Community Forums

Meandering Retiree · 12-09-2009, 09:15 PM

Somewhere in IRV2 I read about hitch stabilizers which will stop the movement of the hitch so the toad does not wander back and forth. I would appreciate anyone directing me to that thread. Thank you.

RV Wizard · 12-10-2009, 01:57 AM

click on the search button and type in hitch stabilizer. I got a lot of info when I did. Not sure which post you are referring to. Good luck and keep us posted.

paz · 12-10-2009, 05:13 AM

Do you mean like these?

Blue Ox makes several different stabilizers in a couple of sizes. See them and read about them at RV Upgrades (one of the iRV2 sponsors).

Gary RVRoamer · 12-10-2009, 09:26 AM

Hitch stabilizers are readily available but I doubt if that is going to solve a wandering toad problem. It would take an awful lot of play in the receiver to produce even a slight toad movement. It is more likley you have a toad alignment problem or the toad base plates are off-center or perhaps the tow bar itself is bent/crooked.off-center.

DriVer · 12-10-2009, 09:30 AM

Get the dual U bolt hitch immobilizer by Blue Ox. I use it and I highly endorse it. RVUpgrades.com is our preferred vendor for the device.

Once the device is installed, you can grab your hitch and tug and push on it back and forth with all your might and the tow bar will not move at all. Owners would be surprised to see how much movement there is in a tow bar. This isn't good for the motorhome, the tow bar and the tires. The immobilizer allows you to hold the car in perfect alignment without any back and forth motion on the hitch pin.

Meandering Retiree · 12-10-2009, 10:34 AM

Paz, that is what I was looking for. Thanks to each and every one of you who responded.

TXiceman · 12-10-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Roamer [Gary]

Hitch stabilizers are readily available but I doubt if that is going to solve a wandering toad problem. It would take an awful lot of play in the receiver to produce even a slight toad movement. It is more likley you have a toad alignment problem or the toad base plates are off-center or perhaps the tow bar itself is bent/crooked.off-center.

I have to agree with Gary on this issue.

Ken

DriVer · 12-10-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

I have to agree with Gary on this issue.

Ken, I was able to resolve a problem that I was having. An Aladdin plugged into a Valley receiver was sloppy just using a single hitch pin. My receiver is welded to my frame and its not a frame extension. It's solid. If there weren't any play in between the receiver and the shank on the tow bar you wouldn't be able to remove it. Just a very little movement in the receiver connection translates to a lot of movement in the rear of the car regardless of weight being towed and forward speed. I do not have an alignment problem so that is ruled out.

Maybe it's me but just go and grab the shank on your tow bar and shake it from side to side and see how much slack you have. None is preferred. Reducing the slack at the connection point to zero improves the stability of the tow. Call Blue Ox technical support and ask them about it. They have the best information about their product.

TXiceman · 12-10-2009, 08:28 PM

We towed two different vehicles behind 3 different coaches and never had an issue with any instability or weaving on them. The receivers has some play, but not a lot. I would watch the dinghy for excessive tire wear and get it aligned at the first sign of tire wear.

I prefer to solve the problem rather than hid it.

Ken

DriVer · 12-10-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

I prefer to solve the problem rather than hide it.

Ken, exactly! In my opening comments I stated as much.

My tow bar is new and vehicle is sorta new and my hitch has 0 clearance so everything is nice and tight an perfectly aligned.

On my my 2nd coach and about the 4th tow car.

Chuck 1935 · 12-16-2009, 08:12 PM

If you have that much movement in your reciever there is a major problem with either the reciever or or the hitch insert. If you are that concerned that your tow is going to wander around your motorhome then just weld a bead across the top joint of your hitch. Much cheaper than all that fancy junk they are foisting on you. The day you want to remove the insert, a sawzall will do the job in under sixty seconds.

wa8yxm · 12-17-2009, 09:51 AM

I agree that hitch stablizers will not affect a wandering toad.. That is, either an alignment or a load distribution issue.. how to solve it I can not advise

The hitch stablizer basically cuts down on noise and if you have a bicycle rack hitch mounted may help it

I have a blue ox stablizer on my coach.. It has survived some serious trials and tribulations and still works great I really need another..

I had a "Knock off" brand.. Failed almost before I finished tightening the bolts.. Blue ox replaced it with their vastly superior design.