Community Forums

Peddler · 01-12-2014, 02:37 PM

In the past I had asked, both on various forums and of people I saw with dollies, if anyone had ever unhooked from the motorhome with the toad still on the dolly.
My thought was that it would be nice to be able to drop the whole tow in a parking lot if needed to get the MH in a gas station without room for the toad and dolly.

Concerns were:
1. would the dolly flip over backwards?
2. how could I reconnect?
3. What if I can't reconnect, how would I get the toad off the dolly.
4. How much, if any, tongue weight would there be on the dolly loaded?
5. Am I crazy?

I have a wide Master Tow dolly. When I first got it I installed a very cheap. lightweight jack with wheel so I could easily move it around at home and in campgrounds. This allowed setting the dolly level at the height of the MH hitch, and to support whatever tongue weight there was.

I decided the first test would be to try and load without being connected to the motorhome. This would at least save the MH from damage if this proved to be a disaster. I was parked on dirt behind the house.

Chocked the tires on the dolly, held my breath and ran the car up the ramp. Absolutely no different than loading connected. Guessing tongue weight to be around 50 - 75 pounds. If I had been on concrete I believe I could have moved the tongue enough to do a final alignment with a trailer ball to reconnect.

Backed it down with no issues at all.

Next time I hook up in the driveway, I'm going to try the re hook thing. I don't think it will be hard to get close using the rear camera and "adjusting" the final few inches with a kick or two.At least I am now comfortable that if I can't re hook, I can still unload and start over.

I certainly don't advise anyone do this without alot of thought but I do know it works with the Master Tow and a 2006 Nissan Murano. The Master Tow ramp pivot is in line with the axle so there is no tendency to flip up when half way up.

Probably still crazy

RVluvin · 01-12-2014, 03:10 PM

I use a Kar Kadd, which has a stear axel similar to the front straight axel used on old pickups from the 50s & 60s. The dolly and toad follow just like cargo carts on a train do. Not sure if the master tow dolly operates the same, or if it cuts a corner like a trailer. I have never had to unhook just to fuel, and shouldn't have to unless the station is so small you would have to back out of after fueling. In that case I would just find another gas station. I also have never loaded my toad with the dolly unhook from the motorhome, not sure why I would ever have to.

Peddler · 01-12-2014, 04:53 PM

Loading unhooked was a one time deal to test the balance.

BFlinn181 · 01-12-2014, 05:48 PM

Thanks for the report. I had suggested it was possible on here to un-hook loaded dolly and was soundly rebuked! I tow my car 4 down, but if I use a tow bar (I have rented them a couple of times in the past) the flexibility is nice to know.
I went into a Flying J near I 80/81 junction last year. I fueled up at the diesel pumps with no issue, but the station was so crowded and busy with no parking after fueling without going around again I instead pulled into the gas area in front of the store. It was blocked off on the other side of the pumps, no place to turn around with toad attached. I had to unhook, back to car up and block a lane so I could back RV up, no one was willing to let me out!

spritz · 01-13-2014, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Thanks for the report. I had suggested it was possible on here to un-hook loaded dolly and was soundly rebuked! I tow my car 4 down, but if I use a tow bar (I have rented them a couple of times in the past) the flexibility is nice to know.
I went into a Flying J near I 80/81 junction last year. I fueled up at the diesel pumps with no issue, but the station was so crowded and busy with no parking after fueling without going around again I instead pulled into the gas area in front of the store. It was blocked off on the other side of the pumps, no place to turn around with toad attached. I had to unhook, back to car up and block a lane so I could back RV up, no one was willing to let me out!

JERKS, What would it have taken maybe 3-5 minutes to let you thru. Gessh
I have always wondered if it is possible too do.
Now I know incase of a emergency.
Thanks, Tim