Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum - Towing

Open trailer towing

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 18:24:12 +0000

I've got a specialty vehicle that I think I'd like to use as my toad on some occasions. It's not something that's flat towable, nor would I want to make it so. Those of you that use an open trailer, how dirty does stuff on the trailer get when you tow it? Does stuff take a lot of abuse from road debris? My normal toad does get some abuse from debris getting kicked up by the coach, but since I drive it a lot of the time as a daily driver it's gets beat up some anyway.

Roadmaster Tow Bar..Proper height required

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 03:29:26 +0000

Since we are talking tow bars.
I use a Roadmaster Sterling which has been great.
I remember seeing pictures of damage done when the car mount was higher than the coach receiver. With emergency braking, the car rode up over the hitch causing significant damage.
I felt that having a good Aux. braking system would prevent that...Proportional Brakemaster.
I had a locking pin (holds the cross bar down) and earlier a padlock break which released one side of the bar.
When the car is not even, heavy braking pushes the cross bar"Up" against the locking pins, padlock.
The pin on one side broke, allowing the car to wander and bending the crossbar.

My receiver riser is on order and my pins will be replaced with A4 grade.

Last year my padlock which I used as one of the pins went missing . Luckily, I noticed the car moving in the camera and there was no damage. At that time , I thought that the lock perhaps was not locked , and fell out. I believe that it fractured also.

Moral... Level your tow bar and consider stronger pins

Done with Blue Ox - a cautionary tale

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 02:21:29 +0000

Well, 2500 miles into an extended trip was pretty uneventful until Sunday. After only about 40-50 miles, I had to pull over for a passenger issue. Motorist following us pulls up and screams “you need to check your toad, rear wheels smoking bad, about to catch fire!” Thanks!

No, the brake calipers ARE ON FIRE when I run back. Brake fluid leaking and burning. Looks like a Saturday nite short track NASCAR event. Hit them with a fire extinguisher, borrow neighbor’s water and quench the rear wheels, rotors, calipers with water until cool enough to touch with bare hand. Now that’s under control, what happened to cause this? First thought, forgot to release parking brake after hooking up? Nope, parking brake off. But - mystery solved - Blue Ox Brake Buddy is in full on mode trying to break the seat base off! WTH? Rip it out of position and disconnect it. Ask bystander to see if there is any noise as I try to move forward. Nope, no noise, wheels turning freely. Continmue on trip, stooping and checking about every 5-10 miles for the next thirty miles. Everything good, continue with trip, worry about fix later.

About 30 miles later, about 10 miles from destination for the day(!), we hit a construction area. Slow to about 20-25 mph and continue riding the brakes. Hit last bump. Much worse than expected. Bus bumps, Hummer bumps so that I can see the whole Hummer grill in the rear view camera and monitor! Well that can’t be good! Brake softly immediately while steering to shoulder waiting for the hit. Feel one soft issue but then see Hummer in the monitor. Stop in probably 50-75 feet past some guard rails. Run back to inspect the mess.

Well, there used to be a Blue Ox tow bar here. No longer!
[attachment=2122]
Major organ failure on the Blue Ox hitch assembly shown. [attachment=2123][attachment=2124]
That major clevis connector was cast aluminum! Only good news is the arms flipped under the Hummer and acted as a brake against the 10,000 lb safety straps.[attachment=2125][attachment=2126] So minimal damage to the Bird (probably about $2k of fiberglass and paint work)

24 hours and many $$$ later, Hummer is in a shop awaiting arrival of all new brake calipers, rotors, pads, rear grease seals, and maybe new e-brake parts, as needed. New DEMCO tow bar (all steel and 10,500 lb rated) on order from Tweety’s, due by end of day Monday. Hope to be back under way on Wednesday of next week. Then to Texas Custom Coach for rear bumper and corner fiberglass repair from minor impact and off road adventure during tow bar break (huge rear overhang was also not tolerant of arched shoulder, but no real choices there!)

Needless to say, not a good Sunday. And, needless to say, I have sworn off Blue Ox products.

FWIW,

Roadside assistance plans

Wed, 16 May 2018 14:12:44 +0000

Who has the best roadside assistance plans? Coach-Net, Good Sams (Allstate), FMCA, etc. Who would you recommend?

Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow Bar

Sat, 12 May 2018 13:11:41 +0000

It looks like Blue Ox discontinued their Aventa LX tow bar. Anyone know why? I always thought the spherical (ball in socket) joint was clever and eliminated a lot of wear points and stress associated with the traditional multi-link flex joint. I've been using mine for several years and have been happy with it's performance. Anyone know if Blue Ox was having problems with the design?

Maybe our motorhomes are getting a little heavy...

Wed, 09 May 2018 20:53:33 +0000

Published on May 3, 2018, KRTV, Montana's News Leader:

open stacker project

Wed, 02 May 2018 22:07:25 +0000

Here is a link to a project I am working on. right now I have a bit of a problem with the side Mirror fit on the pickup so I may need to use my other suv which has an issue with length. the video is on a rented server I use to host how to video's for my website customers and project proposals for landscapes. Please give me input on my plan. Thanks in advance

https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cFfefeDmlF

Braking system

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 14:25:04 +0000

Does anyone have an Air Force One system they want to sell?

For Sale- 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4X4

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 20:59:40 +0000

Ready to Roll as a Toad!

Automatic, 4WD, 4 Door, 34,750 miles.
Beautiful condition. No dings, no scratches. Runs perfectly.
Comes with tow package, installed base plate, chrome package, running boards, convertible top.

$24,900 for WAGU members.

Also available- SMI Airforce One, never used
and an used Road Master. $800. SOLD

Jeep still available.

Located in Florida.

If interested pls contact jsnell7@hotmail.com

Thank you!

  Jeep Right.jpg (Size: 297.16 KB / Downloads: 1290)

  Jeep Left.jpg (Size: 359.5 KB / Downloads: 1260)

  Jeep Front.jpg (Size: 374.18 KB / Downloads: 1179)

2002 LXi JAKE BRAKE / BRAKE LIGHTS / TOAD BRAKES

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 09:36:05 +0000

All

With the Jake "Enabled" it is my understanding the brake lights come on with the Jake active whether or not the brake pedal is depressed.

Now setting up to tow toad with existing US Gear brake system installed. Need to send signal to toad "ONLY WHEN THE MOTOR HOME BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED". Do not want to apply toad brakes if only Jake is active.

Cannot find schematic but from searching appears circuit complex involving not only brake pedal but cruise control and DDEC.

Is there a convenient terminal location to pick up a discrete "brake pedal depressed" signal?

All replies appreciated.

Dean

Off-Road Toad Suggestions (?)

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 05:06:31 +0000

I've done a few different searches here and on other RV sites and I'm looking for suggestions for a toad
that would be fun for off-road and trips to see the area sights. I see lots of ideas but I'm kind of stuck on a couple of
"expensive vehicles" and I thought I'd field suggestions from the group.

I'm interested in these two types of all-terrain vehicles:
Pinzgauer 710K (4WD Austrian Military, Hardtop from the 1970's - 1980's)
Pinzgauer 712K (6WD " )
Bucher Duro (4WD Swiss Military Hardtop, from the 1990's)

I really like the 710K (currently runs around $15K - $30K depending on condition).
You see these and UniMogs pop up on Craig's List all the time out here in the west and there are a few dealers/importers in N.A.
It's small, so think I would trailer it (to save on the wear of the tires). I know the weight isn't a problem.
The Pinz isn't that rare or hard to work on but depending where you have a problem...
it could be "a problem."

Take a look at the links below (and even some others you find) and
give me your objective (pro & con) input.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nPYx0E-68A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XidgVqO3uMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKQvB9MBuDo

So? What do YOU think? Any other IDEAS?
Have you seen these used as a tow vehicle before?

Max weight for a toad

Sun, 30 Aug 2015 23:59:29 +0000

Hi guys -

Looking a buying an SP36 in the near future, and am hoping to get some input regarding our toad. I currently have a Lexus GX470 that weighs in a just over 5K pounds and would LOVE to use this as a toad. I know it's heavy, and I know a lighter rig would be better, but I love my Lexus (if you saw her you'd understand), and would love to tow her around without feeling like I was either abusing the 'Bird or dialing my MPG's down to near zero while towing. Any sage advice? Should I sell and get a lighter toad or can a SP handle this old girl?

Bought a New Toad

Sun, 09 Aug 2015 23:51:45 +0000

It's a Ford Flex with the Ecoboost. Quarter mile times in 12.5s keeps Dad happy; comfortable seating for six keeps a very pregnant Mom happy!

IMAG2258.jpg (Size: 1.13 MB / Downloads: 1308)

The ultimate toad

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:57:55 +0000

McClaren Rocket

Here's some info on the Rocket.

"Smart Car" carrier

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 14:45:14 +0000

Literally!

Prevost Smart Car.jpg (Size: 57.76 KB / Downloads: 1336)

Roadmaster-- CAREFUL OF DEALER

Sun, 27 Jul 2014 01:05:43 +0000

Hi,
I have used Roadmaster for years for different toads.All excellent products. I have been looking for a new bracket and a few other items for my new car.
I searched for Roadmaster in Google and selected "Roadmaster-Tow-bars". Seemed like an "Official "site.
Ordered- took my VISA-- Callled them several times as I saw no shipping notice or confirmations - no call backs.
I called Roadmaster Inc, They indicated that there was no order placed by that company for my car and that they have had issues with the company.They are trying to get that company to change the site.
Also my Visa indicated ProTrailer with a phone number (which was out of service) Visa is reversing it.
I have ordered from eTrailer.com Excellent service and fast.
http://www.etrailer.com Interesting range of products

Regards,
Ross

RVibrake 2

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 23:19:00 +0000

I just bought an '05 Rubicon for our Toad, now comes some more fun in setting it up.
Has anyone experience with the RVibrake 2? almost too good to be true so looking for 1st hand experience;

http://www.rvibrake.com/

Hitch Pin

Sat, 10 May 2014 04:24:03 +0000

Here is a great hitch pin that takes the rattle (movement) out of slack insert/receiver hitch connections.

http://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Lets-Go-Aero/63232.html

Volkswagen Microbus 2014 Price And Release Date

Sat, 28 Dec 2013 17:45:20 +0000

I wonder if this can be towed four down?
Kinda cute!

http://www.latescar.com/volkswagen-micro...ease-date/

LXi, Three Receiver Hitch

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 15:42:03 +0000

Al Perna wanted a pic of my three receiver hitch on my LXi:
Three Receiver Hitch.jpg (Size: 1.26 MB / Downloads: 1618)
DSC_0043.JPG (Size: 3.3 MB / Downloads: 1432)