Community Forums

dtrawets · 04-26-2019, 10:42 PM

I agree. A rear camera is the best. We went a year without one as ours stopped working. I didn't think it was a big deal and we got by, but once I replaced it with a wireless unit and had a nice monitor on the dash, I loved it. It also helped with changing lanes. you could tell you were far enough past the vehicle you were passing to get back over.

tommar · 05-28-2020, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikena

Keep all 10 tires on the ground and below 100mph. Towing four down? No backing up.

Suppose you've overshot the gas pump by say 6 feet... can you back up so that the hose will reach? I do know that with a tow dolly you can't back up at all.

Skip426 · 05-28-2020, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommar

Suppose you've overshot the gas pump by say 6 feet... can you back up so that the hose will reach? I do know that with a tow dolly you can't back up at all.

You can ; and I have; backed up 6 feet towing four down PROVIDED , you were going straight ahead for a good distance before stopping . NOT 100% straight ... don't even think about it , something will bend or break.

Jim_HiTek · 05-28-2020, 08:46 PM

I back up a 4 on the ground car all the time when I over shoot. Trick I use is to keep the steer wheels pointed the same way they were. So if I get in a bind turning into a stations pumps, I keep the same turn angle and back up till I can straighten out and drive a new direction. Straight back up would be perfect but it can't always be done.

Now, as you're backing up, watch carefully. When the car starts going at an angle, then you gotta stop. Go forward, straighten out, try again.

It's tricky, but doable. And I don't try to go too far backing up either.

Billcmo · 05-29-2020, 06:37 AM

Check everything to make sure it is connected correctly and transmission is set up correctly. Then double and triple check before you start towing. I did not do that the first time and it costs me $6,000 for a new transmission. If in doubt when you sit in the drivers seat get out and check again. Just saying from experience.

Crasher · 05-29-2020, 06:46 AM

You realize that up until yesterday this thread was over a year old.

tommar · 05-29-2020, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crasher

You realize that up until yesterday this thread was over a year old.

Guess you were addressing that snide comment to me... I just wanted info on backing up as I contemplate possibly buying a toad of some kind.

MRUSA14 · 05-29-2020, 09:33 AM

Backing up is a risky thing to do when towing 4-down and should only be done in very rare circumstances. Teach yourself to stop at the pump or slightly short of it, rather than past it. If you stopped too short you can easily pull forward without the risk that backing up entails.

tommar · 05-29-2020, 03:30 PM

How much does outfitting a jeep for becoming a toad cost? Also do most people outfit their toads with a braking syste? The cost? And not least, if you have to leave the key on to release the steering lock, what about battery drain? All my life I was told never to leave the key on for any length due to ignition system.

Roy-c · 05-29-2020, 03:37 PM

Jeep Wrangler. No ign lock, buy the wiring harness that is a plug and play from trailers.com, tow bar and braking system of your choice and good to go.
We use a ready brute tow bar and brake system, very happy with it.

svcattales · 05-30-2020, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

Backing up is a risky thing to do when towing 4-down and should only be done in very rare circumstances. Teach yourself to stop at the pump or slightly short of it, rather than past it. If you stopped too short you can easily pull forward without the risk that backing up entails.

I have not tried backing up while pulling the toad, but eventually I will get trapped and it may be the easiest way out. Has anyone tried to have another person steer the toad during reverse? I understand the main issue is the front wheels of the toad will get cocked to one side or the other so if the DW held the steering wheel of the toad straight it should work? or not? Greg

Damion · 05-30-2020, 06:38 AM

I've backed into parking spots in truck stops. Flat level paved lot. No sharp turns! Have DW hold wheel perfectly straight and carefully back in, just like a trailer, be gentle on that tow bar because there very light! Log trucks do it all the time, just heaver duty equipment!

Rolling Ragu · 05-30-2020, 07:30 AM

Backing up while 4 down will get you in trouble faster than you can say "bent towbar". Our rule is 100% never back up. Unhooking takes us under 2 minutes.

motts461 · 05-31-2020, 05:45 AM

tommar check out this link

https://youtu.be/GDid5PpEuF4

His 6 videos will walk you through the whole setup. I had about $2000 in the whole set up, it works great.