Backing Up A Flat Tow
Got caught tween a rock and a hard spot today. Had to back up my flat tow about 100 feet. I refused to disconnect, so, started the engine so power steering would work, then stretch strapped the steer...
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Backing up with the toad, I've done it many times. but the process is a little different with the two toads I've owned.
2001 Civic. This one was simple, just put it in reverse and back up. The Toad steering would caster correctly and follow any small turns while backing. I've backed this into truck parking spots or away from fuel islands on many occasions.
2003 Saturn Vue - Totally different. The steering would attempt to caster to a full end stop at the first sign of a slight turn. When we back the Vue more than a few feet, I have the DW sit in the Vue and keep the steering straight or follow any turns that I may be doing. I suspect if I was by myself, I'd use the seat belt to tie the steering wheel straight, and then do the backing. I disabled the steering column lock on the Vue, otherwise Id lock the steering column when backing
If anyone thinks they would ever back their toad, goto a large parking lot and do a little practice and see how the toad responds. If you see the steering going to an end stop, stop the MH and either disconnect or do something to prevent the steering from castering to the end stops.
NOTE - The only difference between the civic and the vue is the Civic has hydraulic power steering and the Vue has electric power steering. I suspect the hydraulic steering offers a lot of turning resistance when the engine isn't running.
2001 Civic. This one was simple, just put it in reverse and back up. The Toad steering would caster correctly and follow any small turns while backing. I've backed this into truck parking spots or away from fuel islands on many occasions.
2003 Saturn Vue - Totally different. The steering would attempt to caster to a full end stop at the first sign of a slight turn. When we back the Vue more than a few feet, I have the DW sit in the Vue and keep the steering straight or follow any turns that I may be doing. I suspect if I was by myself, I'd use the seat belt to tie the steering wheel straight, and then do the backing. I disabled the steering column lock on the Vue, otherwise Id lock the steering column when backing
If anyone thinks they would ever back their toad, goto a large parking lot and do a little practice and see how the toad responds. If you see the steering going to an end stop, stop the MH and either disconnect or do something to prevent the steering from castering to the end stops.
NOTE - The only difference between the civic and the vue is the Civic has hydraulic power steering and the Vue has electric power steering. I suspect the hydraulic steering offers a lot of turning resistance when the engine isn't running.
