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ppworld · 10-10-2018, 11:05 AM

I have a 2004 Dutch Star (40 ft) and pull a F-150 pickup (crew cab/short bed). My problem is the pickup doesn't track the MH so I have to be extra careful making tight turns. I'm thinking of trading the F-150 for a Chevy Colorado which is not as wide and not as long. There are obviously costs associated with doing this and am only considering doing this if it solves the tracking problem. I use a Falcon (roadmaster) tow bar. Any thoughts on whether this will solve the problem.

Domo · 10-10-2018, 11:27 AM

Sounds like the f-150's front wheels can't turn. I wonder what year it is.

Does it have electronic assisted front steering that requires the key to be in "on" or "acc" mode to operate? Many vehicles have EAS now and have to have it on to avoid death-wobble (some makes, such as Jeep) and to track properly...

Perhaps you should review the towing instructions in the manual?

FIRE UP · 10-10-2018, 11:34 AM

ppworld,
Hmmmm, odd. I'm wondering. I'm gonna presuppose you've taken all the correct steps to make sure your steering doesn't lock on the truck, that the tow bar is centered via the location of the base plates on the truck, the connection point of the tow bar on the coach is not binding, is centered, has no obstruction to prevent it from it running in an off-set position from one side to the other and all that. In other words, all is normal, as far as all your hookups and, functionality of all the components.

Your situation is odd for sure. We don't read of your type of situation very often on here. Something's amiss for sure. Before I'd spend a whole bunch of hard earned dollars for a vehicle change which, you never know, might produce the same results because, you have situation that AFFECTS the tow vehicle and is not caused by the TOW VEHICLE (vehicle being towed, not the m/h).

Here's maybe a test I'd perform if I had your situation. I'd throw the wife back there in the truck and, go drive a few streets with turns and get communications going with her so she can report first hand what the truck does in all turning situations. See if that helps.
Scott

alank · 10-10-2018, 12:08 PM

I’d look real hard at the tow bar for the situation you describe.

**JohnRR** · 10-10-2018, 12:14 PM

Just a question from left field do you have the bed loaded with any significant amount of weight?

twinboat · 10-10-2018, 12:22 PM

I don't think its not towing correctly.
Its a long truck, so its tracking like a trailer. The rear wheels are probably tracking inside the turn and hitting curbs, unless he makes wide turns.

hohenwald48 · 10-10-2018, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

I don't think its not towing correctly.
Its a long truck, so its tracking like a trailer. The rear wheels are probably tracking inside the turn and hitting curbs, unless he makes wide turns.

I thought that too. It would be nice if the OP would define "doesn't track". If it's off center while going straight down the road that's different than doesn't turn properly. Maybe he'll get back with some more info.

barmcd · 10-10-2018, 12:46 PM

My 2017 F150 follows the motor home very well.

twinboat · 10-10-2018, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barmcd

My 2017 F150 follows the motor home very well.

Good, now does it track inside the MH track on sharp turns ?

barmcd · 10-10-2018, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Good, now does it track inside the MH track on sharp turns ?

No it doesn't cut across, I don't think it can if everything is working right. When the motor home turns left, the rear of the coach wants to cut across the corner as the wheel base is about 270 inches. If I get the front wheels past the corner far enough to clear the coach, the truck won't hit the corner either as its following in the path of the coach. I keep an eye on it, but I've never had the truck cut the corner closer than the motor home.

LandKO · 10-10-2018, 01:59 PM

Bought a used Jeep Liberty that came with a Falcon All Terrain towbar set up.
The first time I towed the Jeep I noticed it was not tracking right. I then discovered that one of the extendable arms was not locked. Now I double check to make sure both arms are locked before starting out.

Easyrider · 10-10-2018, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barmcd

No it doesn't cut across, I don't think it can if everything is working right. When the motor home turns left, the rear of the coach wants to cut across the corner as the wheel base is about 270 inches. If I get the front wheels past the corner far enough to clear the coach, the truck won't hit the corner either as its following in the path of the coach. I keep an eye on it, but I've never had the truck cut the corner closer than the motor home.

I think you hi-jacked this thread from the original poster. This topic was started by ppworld.

**JohnRR** · 10-10-2018, 04:28 PM

rrtribble · 10-10-2018, 05:15 PM

PPWorld

I tow a 2002 Jeep Liberty. THe manual says nothing about an electronic steering wheel or leaving the key in the ACC setting but on my first 2 tows after hitting a couple of bumps the front wheels locked up. Knew immediately something was wrong as Jeep was tracking against DP. Got out and finally got steering wheel unlocked and tires righted and took off only to have it do it again after hitting those holes in the road. This time put tranny in N and it did okay for rest of trip.
My dealer told me they recommend leaving the key in and starting it every couple hundred miles. I told him I didn't always stop that often and didn't want to run the battery down. He then shared his trick with his big Suburban - He said he hooks it up, locks 4 WD in neutral and leaves his engine idling as he drives from Northern IL to FL with no problems.
I was a little skeptical but tried it out on 200 mile drive over a couple of really bumpy spots and worked like a charm and only a couple of gals of gas.

Might try it and drive a couple of miles to check out your tracking.

Drive safe - Richard