Bird Freak
Calhoun, Ga.
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zip0 wrote:Jim & Betty wrote:
DO NOT BACK UP
JimR
Curious, why do you say not to back up?
Too much stress on towbar and steering componants of toad when the wheels turn and you are pushing it side ways. Sometimes you can get away with backing straight for a coupe of feet but its not a good idea.
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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zip0 wrote:Jim & Betty wrote:
DO NOT BACK UP
JimR
Curious, why do you say not to back up? This applys to flat towing (4 wheels on the ground). Going forward the toad tracks correctly because of suspension design - think caster. Backing the front tires will turn to one side.
Analogy: The front caster wheels on a grocery cart track in the pushed direction. Backup and they swivel around and a toad cannot do this and something will get bent/damaged. Could be the tow bar or something else.
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zip0
NY
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CA Traveler wrote:zip0 wrote:Jim & Betty wrote:
DO NOT BACK UP
JimR
Curious, why do you say not to back up? This applys to flat towing (4 wheels on the ground). Going forward the toad tracks correctly because of suspension design - think caster. Backing the front tires will turn to one side.
Analogy: The front caster wheels on a grocery cart track in the pushed direction. Backup and they swivel around and a toad cannot do this and something will get bent/damaged. Could be the tow bar or something else.
Ok thanks. The reason I ask is that I do back up but only short distances, no more that 10 feet.
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lanerd
Ridgecrest, CA
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Even 10 feet is asking for trouble. If you go absolutely straight back, you can probably get away with it....but if you turn in either direction with the mh, the toad's front tires will immediately go full turn in the opposite direction.
I too, have backed up for a few feet, but I've always had the DW to go back and watch the toad's front tires and stop me if needed.
Ron
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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lanerd wrote:Even 10 feet is asking for trouble. If you go absolutely straight back, you can probably get away with it....but if you turn in either direction with the mh, the toad's front tires will immediately go full turn in the opposite direction.
I too, have backed up for a few feet, but I've always had the DW to go back and watch the toad's front tires and stop me if needed.
Ron x2 But be very careful.
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lanerd
Ridgecrest, CA
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I don't think the OP is coming back. Oh well....
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Evolve13
Crystal Beach Florida
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Thanks so much for all the responses. Super helpful, but I still have a question. My 2009 Jeep Wrangler is a 4 wheel drive automatic with digital speedometer. I have been putting transfer case in neutral, as well as gear shift. it would seem from responses, and logic, that gear shift in neutral or park matter not as transfer case, once in neutral disengages the system. I have scientifically verified this today in a parking lot as I unhooked the blue ox after putting gear shift in park, but forgetting about transfer case, my jeep started rolling backwards!!!!! My first instinct was to grab the bumper. Even being a 240lb pretty fit guy, I quickly realized I was no match for my 2900lb jeep in motion. I knew I had just one shot at running for the door, slamming the brakes and stopping vehicle at the speed at which it was traveling. Luckily, the RV gods were looking down upon me as I was able to stop it. I sat in the jeep for 5 minutes laughing hysterically!!!
The question is, I am still clocking miles on the jeep, I am confused by this.
I do also have the extra braking system on the blue ox, it's the air brake, not the one you put on floor board.
So everyone knows, it's a diesel pusher, sorry for lack of details and in profile, I will update ASAP.
Thanks again for all the help, this is a great forum,I look forward to perhaps meeting some of you along the way.
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Evolve13 wrote:Thanks so much for all the responses. Super helpful, but I still have a question. My 2009 Jeep Wrangler is a 4 wheel drive automatic with digital speedometer. I have been putting transfer case in neutral, as well as gear shift. it would seem from responses, and logic, that gear shift in neutral or park matter not as transfer case, once in neutral disengages the system. I have scientifically verified this today in a parking lot as I unhooked the blue ox after putting gear shift in park, but forgetting about transfer case, my jeep started rolling backwards!!!!! My first instinct was to grab the bumper. Even being a 240lb pretty fit guy, I quickly realized I was no match for my 2900lb jeep in motion. I knew I had just one shot at running for the door, slamming the brakes and stopping vehicle at the speed at which it was traveling. Luckily, the RV gods were looking down upon me as I was able to stop it. I sat in the jeep for 5 minutes laughing hysterically!!!
The question is, I am still clocking miles on the jeep, I am confused by this.
I do also have the extra braking system on the blue ox, it's the air brake, not the one you put on floor board.
So everyone knows, it's a diesel pusher, sorry for lack of details and in profile, I will update ASAP.
Thanks again for all the help, this is a great forum,I look forward to perhaps meeting some of you along the way. I always set the parking brake before unhooking. Read and follow the manual for flat towing and then if it's still clocking mileage find out if this is by design.
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lanerd
Ridgecrest, CA
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Some vehicles require the removal of a fuse to shut off the digital odometer. As Bob just mentioned, check your owner's manual under recreational towing and follow those instructions.
I'm surprised that you were able to unhook your tow bar with the toad on an incline. I usually put the transmission in park which allows a little bit of rocking capability when unhooking the tow bar but will hold the car in place once the tow bar is released.
Ron
ps.. glad you came back.
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travisc
Pacific NW
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Read your owner manual for the jeep- some years say disconnect the battery.
Some do not need a key as there is no steering whell lock
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