Community Forums

bugsrv · 10-24-2010, 07:27 PM

We're new to the rv world and have a Rev 42n as our first rv. I'm getting used to driving it (it can be somewhat intimidating) and now want to start pulling a toad so we can enjoy the local sites when we head for a new destination.

We're just getting used to this as we're not retiring for another 10 years.

I am having a air force one (braking) and Blue Ox tow bar installed this week at which time i'll be picking up the coach and toad (Honda CRV) on Wed.

Are there things I should be aware of pulling the toad? Does it basically just follow the coach or do I just need to make wider turns?

Any insight or secrets you could share would be appreciated.

Thx -Bugs

2008 Revolution 42n
2010 Honda Crv toad

RVThere · 10-24-2010, 08:44 PM

- always make wider turns
- give yourself more room when changing lanes
- get a tire pressure monitoring system so you know if your toad tires go flat
- get a sun visor so the inside of the toad does not cook too much

Martind4 · 10-24-2010, 09:10 PM

My experience is that if the MH fits thru an opening, the toad will follow without having to swing wide. Our toad is much narrower than the MH and the natural tailswing of the MH helps to center the hitch in a turn.

H. Miller · 10-25-2010, 04:50 AM

And NEVER EVER back up with the toad hitched.

JMonroe · 10-25-2010, 07:18 AM

Extremely sharp turns can, in some cases, 'lock' the toads front wheels in the opposite direction. When you make a hard right turn the rear of your coach is actually swinging left - your toad wheels initially have to turn left. This effect is greater as the distance between your drive axle and hitch increases. If you straighten out too abruptly the toad wheels can get stuck all the way to the left, in this example. This is a greater risk on low friction surfaces, such as gravel. That's why many will tie a brightly colored rag on the top of the toad steering wheel (visable in the backup camera - I wrap a bright yellow velcro tie around mine), so they can see the position of the toad wheels after a turn.

Vegasdan · 10-25-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martind4

My experience is that if the MH fits thru an opening, the toad will follow without having to swing wide. Our toad is much narrower than the MH and the natural tailswing of the MH helps to center the hitch in a turn.

Not neccessarily right. You will need to corner carefully and a little differently with your toad or you will run the toad over curbs even if your mh went around a corner just fine.

Rocky Larson · 10-25-2010, 10:15 AM

The two most helpful hints I learned after a couple years the hard way:
1) You can pop the tow bar handles by slowly backing up the toad. While DW is watching, once the first one locks , you turn the steering wheel towards it, thus the wheels pull away more at the second bar as you inch back. Starting from a close to square position this works.
2) When unhooking and the pins are too tight to pull, have toad and rv in park, brakes on, toad engine on. With the assist of power steering you can slowly turn the wheels left and then right as DW pulls out the pins.
Hope this comes in handy.

Barbara S. · 10-25-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky Larson

When unhooking and the pins are too tight to pull, have toad and rv in park, brakes on, toad engine on. With the assist of power steering you can slowly turn the wheels left and then right as DW pulls out the pins.

My tow bars frequently lock up in a position where I can't get the pins out by myself. I have no DW or power steering to assist me.

I have tried turning the wheels then attempting to pull out the pins with no success. Many times I have had to call the campground office for assistance. That is not always an option though, and I have had to leave my car attached until I could find assistance the next day. Are there any tricks you can share with me so I could do this by myself???

ka6bud · 10-25-2010, 10:58 AM

When U approch a dual left turn lane use the lane that is the most to the right. Left turn lanes can be very short at times,watch your mirrors .Another thing is try not to over commit as said in previous posts u cant back up when in doubt get out and check . If u get stuck u can always pull the pin on hitch ,drive slowly forward and it should drop to ground.

Rocky Larson · 10-25-2010, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbara S.

My tow bars frequently lock up in a position where I can't get the pins out by myself. I have no DW or power steering to assist me.

I have tried turning the wheels then attempting to pull out the pins with no success. Many times I have had to call the campground office for assistance. That is not always an option though, and I have had to leave my car attached until I could find assistance the next day. Are there any tricks you can share with me so I could do this by myself???

What needs to be done is relieve the pressure enough to eather pull the pins or unlock the levers. Try full left and full right with the steering wheel after you have tightly wound a bungee cord several times around each lever (acting like a second pair of hands). Also, assuming you are as level as possible to begin with it is possible to put the toad in gear and very, very slightly let off the gas to move forward or back as needed, checking the pins between each attempt.
I haven't tried this but I would think that if you install the pins, each removing towards the center you could devise a turnbuckle of sorts to pull against each pin from the opposite side.
Good Luck.

RVThere · 10-25-2010, 12:47 PM

Another tip to getting out stuck pins is to carry a brass hammer and brass drifts (pointed rod). Since the brass is softer than the steel pin, you can knock the pins out without deforming the steel.

I have a DW and toad unhooking is NOT in her job description...

Vegasdan · 10-26-2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbara S.

My tow bars frequently lock up in a position where I can't get the pins out by myself. I have no DW or power steering to assist me.

I have tried turning the wheels then attempting to pull out the pins with no success. Many times I have had to call the campground office for assistance. That is not always an option though, and I have had to leave my car attached until I could find assistance the next day. Are there any tricks you can share with me so I could do this by myself???

Try using some waterproof grease on the pins, since I have been using it I have not had to use a punch.

Barbara S. · 10-26-2010, 01:03 PM

Since I travel by myself (except for the dogs, and I just can't get them to help me), EVERYTHING becomes in my job description.

I have white grease that I spray on everything to try to make it work easier. It has been over 3 months since I applied any so I will use it again. How often should I reapply the white grease?

Thanks for all the pointers!

Route 66 · 10-26-2010, 02:15 PM

Pins should never have to be hammered out. That releases a lot of pressure instantly which can be disastrous if the toad's parking brake is not set causing a runaway toad.

They get stuck under several conditions; MH and toad not in a straight line, the ground is very uneven or the rig is sitting uphill or downhill.

If turning the toad's steering wheel back and forth doesn't do it, moving the toad slightly will.

If headed up hill start the toad and move it forward ever so slightly and use the parking brake to keep the toad from rolling back and if headed downhill, move the toad back.

If the rig is not in a straight line, moving the toad may only permit the removal of one pin and may require another toad movement.