Community Forums

96 Wideglide · 04-29-2017, 05:44 PM

My Demco tow bar is rated for 'limited' backing. I've backed straight a couple of times.

Monaco Wolfy · 04-29-2017, 10:30 PM

Sounds very risky! If backing up doesn't work out, no problem, it's only time & money.

Yours

MSHappyCampers · 04-30-2017, 02:31 PM

I use the ReadyBrute Elite towbars from NSA RV Products. I called their tech support with this question. I was told that it's not recommended but it should not be a problem if you can back straight for a short distance so you're putting equal pressure on both legs of the towbars.

onechaddude · 04-30-2017, 03:41 PM

I've backed up a couple times when I didn't have a choice. I always have the DW set in the jeep and hold the wheel straight. I would only do it if I'm backing perfectly straight and everything is straight and in line. I also have her on the phone in case something starts to turn. If everything is not straight then I would unhook and hook back up. A few minutes to unhook and hook back not worth risking an $800 tow bar.

Chad

Txice · 04-30-2017, 07:48 PM

Before I retired I misjudged my turning radius in a set of doubles once and didn't quite make it past a large rock lining the road. Fortunately my team driver was a great guy and we "dropped out" 2 twin trailers and the dolly, got straightened out and "rehooked" and on our way in 15 minutes. It served me well as a lesson now that I'm driving a DP and pulling a toad. It's all about trip planning and not taking any turns that are not on route or otherwise appear risky. The only thing I back up with my toad attached is traffic as I don't always trust Siri and do not turn until I'm sure it's the correct route.

jacwjames · 04-30-2017, 08:13 PM

I've done it a couple times.

Once no problems, a short distance with no negative consequences.

The second time not so lucky, bent the hitch and it happen in a blink of an eye in the back up camera. I tried to back up/steer the toad into a parking area at a truck stop. While backing up the toad jack knifed fast, it basically stopped the RV.

My recommendation is to do it only in an emergency for a short distance.

hypoxia · 04-30-2017, 08:17 PM

I tow a Ram truck and backup whenever needed. You have to be aware of what's happening back there and stop if the steering doesn't match what you are doing.

When I had a 5th Wheel and double towed I backed that combination up also.

There are days when I can keep the picture in my head and do a good job and days when I absolutely suck at it and disconnect.

Craig36 · 04-30-2017, 09:34 PM

Modern tow bars are not designed to be forcibly compressed, and it is not worth the risk of damaging the integrity of the a $1500 tow bar.

Unhooking is a pain but at least when you reconnect, you will know nothing is permanently damaged.

Long Island Mac · 05-02-2017, 08:04 AM

Not a good idea, but. Once had to back up. She got in the toad, started and put in reverse. The toad did not pull the MH. As I backed up slowly, she keep wheels straight. This put no strain on tow bar. again, not a good idea, but sometimes ya just gota do it.