Community Forums

rssnape · 05-12-2013, 04:48 AM

Does a sharp turn have any detrimental effect on the tow bar or the toad? Never towed 4 down and will be doing so soon. Towed many other things for years so not too worried about other things other than the possibility of bind in the tow bar.

CampDaven · 05-12-2013, 05:08 AM

It may depend on your particular setup, but I think you may be okay. I'll let others chime in on that.
I have had 2 rigs and 2 toads. I can crank the wheel all the way and turn a complete circle and not have an issue. On a tight sloping turn, like in a CG, I plan do plan my route carefully. Dont know if it matters.
Dave

bruceisla · 05-12-2013, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rssnape

Does a sharp turn have any detrimental effect on the tow bar or the toad? Never towed 4 down and will be doing so soon. Towed many other things for years so not too worried about other things other than the possibility of bind in the tow bar.

Assuming the ball/pivot is far enough back that the fenders on the toad clear the RV in a turn it isn't an issue. Find a place to carefully test the tightest circle while someone walks alongside the front of the toad.

Route 66 · 05-12-2013, 06:02 AM

That's what I did, as a member reported his toad hit the ladder on the MH in a tight turn. Fortunately, mine did not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceisla

Assuming the ball/pivot is far enough back that the fenders on the toad clear the RV in a turn it isn't an issue. Find a place to carefully test the tightest circle while someone walks alongside the front of the toad.

PDR John · 05-12-2013, 07:24 AM

Our toad can touch the coach if I turn to sharp. So I keep an eye on the camera when making a hard turn.

redbaron73 · 05-12-2013, 07:29 AM

Best plan is to find a big parking lot, and have someone watch while you crank it. Once you get to that pinch point, take note of how it looks in mirrors and camera.

I have a full size pickup with a ranch hand on it ( cattle guard ). I had the mounts custom fit so that I had extra room and can lock it up on either side with 2 in. to spare. If you find that you are too close you can extend either the hitch or the base plate position to adjust.

Mody n Domy · 05-12-2013, 08:54 AM

You have to make sure that you are moving while turning to give the toad a chance to track behind the MH. If you are stopped and start turning the steering wheel then take off it will bind the tow bar. I have not had a problem with sharp turns while towing.

Playtime III · 05-12-2013, 09:17 AM

Too many factors unique to each set up to give you a definite answer:
-Wheel cut of the MH
-Distance between the steer and rear axle on the MH
-Distance between the rear axle (pivot point) and the hitch
-Distance between the hitch and toad's steer axle/dolly's pan swivel bolt
-(Dollied toad) Distance between the dolly's pan swivel bolt and the front of the toad (front corner really)
-Width of the toad's front end
-Height of the toad's front end/MH's rear end

thrushl · 05-12-2013, 09:26 AM

You really need to find that parking lot and practice. Remember, NEVER back-up with a toad 4 down. VERY bad things will happen.

Luckiest Dreamer · 05-12-2013, 10:47 AM

Then, all bets are off if you should happen to roll over a curb with either the MH or the Toad. (causes them to lean) The chance of it happening is for you to do the parking lot thing and see, (if you can) what the clearances are and how much you may have to spare if something else changes the perameters.

rssnape · 05-12-2013, 11:59 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I will test it out. Thanks for the advice about starting in a turn binding the tow bar. I'll try to watch out for that one.

Coaster1 · 05-12-2013, 12:20 PM

I like some extra distance between the coach and toad, in my case dolly. Therefore I use an 8 inch hitch extender. As there is little or no down force on the hitch, it is irrelivent as to its length. Because the wheels on the dolly steer, the extender wasn't a real need but, I like the extra length.