Leveling Jacks with Toad Attached?

Ottosails · 04-22-2022, 02:34 PM

Been towing a Toad for a few years now but haven't needed to level with the toad attached. Thinking about mostly level situation where just needing to get some stabilization for the night with manual leveling rather than auto leveling. Any opinions or experience on leveling jack/stabilizing with the toad attached?

Bob Denman · 04-22-2022, 02:42 PM

It won't affect the process a bit...

You're not trying to pick up any of the Toad's weight: just that of the hitch.

**EA37TS** · 04-22-2022, 03:21 PM

Done it on all of our overnight stops of one night only.

In some cases the tow bar will bind making disconnecting harder if needed. Also, the toad will roll back slightly when the jacks are retracted.

Chateau_Nomad · 04-22-2022, 04:09 PM

I agree with the above comments. If you're just raising the frame slightly, it wouldn't be any different than a situation like pulling the TOAD over uneven terrain. Just be careful and keep an eyeball on how much you're actually lifting...

**16ACE27** · 04-22-2022, 04:14 PM

The hitch assembly articulates so there should be no issue. We do it frequently.

Ottosails · 04-22-2022, 05:22 PM

Thanks - Makes me feel better

My only worry was the relatively fast drop putting stress in the towbar (8,000lb Roadmaster) when retracting but its just just a 2 door Wrangler.
Thanks again

pneumatics · 04-22-2022, 05:54 PM

As long as you are in towing position on the Toad should not be a problem. On our CRV, you have to keep the key in accessory and in neutral during tow, when we stop at night to lock have to remove the key and put into park. Hence I always jack first then put the CRV into park, in the AM perform the morning routine on the CRV first then retract jacks last.
Insures that the motorhome does not push back against a in park CRV which I'm not sure if it matters but makes me feel better!

atreis · 04-23-2022, 01:41 PM

No problem leveling with the Toad loaded, but I don't load/unload with the jacks down. Loading and unloading the Toad from the dolly pushes the RV some which doesn't seem like a good thing for the jacks.

The Mr Beaumont · 05-03-2022, 11:59 PM

I blew a plug out of my hyd motor leveling with my Jeep attached. I was not on level land and the rear had to raise quite a bit, so it had to pull the Jeep a little closer uphill as the back end came up. I can't help but think the toad didn't put excess stress on the hyd system. On level ground I wouldn't worry.

**16ACE27** · 05-04-2022, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Mr Beaumont

I blew a plug out of my hyd motor leveling with my Jeep attached. I was not on level land and the rear had to raise quite a bit, so it had to pull the Jeep a little closer uphill as the back end came up. I can't help but think the toad didn't put excess stress on the hyd system. On level ground I wouldn't worry.

I agree - it wasn't a toad attached problem, if was a defective hydraulic motor problem.

The Gritz Carlton · 05-04-2022, 02:29 PM

All above is good advice as long as you are only raising a few inches for stabilization. If you have to raise more than 2 or 3 inches...find a more level place to sleep.

Bob Denman · 05-04-2022, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

All above is good advice as long as you are only raising a few inches for stabilization. If you have to raise more than 2 or 3 inches...find a more level place to sleep.

Amen!

Chateau_Nomad · 05-04-2022, 05:24 PM

We camp in Hillbilly Heaven (WV) a lot. Thinking about installing a blade on the front of the RV so I can create my own level spot...

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