Towing the toad 4 wheels down

[Toolguy]

New to a Class A, when I did my walk through and the dealer showed me how to hook up toad. He explained that once I am hooked up. Get in the Motorhome turn wheel sharp right, move slightly forward then turn sharp left and move slightly forward to lock towbar arms.
Does everyone do this? Most of the time leaving a slight you will make a right and a left turn before leaving the park. Would that lock the arms?
Just that I never really saw any Motorhome do a sharp right then left before pulling out.

As always thanks for the help.

 

[team bradfield]

New to a Class A, when I did my walk through and the dealer showed me how to hook up toad. He explained that once I am hooked up. Get in the Motorhome turn wheel sharp right, move slightly forward then turn sharp left and move slightly forward to lock towbar arms.
Does everyone do this? Most of the time leaving a slight you will make a right and a left turn before leaving the park. Would that lock the arms?
Just that I never really saw any Motorhome do a sharp right then left before pulling out.

As always thanks for the help.

I've never heard that, dealer told me to just roll forward until you hear one click, I have a Blue Ox, wife stands by the toad and gives me the thumbs up when it clicks.

 

[SGilbert]

Odds are that both sides will be locked up before you leave the campground. It only takes a very slight turn to lock them up.

 

[Just George]

The process the dealer suggested may work just fine however it's not the process I use. I have a Roadmaster tow bar. With my guidance my wife drives the toad into position to allow me to attach the tow bar. Once connected I have her back up slightly & slowly until both tow bar arms lock. Sometimes it's necessary to turn the wheel right or left while backing to get both tow arms locked. In any case I know both tow bar arms are locked before I step away. I've also done the connect and back up the toad to lock when alone. I just preferr to know the tow system is locked and ready to go before the coach is moving.

 

[DennisT]

We do that sometimes depending on how we are once hooked up.

I drive a little bit turning both ways and then check they are both locked.

Had one not lock once going down a hill and the toad went way out to the side . We’re still in the campground so not a big deal.

If both are latched fully you are good to go.

 

[Toolguy]

Thanks for all the help.
Better information the dealer

 

[Joe Hogan]

Interesting thoughts, we have not had an issue to date with the BlueOx system. I have always just pulled ahead and proceed on our way.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

Thanks for all the help.
Better information the dealer

We users almost always have better or at least more factual answers than a dealer.

 

[redbaron]

I always do the side to side dance. It’s not going to be something others would notice as it does not take much travel distance. I watch the arms in the camera.

The reason I do this is because a sharp left turn or right turn to exit may occur with that side not yet locked. This would cause damage.

I have never seen this happen, but just makes sense to do the side to side wiggle while getting started.

It also allows me to view the tires and ensure they freely roll.

 

[Piros1]

The process the dealer suggested may work just fine however it's not the process I use. I have a Roadmaster tow bar. With my guidance my wife drives the toad into position to allow me to attach the tow bar. Once connected I have her back up slightly & slowly until both tow bar arms lock. Sometimes it's necessary to turn the wheel right or left while backing to get both tow arms locked. In any case I know both tow bar arms are locked before I step away. I've also done the connect and back up the toad to lock when alone. I just preferr to know the tow system is locked and ready to go before the coach is moving.

I don’t flat tow that often anymore since I prefer to trailer but I do if I’m going on a short trip and don’t need the equipment I carry on my trailer. When I do my preference to lock in the tow bar is the same process George uses. I feel the same as he does I want everything ready to go before I pull off in my coach. Sitting in the driver seat of a 40,000 pound plus motorhome you won’t feel much back there at the towed vehicle until you have already done the damage. You might get by with it but it only takes once.