Towing a toad question...

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by WearyTraveler

Alrighty then! Next Tuesday I’m heading to the local RV repair shop and having them install my Roadmaster tow bracket, brake system, lights and battery cut off on my 2021 Spark.

I’m still leery about the additional length and turning etc...

It’s just me and my pup so I plan to grab a buddy to take the shake down cruise. I’m thinking about a 3 day weekend trip where I stop at every rest area and practice hook / unhook as well as the “no backing” parking.

I appreciate all your patience as well as the advice. Any last pieces of advice / gotchas / don’ts?



Again - thank you in advance!

Sure....DON’T worry too much. You’ll be fine.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by WearyTraveler

I like the idea of using a checklist - for toad and for arrival, departure and even annual maintenance.

Is there an iOS or android app that anyone would recommend?

Id even be willing to dedicate an old phone or tablet for this purpose...

RV checklist is an iOS app I use

[WearyTraveler]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

One thing I really enjoy abt my Spark is that it’s so light that I can maneuver it in neutral with engine off.
That is, once I get it close enough to the hitch point on my tow vehicle, I can push/pull fairly easily to do the final hook-up attachment.

I really like the spark as it’s light, small as heck and I still have plenty of leg / knee room in the front seats.

[Bob Denman]

The Spark is actually is pretty big car...
At least from my perspective!
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/at...1&d=1620388595

[taylorbob1]

The Smart Car weights a "measly" 1,550#

She's a sweet ride!

[Beerepair]

Question :if anyone out there can offer advice on -TOAD Towing: I’m towing a 2021 Ford Ranger ( Tremor ), behind my 2021 Thor 33.1. Demco Stay-and-Play system, BlueOx Bars , permanent mounting brackets on Ranger. Ranger rides higher than most small trucks, 32” wheels, coach has rear mudflats, do I still need a towing guard/ shield mounted in front of Ranger ?

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Create a checklist, and USE IT every time you hitch up. I went through a few "dress rehearsals" a week before our first trip towing my Wrangler. Make sure tranny is in neutral, all lights work, braking system etc. Double check everything, and NEVER get in a hurry! Cheers and safe travels!! ☺️

There is a video on youtube from a shop: customer had their brand new Wrangler in gear while towing. The entire bottom end of motor was gone.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

The Smart Car weights a "measly" 1,550#
She's a sweet ride!

Mine is a 2016 (a 453...)
It weighs just over a ton.
But is a ton of fun to drive!

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Beerepair

Question :if anyone out there can offer advice on -TOAD Towing: I’m towing a 2021 Ford Ranger ( Tremor ), behind my 2021 Thor 33.1. Demco Stay-and-Play system, BlueOx Bars , permanent mounting brackets on Ranger. Ranger rides higher than most small trucks, 32” wheels, coach has rear mudflats, do I still need a towing guard/ shield mounted in front of Ranger ?

I have towed our Grand Cherokee over 10k miles without a guard and there isn’t a tow related blemish. More damage from parking lots than towing.

[Ozark Traveler]

Beerepair, I have a 2019 Ranger lariat 18in tires and I don't use a guard. You will pick up some dust and mud but the stone guard will not help that issue. FWIW I think stone guards are for salesmen (to sell to city dude) and city dudes going to Alaska, carrying every spare part known to man. JG

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by HMCSW

There is a video on youtube from a shop: customer had their brand new Wrangler in gear while towing. The entire bottom end of motor was gone.

Going by the factory owner's manual you can't go wrong. Mine is a 5 speed manual. Book clearly States transfer case in neutral, tranny in gear (Chrysler doesn't state which gear - many recommend 2nd or 3rd - I use 2nd), ignition in "unlocked off" position, parking brake off.
Guaranteed the people who have had issues either DID NOT follow instructions specifically IN ORDER, or had other undisclosed mechanical issues.
Considering that the Wrangler is by far the most popular toad vehicle to date, thousands of people have towed those many miles without ANY issues. Problems happen when steps are skipped, and minor details are carelessly overlooked.

P.S. I watched that short video. The comments below the video pretty much explain the "minor detail" that was overlooked...

[waynetaylor55]

Considering that the Wrangler is by far the most popular toad vehicle to date, thousands of people have towed those many miles without ANY issues.




My dream toad!

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Going by the factory owner's manual you can't go wrong. Mine is a 5 speed manual. Book clearly States transfer case in neutral, tranny in gear (Chrysler doesn't state which gear - many recommend 2nd or 3rd - I use 2nd), ignition in "unlocked off" position, parking brake off.
Guaranteed the people who have had issues either DID NOT follow instructions specifically IN ORDER, or had other undisclosed mechanical issues.
Considering that the Wrangler is by far the most popular toad vehicle to date, thousands of people have towed those many miles without ANY issues. Problems happen when steps are skipped, and minor details are carelessly overlooked.

P.S. I watched that short video. The comments below the video pretty much explain the "minor detail" that was overlooked...

I printed the applicable pages from the owners manual and that is the checklist. When we hitch up the DW is in the Jeep and

Pulls forward so I can connect tow bar, safety cable, breakaway cable, umbilical cord.

I go to the driver’s window and verify as she

Places transfer in Neutral
Places transmission in Park
Deactivates active forward collision
Deactivates entry/exit active suppression option
Connects brake monitor
Turns off ignition
Folds mirrors in
Locks doors on her way out

We then

Verify all lights are working on the toad
Tow bar arms lock
Wheels freely turn moving forward
Verify brakes are applied with the coach brakes (InvisiBrake)

As we are traveling we stop every 1 to 1.5 hours for a stretch break and I will check the toad to make sure nothing is wrong.

That’s how we’ve been rolling for years.

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Going by the factory owner's manual you can't go wrong. Mine is a 5 speed manual. Book clearly States transfer case in neutral, tranny in gear (Chrysler doesn't state which gear - many recommend 2nd or 3rd - I use 2nd), ignition in "unlocked off" position, parking brake off.
Guaranteed the people who have had issues either DID NOT follow instructions specifically IN ORDER, or had other undisclosed mechanical issues.
Considering that the Wrangler is by far the most popular toad vehicle to date, thousands of people have towed those many miles without ANY issues. Problems happen when steps are skipped, and minor details are carelessly overlooked.

P.S. I watched that short video. The comments below the video pretty much explain the "minor detail" that was overlooked...

That is why follow the owners manual is key, We made a check list in bullet point form to make sure we never skip a step due to distraction. Like a pre flight check or from my Navy days(PMS/3M)

[MJC62]

Originally Posted by Beerepair

Question :if anyone out there can offer advice on -TOAD Towing: I’m towing a 2021 Ford Ranger ( Tremor ), behind my 2021 Thor 33.1. Demco Stay-and-Play system, BlueOx Bars , permanent mounting brackets on Ranger. Ranger rides higher than most small trucks, 32” wheels, coach has rear mudflats, do I still need a towing guard/ shield mounted in front of Ranger ?

I don't use the rear brush on the coach but we did invest in the Roadmaster Tow Defender, a screen that rides over the tow bar between coach and toad. As the car was new and unblemished we (wife, it's her car) thought for piece of mind we would get one.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

I printed the applicable pages from the owners manual and that is the checklist. When we hitch up the DW is in the Jeep and

Pulls forward so I can connect tow bar, safety cable, breakaway cable, umbilical cord.

I go to the driver’s window and verify as she

Places transfer in Neutral
Places transmission in Park
Deactivates active forward collision
Deactivates entry/exit active suppression option
Connects brake monitor
Turns off ignition
Folds mirrors in
Locks doors on her way out

We then

Verify all lights are working on the toad
Tow bar arms lock
Wheels freely turn moving forward
Verify brakes are applied with the coach brakes (InvisiBrake)

As we are traveling we stop every 1 to 1.5 hours for a stretch break and I will check the toad to make sure nothing is wrong.

That’s how we’ve been rolling for years.

Except for us having a manual tranny, that nearly mirrors my checklist. I always like to have a fairly wide 25 - 30 yard long area (mostly empty parking lot) to slowly "serpentine" which verifies arms locked, steering is turning, wheels freely rolling, Invisibrake pump working, and no weird noises. I always do a walk-around at rest stops and put a hand on each toad wheel to check for friction induced heat.

[wrapped]

I wonder if on of those wireless backup camera monitor kits on back of toad and monitor in motorhome would be useful 🤔

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by wrapped

I wonder if on of those wireless backup camera monitor kits on back of toad and monitor in motorhome would be useful 🤔

We have a camera on the back of our Aria. Our Escalade ESV is my view and then some. Very useful: we can see when I have cleared a truck I just passed. Our back camera is on all the time: only switching with turn signal.

[paulwadley]

I just leave my rear view camera on to watch my towed vehicle and to see traffic behind it.


Paul

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by WearyTraveler

I like the idea of using a checklist - for toad and for arrival, departure and even annual maintenance.

Is there an iOS or android app that anyone would recommend?

Id even be willing to dedicate an old phone or tablet for this purpose...

There are many paid apps for vehicle maintenance, etc. For a checklist I use Google Docs on Android... it's free. Actually I use that for shopping lists, notes and more. I even have my meds list on there in case a doctor/hospital would need them.
But I also went old school for a backup. I printed out the flat-tow checklist and it "lives" in the Wrangler glove box.