Community Forums

AJMike · 03-30-2022, 07:06 PM

We bought a new toad today and I have set up an appointment for the installation of a flat towing package, so this question is related to that.

Our RV has an auto leveling system but I don't know if it is OK to use it when hooked up to the toad. That is, if we have stopped for the day and I have not unhooked the toad from the towbar is it still OK to use the auto leveling system? Or will the weight of the toad put too much of a strain on the auto levelers? That is, should I unhook the toad before using the auto leveling system?

I asked this question of one of the techs when I made the installation appointment and he told me that auto leveling is only to be used when stopped for the night. Well, yeah! I guess I was not clear when I asked him, but I do understand that.

vsheetz · 03-30-2022, 07:13 PM

Leave the toad free to roll. The toad may be moved a bit during intial leveling - that's ok. Autoleveling will then just maintain level without movement that impacts the toad.

Mighty_J · 03-30-2022, 08:11 PM

Agree with above. I’d add that the toad doesn’t really transfer any appreciable tongue weight to the coach and doesn’t contribute to load on the jacks.

kenandterry · 03-30-2022, 08:14 PM

Vote #3. Leave the toad connected. No problems.

**Lt Dan** · 03-30-2022, 08:34 PM

Me four. I level all the time with the Jeep attached.

**TonyDi** · 03-30-2022, 08:38 PM

I agree we travel with our Jeep attached and we don't unhook. It's not necessary as there is no tongue weight on a four down towing system.

Wayne M · 03-30-2022, 08:48 PM

Stopping for the night or stopping with intent to unhook after setup I level then unhook, or for the night just level and leave the TOAD hooked.

deckape · 03-30-2022, 09:02 PM

X6 on leaving the tow attached. Have a CRV as a toad , pull in level , then run CRV though the shut down , remove keys and good till the morning .

bentjm · 03-31-2022, 07:15 AM

I would say it depends on the site.

If the site is level, then there should be no problem. If the site requires the rear of your coach to be raised significantly, then it could put your tow apparatus in a bind.

twojayhawks · 03-31-2022, 08:10 AM

After a long travel day when we are only stopping for the night we typically do leave the toad attached. I do think it is important to leave the toad in tow mode while you are leveling the coach if you have a DP. As long as the toad can roll while coach is being leveled I see no issue.

Spk64 · 03-31-2022, 08:12 AM

We also do it all the time with the following as others have mentioned.
1. Leave the toad as is for towing so it can move with coach.
2. Site is fairly flat as to not raise rear excessively.

rffowler55 · 03-31-2022, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bentjm

I would say it depends on the site.

If the site is level, then there should be no problem. If the site requires the rear of your coach to be raised significantly, then it could put your tow apparatus in a bind.

I agree completely with this exception to the rule of leaving the toad attached.

2cyber71 · 03-31-2022, 11:22 AM

I have over the past 18 yrs left the car hooked.

Important things to remember
1. Unplug the supplemental brake.
2. Unplug the front and rear dash cameras on the TOAD
3. Take the key out and lock the doors.
4. If you have a in-line charge line, disconnect it too.

Be careful what site you get.
You might not be able to get out.
Like what Rapid City KOA did to me.
I couldn’t even unhook and get the motorhome out by itself. I had to back the motorhome out..
Looky

https://youtu.be/Lm7ElwvVQY0

Tilzbow · 03-31-2022, 12:58 PM

So lots are saying to leave the toad free to roll which makes perfect sense.

So a question, I’m getting an Air Force One auxiliary brake installed on a new toad in a couple of weeks. Since the parking brake is obviously set 100% of the time when you stop for the night, does the diesel pusher’s parking brake have any effect on the auxiliary brake?