Toad - Tow Bar - disconnecting on un-level terrain

[swduns]

I’ve pulled a toad for 1.5 years using a roadmaster all terrain
Occasionally I’ve had to disconnect on sloped terrain
Connecting on a slope isn’t a problem
But disconnecting can be difficult
Even with the e-brake on the assembly is under tension and difficult to disconnect
Even with help from the wife to release tension with the levers isn’t easy
I’m not really comfortable with her assistance honestly
Often you’re in a hurry to disconnect so as to not block the road
Unless it’s mentioned in a review, you can’t see grades of roads in a park on google maps

Is there a trick to disconnecting tow bars on a grade?

[l1v3fr33ord1]

swduns-

I have a Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain. Process I use if by myself:

1) Set toad emergency brake
2) Release the levers
3) Put something under the levers to hold them open (I use a pair of gloves)
4) Get in toad
5) Start engine
6) Press brake pedal
7) Release emergency brake
8) Slowly roll forward three or four inches
9) Set emergency brake
10) Release brake pedal
11) If desired, stop engine.

This method has worked for me to remove pressure on the pins that hold the towbar arms to the crossbar. Without the pressure, it is easy to pull the pins.

If I have a helper, step 3) is not needed. Make sure the helper stands to the side of the towbar, not between the arms.

[bentjm]

I have disconnected the tow bar from the coach before and driven the coach forward.

[Lt Dan]

I find with my Demco bar I sometimes have to put the Jeep in gear and put forward pressure on the tow bar, then set the parking brake. With the forward pressure, I can then release the tow bar locks and disconnect. If the Jeep is at an angle, sometimes I have to release one bar then repeat the process to get the other bar to release with slack.

[CWSWine]

I cranked the steering all the way to lock and if that doesn't work I turn the other way. I haven't ever have this not work when I had the Blue Ox Avial. I have the Night Hawk now and hasn't been a problem ---- YET.

[Fiesta48]

2 people working together is the easiest. My wife starts the car, foot hard on brakes. Puts it in gear and slowly releases the brakes taking pressure off the tow bar. Sometimes forward or reverse. The release lever gets jammed and the 3/4" pin even with a large handle can not be pulled out until the car moves.
Better pins with handles are available at Tractor Supplies.

[SuperGewl]

I have the Roadmaster Sterling and it works as advertised. Yes there may be some pressure on one or both sides at times but that is why they have the release levers. The Toad may lurch forward a bit but that is OK. If the Toad is on a down hill then when I stop I place a little forward pressure on the bar by trying to drive forward in the Toad, set the park brake and then release the tension on the bar and disconnect.
You do need to ensure you are doing your maintenance on the draw bar per the manual. That is why is called Preventive Maintenance