Community Forums

Unplanned Tourist · 05-16-2017, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmckinley

No, it won't become reliably routine. You can't risk not using a checklist, the consequences of missing something are too serious. Just missing one item (like transmission in neutral) can be a $10,000 mistake.

And, if someone wants to chat while you're hooking up, STOP IMMEDIATELY. After you've run them off, start over.

Good advice!

My brother got caught this way in Feb.

Cost him a transmission!

FIRE UP · 05-16-2017, 08:31 PM

Well,
The wife and I have been doing all the hook-ups, transfer cases in N, Trans in P, pig tail hook ups and any auxiliary brakes now for about 35-40 years and, we've NEVER used any form of a "Check list". I guess if one requires it to get through the day, well, then have at it. To me, it's pretty simple. There's only so much to hook up in between the coach and toad. It's done so routinely that, I could do it in my sleep. There's really no need to make it harder than it is.
Scott

CoRTeX · 05-17-2017, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJowdy

Don't back up and make sure you have an auxiliary brake system for the car being towed.

Why not back up a little?

Jeep liberty 4wd. Transfer case in N and trans in P. No issues thus far.

I occasionally back up a few feet carefully. Can't imagine it's an issue other than the wheelbase issues. Jeep darts off to the left or right quickly.

Am I wrong?

LJowdy · 05-18-2017, 06:04 AM

The reason to "not back up" has to do with the steering in the car being towed. When you tow a car/truck the car follows the motor home due to "caster" being in the vehicles front end alignment. Caster is a measurement to determine how far forward of the suspension center line to place the front tires. (for an example look at the front wheels of a grocery store shopping cart. Notice that the axle of the wheel is forward of where that wheel mounts to the cart. Then watch the front wheels of a shopping cart as you go around a corner, they are always facing front. Then stop the cart and pull it backwards, the front wheels usually spin 180 degree's before they start rolling)

So, in a vehicle being towed, when you back up, you ""may"" be able to go a foot or two but backing for any distance will make the front wheels turn left or right and stop at the end of the steering movement.

If you absolutely have to back up with your vehicle attached then I'd suggest you put someone in the vehicles drivers seat, start the engine so they have power steering and have them steer the car as you back up.

firebird1969 · 05-21-2017, 06:11 PM

Anyone out there towing a 2004 Nissan Xterra with auto? I have a manual transfer case with neutral position but everything I have read says you cannot tow 4 wheels down. Don't know why.