2020 Sonic Toad Questions

rh70 · 01-30-2022, 04:18 PM

2020 Sonic, automatic with key fob (no key). Owners manual says to remove fuses - DLIS, BCM1, BCM2 and fuse 7.

Question 1. - If I pull in for fuel and need to back up (which I can't do), in order to disconnect the toad and drive it out of the way do I have to reinstall the fuses before it will start and drive?

Question 2. - Is the reason that you can't back a toad because the toads front wheels will instantly spin to full turn locked?

**16ACE27** · 01-30-2022, 04:44 PM

I have a 2016 Sonic with a key. Mine requires the pulling of the DLIS fuse "to prevent battery drain". I pulled the fuse and it remains out, just disables some interlocks so it doesn't need to go back in. I don't know about the BCM fuses or fuse 7 but it seems to me there should be no reason a remote battery disconnect wouldn't perform the same function. That's what we did for our Colorado:

It also provides power from the disconnected battery for use in a brake system.

**16ACE27** · 01-30-2022, 04:46 PM

For backing a toad, yes you have the answer not to mention the side stresses put on the towing equipment due to the toads front wheels fighting the direction the MH is pushing it.

sportcoupe · 01-30-2022, 04:55 PM

I never knew you can't reverse a flat towed vehicle.

rh70 · 01-30-2022, 05:08 PM

Where i'm confused on the backing is if you need to back up a little could the wife not get in the toad, start the engine (now have power steering) and simply steer it as you back up. It seems like that would be the same thing as 2 or 3 folks manually pushing you.

Thanks for the responses.

Chateau_Nomad · 01-30-2022, 05:29 PM

Blue Ox specifically states DO NOT back up. The tow bar is designed for pulling, not pushing. If you damage or break the tow bar while backing, you likely would void the warranty, not to mention creating a huge hassle during your trip.

I prefer NOT to play engineer taking chances with potentially severe consequences. Common sense says just take the 15 minutes to do it correctly.

MJC62 · 01-30-2022, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rh70

Where i'm confused on the backing is if you need to back up a little could the wife not get in the toad, start the engine (now have power steering) and simply steer it as you back up. It seems like that would be the same thing as 2 or 3 folks manually pushing you.

Thanks for the responses.

Good question. Having the DW keep the wheels straight would probably do the trick. On the other hand, if something were to go awry you are dead in the water, on a trip with a broken tow bar.
After giving the problem some thought we have concluded, just go around and try again. Not worth the chance of bending an inner arm.

Pete'sMH · 01-30-2022, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

It also provides power from the disconnected battery for use in a brake system.

But I am not aware of any towable car that requires electrical power for braking. It shouldn’t matter. I installed the pictured disconnect on my Spark and it works a treat.

**16ACE27** · 01-30-2022, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

But I am not aware of any towable car that requires electrical power for braking. It shouldn’t matter. I installed the pictured disconnect on my Spark and it works a treat.

It's not the car that needs the power, it's the auxiliary braking system.

**16ACE27** · 01-30-2022, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rh70

Where i'm confused on the backing is if you need to back up a little could the wife not get in the toad, start the engine (now have power steering) and simply steer it as you back up. It seems like that would be the same thing as 2 or 3 folks manually pushing you.

Thanks for the responses.

Backing up in a straight line for a few feet is probably OK, I have done it without anyone in the toad.

But backing up a toad as a driver is not like backing up a car as a driver. You have to take into account the swing of the RV's rear overhang and turn the toad's wheel to math that direction push to minimize the side forces on the towing equipment.

Jimbo56 · 01-30-2022, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

I never knew you can't reverse a flat towed vehicle.

You’ll have similar problem with a dolly.

sportcoupe · 01-30-2022, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbo56

You’ll have similar problem with a dolly.

I dolly'd a Jeep Cherokee with a U-haul decades ago for a cross country move. I remember reversing several times. The trouble with a dolly and reversing is the double pivot.

Pete'sMH · 01-30-2022, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

It's not the car that needs the power, it's the auxiliary braking system.

We’ll why wouldn’t you run it directly from the battery? That’s how mine is set up. And I have a charge line from the MH. The car’s electrical system is not involved.

**16ACE27** · 01-30-2022, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

We’ll why wouldn’t you run it directly from the battery? That’s how mine is set up. And I have a charge line from the MH. The car’s electrical system is not involved.

The remote disconnect kit does that. It's one of it's features.

taylorbob1 · 02-02-2022, 06:40 PM

Too bad. It’s a sad day in America

Dead: The Chevy Spark
The cheapest car in America will be discontinued this summer.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-discontinued/

https://jalopnik.com/dead-the-chevy-spark-1848463367

**16ACE27** · 02-02-2022, 07:05 PM

Hat a shame! They are great little cars for young, budget conscious families.

Pete'sMH · 02-02-2022, 08:37 PM

Too bad. The Spark is a pretty decent little car and a terrific towed. I’m glad I’ve got mine although I wish it was newer.

JeffsFreedomElite · 02-03-2022, 06:14 AM

I have a 2016 Sonic that I purchased to be used as a toad with my 2018 Freedom Elite 26HE. The Sonic is a great little car and has 30,000 miles on it. I had Camping World setup the towing system, including a fuse disconnect switch, and a braking system. The only problem I had was OnStar generated an ABS/Traction control error. OnStar referred the problem to the dealer, and the dealer said there was no problem. I have never backed up while the Sonic was attached. It only takes a few minutes to disconnect the tow bar.

Bob Nodine · 02-03-2022, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

Too bad. It’s a sad day in America

Dead: The Chevy Spark
The cheapest car in America will be discontinued this summer.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-discontinued/

https://jalopnik.com/dead-the-chevy-spark-1848463367

2020 was the last year for the Sonic and now the Spark is gone. That sucks because you get a lot for your money and they make great toads. We purchased a 2020 Sonic just for the purpose of a toad because it was under 3000 lbs. We thought the car would be spartan but were pleasantly surprised by the comfort, handling, and performance. We ended up falling in love with the little car and were disappointed when we found out it was discontinued.

rh70 · 02-03-2022, 07:18 PM

With regards to backing a toad, I would always unhook it because like everyone says, it only takes about 15 mins. The reason I ask If you could maybe back it up if someone got in and steered it is because of where our society appears to be going. In Little Rock last weekend 11 people shot, 1 killed, 60 shots fired. If you happen to stop for gas in the wrong area, are blocking the pumps or someones car, and some guy is yelling to get the #%&^ hell out of the way. Trying to explain why your not backing up may
not get thru to the person who you have upset.

Picture what ever scenario you would like. If I'm sitting in a walmart parking lot or the middle of a corn field no problem. I'm disconnecting. I was just wondering if you really needed to could you steer it and avoid damage.

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