New Monaco owner needs help!

[billsmax]

I'm hoping to leave my dealer tomorrow with my 2008 Monaco Signature pulling my 2005 Silverado 4wd with a new Blue Ox. My Motor home receiver is about 3 inches lower than where the Ox is connecting to my truck. The service guy is telling me that's ok but checking the Blue Ox manual online, says truck connection is not to be higher than where connected to Motor Home receiver. (in other words, the arms are rising up to meet the truck). Should I be insisting the dealer put on a raised receiver to level this out?
Also Blue Ox says the steering column is to be left unlocked so the truck can track with the coach. My chevy manual says the switch is to be turned off to lock the steering wheel when towing behind an RV. Whose right?
Any insight you can give me before tomorrow will be greatly appreciated, this is my first class a.

[Route 66]

I don't believe the steering column locks on your Silverado.

[EngineerMike]

billsmax- I can guarantee that whatever you need to do to assure the steering wheel on toad is UNLOCKED is the correct thing to do. The toad wheels must turn or else you drag them sideways. Also- brake off.

As to the hitch- it would be preferable to have the hitch even with or above the toad linkage. Assuming you locked all 6 on the coach, the down-slope toad linkage (toward the coach) could allow the toad to ride up in front, where up-slope would require the toad to lift the coach/hitch which is unlikely. If you have toad braking when the coach brakes, this 3" wouldn't be a concern IIWM.

[BigSkyBob]

To echo other posters, be sure the steering column is unlocked on the toad. I had to purchase an 8 inch riser for my coach hitch to ensue the Blue Ox towbar was level when towing my truck.

[Mandys Man]

Quote:

My chevy manual says the switch is to be turned off to lock the steering wheel when towing behind an RV. Whose right?

It does not say that. Your chevy does not have a locking steering wheel. If you want to make sure, put in neutral, turn off the key and remove it. Push truck and turn the steering wheel. Then Use your owners manual to set up the toad for towing. On your chevy, you don't even need to leave the key in the ignition. You can remove it and lock the doors.

[Mike Canter]

Bill when I first started to tow my Jeep the bars went upwards towards the Jeep away from the MH. The problem is if you ever have to do severe braking then the toad may pole vault into the back of the MH. The other thing that happened was that I had excessive tire wear on the toad because it was pulling the front of the toad down when being towed especially up steep hills or during accelaration. None of this should stop you from towing right now but it is something to fix as soon as possible. I bought the Blue Ox adjustable receiver. It cost more but I could adjust it so every things was plus or minus two inches from being level and when I changed MH I could move it from one to another and re-adjust without having to buy another one. I would be very surprised if your Silverado didn't have a locking steering column. My Ford PU has a locking steering column as did my early Chevy PU. Like what was said just take the key out and man handle the steering wheel from one side to another. If it is a locking steering you will feel it lock pretty fast. Those front wheels on the PU have to be free to track behind the MH. If it locks it will do it in the first tight turn then they may be locked at an angle so you will dtrag them sideways when you straighten up.

[Mandys Man]

OK,
I went and found an owners manual. It states turn the ignition to lock. It is kind of confusing, I guess. You are locking the ignition switch, not the steering wheel. This turns off all accessories and you have no chance of battery drain this way.

Again, you do not have locking steering. Test it. I was also surprised when I found out. I thought they all still had locking steering, but they don't.

[nodine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Canter ....... The other thing that happened was that I had excessive tire wear on the toad because it was pulling the front of the toad down when being towed especially up steep hills or during accelaration.......

We had the same tire wear problems on our 2006 CRV and had to order a riser for the receiver to get the tow bars level when on level ground.

Bob

[walt2137]

Bill be sure to get a supplement brake system as soon as possible for your toad and yes try to get the tow bar as level as possible.

[billsmax]

Thanks for all the help. They are putting a raised receiver on and the brake buddy right now. And you learn something new everyday. I could have sworn that the steering was locked when key removed but as stated, it can be turned ...... by someone with much bigger biceps than mine.
Hopefully we will be out of here in less than 2 hours.

[Steve Ownby]

Billsmax,

I remember my first drive home after taking delivery and I am envious of the experience you will have. My wife & I live full time in an '03 Sig and could not be happier. Take the required maintenance schedule seriously and you will have wonderful experiences on the road.

Safe travels,
Steve O