Need advise on towing a vehicle

[jkwilbur]

We just bought our first RV last year - a 1998 22' minnie Winnebago. We have tried to tow our GMC Jimmy with it and though it seems to meet the weight limits we get a lot of sway. The steering's a bit loose but I don't know if that's the problem. Any thoughts from more experienced RV'ers?

J

[jimbo]

I am not experienced with towing toads but I think I could give you a few ideas to look at.
1) Is front end of vehicle your towing loose. Are tie rods tight if there is any play in front end I would think that this would cause sway.
2) Is front end out of alignment or does it dog tail.
3) Hitch height. Is the hitch on toad sit higher than on tow vehicle. Most trailers tend to tow better if hitch is slightly higher on tow vehicle. don't know if this would make a difference with a toad.
These are just some ideas I thought may help but I'd really think the first two would make the most difference. Possibly have front end checked out and a 4 wheel alignment done on the toad.

[denlock]

I pull an 04 S-10 which is the same thing. I do not have any sway, but my hitch is higher on the MOHO by a couple of inches. I think Jimbo is correct, put a riser on it.

[rcplumley]

I pull an 04 S-10 which is the same thing. I do not have any sway, but my hitch is higher on the MOHO by a couple of inches. I think Jimbo is correct, put a riser on it.
how do you tow your s-10 i towed mine with drrive shaft on once and it made the tranny make a noise now i pull off the drive shaft but dont know if i really need to r.c. plumley old itasca with 95s10

[denlock]

rcplumley

I had Camping World put a drive shaft disconnect on it. Sorry it took so long to answer your question.

Denlock

[roadrunner]

rcplumley

I had Camping World put a drive shaft disconnect on it. Sorry it took so long to answer your question.

Denlock

What is the best way to tow a car from a motorhome? Dolly, flat or trailer? we have heard it all but still don't know what or why we should do it. Any suggestions? Thanks, roadrunner.

[denlock]

Roadrunner

To answer your question, who knows. I have allways towed four down. A few people I know tow with a dolly, but that looks like to much work. Not to mention having to keep the dolly someplace. All I do is toss the tow bar in storage pocket. I had a guy in the Outer Banks tell me before I got my MOHO to use a tow bar. He said he used to use a dolly, but it swayed to much on him and switched to a bar instead. It all boils down to user preference.

Denlock

[frank]

I do not understand the problem!! We have towed a number of vehicles four down and never had that problem. We ave towed GM vehicles but not an S-10.

I always make sure the hitch is level or on a slight incline up to the motorhome but do not think this is the problem. I would look at the steering box and excessive play-that in combination with tow bar angle could be the problem.

We towed with a dolly the first trip we made with a 38 foot Pace Arrow back in 1989. It was a pain to get the vehicle on and off, trying to store it in the CG and at home. We sold it after the first trip and bought a car to tow.

We have towed a Mercury-stick Shift, a saturn, a Dodge Durango, a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM and now the Saturn Vue.

Enjoy!!

[rcplumley]

how much did it cost to have them put it on?

[frank]

I just had a new Blue Ox base plate and bought a new Avanti II tow bar for the Saturn Vue and it was $1,600 complete, installed with all wiring, cables, and hitch locks.

Enjoy!!

[doug7155]

Check the weight of the towed vehicle. I think it's probably too heavy for your m/h. I would imagine your m/h is limited to toiwng 3500 max. Also, the lenght of your motorhome (short wheelbase) might have some bearing on the towing ability/handling.

Your manuals should have the limits. The hitch should also be marked.

There is much more to towing than getting a tow bar and hooking up. Many vehicles cannot be towed 4 down (the easiest and simplest method). Check with the manufacturer of that vehicle. You may have to unhook the drive shaft or contact REMCO and they can tell you and make modifications if necessary.

You will definately need auxillary braking system if you can even tow.

[firstchiefmike]

We just bought our first RV last year - a 1998 22' minnie Winnebago. We have tried to tow our GMC Jimmy with it and though it seems to meet the weight limits we get a lot of sway. The steering's a bit loose but I don't know if that's the problem. Any thoughts from more experienced RV'ers?

J
Hello JK, as a auto tech I would advise you to get the steering box adjusted on the motorhome, if as you say it is a little loose
Any movement of the steering wheel will cause the towed vehicle to sway and the distance from your front steering to the towed vehicle will cause a magnafication in motion. I do believe that will solve your problem. I hope this will be of help. Also a steering damper shock will help.
Happy Camping & Motoring.