Community Forums

vsheetz · 09-22-2012, 11:13 PM

Tow bar is used but new to me. Hookup is not a problem - easy peezy. However disconnect is another matter. Looking for tips and tricks on how to get the pins out when the toad is not on level ground and has pressure on the pin.

Route 66 · 09-23-2012, 04:32 AM

I've had to move the toad slightly forward if heading up hill.

I've had to move the toad slightly backwards if heading down hill.

Sometimes moving the toad's steering wheel back and forth several times will relieve the tension.

It is never necessary to drive the pins out with a hammer.

Largeandy · 09-23-2012, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Tow bar is used but new to me. Hookup is not a problem - easy peezy. However disconnect is another matter. Looking for tips and tricks on how to get the pins out when the toad is not on level ground and has pressure on the pin.

I agree with ROUTE 66, I never have to use a hammer to get pins out......use a spay motor solvent occasionally to clean off grease and road grime, then wipe down and the spray some light WD 40...... Keeps the parts moving smoothly. The AVENTNA is a great tow bar......works really well and your tow plate does not deface the looks of the front end of your toad.

paz · 09-23-2012, 05:41 AM

To expand on what has already been said, try to park on the level if possible with the coach and toad in a straight line. Stopping on a hill or with the toad on an angle will put stress on the arms of the tow bar and make the arms hard to release and pins difficult to remove.

When you stop to unhook, stop slowly so the momentum of the toad doesn't put stress on the tow bar.

After you stop, set the parking brake of the toad and then release the arms of the tow bar by depressing the levers. If you can't release the levers, try moving the toad forward or backward slightly or try turning the steering wheel from side to side.

Once both levers are released, the pins should come out fairly easily. Apply a little dry silicone lube the the pins to make them slide easier.

ahicks · 09-23-2012, 07:03 AM

Paz hit it on the head. The levers almost have to be released. Both of them. That should remove any push or pull loads from the arms and make pulling the pins easy. I will generally put our Honda in park and start it, then walk around and smack both levers with my hand to release them. One of them almost always has a load on it and is a little more difficult to release. They're pretty sturdy, I wouldn't worry too much about abusing them as long as you don't get a hammer out! Pulling the pins with the levers released no more difficult than installing them. -Al

vsheetz · 09-23-2012, 07:33 AM

Most excellent suggestions - thanks all!

rmmpe · 09-23-2012, 09:03 AM

I too have the Aventa and if doing this alone, I put elastic bungees around the tube body and over the end of the release levers. I then rock the Toad slightly (with or without engine power). When the strain is released a bit, the bungees pull the lever ends to the unlocked position.
Drive/push the TOAD forward slightly then make sure the TOAD's brake is set or the trans is in Park (unless you need the workout of chasing it).

From there it's easy to disconnect.

Harlee79 · 09-25-2012, 09:13 PM

Everyone has said the right things, for me its level ground and i just have the wife turn the wheel to extremes and release each lever.

JCM · 09-26-2012, 11:41 AM

Just a suggestion - put your toad in park or put on the parking brake before releasing the pins. I found you have to run like hell if you are on a slight hill. Only did that once.