Changing from trailer to toad, not easy

[MemoriesByTheMile]

After a few years of using a trailer to haul our car we decided to sell the trailer and change to a toad.

Found a used vehicle that we liked that could be setup for flat towing.
We knew what the parts would cost but didn’t expect that it would be so difficult to find someone local to install it all.

Took a few days but we got the front bumper cover off, installed the base plate, installed the Demco Airforce One brake system in the car, wired up the tail lights and reinstalled the bumper cover.

Not done yet but it has already taken more effort and time than I anticipated.

Now have to setup the coach side of the Demco Airforce One system. This part is a bit unnerving as I have to cut the airlines in 2 places. After crawling around for a bit I am still not 100% sure about one of the lines. So we now need to find someone local who know air brake systems and can validate which line I need to use.

If I knew how much work this was going to be, would have thought longer about getting rid of the trailer. The trailer required a little more work in locating campgrounds that can accommodate us, but the ROI in time saved from changing to a toad is now many many years. Just keep telling myself that we will like using the toad after all this work.

Has anyone else gone through this?

 

[Boat Bum]

No, but based on all I've read, once setup properly it's the way to go; stay strong!

 

[Headhunter]

I agree with you, initial setup is a PIA if you can do it yourself or expensive if you have some one else do it for you. But I think the rewards will be greater than expected. Once you have it done you are finished for a while. Air Force 1 is a great setup, been using it for years.

You will be able to unhook your vehicle in about 5 to 8 minutes. The proportional breaking system with Air Force 1 is great. I use Blue Ox two bars and tow brackets. My tow vehicle is a Jeep Wrangler Sahara, I can set it up in tow mode in about 30 seconds.

Hang in there you are almost done.

HH

 

[Sand-dog]

No, but based on all I've read, once setup properly it's the way to go; stay strong!

Agree

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

After it is all installed, it is faster than a trailer to prepare to leave or when disconnecting.
Still trying to get used to no longer being able to see the car in the side mirrors. Can only see the car in the rear facing camera.
Short trips have been ok. Next spring is our next long trip. Have some nervousness about damage to the front of the car and how much wear on toad tires we will see.

 

[Sand-dog]

After a few years of using a trailer to haul our car we decided to sell the trailer and change to a toad.

Found a used vehicle that we liked that could be setup for flat towing.
We knew what the parts would cost but didn’t expect that it would be so difficult to find someone local to install it all.

Took a few days but we got the front bumper cover off, installed the base plate, installed the Demco Airforce One brake system in the car, wired up the tail lights and reinstalled the bumper cover.

Not done yet but it has already taken more effort and time than I anticipated.

Now have to setup the coach side of the Demco Airforce One system. This part is a bit unnerving as I have to cut the airlines in 2 places. After crawling around for a bit I am still not 100% sure about one of the lines. So we now need to find someone local who know air brake systems and can validate which line I need to use.

If I knew how much work this was going to be, would have thought longer about getting rid of the trailer. The trailer required a little more work in locating campgrounds that can accommodate us, but the ROI in time saved from changing to a toad is now many many years. Just keep telling myself that we will like using the toad after all this work.

Has anyone else gone through this?

It looks like you have a freightliner Cascadia that’s a beast. If you’re pulling a small vehicle like my little Mojave Jeep, I wouldn’t even worry about a brake system. You would only need brake lights and we use light bar (Towmate). Good luck

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

It looks like you have a freightliner Cascadia that’s a beast. If you’re pulling a small vehicle like my little Mojave Jeep, I wouldn’t even worry about a brake system. You would only need brake lights and we use light bar (Towmate). Good luck

We do have the cascadia as our chassis.
The brakes on the the rig don’t even notice the road. Only reason for the brakes is a worst case scenario of a disconnect and wanting the toad to stop itself.

It is all hooked up and running - short trips have been good to get us used to it. Next spring is our first long trip.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

We do have the cascadia as our chassis.
The brakes on the the rig don’t even notice the road. Only reason for the brakes is a worst case scenario of a disconnect and wanting the toad to stop itself.

It is all hooked up and running - short trips have been good to get us used to it. Next spring is our first long trip.

I think having that breakaway switch operable is pretty important. Glad to hear you have everything working.

 

[osuallen]

It looks like you have a freightliner Cascadia that’s a beast. If you’re pulling a small vehicle like my little Mojave Jeep, I wouldn’t even worry about a brake system. You would only need brake lights and we use light bar (Towmate). Good luck

except that is illegal in many areas.

 

[Sand-dog]

except that is illegal in many areas.

Actually, not really under 5000 pounds no problem. I don’t even know my little Jeep is in back. Rig #3 never used helper brakes , now with that said yes there is a need for the smaller RV and toads.

 

[team bradfield]

You need the brake away, in every state, glad I'm not behind you, put a sign on your toad that you have no brake away, be nice to others

 

[DennisT]

You need the brake away, in every state, glad I'm not behind you, put a sign on your toad that you have no brake away, be nice to others

Agreed. Would not want to see what happens with the toad coming free and no brakes.

We don’t “need” them on our toad but they are installed for that reason - just in case and overall safety.

 

[Sand-dog]

You need the brake away, in every state, glad I'm not behind you, put a sign on your toad that you have no brake away, be nice to others

I have an XL - 20K tow capacity with air brakes. I use a blue ox towbar my second yes with breakaway cables required by law and light bar. I just don’t run an automatic breaking system in my little Jeep. There’s quite a few of us that do the same with the smaller tow vehicles and larger Rigs. The breaking system is secondary, the law only requires brake Assist 4500 min in most states. I understand if you’re a worry wart you’re right don’t get behind me and please obey the speed laws. Many of you guys pass me doing 75 in your class A, . Let’s talk about speed first.

 

[newmarokie]

www.rvtravel.com/trailer-brake-laws-50-states-1100/
You might want to check this article out.