Advice for towing

Topic: Advice for towing - 1st time (Read 1480 times) previous topic - next topic

Advice for towing - 1st time

October 03, 2011, 07:48:25 pm

Our toad and coach modifications for towing should be completed Tuesday morning here at FOT. So with about 200 miles of seat time driving the "new to us coach" over this last weekend I am looking for any good driving advice in regards to towing my Honda Fit.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #1 – October 03, 2011, 07:58:11 pm

Great question, Mark --

1. Follow the directions in the Fit manual for towing
2. When you are hooking up and a neighbor wants to start a conversation, politely tell them that you prefer not to be disturbed. This is one time you don't want to make a mistake.
3. If your wife is willing, do this as a team. It goes much faster and you should check on each others work.
4. When you get to your destination, if you have difficulty removing pins turn the steering wheel in the Honda until they slip out easily.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #2 – October 03, 2011, 08:14:23 pm

Don't back up!

oldMattB

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #3 – October 03, 2011, 08:32:03 pm

Mark... I agree with George Stoltz, read the Honda manual carefully. And Mark's point is spot on!

Our '09 Honda CRV follows really well within the tracks of the coach wheels... we don't even know it's there.

With regard to hitching, we use the M&G braking system with a Roadmaster tow bar, and it takes George ("the other" - my better half) and I maybe 5 minutes to hook up.

1. He positions the coach to a level spot and lowers the tow bars to ground; he stands in front of the hitch with the bars at his feet.
2. I drive the Honda into position while George motions me forward then to stop.
3. I put on parking brake (motor still running) while George connects all cables and air line.
4. While George is connecting, I follow the CRV owner's manual:
(a) press on the brake pedal and move the shift lever through all its positions;
(b) shift to D position (from "2" - NEVER from "R") and hold for 5 seconds, then to N
(c) let the engine run for 3 minutes, then turn off the engine
(d) release the parking brake and leave the key in the Accessory position so the steering wheel doesn't lock;
(e) make sure the radio is off (and anything else is off) so as not to run down the battery.
5. By the time I've finished with the "inside routine," George is finished with the "outside routine." I do the "inside routine" with the "valet key" and then lock it manually with my regular key.

Hope this helps!

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #4 – October 03, 2011, 08:35:38 pm

Thanks George - I will definitely enlist the wife for the extra attention. I like the advice about eliminating distractions too.

I was just chatting with a few folks at FOT and the 1st words of advice unanimously were "Don't back up!".

Anything special I need to know about turns? Dies the toad follow the rear track of the coach?

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #5 – October 03, 2011, 08:42:54 pm

Patricia - thanks. The CRV and Fit routine are the same.

Quote from: Patricia – October 03, 2011, 08:32:03 pm

...I do the "inside routine" with the "valet key" and then lock it manually with my regular key...

We have 2 keys with us (no valet) so can I leave one in the ignition after I go thru the prep process and then get out and lock the Fit with the other key using the fob?

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #6 – October 03, 2011, 08:48:24 pm

Quote from: Mark Benko – October 03, 2011, 08:42:54 pm

We have 2 keys with us (no valet) so can I leave one in the ignition after I go thru the prep process and then get out and lock the Fit with the other key using the fob?

Yes, you can leave one of your regular keys in the ignition/accessory position and lock the Fit MANUALLY with the other key (not the fob). If your Fit is like our CRV, the fob won't work with another key in the ignition. You'll have to insert the key and turn it counterclockwise to lock the Fit.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #7 – October 03, 2011, 08:57:03 pm

We have towed a Toyo Echo for nearly 70,000 miles. It follows nicely for any normal street maneuvers. Going into a shopping center or a fuel stop, it is easy to run it over a curb, if you aren't watching for it. We cannot turn sharp enough to hit the coach with the car.

oldMattB

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #8 – October 03, 2011, 09:36:27 pm

When you are preparing to disconnect the toad, using pins, it is easiest if both vehicles are in a straight line (all wheels pointed in the same direction).

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #9 – October 03, 2011, 09:36:58 pm

As a former military aviator, I like checklists. Using your towbar manufacturers instructions, Foretravels instructions, and your Fit manual, devise a checklist, and use it religiously. With your wife's help, one calls out the checklist item, and the other checks and responds. Then, when you pull away, your mind won't be wondering if something is amiss.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #10 – October 03, 2011, 10:01:11 pm

Quote from: Mark Benko – October 03, 2011, 08:42:54 pm

We have 2 keys with us (no valet) so can I leave one in the ignition

Mark, you can get a "chipless" key made at a good hardware store or key shop and leave that in the ignition. That way you don't have to worry about losing the extra key, plus you don't have to worry about someone stealing the car when the regular key is in it.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #11 – October 03, 2011, 10:10:55 pm

If no towing info in owner's manual, check online to make sure you don't have to stop every 200 miles or so to start engine/lube transmission.

As said above, don't back up.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #12 – October 03, 2011, 10:20:39 pm

Sorry for not continuing this conversation in a timely manner. We were enjoyably chatting with Bob and Debby and a few others here in camp FOT.

Patricia thanks for the locking info with the key. I was wonder how that worked.

Quote from: oldmattb – October 03, 2011, 08:57:03 pm

...Going into a shopping center or a fuel stop, it is easy to run it over a curb, if you aren't watching for it. We cannot turn sharp enough to hit the coach with the car.
oldMattB

oldMattB - thanks for that good info especially about sharp turns.

Fred, Steve & Ginny - straight lines and checklist - got it - thanks

PatC - I'll find a hardware store and get a "chipless" key made - that is a great idea for all the reasons you mentioned!

Pierce & Gaylie - got the manual and no reason to stop every 200 miles - reread the towing section just to verify.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #13 – October 03, 2011, 10:22:16 pm

As a final check I always try and remember to look in the mirror when I take the first sharp turn after departing to make sure the toads front and rear wheels are rolling smoothly.

Some folks put a yellow tennis ball at top dead center of the toad steering wheel. If they see (in the rear view camera) the ball move off TDC during a turn, then they are assured the wheel is unlocked.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #14 – October 03, 2011, 10:25:16 pm

When you make a right hand turn, make sure you pull out a little farther and watch the turn as you make the corner. Too sharp and you can drag the car across the curb or through a stop sign (for example).

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #15 – October 03, 2011, 10:34:36 pm

Quote from: Bob McGee – October 03, 2011, 10:22:16 pm

As a final check I always try and remember to look in the mirror when I take the first sharp turn after departing to make sure the toads front and rear wheels are rolling smoothly. ...

We do the same. When we first start towing, I point the mirrors downward for a good look at the front wheels of the towed vehicle. I feel more comfortable if I see them turning and steering easily.

All other advice that has been presented fits with our experience.

I try to use the shadow of the towed vehicle to help see where the end of my "train" is located. That works well going north or south early or late in the day. Practice matching the placement of the shadows with the appearance of other vehicles in the mirrors. It may help you get a feel for vehicle positions during lane changes.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #16 – October 03, 2011, 10:48:34 pm

Bob, Dave and J.D. - all excellent advice which I will try and remember - it may take a few trips.

Really appreciate that so many folks replied so quickly! I'll be better prepared for my first trip tomorrow. Thanks all.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #17 – October 03, 2011, 10:57:43 pm

We are able to watch our tow vehicle in the rear camera. It really helps to feel comfortable when you are passing another vehicle. If you have ANY doubts after you start out, find a place to pull over and get out and check ... we do that after 3 years on the road!

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #18 – October 03, 2011, 11:04:28 pm

Carol - I'm getting the idea about all this stuff - check, check and check again. Better safe than sorry especially when a very expensive or dangerous mistake can be made. Thanks for the reminder.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #19 – October 03, 2011, 11:14:59 pm

Don't forget, after you hook up and really any time you start out for the day without having unhooked, check the tail light operation on the toad.

Figure out some hand signals and have one of you stand behind the toad while the other operates the coach signals and brakes. Make sure they register on the toad. Anyone who's seen Steve and I hook up knows I look like I'm signaling aircraft back there, but it works for us.

And another vote for not letting anyone interrupt your hookup procedure. If someone does, start over, at least with checking what you've already done from the beginning. It might take you a few extra minutes but better safe than sorry.

Michelle

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #20 – October 04, 2011, 12:17:18 am

A couple of things to add to Pat's post above....

1. We have locks (Master brand, I think) on all our pins just to make sure nothing comes undone either from vibration or from someone wanting the toad.
2. I always take a final look at the setup before getting underway. It really is not that difficult to connect everything and a simple visual check as a last step has worked for us.
3. If you do have to back up, just disconnect. It only takes about 5 minutes. We have only had to do it once in two years.
4. I always check the Roadmaster (car side and coach side) over before using it and clean everything with CorrosionX. This not only keeps the wear down, but also forces me to check for cracks in the towing apparatus. I think Roadmaster recommends a complete check periodically.
5. We always check the Pressure Pro sensors on the toad just after getting underway to make sure the brakes were not left on. I assume the heat generated would show in the pressure readings. We also use the rear camera to check the toad for about 5 minutes after getting underway (then it is turned off).
6. If you have Pressure Pro sensors on the toad, you will probably need a repeater in the back of the coach. I posted on installing one earlier this year.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #21 – October 04, 2011, 01:07:26 am

And just to reinforce what George said, I strongly recommend PressurePro senders for the toad wheels. If you have a flat on the toad, you will not know it until some car or truck points out the smoke or fire behind you!

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #22 – October 04, 2011, 08:55:22 am

One bit of advice I was given when turning a corner with a toad -
While you're sitting in your drivers seat, don't start your turn until your hip has cleared the curb, tree, post or anything else that you don't want to hit! My RV & toad always cleared if I remembered to follow that advice

I forgot about it once and paid the price

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #23 – October 04, 2011, 09:13:45 am

Quote

As a former military aviator, I like checklists.

"Check Lists" - never leave home without at least one for pre-flight/departure. They greatly decrease the odds of significant regret.

Re: Advice for towing - 1st time

Reply #24 – October 04, 2011, 10:04:03 am

Reinforcement on two points. I had not wanted to spend the money for the extra tire pressure sensors for our towed. Last December while heading south for the winter we ran over some road debris. I was able to straddle it with the coach wheels but unknowingly not with our Towed. It blew out both front tires. Two weeks and $3,500 later the front wheels, tires and body of the car was repaired and we were back on our winter sojourn. Tire Pressure Sensors on the towed are worth every penny.

Secondly, use that backup camera when you first take off. Check lists are important but people make mistakes. If you have inadvertently left the steering wheel locked, E Brake on or worse left the towed in gear, you should see some indication that something is wrong with the towed very quickly.

One of the easiest ways to have towed problems is when you have not unhooked the towed for an overnight stay. This takes you out of your normal hookup routine and it is very easy to think everything is ready to go the next morning but you forgot one little thing that creates big problems. Always double check under these circumstances.

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