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Topic: flat towing - steering unlocked? (Read 265 times) previous topic - next topic
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flat towing - steering unlocked?
No question is a stupid question right? As I'm putting together all the parts to start flat towing my toad and I've never done this before it occurred to be it'd be good to ask the hive mind here this question. I got the patriot III brake system for the toad, and it will require 12V power all the time. The toad currently doesn't provide power when the ignition is off. So I can either convert an existing connector to hot all the time, wire up a new dedicated always on one, or tow it w/ the ignition in acc. That gave me pause to wonder if most folks tow w/ the toad steering lock engaged? I'd imagine that's a "bad" thing as it lock someplace other then straight head, but I don't know. I'll do some googling of course, and ask the place I'm getting my parts from , but it also occurred to me I have a great resource here that is always available and has direct experience.

So what say everyone?
2001 MB
Re: flat towing - steering unlocked?
Reply #1 –
We flat tow with the ignition in the accessory position with a 2010 Subaru manual transmission in neutral.  Our steering wheel must be unlocked or we'd have an expensive experience.  There may be some vehicles that operate differently.  Hope this helps.
Re: flat towing - steering unlocked?
Reply #2 –
I sold my Jeep Cherokee 4wd to my neighbor. I went over the procedures for towing the Jeep, especially unlocking the steering.
Unfortunately, the first time towing the Jeep he forgot to unlock the steering. After driving about 40 miles, he stopped for gas ,it was pointed out to him that he was missing his left front tire,rim,brake and brake backing plate. He hadn’t noticed a problem, as the tow bar had held the Jeep up.
So, much heat was created that the constant velocity joint had to be replaced. I wouldn’t have believed that much damage could be caused in such a short drive, but there it was.
My auxiliary brake also needed a constant 12 volt to operate. I had a 10’ cable with spring clips on one end s and a 12 volt socket on the other. When towing I’d hook up the cable to the Jeep’s battery posts and then run the socket end into the driver’s area and plug the auxiliary brake power cord into it. I was able to close the Jeep’s hood and door with no issues.

Macmarty  2005 MB 26.5
2005 MB
Re: flat towing - steering unlocked?
Reply #3 –
Yes, you definitely want your tow's steering unlocked so the front wheels can turn (caster) to follow the motorhome through turns.  If the steering is locked, the front tires get dragged sideways during turns.  The caster of the front wheels is also why trying to back up while flat towing is not a good idea.  Any small amount of turning force and the front wheels want to flip around to the opposite direction, until the suspension stops them and you end up putting lots of force on the tow bar and car's front end suspension.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: flat towing - steering unlocked?
Reply #4 –
What will you be towing? Does the manual for your toad have a towing procedure?
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: flat towing - steering unlocked?
Reply #5 –
Quote from: debinvenice  - 
Does the manual for your toad have a towing procedure?

That's the best answer, the owner's manual is your vehicle's bible.

Any towed vehicle needs its steering wheel unlocked.
Many newer vehicles do not have steering locks, the vehicle's security is secured in other ways.
In our 2020 Wrangler, the transfer case is put into Neutral and the transmission in Park. Flip the toad brake switch and it's ready.
Well, the tow bar and cables have to be connected.
Our older Cherokees need the ignition to be in the Accessory position.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: flat towing - steering unlocked?
Reply #6 –
That "is also why trying to back up while flat towing is not a good idea."

At a Canadian border crossing the "Official" there wanted me to back up to a different position. I thought he was going to choke when I flat out told him NO! I went through a long explanation as to why it was not possible.   ;D   ::) 
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: flat towing - steering unlocked?
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Ed & Margee  - 
We flat tow with the ignition in the accessory position with a 2010 Subaru manual transmission in neutral.  Our steering wheel must be unlocked or we'd have an expensive experience.  There may be some vehicles that operate differently.  Hope this helps.

Ed, does your Subaru have a problem with the battery being discharged while towing in the accessory position?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: flat towing - steering unlocked?
Reply #8 –
I have all my manuals open now, and both the car's owner manual and the tow bar manual say to keep the key in the acc position.
2001 MB
 
Re: flat towing - steering unlocked?
Reply #9 –
We flat tow a 2018 Toyota Corrolla and use the Patriot III braking system. We always put the ignition in the ACC position and I always check the steering wheel to make sure it is not locked. Once I didn't check when we were first learning the system and the locked front wheels got dragged for a foot or so before I shouted for my husband to stop. Also, when we first had our blue ox system installed we hooked up our car and started to drive it home from the mechanic. After about 20 minutes the braking system gave an error message. After some investigation we realized that the ACC system on the Toyota shuts itself off to save power after 20 minutes - so the Patriot system was no longer getting power.  So we had to have the mechanic install a wire directly from the car battery to the 'cigarette lighter' connector that plugs into the brake system. Don't know if that makes sense or if that scenario applies to you - but just sharing our experience.
2019  31 IB