Community Forums

Vtwin996 · 12-29-2016, 05:31 PM

Ok, I understand you 'shouldn't do it'.

Is there any technical reason why you can't back up toad at say 1 mph in a straight line if you ensure the front wheels of the toad stay straight? I have recently got into a couple of situations where I was forced into a situation where I either had to do this or unhook the toad just to back up 6 ft or so in a straight line.

This is a Class C with a Blue Ox towbar pulling a Jeep Wrangler 4 down.

It would seem to me that the physics involved in this is no different to what happens when you are towing and have to brake and the toad effectively is pushing into the motorhome.

Thanks

dennis45 · 12-29-2016, 05:38 PM

Well, the Physics are a little different in that when you are backing up, you're pushing against the locking pins.
You're correct about it not being recommended but as you stated, I too have done it in situations where I needed a few feet in a straight line to avoid unhooking. Had DW hold the steering wheel with the engine running and no problem. The earth still revolved and the sun came up the next morning.

Just use common sense and go for it. Don't quote my name if it goes south.

TnThompson · 12-29-2016, 06:09 PM

The "toe in" adjustment on the front tires of the toad (the physics) will make it turn one way or the other in just a foot or two. With someone inside the toad holding the wheel you may be able to do six feet but without a driver helping it is undoable. Tried it behind my Coachmen Leprechaun several times and without a driver in the toad it won't work.

ga80486 · 12-29-2016, 06:15 PM

Could you use the toad to pull the coach backwards?

rgvtexan · 12-29-2016, 06:31 PM

The real reason is Murphy's law If something can go wrong, it will.
Also the caster on the front wheels is set so that the wheels stay straight when going forward.
Next time at the store take a shopping cart and push it forward, and then pull it back.
Notices how the wheels swing around. On the car they can't make that 360 and will swivel to lock position. That is when it all goes south.

CJ7365 · 12-29-2016, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga80486

Could you use the toad to pull the coach backwards?

Really? NO

All of your tow equipment, tow bar, pins, bumper, have a towing capacity.

It is not made to pull 10,000 lbs or more

petrel · 12-29-2016, 06:54 PM

I wish there was a solution. 4-down towing is so much more convenient than messing with a trailer, until you get wedged in a tight spot! If the manufacturers would just make the tow bars more robust, I'd just skid my toad back however I could.

CampDaven · 12-29-2016, 07:00 PM

Don't sweat the small stuff!
Disconnection and reconnection is only moments.
Hardly worth a physics lesson!

vsheetz · 12-29-2016, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Don't sweat the small stuff!
Disconnection and reconnection is only moments.
Hardly worth a physics lesson!

Agree.

mackwrench · 12-29-2016, 08:21 PM

To answer the OP question, it's not necessarily physics or towing equipment that keep you from backing up, it the caster settings in the front suspension of the towed vehicle.

I got blocked in at a truck stop, but that's another story....

However, I had someone get in car and hold steering wheel straight, backed up about 15 feet and rocked on....

But more than once I've made a poor choice when pulling into a parking lot or something and have to un-rehook....

jestal · 12-29-2016, 08:31 PM

The caster in the front wheels of the toad is what causes the problem backing up. Basically it should theoretically be impossible to back the toad up but realistically a few feet or as far a 15 are possible if the toad is perfectly straight.

I put one of those wrap around reminder tags on the toad steering wheel at 12:00 when the wheel is straight while hooking up. If I do need to back up in a tight spot I can watch the tape position in the rear view camera and instantly see if the tape goes off center indicating the toad wheels are starting to turn. Stop instantly when the tape goes off center to avoid bending or damaging the tow bar or mounts.

Works well for me. Your experiences may differ......your responsibility.

Mr_D · 12-29-2016, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga80486

Could you use the toad to pull the coach backwards?

My MH weighs 50,000#'s as loaded, the CR-V weighs 3,400#'s. Not even going to try it!

luckyd · 12-29-2016, 08:37 PM

When you are towing, the inner tube extends and locks.
This makes a very thin walled tube.
If you unlock and move the car forward to push the tubes
back inside, you have a lot more strength.

That being said, it takes just about the same amount of time
to unhook.

CampDaven · 12-29-2016, 08:55 PM

Some are inspired to defeat the devil of the "oh, horror" hookups, as they may squander precious time in the quest for the "bridge too far" or the appointment with the easy but expensive truck stop!
Others are more collected in their thought and purpose, for the Journey is the Destination, and the dreaded hookups are not a hindrance.
Lo, the inexperienced strive to connive the perfect few-minute all-precious time saver, while relaxed, Journeying folk have no fear of the dreadul unhook. They are campers. The ability to improvise, adapt, and adjust to the adversities of this lifestyle is accomplished with only a wee bit of time.
YMMV