Community Forums

Lanny1763 · 08-26-2014, 05:49 AM

Our tow has started to not track on hard left or right turns (90 deg) with the motorhome now. It just drags the front tires until straight again. We have the Blue Ox base plate, a Blue Ox alpha tow bar, and a Patriot braking system. We've been flat towing this vehicle for over a year now, and this problem just seemed to happen about two months ago.

We're getting ready to take it to a dealer for their diagnosis, but just wondering if anyone here had experienced this yet or may have an answer?

Thanks

777 Driver · 08-26-2014, 07:12 AM

The obvious question...the steering wheel is unlocked, right?

When we hook up our toad, after our light check, I pull forward about 40 feet, making a right and left turn while DW observes proper catering of the front wheels on the toad.

Take care,
Stu

777 Driver · 08-26-2014, 07:13 AM

Dang autocorrect...castering.

Lanny1763 · 08-26-2014, 07:35 AM

Stu:

As far as I know the steering wheel is unlocked, DW sets up tow vehicle with braking system and all the inside settings, while I'm hooking up tow bar, power cord, breakaway cord, and tow cables. I'll ask her when she returns.

Dutch Star David · 08-26-2014, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lanny1763

Stu:

As far as I know the steering wheel is unlocked, DW sets up tow vehicle with braking system and all the inside settings, while I'm hooking up tow bar, power cord, breakaway cord, and tow cables. I'll ask her when she returns.

IMHO, "Trust but verify." I'd double check DW and have her double check me.

Lanny1763 · 08-26-2014, 07:43 AM

Understood!

TonyDi · 08-26-2014, 10:38 AM

Lanny many in here will tie a white cloth onto the top of the steering wheel when it is centered. From the driver seat you can monitor the wheel on your rear view camera. If the cloth doesn't move when turning then the wheels aren't turning. You did not mention what your toad is but a trip to the dealer is in order.

Lanny1763 · 08-26-2014, 10:46 AM

Tony, it's in the subject line of this topic and in my signature. Just got back from a local Chevy dealer. I should've saved the gas and time spent there. They were of no value. Called blue ox to see if they had heard of this, no luck there.

Did confirm that after we go through setup procedures for braking system that the steering is NOT locked and it can turn to left and right by hand.

Lanny1763 · 10-02-2014, 06:46 AM

Just an update to those of you that responded. We left Athens AL yesterday. Hooked up in an open parking lot area. First turn out of there was a hard left, wheels started to drag but then turned properly. Next turn was a hard right, wheels stayed straight during the turn. Now I'm even more confused. Also, it's definitely not a case of the steering wheel being locked, because after we set the Patriot braking system, I manually turn the steering wheel both left and right. We are now in Montgomery AL, so I will try to find a Chevy dealer that hopefully knows anything.

Dennis4809 · 10-04-2014, 07:01 PM

Have friends with a 2013 AWD having the very same problem. We towed it this afternoon behind a Chevy 2500 so we could monitor easier. Started out great, tracking as expected. Made several turns both left and right with no problem. Then after 10 miles or so, heading home made a 90 deg left and wheels didn't track. Stopped, checked steering and it was free. Hitch was correct also. Went a couple hundred yards and made a 90 deg right turn. Same thing, wheels didn't track, just skidded around the corner. Both of these were low speed tight turns as you'd expect on city streets. Right turn did have some sand/gravel but the left turn was on good dry pavement

Please let me know if you find a solution or cause.

Thanks,

MRUSA14 · 10-04-2014, 07:14 PM

Why don't you ask Chevy about it? Sounds like an aligment issue to me.

Lanny1763 · 10-05-2014, 06:23 AM

Dennis:

I sure will. There's an RVer here at the FamCamp on base that has an Equinox for a toad. He hasn't experienced this problem yet, but he did say that when he preps his toad for towing, he starts the engine, puts transmission into drive, then into neutral, then turns car off to ACC. We weren't doing that, so on our next trip, we'll give it a try.

Lanny1763 · 10-05-2014, 06:25 AM

Marc:

We have taken it to three Chevrolet dealers, the last one was this past Friday. All of them are stumped. The latest one thought there might be an alignment issue, but inspected the tires and show no abnormal wear.

wilanddij · 10-05-2014, 06:42 AM

You can do a fairly easy check to see if the front wheels have sufficient caster, or not. Just let go of the steering after you turn a corner and see how well the wheels return to straight. If it doesn't steer back to center you need to have the caster alignment checked.