Backing up Toad question ???

[DonGott]

I've received different feedback on this. Help me clear it up once and for all. I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler with automatic transmission and 4 wheel drive. I have not towed this vehicle yet, but I'm told that I need to put the Transmission into park and the 4 wheel drive differential into neutral and turn the ignition key to the first click and leave it there. "AND" if I ever have to back up with the toad attached, I've been told that I cannot and should not. Is all of this true? I do not understand why I cannot backup if I need to, because the vehicle rolls freely when setting everything up for towing. Thanks in advance.

[NLOVNIT]

It is not advisable to back up while connected, they're called tow bars not backing bars for a reason. That said, it can be done, very slowly & for short distances. We've done it once or twice, but only going straight, the ground was level & we backed up only about 6 or 8 ft. Dave was driving, I got out & was spotting & carefully watching where the Jeep was going.

The problem you might run into is the towed vehicle's wheels abruptly turning sharply & you will bend your tow bars in the blink of an eye. IMO, it's not worth the risk unless you absolutely, positively cannot reverse without unhooking.

Lori-

[JohnRR]

The front wheels will not track in reverse like they do when the toad is traveling forward.

[rguarin]

Everything told to you in this thread is correct. I have towed a 51 Willis and a 92 YJ Wrangler and I now own a 03 TJ 2 door Rubicon with a manual transmission and a 09 JK 4 door Rubicon with a automatic transmission. The 92 YJ and the 03 TJ the tranny was in gear and the transfer case in neutral and the key turned one click. The 09 JK the tranny is in park the transfer case in neutral but it does not have a steering column lock so the key is not needed. If you are very carefull you can back up a little if watching the Jeep close. But it is not recommended. I have done it at times but do not like to.

[Rocky Larson]

"#7 Use extreme caution when backing a motorhome with a tow vehicle attached. In fact, backing up with a toad (car) on a tow bar more than a foot or so is impossible. Since the steering axle of the car being towed is free to track wherever it wants, as soon as you start backwards it will immediately turn the wheels, causing extreme pressure to be applied to the front end components of your vehicle in tow.
Damage can occur, because you will be skidding the car sideways, with the front wheels turned all the way to the stops. If you need to back up when towing a car, just unhook the car first. After you're situated where you can go forward again, re-hook the tow bar. It's the only safe way to do it."

It has something to do with the caster/camber/toe alignment. Perhaps someone can post that reference for you.
This steering wheel force is beyond human strength to control so do not attempt to have someone hold it straight.
Good Luck, and stay safe.

[papa&susu]

I never try to back our toad. Learned not to with cotton trailers!!!

[swamphog]

I don't own tow bars but rather a dolly, and in either case I wouldn't back up a toad, with out eyes, very slow, and on even grounds, and not far, to much could happen,

[mikron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamphog I don't own tow bars but rather a dolly, and in either case I wouldn't back up a toad, with out eyes, very slow, and on even grounds, and not far, to much could happen,

Do you like the dolly over 4 down. With the front wheels fixed on the dolly is backing up better then 4 down. We don't at this time tow.

[85Eagle]

Backing a toad is not advisable in any way or fashion PERIOD.

[floridaflash]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky Larson This steering wheel force is beyond human strength to control so do not attempt to have someone hold it straight. Good Luck, and stay safe.

I need this explained to me... if you have someone sit in the toad and start it up (for the power steering) and hold the wheel as you slowly back up in a straight line, how would the wheel have so much force that you couldn't hold it straight?

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridaflash I need this explained to me... if you have someone sit in the toad and start it up (for the power steering) and hold the wheel as you slowly back up in a straight line, how would the wheel have so much force that you couldn't hold it straight?

It can actually break your wrists

[TXiceman]

Backing up with a dinghy on 4 wheels or a dolly is strictly not advisable. You might get lucky and manage to backup 4 or 5 feet in a perfectly straight line.

As for the proper procedure to tow your Jeep, go strictly by the owners manual and do not depend on what others tell you.

Ken

[Wayne M]

When backing the wheels need to be counter steered. They will go in the opposite directing that you intend them to. They will snap into that direction with a significant amount of force. Someone strong enough to overcome that force and counter steer the vehicle can assist for short distances, (real short) but it is not advised. If it absolutely necessary to back when still hooked up, a ground guide should be stationed so they can see the wheels, and at the very first sign of the front wheels turning, they should stop the driver with a command.

Just my two cents.

[Vegasdan]

Or you could always travel with a new extra tow bar because you will need it if you back up the toad. Trying to back up a toad will result in damage to your tow bar rendering it unusable without repair or replacement. Towing a Jeep on a dolly would not be recommended either unless you want to disconnect the drive shaft. The folks here who are advising you about not backing up are to be believed.