We're leaving for Cape Coral Fla on the week of the 20th of this month. Not only is the first time driving our MH there but the toad towing system will be installed on the 20th. So basically the MH and toad (a 2010 Jeep unlimited Rubicon) will be on it's maiden voyage the very next day or so after I bring it home. What am I in for? Is driving with the toad MUCH different than no toad at all? I've had this particular MH for three years now and have had once since 2007 so I'm comfortable driving the MH itself. I've also driven my Pickup with a 16' trailer loaded with quads with no problems for years but I can see the trailer pretty good on turns and such. Is there a huge leaning curve? Gas stations a problem? I'm driving 95 down from Jersey and figured I'd take three days to get there so I'm not rushing anything. Any suggestions, guidance would be appreciated.ThanksBob

Towing all four down you won't probably notice anything going forward. It will just be backing up which is almost impossible to do. So just make sure when you pull in for gas that you can go forward getting out. You actually can back just a little but not much like 10 feet or so, If you are in a straight position when starting to back. Its been a long time sense we did pull a toad but that is how I remember it. Of course you want to leave extra room when lane changing. JMHO

Bob, you have experience towing and the MH + toad will be no different. The toad will follow the footprint of the motor home. Turning a corner, if your rear wheels miss the curb, so will the toad. That said, a few words of wisdom...1. Make sure you followed the mfgs recommendations for towing. Key in proper position, fuse pulled, whatever.2. Before I hook up my toad, I grasp both connection points and give them a tug to ensure nothing is loose. (think baseplate)3. Check to ensure all lighting is hooked up and works properly.4. When deciding to fuel, plan ahead. We like truck stops like Flying J, as they have a little more room, but I've used places like Sam's Club too. Just depends on the station. READ THE NEXT ONE CAREFULLY>5. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BACK UP WITH THE TOAD ATTACHED.6. At each pit stop, check the toad hookup to ensure no one has tampered with it and/or nothing has worked it's way loose on its' own.7. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BACK UP WITH THE TOAD ATTACHED. (Repeat 10 times)8. Don't forget it's back there...Dennis5.

With my DP I towed for the first time. First make sure you really understand where off is on your ignition switch that does not also lock the Steering wheel. I didn't and it almost cost me BIG! On my Dodge Ram 4X4 I thought that off was basically counter clockwise where the accessory part of the switch is. Well I was wrong and a dump truck driver saved me by pulling up next to me and motioning me to pull over. The wheels were just barely turned to the left and locked. My DP didn't even feel different. It was just cruising. Off was actually a very short click counter clockwise but not into accessories. Just a little click!! To answer your question though, I didn't even feel it there behind me. Good luck.

We leave the rear camera on when towing, for us it's a useful way of knowing everything is ok.

FLman2 wrote:We leave the rear camera on when towing, for us it's a useful way of knowing everything is ok.X 2 also I always walk around the towed when we stop for gas or bathroom breaks or whatever. Checking the tires, tow bar etc.

Need a little advise | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

gonesouth
Explorer
Apr 12, 2015
My advice is watch the people coming in off the ramps in Jersey. There seem to be a lot of drivers there who feel it is your job to adjust the distance, whereas I was taught that the joining driver needed to find the gap!

Flying J in Dillon NC and Brunswick, Ga both are not good overnight stopping points if you have a toad as most of the spots are back-in, though fine for fueling up. There are good stops at the Walmarts in Zion Crossing VA (if you use 64 to cross from I-81 to I-95) and at Walterboro, Sc ( just south of Charleston).
JimM68
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
We don't overnight in a parking lot without a choice, and I generally have the wife start googling stopover campgrounds at around 2. I like to be in and setup well before dark, have time to walk the dogs and make a proper dinner.
After all, it is the journey, right?

with your gasser, look for curb /sidewalk fuel lanes so you can slide in and out without trying to turn around or having to unhook.
janstey
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
When you stop at your destination and want to un-hook the toad, it is best to park in a level spot in a straight lineup with the MH and toad. Hilly situations or stopping on a curve can make removing the tow bar challenging in some cases.
RJL
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
Great! Thanks for all of the encouragement. Hopefully it goes off without a hitch. Now I just have to change the oil in both the MH and genny and then the Jeep and finally put the soft top on the Jeep. I'm sure I'll come back to this thread with some questions.

Bob
Pass42
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
We've got a 37' DP and tow a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited... no issues... the Jeep is easy to pull. I assume you have an auxiliary braking system... We will often overnight at a Flying J.. they have a directory booklet you can pick up... we fuel up, park for the night, get up in the morning and go....We go 95 to 295 around Jacksonville (great campground off 295 - Flamingo Lake Campground) to 10 W to 301 South and pick up 75 at Ocala......
rk911
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
RJL wrote:
We're leaving for Cape Coral Fla on the week of the 20th of this month. Not only is the first time driving our MH there but the toad towing system will be installed on the 20th. So basically the MH and toad (a 2010 Jeep unlimited Rubicon) will be on it's maiden voyage the very next day or so after I bring it home. What am I in for? Is driving with the toad MUCH different than no toad at all? I've had this particular MH for three years now and have had once since 2007 so I'm comfortable driving the MH itself. I've also driven my Pickup with a 16' trailer loaded with quads with no problems for years but I can see the trailer pretty good on turns and such. Is there a huge leaning curve? Gas stations a problem? I'm driving 95 down from Jersey and figured I'd take three days to get there so I'm not rushing anything. Any suggestions, guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bob

you won't even know the jeep is back there. it will turn inside the turning radius of the MH...if your rear tires clear the curb then so will the jeep.

truck stops will be your best friend but in regular gas stations look for the outside lanes near the exit.

congrats...good luck...enjoy!~
Germania
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
A few years ago I purchased a TPMS system (TIRE Pressure Monitoring sys) That has made towing a toad a lot easier for me in that you know whats going on with tires on toad. One day noticed an unexpected rise in tire temp. stopped and checked and in advertently had not installed Brake Buddy properly. Not to mention blowouts,Etc
Germania
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
A few years ago I purchased a TPMS system (TIRE Pressure Monitoring sys) That has made towing a toad a lot easier for me in that you know whats going on with tires on toad. One day noticed an unexpected rise in tire temp. stopped and checked and in advertently had not installed Brake Buddy properly. Not to mention blowouts,Etc
Executive45
Explorer III
Apr 03, 2015
One thing I forgot on my list:

Disengage the EMERGENCY brake !....Dennis
lj2654
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
A little bit of both for us, campgrounds if we spot one early enough, Flying J if we don't!

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Need a little advise

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