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Topic: Backing up with a TOAD (Read 7 times) previous topic - next topic
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Backing up with a TOAD
Yahoo Message Number: 129806
Remember the line from "Young Frankenstein", "IT... MIGHT... WORK!!!"?  Well, it did.  From the day I started towing, I worried about the need to back up with a toad attached.  I knew the steering wheel would spin, the wheels of the toad would become angled, and the steering system would perhaps be damaged.
 Well, yesterday I pulled into a short stay campground that I have been to before.  They had changed their traffic pattern since I was last there.  I realized the change when I was facing two pavement arrows, both facing toward me.  The only "legal" turn was alongside me to the left, too far back for me to make it.  To make the turn, I would have to move back about 25 feet or so, on smooth, dry asphalt - almost a prescription for problems with the toad steering.
 I was about to unhook when the campground manager came out to welcome me and help me get turned around.  I asked him to watch the steering wheel, I took the key out of the toad, thus locking the wheel, and monitoring my back-up camera like a hawk, I crept backward.
 It worked.  With the key out, the steering wheel locked straight and I was able to safely back up with no strain on the toad's steering system.  Once I was back far enough, I stopped, put the key back in the toad, and pulled around to enter properly.
 Caveats and disclaimers - my rig, toad, and all steering was straight when I started.  I did not need to turn while backing, but was able to just go straight back.  I had someone watching from the side to be sure there was no problem.  It worked for me, but that does not mean it would work for you.  There was no traffic around, so there was no hurry.
 So, for what it is worth, in my particular circumstances, it worked.

Ken F home in OR
'08 MB
Re: Backing up with a TOAD
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129807
I never had any problem backing up a few feet like that as long as it was straight.  This was with both a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Honda Accord as toads.  I just put it in reverse and watched carefully with the back-up camera.  Not a problem.  YMMV.

Dick
Re: Backing up with a TOAD
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129808
Great news Ken
 The thought just hit me. That was a perfect situation to try Andy's suggestion. Hop in the toad and pull the Lazy Daze back. A lot more work though. Putting the toad in gear, the LD in neutral, remembering to set the parking brakes etc.

Good to know it can be done.
Ed