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04-28-2021, 11:47 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Outlaw 38RE
State: West Virginia
Posts: 304
THOR #17154
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Towing a toad question...
I’m getting ready to start flat towing my 2021 Chevy Spark. I’m having the roadmaster package installed in a couple of weeks. The RV is a 2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE.
Is there anything, other than no backing, that I need to do differently! Is the turning radius drastically different?
Any tips or suggestions?
Thank you in advance for any help!
__________________
Charlie and my pup Hans
2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE
Maysville, West (by God) Virginia
Good Sam member
FMCA member
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04-28-2021, 12:06 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 37LS outlaw
State: New Jersey
Posts: 516
THOR #5248
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I just set up my 21 Spark for towing. Haven’t tow it yet, but had a Mini Cooper previous and had no problems.
All you have to do is remember that it’s behind you!
I did have one problem though, I got a flat on my way to SC . Didn’t even feel it. Only saw it when I was pulling out of the gas pumps. Since then I have added a TPMS system.
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04-28-2021, 09:46 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,884
THOR #6826
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Agree that TPMS is well worth adding. Without it you might not notice a flat on the towed car. Personally I consider it essential on the coach as well inasmuch as it’s tires operate near their design limits and a failure on an ill handling top heavy vehicle can be challenging. I use a TireMinder i10 and like it a lot.
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04-28-2021, 10:20 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 27.2
State: Indiana
Posts: 1,886
THOR #14698
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Most keep their back up camera on when towing as you are unlikely to see the toad in your mirrors. TPMS as stated is a good idea. Also unlike towing a trailer there is no tail swing as the front wheels are unlocked the toad follows in the exact track of the motorhome. If you have allowed enough clearance to get the motorhome through then the toad will follow.
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2018 ACE 27.2
Toad 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Towbar
Roadmaster Invisibrake
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04-28-2021, 10:33 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,389
THOR #7035
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As others have said, the toad goes where it's towed without having to take into account its track 95 times out of 100. The other 5 times are when you are maneuvering around gas pumps: if you don't watch closely it is possible to clip one of those yellow poles near the end of the island with the toad. I have not done that, but I have got in a situation where the only way out was to disconnect the toad so I could back up and extract the MH to prevent doing that. That back up camera is essential when maneuvering in close quarters.
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Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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04-29-2021, 03:09 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2019 Aria 4000
State: Utah
Posts: 336
THOR #15943
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LANE CHANGES! Don't forget your TOAD is back there or you will get a rude reminder if you change lanes too soon!
Gary
GVP
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04-29-2021, 05:26 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Washington
Posts: 1,112
THOR #6433
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When’s it is time to unhook try and be as level and straight as you can. The road masters are non binding but it’s still a lot easier if you are straight and level.
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2017 Freedom Elite 30fe 2013 Wrangler Unlimited toad.
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04-29-2021, 01:09 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Outlaw 38RE
State: West Virginia
Posts: 304
THOR #17154
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Thank you all for the info! Much appreciated
__________________
Charlie and my pup Hans
2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE
Maysville, West (by God) Virginia
Good Sam member
FMCA member
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04-29-2021, 01:45 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,884
THOR #6826
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16ACE27
As others have said, the toad goes where it's towed without having to take into account its track 95 times out of 100. The other 5 times are when you are maneuvering around gas pumps: if you don't watch closely it is possible to clip one of those yellow poles near the end of the island with the toad. I have not done that, but I have got in a situation where the only way out was to disconnect the toad so I could back up and extract the MH to prevent doing that. That back up camera is essential when maneuvering in close quarters.
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One of the things I’ve learned about motorhomes - towing or not - is to park at a gas pump farther away from the island than I do in my car. Gas hoses are pretty long and I’m usually 5 or 6 feet away. Makes it a lot easier to maneuver. Tail swing when pulling away can be a “thing”.
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04-29-2021, 05:24 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: California
Posts: 899
THOR #17478
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I always keep my rear view camera on 100% of the time, and yes you need to be aware just how much longer you are for changing lanes.
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2013 Thor Palazzo 33.2
2013 Honda CRV
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04-29-2021, 06:03 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Miramar 37.1
State: California
Posts: 2,497
THOR #12698
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Those are very good tips on towing. I am just getting into towing our car and plan on taking a few short trips to get used to the length difference and going in/out of gas stations.
Paul
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04-30-2021, 04:05 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Outlaw 38RE
State: West Virginia
Posts: 304
THOR #17154
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MLP
I always keep my rear view camera on 100% of the time, and yes you need to be aware just how much longer you are for changing lanes.
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I have a backup camera I bought o install on my pickup truck. I may just use it to keep an eye on my toad.
__________________
Charlie and my pup Hans
2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE
Maysville, West (by God) Virginia
Good Sam member
FMCA member
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05-01-2021, 10:58 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 24F
State: Ohio
Posts: 4,186
THOR #16721
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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!! ☺️
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05-02-2021, 01:57 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,884
THOR #6826
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Quote:
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!! [emoji5]
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Good advice. I came within a gnats eyelash of driving off with my steering wheel still locked last time. My brain doesn’t work like it used to.
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05-02-2021, 01:28 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Outlaw 38RE
State: West Virginia
Posts: 304
THOR #17154
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Checklist app?
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...
__________________
Charlie and my pup Hans
2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE
Maysville, West (by God) Virginia
Good Sam member
FMCA member
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05-02-2021, 02:41 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WearyTraveler
I’m getting ready to start flat towing my 2021 Chevy Spark. I’m having the roadmaster package installed in a couple of weeks. The RV is a 2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE.
Is there anything, other than no backing, that I need to do differently! Is the turning radius drastically different?
Any tips or suggestions?
Thank you in advance for any help!
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I tow a 2020 Spark Activ 5 speed.
At 2200# it’s a simple tow. In fact I don’t use a brake package since it’s lighter than most “no-brake” loaded utility trailers.
Chevy says to use a battery disconnect switch while being tow’d.
And I generally start it after 300 miles of consistent towing just to lube the trans.
Also, I use magnetic lights on the rear end.
As said above, the best defense is to keep rear camera on permanently.
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'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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05-02-2021, 05:28 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,884
THOR #6826
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With respect for those who think differently, I strongly recommend you use a braking system in your towed car. Braking on an RV isn’t all that great to begin with and adding an extra ton or more of weight/momentum does nothing to improve the situation. I sometimes think good brakes on another four wheels actually helps as I can feel the car pulling during braking. I’m also in the camp that believes that it is required by law in most states to have brakes on a trailer. (Some folks don’t think a car is a trailer).
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05-02-2021, 06:30 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Gemini 24TX (Formerly)
State: California
Posts: 1,459
THOR #5821
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Checklist is IMO mandatory. I would hook the car up, then my wife would read through the checklist item by item. Forgetting even one step when hooking up could spell disaster. Got into the habit of using a checklist, during my flying days, which for pilots is mandatory during pre-flight check.
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05-06-2021, 01:18 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Outlaw 38RE
State: West Virginia
Posts: 304
THOR #17154
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Ok - getting close!
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!
__________________
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05-06-2021, 01:29 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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Quote:
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!
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Like stated above, suggest that you make a check-list
That way you won’t forget an important detail like...put shifter in neutral or release parking brake
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.
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'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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