Community Forums

LCD · 09-27-2012, 09:36 AM

Just equiped our 08 itasca 39z for towing new jeep wrangler unlimited (2013)with
auto trans.
ie; falcon all terrain tow bar;brakemstr air/brake; brakelight relay.
We Live and travel out west. Either going up or down while on the road.
Any tips for the first trip will be appreciated.
Thanks,
LCD

ahicks · 09-27-2012, 10:03 AM

Maybe not right away, but after you've been at it a while, the best tip I can pass on might be don't forget it's back there?

Until then, I generally will hook it all up and do a "walk around". Then I hop in the coach and pull ahead 100 yards or so - and give it a second walk around, paying particular attention to all the connect points.

ahicks · 09-27-2012, 10:21 AM

Just thought of something else. When you put the coach in gear, most of the time it will move without giving it any throttle. If it doesn't, get out and make sure the toad is in neutral! Shouldn't take much imagination to figure out how I learned that one....

Dutch Star David · 09-27-2012, 10:23 AM

Don't forget to release the parking brake.

Route 66 · 09-27-2012, 10:27 AM

I always pulled forward a bit, got out and looked over the toad to be sure all was well.

**CLIFFTALL** · 09-27-2012, 10:46 AM

My DW stands behind the toad and we do a light check ( brake,hazard flashers , left and right signals and lights). I them pull forward about 10 feet to make sure all the wheels are moving and the tow bar locks into place and stop so DW can back in the MH( if we're on speaking terms that morning).

. We also lock the toad and have locking pins on the hitch and tow bar arms.

bdickson · 09-27-2012, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66

I always pulled forward a bit, got out and looked over the toad to be sure all was well.

We have a system where one of us stands behind the toad while the other sits in the MH and runs through all the lights, turn signals etc. Then we drive forward a few feet while the outside person observes toad wheels turning, no abnormal noises, tow bar latches locked etc.

When we first got set up for towing 4 down, we took the rig to an empty parking lot and checked the turning radius for binding points. On some setups it's possible for the toad and MH to come into contact on full lock turns. Better to check this before the first unplanned U turn

.

Edit: What Clifftall said.

mikf · 09-27-2012, 11:14 AM

when pulling into parking lots or fuel lots always look ahead for a way to get out. because you can not back up or you will bend your tow bar. no I did not bend mine, but I have had to diconnect a few times to get turned around.

Drafter · 09-27-2012, 03:15 PM

Hi LCD,
Everyone has given you great tips. Check everything and after that, check it all again. I had a friend loose a Jeep on I95 because he forgot to snap a lock pin all the way. Lucky no damage and no one hurt. One thing I do is tie a white cloth to the top of my toad steering wheel. You can see the cloth move when you make a turn and know your front tires are turning by watchin in your camera. Also it will shake from side to side if you get a flat on the toad. Makes me feel a lot better knowing the toad is runnig properly.

Jchet · 09-27-2012, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCD

Just equiped our 08 itasca 39z for towing new jeep wrangler unlimited (2013)with
auto trans.
ie; falcon all terrain tow bar;brakemstr air/brake; brakelight relay.
We Live and travel out west. Either going up or down while on the road.
Any tips for the first trip will be appreciated.
Thanks,
LCD

I'm towing a 2010 Wrangler Unlimited with my Blue Ox, it's great I can connect or disconnect in minutes. I put the 4x4 lever in N place the shifter into P release the parking brake and lock the doors. As others have mentioned my wife stands behind the toad and via cell phone we confirm the lights and tow is connected correctly and wheels are turning. Wranglers tow great!

lmcgill · 09-27-2012, 07:32 PM

When we got our first MH I had our Jeep all rigged up and was scared to tow it! Of course I was nervous driving the 40ft Discovery without the 5000# Jeep. Now I feel like a pro. The only thing we had happen was having the Break Buddy malfunctioning and needing a full break job after, but break buddy actually paid for it We have a new jeep and coach and I never leave home without the two joining each other.

KIX · 09-27-2012, 07:46 PM

Someone already said this but I think it's very important......check your tow bar connections before driving off after a stop (like for fuel). And locking pins may deter vandalism if you're stopped for lunch

Schoolsout2 · 10-04-2012, 06:10 PM

When you stop for R&R check it over. If you use a break system unplug it overnight. As mentioned Do Not Back Up! Always look for a way out before you pull in.

Wayne M · 10-05-2012, 06:38 PM

Don't ever assume anything. As stated, check and double check, especially to see if it is in neutral and ready for towing. I use reverse to lock the tow bar. One time I got about 15 miles down the road and one of the little men in my head came running up and spoke to me. I pulled over and went back, inspected, and took it out of reverse. Fortunately no damage. It must have just been 'free wheeling.'

Check, check again, and double check. Lights as previously posted also.