Community Forums

RVdus · 01-08-2015, 10:50 AM

About to get my Jeep Wrangler set up for towing after numerous years RV'ing without towing a vehicle. Since I'm new to towing, I'd appreciate anyone's suggestions on things that a "Newbie" should be aware of - tips, pointers, do's/don'ts, etc. as I start down this new road - thanks!!!

paz · 01-08-2015, 01:55 PM

My best advice for towing is to make and USE a checklist. Even is you're sure you performed all the steps to hook up the toad correctly, run through the checklist anyway. If you inadvertently put the transmission in drive instead of neutral, you won't know you ruined the transmission until you arrive at your destination - or until you see the flames.

More than once I have forgotten to release the toad's parking brake, but I caught it when running through the checklist. I made a practice of physically touching each control as I read it from the list - shift lever, parking brake, ignition switch, toad brake plug, etc.

Route 66 · 01-08-2015, 02:37 PM

After hooking up, I would pull ahead 20~50 feet, stop, get out and walk back to check everything.

palehorse89 · 01-08-2015, 02:40 PM

When in a "Pickle" .......DON'T back up without unhooking, no matter how balled up things are........horns blowing and people yelling, block it out, take your time and unhook.......then move......and have the DW follow.......till you find a quite place to re-hook.....

Gordon Dewald · 01-08-2015, 02:47 PM

Several things come to mind right away:

1) Ensure your tow vehicle is set up properly to tow the RV. GVWR, GCWR and GAWR should all be within manufacturers specs.

2) Drive at a reasonable rate of speed. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper inflation and drive at or below the rated speed of the tire.

3) Leave early so you have plenty of time to arrive at your destination and take numerous short breaks to stretch and relax.

4) Drive at a steady pace. Look around and enjoy the scenery you are passing.

Enjoy your RV.

Selah · 01-08-2015, 03:38 PM

I have to agree with all of the above. Three things we do that have not,been mentioned.
1) DW and myself each have different duties when hooking and unhooking. Then we each go check the others work.
2) I tie a white rag to the top of the steering wheel. When I make my first turn I check the rear camera to make sure I see the rag rotate.
3) On my rig when on level ground the coach and toad will move forward on idle. If I take my foot off the brake and the coach does not move I stop and go check everything again.

RVdus · 01-09-2015, 03:01 PM

Great tips as always - thanks everyone! Definitely going to incorporate some of those!

Coma · 01-09-2015, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz

My best advice for towing is to make and USE a checklist. Even is you're sure you performed all the steps to hook up the toad correctly, run through the checklist anyway.

More than once I have forgotten to release the toad's parking brake, but I caught it when running through the checklist. I made a practice of physically touching each control as I read it from the list - shift lever, parking brake, ignition switch, toad brake plug, etc.

This is how it's done. Do it, then touch it to check it. It is a checklist, not a do list.

Mr_D · 01-09-2015, 03:18 PM

Brakes on the towed!

vsheetz · 01-09-2015, 03:23 PM

Don't back up! Don't ask how I know...

Double check everything before pulling out. Check again at each stop.

Ensure xfer case is really in neutral by putting the jeep in gear and try to pull forward a bit - the engine should just rev and you go nowhere.

If the tow bar pins are in a bind and won't remove, start the engine and turn the steering wheel one way or the other. This will move the jeep just enough to unbind.

Automatic in park, stick shift in any gear, xfer case to neutral. Key lock, if so equipped, unlocked.

If the front wheels get crossed up sometimes in a sharp turn, a bungee cord from the bottom of the steering wheel to under the seat will keep it centered. This seldom occurs but can on a lifted jeep with altered front end geometry.

walt2137 · 01-09-2015, 04:58 PM

I lamated our check list and it stays in the toad.

Gheidbrink · 01-20-2015, 12:02 PM

We pull a 2011 Wrangler with a stick shift. I have alway put transfer case in neutral and the transmission in neutral too. Why do you recommend putting the transmission in any gear?
Thanks, Geff