"TO tow or not to tow, that is the question"

[Pete Masterson]

Backing with a toad is doable, if there is soft/loose soil/gravel, if the tires swing the wrong way. I've done it a few times for rather short distances. Some cars with less caster might stay stable for a longer backing distance. -- Years ago, I can recall test driving a used car with minimal caster and excessively strong power steering. I was used to letting my car 'find itself' while straightening out on a turn -- but that one, had to be moved back to "straight ahead." (I didn't buy that car...)

Indeed, some older Subarus are not suitable for use as a toad due to insufficient caster -- they won't tow reliably on a tow bar.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

Photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#

On May 19, 2009, at 1:00 PM, Jack & Donna Smith wrote:

I have wondered about backing with the Toad, especially if you put the Wife get into the Toad and have her steer? (Might be much easier and safer just to unhook). Otherwise, I have backed up as far as a foot or so..................
Jack Smith
1973FC31
SoCal
--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "Don Bradner" wrote:

In the first couple of months of my Motorhome experience, seven years ago, I got myself badly angled into the lane at a Canadian border crossing. I told them I couldn't back up attached, and they had to close down that lane while we unhooked the toad.

In other words, I bought into the CAN NOT back up on a Toad education.

Since then I've backed a toad many, many times. Sometimes short, sometimes 50 feet or more. My Sterling tow bar is just fine, as are the vehicles that were pushed. It helps to understand the process and try to back on the same curve to keep the toad steer tires from turning against the caster, but I've even backed with toad tires fully swung sideways, slowly skidding them (on a loose surface). Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do!

Don Bradner

90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"

My location: www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1

On 5/19/2009 at 11:28 AM Al Scudder wrote:

Fred is right you CAN NOT back up on a Toad.

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