Correct toad height

[Highflyer]

When my new 2010 Honda CVR is hooked up it is 6 1/2 inches lower from the center of the tow bars at the front of the car to the center of the receiver on the Motorhome.

Do I need a drop receiver?? I think I read somewhere that it should be no more than 4 inches lower.

Thanks

[wa8yxm]

Correct on all counts.. Either a drop receiver or special "Drop" towing bars

Blue OX and Roadmaster, among others, all make drop receivers in either 1 or 2 inch increments.

[racer0624]

I've got a 6" drop receiver from Blue Ox.

[madrone]

Originally Posted by racer0624

I've got a 6" drop receiver from Blue Ox.

Do you have problems dragging the bottom of the drop receiver from time to time? I ask because I need one for my toad.

[jackrobinryan]

Absolutely, use a drop receiver to get the tow bars level. Got mine at the local rv dealer the first day I towed. 8' drop was about $100

Blue Ox says no more than a 4" range (2" high or 2" low) when sitting level.

My only issue with the extra piece is that it adds some more overall length but also needs some shims to keep the contraption tight. Too much side to side slop (for my liking) without shims.

jr

[madrone]

Originally Posted by jackrobinryan

Absolutely, use a drop receiver to get the tow bars level. Got mine at the local rv dealer the first day I towed. 8' drop was about $100

Blue Ox says no more than a 4" range (2" high or 2" low) when sitting level.

My only issue with the extra piece is that it adds some more overall length but also needs some shims to keep the contraption tight. Too much side to side slop (for my liking) without shims.

jr

Towbar should never angle down from the Toad to the MH, the four inch range should be MH four inches higher to even. I think Roadmaster may state the range as 2 higher or lower but not Blue Ox.
Quoting Blue Ox:

"Blue Ox's recommendation is that the receiver hitch of the motorhome should never be more than 4 inches higher than the baseplate attachment points. Four inches or less keeps the tow bar level with the ground or slightly angled up towards the coach from the car. The tow bar should never be angled "up" towards the car from the coach."

[paz]

At the top of the "Towing Issues & Toads" forum there 2 stickies - one called "The Physics of Towed Vehicle Braking" and one called "Tow Bar Angle and Height Difference." They talk about this very issue. Blue Ox recommends the tow bar should be level to no more than 4" higher on the motorhome end.

[Happycarz]

jr,
Eliminate the slop by using a Blue Ox BX88224

[jackrobinryan]

Thanks for the pointer to the product, Harry. But with 2 places being sloppy (hitch to drop hitch and drop hitch to tow bar) I might need two of these things at $60 a pop.

My solution was a couple of thin cheap steel putty knives inserted in the gaps held in place by a small bungee. $5 vs $120.

But thanks for pointing it out.

safe travels to all

[SeeTheUSA]

Originally Posted by jackrobinryan

Absolutely, use a drop receiver to get the tow bars level. Got mine at the local rv dealer the first day I towed. 8' drop was about $100

Blue Ox says no more than a 4" range (2" high or 2" low) when sitting level.

My only issue with the extra piece is that it adds some more overall length but also needs some shims to keep the contraption tight. Too much side to side slop (for my liking) without shims.

jr

I have one of these Hitch Vise things --- works great! Only $30. Cheaper than the Blue Ox, but still more than a putty knife and bungee.

Hitch-Vise Fit Guide for 2 inch factory and aftermarket hitches

[Wayne M]

Demco has a 5846 Silent Hitch Pin 1 $31.67
I have a Demco tow bar. The silent hitch pin keeps the receiver from moving around. It works extremely well.

Demco. Doing our Best to Provide You the Best - Tow Bar Accessories