Community Forums

Gunr43 · 08-28-2021, 11:47 AM

First time poster here - new to the Toad life but not new to RVing. We recently purchased a 44’ DP, found a tow dolly that will hold the weight and width of our Sienna Minivan FWD. The combined weight is no problem for the DP limits and needed the minivan for what we usually haul around - family of 6 (usually 7 to 8 with in-laws).

I searched just about everywhere online and couldn’t find specific directions on how to set up the sienna as a toad on a dolly. I towed the Minivan from WY to CA in neutral with the accessories both on and off (at different stops) but found the battery dead and a check engine light and a couple other nuisance lights on upon arrival. No other issues on travel or after. The van runs fine and doesn’t appear to have any issues from travel, but the lights remain.

Wondering if anyone had some gouge on what fuzes need pulled (if any) and a good battery solution for the minivan?

Thanks for any help!

kenandterry · 08-28-2021, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunr43

First time poster here - new to the Toad life but not new to RVing. We recently purchased a 44’ DP, found a tow dolly that will hold the weight and width of our Sienna Minivan FWD. The combined weight is no problem for the DP limits and needed the minivan for what we usually haul around - family of 6 (usually 7 to 8 with in-laws).

I searched just about everywhere online and couldn’t find specific directions on how to set up the sienna as a toad on a dolly. I towed the Minivan from WY to CA in neutral with the accessories both on and off (at different stops) but found the battery dead and a check engine light and a couple other nuisance lights on upon arrival. No other issues on travel or after. The van runs fine and doesn’t appear to have any issues from travel, but the lights remain.

Wondering if anyone had some gouge on what fuzes need pulled (if any) and a good battery solution for the minivan?

If the minivan is FWD, why not put it on the dolly and park it locked up like you would anywhere? Not sure why you’d have a battery issue. Why are you mentioning accessories on or off?

**Lt Dan** · 08-28-2021, 01:16 PM

Unless the mini van has a drive shaft to the rear wheels there is no reason to leave the ignition on or even put it in neutral. With the front wheels off the ground on a dolly that's all that's needed to tow it.

Gunr43 · 08-28-2021, 08:31 PM

Thanks for the replies. The instructions on the dolly said to ensure the steering column was free to turn. Searching online I read to either leave it in neutral which would free the steering or leave the accessories on which would do the same. Tried both and neither seemed to work properly due to running out the battery or triggering other warning lights. I thought if I left it in park the steering would lock and not turn properly while the front tires were locked in the dolly.