommended. We unhock more for twisty mountain grades ans downgrades. DWGoes in front with cell phone or radio, and alerts for any problems ahead.

In 16 years of full-timing we didn't let ourselves get into a position of having to back up unnecessarily.

If you have a diesel, use the truck pumps for fuel.

I have found unhooking to be much less troublesome than trying to maneuver with toad still hooked. There are times it is just easier to unhook than be careless. Unhooking is not a big deal so don't worry about it. I do appreciate Flying J RV lanes and we attempt to schedule fill ups there as frequently as possible. I am unaware of any other service stations that have RV lanes for gas powered motorhomes.

Generally speaking, backing up when flat towing is a bad idea that should be avoided. It is usually best to just avoid getting into situations that require backing up. Failing that, just unhook, back up, re-position, and hook back up.

HOWEVER, contrary to what many will tell you, in many situations it CAN be done as long as you are cautious, go slooow, and use your head.

A lot depends on the specifc toad and its front suspension design, The suspension on some vehicles is much more forgiving than others when being pushed backwards. Jeep Wranglers in particular, even though they are very popular as toads, they seem to be the most unforgiving when it comes to pushing them backwards. Their front wheels will slam to one side almost instantly, and tear something up. I guess, 'tis one of the downsides to a vehicle built so well for off-roading.

OTOH, I've seen some FWD vehicles pushed all the way across a parking lot without a problem. I personally once pushed our Kia minivan a good 30-40' backwards when experimenting in a parking lot. It worked OK as long as I was on a smooth surface and kept the MH wheels straight.

The Motorhome involved plays a role, too. Generally speaking, the more rear overhang the Motorhome has, the more potential 'swing' it could have when backing, making it more difficult to back without jack-knifing the toad.

Personally, I've never yet had to unhook and back up (except of course, at back-in campsites). There were a few times I just 'coasted' backwards (sloooowly) a few feet to clear an obstacle, but other than that, we've always managed to avoid having to back up. However, we've only been doing the flat towing thing for 'bout 3 years. I'm sure one day it'll happen to us; when it does, we'll just deal with it. Good thing about flat towing is that when/if this happens, unhitching and hitching up is so quick and easy, its really not that big a deal.

In our first year I had to disconnect once at a gas station. You learn pretty fast after that first time what you can and can not do.

On edit:

Take that back, had to twice. Second time was down a road to a COE park that was closed with no turnaround.

As you can see everyone or nearly everyone has had to unhook sometime or another. In 15 years think I had to unhook about three times. When it happens, not if,just take your time and do what you have to do.

Only had to unhook one time in six years. The truck exit was blocked by a broken down 18 wheeler and no signs letting other know. Took all of about 10 minutes and away we went...

RVing since 1998 and have to "emergency" disconnect only once. (Low gas station roof in Alaska ..........another story.) Backing up is ill advised for the reasons stated above. Once you learn how, hooking up and disconnecting become a quick process lasting 2-3 minutes at most. It is not a big deal to do.

Now if in RV parks and is back in spot, you will always have to disconnect before parking. Before turning into a gas station or parking lot I always check for a safe path for forward motion only with a suitable exit.

Relax, it will all become easy and second nature very quickly. Be safe!

Executive wrote:
Keep in mind when you're backing up and have another person steering the toad...IF/WHEN the steering wants to go, most likely you'll be enroute to the emergency room with a couple broken arms.

Also, the tow bars aren't really designed to "push" so it could result in damage.

Just 2 forced disconnects in 10 years of full-timing. One just got into a confined parking lot where I didn't have enough turn radius. The other, missed the entrance to an RV park and then the road was a dead end.

You just have to be more "situationally aware," plan ahead, look ahead, think ahead, especially when in areas that may present limitations. This is also not a good time to be talking on the phone, chatting (or arguing) with passengers, or anything else that might distract from being vigilant.