Where/when to unhook toad?

[Mr Taxpayer]

Pull into campground to check in. Unhook there.

[BoJango]

Rest assured. You will find out very quickly.

[ByeTheWay]

I prefer to unhook at a level spot. If it is an overnight sleep, like a walmart I try not to unhook my toad. But I do make sure the toad doors are locked and the key is in the motor home on the dash so I don't forget to unlock the steering wheel in the morning.

[8MileKelly]

Just retired and got a nice used Coachmen Freelander and am pulling out in 8 days for a Milwaukee / Ann Arbor trip to blow some gas money. First trip as a retired RVer. First long RV trip. Bought a used trailer this morning, I'll tote it to pick up my dying cousin's 1964 Triumph TR4, his gift commemorating my mid-life crisis.

Uncertainty is different from 11B courage. Top, you're the s**t.

First sergeant, first sergeant, won't you leave me alone.

KCA
Army 05B, 95B, 63R, 91B2C. Navy HM2 (Seabee corpsman)

[Patsco]

Originally Posted by Twomed

Quick overnight we leave it hooked up, always your choice. If you have health issues and think you may need the toad unhook while healthy, harder when an event happens later.

At campgrounds...after 20+ years of full time, no two places are the same. Google Earth can help plan, asking at the desk is sometimes helpful. Sometimes you will just have to block the road by your site. IF that is the case be considerate, DON'T rush...that can lead to missed steps. BUT don't dawdle, putting away cables, putting a cover on hitch etc. steps than can be done once parked.

Lastly realize that everyone at some point will be a blocker...guy that can't back up, someone with a disability who is real slow, really tight site, hitch that can't be released, etc.

IGNORE the jerk who thinks they have the right of way to the road space and acts aggravated...just wave and smile. We will all be either the blocker or the blockee at some point in the game.

Most of all BE SAFE and considerate. Oh yeah most of all have fun, that's what this is supposed to be all about.

Sage advice!

[SoCal3]

We usually unhook at the front of the campground unless we know for sure there is plenty of maneuvering room within the campground. Even with a pull-thru, sometimes there isn't enough room without hanging out in the street and blocking others. My experience is that most campgrounds (at least those that cater to larger rigs) have good flat spots close to where you check in for you to unhook.

[natgild1]

I have never been to an RV park that didn't have room to stop with my toad in order to register. When I check in they will recommend I disconnect or not depending on the park and what site I am in.

[Capt. Bill]

Unless it's a campground I've been to before, I always unhook at the entrance or some wide spot where I can safely pull over . I then use the toad to recon the route to the site & determine the direction I need to come in as well as look for overhanging tree limbs, sharp turns or other obstructions.

On several occasions this saved me having to back the coach a long distance to avoid an object.

Happy Trails

[EurekaII]

Lots of good answers from all on the unhooking.
I want to add, If you are not unhooking for the night, you may need to disconnect the electric from the toad to avoid the coach draining your car battery. When the coach is not running it may do that. Short rest/meal stops, don't worry about that. But overnight, disconnect the electric.

[Sandman II]

Originally Posted by DrBob7762

Ok, we're about to pull a toad for the first time. I have all the toad towing stuff figured out, but one question remains:

When/when do you all unhook your toad?

Hooking up is no problem. We'll find a flat, straight, safe, convenient spot to do so as close to our overnight spot as possible. No-brianer.

But what about unhooking? Given that we want a flat, straight spot for that too - how do you go about figuring out where that will be near your destination? Google maps, satellite view? At the nearest mall? Rest stop? At the CG itself? We don't want to get stuck in tight quarters.

Share your tricks for figuring out, in advance, where to unhook.

If you do a quick, simple overnight, at a casino or Walmart, is it good etiquette to unhook? Or can we leave it connected if it's just a snooze-and-go?

I guess that was several questions...

Thanks!
B

You unhook when you arrive where you are staying. Make sure your brake is set, especially if you are on any kind of an incline. Otherwise, you will be chasing your toad😁

[BruceDeville]

Originally Posted by DrBob7762

Ok, we're about to pull a toad for the first time. I have all the toad towing stuff figured out, but one question remains:

When/when do you all unhook your toad?

Hooking up is no problem. We'll find a flat, straight, safe, convenient spot to do so as close to our overnight spot as

I guess that was several questions...

Thanks!
B

For a parking lot stop rest & go (8 - 10 hours), typically I never unhook unless I need to for a quick side trip. While never leaving the motorhome unattended.

If staying at an RV park or campground usually (?) The entrance area has sufficient pull off to disconnect, usually.

That's the way it's worked for me.

[Tech Writer]

Part of your question and situation has not been addressed. First, buy a good quality tow bar with latches that can be released when the bar is under stress. This is always the case if you have not been able to pull straight ahead to place both vehicles in straight alignment. At times there will be an angle of one vehicle to the other. If you can't release the latches to take off the tension, you can't unhook. That is why you need a tow bar that can be released (unlatched) under tension. Second, you can't always be on level ground when unhooking. If facing downhill, set your brake before releasing the two tow bar latches. When released, the forward pressure against the hitch will be released. You don't want the towed rolling forward, possibly damaging something or hurting you. Unhook. If facing uphill, it is only the hitch that keeps the towed from rolling backward. Get in the towed, start the engine, Slowly drive forward and while having forward pressure against the hitch, set the brake. Place shift in Park and see if the tow bar can be unlatched. If so, shake the tow bar. If it shakes, unhook. If tight and not released, have someone hold the latches up for release. Get back in the car and carefully drive forward a couple of inches and set the brake and shift into Park. Tow bar should now be able to be unhooked.

[BoJango]

Tech Writer gave some very good advise. He joined the forum in May. But it sounds as if he has some experience. Reviewing instructions is great. But first-hand experience is a value that isn't soon forgotten. We all have situations in which we have to figure the best action to take.
I bet with the bucket full of forum replies, this RVer is well set for hooking and unhooking.
What do you call one who hooks up? A hooker, of course. There are mobile mechanics and mobile detailers etc. Maybe someone can start their own unhooker business. Oh, well, just a thought.
Good luck to all RVers.

[Ecuador Dave]

All the above. I look at the map tp see what makes most sense. Currently were boondocking at the brother in laws....the Casa Rodante (RV) barely makes the turn into the driveway so we disconnected when we refueled. In that situation one time just off site, another was an extremely slow day and unhooked while fueling....its always about the same proceedure...so keep the routine the same mostly so nothing is forgotten...for us its about 3-5 minutes total.
I can say this becuase shes not on here.....I dont think???
It would be a minute osr so faster if she would remember to grab the tote as she does the initial inside the jeep stuff!!! jahajaha