towing and turning

[ozeek]

Hi everyone--we are still in the "looking" phase, and I have a question about towing. We are thinking about a 32-34 ft motorhome (maybe a Windsport/Hurricane 29M) and also thinking about a jeep as a toad. So here's my question--Does towing a vehicle change the pivot point when you turn? What are the primary considerations regarding learning to tow a vehicle? Thank you!

[TurnerFam]

no, the vehicle follows your path, and usually well within the lines of the drive tires - never been an issue

[bigben]

We have a 2015 Challenger 37TB with a Ford Explorer Toad. The toad tracks with the rear wheels with no off track.

[gmc]

The 32-34 foot RV changes the pivot point when you turn compared to any smaller vehicle... the toad will be tight behind you whatever you do. I tow a 2010 Wrangler behind my 33 foot 2014 Hurricane - its a good combination.

The biggest things to remember when towing (4 down or dolly):

• assume you cannot back-up. Have an 'exit strategy' going forward for any place you put yourself into (gas stations, etc..)
• You are even longer/heavier than before - when passing, changing lanes, etc - need to remember its back there. You will accelerate slower, and need more clearance.

I leave my rear camera on at all times when towing (except when my Jensen decides to 'blank screen') - as an extra reminder there is something back there.

[JamieGeek]

Keep in mind, with the longer motorhomes, you have to watch for where the rear axle is when making a turn anyway. So you are already going past the street a little so that doesn't hit the curb.

On most motorhomes the wheelbase is going to be longer than the toad which means just avoiding the curb with the rear axles means the toad will be far away from the curb.

[schreinertms]

Most of the issues we've run into with the toad are gas stations that are not RV friendly. There have been some instances where we had to disconnect the toad. Our recent fix to that problem, Flying J stations. They have at least two RV friendly lanes for gas and diesel fueling. Otherwise, the toad tracks behind the coach without issue. The key is remembering that you cannot back up with the toad in tow so always look for the forward exiting approach.

[ozeek]

Thank you all so much--this is very helpful!

[Mr Sunshine]

Might mention one other factor, tail swing. Some RVs have up to 30 inches of tail swing, which can make those guard pipes or concrete islands snag the back corner.

Driving an RV, you just have to always be always mindful of the height, width and total length of your rig.

[Laco]

On the larger motor homes, you have to account for tail swing. If your are turning sharply left, remember the tail, along with the toad, will first swing right, then follow. I always towed with our 41 foot DP and never had a problem, but I was very aware of where everything was all the time.