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RJL's avatar
RJL
Explorer
Apr 02, 2015

Need a little advise

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

16 Replies

  • Thank you all very much for the tips. I take it backing up is a no no, which is fine with me. I figured taking 95 down is the best bet because of the big rigs that need to fuel up need a good size straight away too. Now my next question. Do you guys stop at campgrounds on your way to your destination or sleep in a flying J or find a Wal mart or something to sleep?
  • 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.
  • We leave the rear camera on when towing, for us it's a useful way of knowing everything is ok.
  • 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.
  • 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...Dennis
    5.
  • 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