Tow Bar connecting

If both my arms don't lock up, and that happens from time to time, I pull forward and turn to the right and then to the left.

Then my wife checks them to make sure they have locked up.

If you want to use the "back up the toad until the arms lock" method, and only one arm locks, a velcro strap or bungee cord will let you hold down the locked arm release so that you can pull the toad forward, adjust the toad steering wheel, remove the velcro strap or bungee, and try again. Even if you have a helper, that person should not be between the toad and the coach when you are moving the toad forward.

After a few times hooking up, it will be easy.

I keep the velcro strap on the body of the tow bar for ease of access.

Fred

maddawg46 wrote:
Thanks you guys. I never asked. Everything was at closing time at the RV place. He just does repairs and installs. He's not open Saturday's. First motorhome, first tow car. Leaving on western states trip Monday.
Cutting things close.

You'll do OK as long as every thing is hooked up, that towed will center itself and the bar will lock.
concentrate on having the transmission in correct position and the park brake off.

try just leaving them unlock, start the RV and pull forward 3 feet or so and hit the brakes, do this three times and I have never had just one leg lock. Always both. Backing could push the vehicle into a bind.

kalynzoo wrote:
Just realize when you pull the motorhome forward, Slowly, both arms may not lock, and that will affect the tracking of the car. Drive very slowly, if needed a slight turn left or right will increase the pull on the unlocked arm to assure both arms are locked. Then get out of the rig and visually check that the mechanism is locked, the tow cable is properly in place, brakes are off, gear is in neutral, etc. Head on out on your merry way. Then, just before exiting the campground get out of the rig and check again. Really. Also make sure the antenna is down, doors are closed and locked, do a complete walk around. It will make the rest of the day so much more peaceful and trouble free. There have been days that my inspection was less than complete, and they do not bring back good memories. Happy Trails.

and, if I may, develop and actually use a written checklist. the wife reads it as I perform each task.

Just realize when you pull the motorhome forward, Slowly, both arms may not lock, and that will affect the tracking of the car. Drive very slowly, if needed a slight turn left or right will increase the pull on the unlocked arm to assure both arms are locked. Then get out of the rig and visually check that the mechanism is locked, the tow cable is properly in place, brakes are off, gear is in neutral, etc. Head on out on your merry way. Then, just before exiting the campground get out of the rig and check again. Really. Also make sure the antenna is down, doors are closed and locked, do a complete walk around. It will make the rest of the day so much more peaceful and trouble free. There have been days that my inspection was less than complete, and they do not bring back good memories. Happy Trails.

maddawg46 wrote:
Just picked up my rig from having my tow stuff installed. I have a Blu Ox tow bar. When I'm connecting bar to my toad, can I have the arm legnth at any distance? And then push my toad back until they are fully extended? I only connected it at the dealers late in the day after it had already been connected and the car was lined up.

I hope I'm explaining what I'm asking correctly. New at this.

sure. or you can leave the toad where it is and when you pull the MH forward the arms will lock into place. that's what we do but either way is fine.

If one arm does not lock when you pull forward or if you back the toad instead, you may have to turn the motor home steering wheel and pull forward several feet. My wife always stayed outside and checked to make sure it was locked.

Thanks you guys. I never asked. Everything was at closing time at the RV place. He just does repairs and installs. He's not open Saturday's. First motorhome, first tow car. Leaving on western states trip Monday.
Cutting things close.

Yes. That's probably the only way you will get it ti lock in plsce. I hook up then put my towed truck into reverse and back up until the arms are locked. I then prepare the truck for towing. Sometimes I do not get both arms of the tow bar to lock. Then, unless everything is heading downhill I'll just drive the motor home forward until the other arm locks up.