Matt_Lewis
Savannah, Ga
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Joined: 08/20/2004
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Hello All,
I recently bought a 2010 class c sunseeker 31ft with the E-450 V-10, and I quickly discovered I needed a vehicle when camping. So I did my homework and purchased a 2000 CR-V in great shape and a blue ox baseplate, and a blue ox aladdin tow bar.
I installed everything and change all the fluids in the CR-V and I am now ready for my first tow. Before we headed out with the motorhome I wanted to make sure everything was good and I didn't need anything else so I took the whole setup and attached the CR-V to my Trailblazer and towed it for about 20 or so miles around town. I have towed a 21ft TT and a 26ft TT with this Trailblazer so I know what to expect with towing but the CR-V was different. When acclerating or braking everything seemed solid but when just maintaining speed especially around a turn the CR-V would move or wander, this would cause the Trailblazer to push a little, not enough to cause me to lose control but enough to let you know something was back there. (Kinda like when towing the TT behind the Trailblazer and a big truck pass you.)
Anyway, I was wondering if this was "normal"? I was reading that the Aladdin towbar is self adjusting and I was wondering if this is what that was and due to the weight difference between the Trailblazer and the CR-V not being big enough I noticed it? The Trailblazer is a bigger SUV at 4800lbs to that of the CR-V which is around 3000lbs. Will I be able to feel this movement behind the motorhome and is this normal?
Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance.
matt
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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Joined: 01/05/2005
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That is not normal. I towed by Suzuki Vitara behind my Suzuki XL-7. This combination is about the same as yours. It did push some while stopping but not sway.
I would have the CR-V aligned and front end checked.
You will not feel as much behind the MH.
Bud
USAF Retired
Suzuki XL7 pushing Pace Arrow
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f.wernlein
Northern Virginia
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Joined: 12/13/2007
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We have a 33' motorhome and tow a 4 door Jeep. In this "RV towing jeep" mode, we don't feel a thing from the Jeep, often check the rear tv monitor just to assure us it is still there.
On the other hand once I did similar to what you did, I used the towbar to tow the jeep behind my full size pick up (to get the truck serviced and have a ride home).. wow, could I tell it was there! I think you hit it on the head...the comparative weights of the towed pair was just too close and as a result you feel it.
I will make one suggestion: make yourself a "check sheet" of all the steps you need to hook-up your car to tow. Print it and use it. Don't rush hooking up, all the mistakes you can possibly make are all bad and all expensive to fix.
Frank W.
1985 BlueBird Wanderlodge
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Joined: 07/03/2005
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You also might check to be sure the "slop" in all the towing gear connections is at a minimum. Is your hitch insert loose in the receiver? Any little bit of slop can let the toad wander behind you and you will feel it. My hitch insert was quite loose and I could feel the Samurai moving back there. I ran small weld beads on both sides of the insert and ground them to a snug fit in the receiver and that loose feeling went away.
Jim
2005 Coachman Sportscoach Elite 402 40'
350hp Cat C-7 w/MP-8
7500w Onan quiet diesel generator
6-Kyocera 130w solar panels SB3024i MPPT controller
Pressure Pro TPMS
1987 Suzuki Samurai tintop Toad w/VW 1.6 turbo diesel power
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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Hi,
With the front axle of the CRV and rear axle of the Trailblazer being about equal, then the CRV can induce some push into the rear of the lightweight tow vehicle. It is because the "Trailer" is not acting like a true trailer, because of the front tires not swiveling like a travel trailer ball hitch will swivel.
I would not worry about it. The motorhome rear axle is heavy enough that the car will not induce the same type of sideways push.
Fred.
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Matt_Lewis
Savannah, Ga
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Joined: 08/20/2004
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enblethen,
It doesn't sway, I was trying to relay what the feeling is. Like a bump from the rear that pushes a little but the push isn't for a long time, just a quick bump and push then it is back on track.
The alignment on the CR-V is good, I drive it every day to work.
Thanks for the response.
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misosoup777
Antelope Valley, CA
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f.wernlein wrote: Don't rush hooking up, all the mistakes you can possibly make are all bad and all expensive to fix.
And potentially deadly...
2007 Jayco Seneca 35GS
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mehost
San Antonio, TX
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Matt,
This doesn't sound normal to me but I am no expert. I just had my first towing experience in September with my 30' Class A on the Ford chassis towing a 2009 CRV AWD. Both my wife and I were somewhat anxiious about the effect it would have on the performance of the motor home. We could hardly tell the CRV was behind us, especially on the interstate. It did have an impact on climbing hills but we never experienced any jerkiness or wandering of the toad. We had some jerkingess on some very abrupt unenven roads and railroad crossings in New Mexico but this was mitigated by reducing our speed.
We are using Roadmaster base plate and Falcon II All Terrain tow bar.
Mike
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Matt_Lewis
Savannah, Ga
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Joined: 08/20/2004
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jauguston,
I do have hitch insert that drops the receiver 6 inches to compily with the blue ox 4" rule. And there might be some play but not that much. I will check that out though.
Golden_HVAC,
Thanks. I think you are on to something with the front wheel movement and the weight of the duals on the motorhome.
A co-worker said that it might be something along those lines and that the distance between the axles might cause it to act differently then the normal TT. On the CR-V(8ft apart) compared to that of a TT(2ft apart).
Thanks again.
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brobox
Sunny SW. Florida
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Joined: 11/18/2003
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If your tow bar is not level you will get the same reaction you are getting when towing. Is the tow bar level?
Chuck
02 Travel Supreme, 2 street side slides
09 Toyota Tacoma 2WD
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