usmohls2@yahoo.com wrote: What toads do not have a steering lock?
Mine.
I can't tell you all of the ones that don't, but there are cars/trucks out there that don't have a steering wheel lock. My ignition key is on the side of the steering column, and it does lock the gear shift into park, but does NOT lock the steering. I like it that way, because I can put the transfer case in neutral, put the transmission in park, take the key and lock the door. I'm so glad I don't have to leave a key in the ignition.
I have to agree with the others that I don't understand what Harbor Freight is thinking. I just don't see it working well with a locked steering column. And what are you supposed to do if your steering column doesn't lock? Or how about if your toad requires the transmission selector in neutral, but you can't take out the key (and therefore lock the steering column) without the transmission in park?
Too many questions, too many possibilities, not enough answers...
2007 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 40PDQ 400 ISL Cummins/Allison
2002 Chevy Avalanche toad
Inside: Him, Her, and a pack of little furballs...
I thought so. I have never heard of locking the steering while towing 4-on-ground. Yet Harbor Freight has gone to the trouble to alter their owners manuals (http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals/94000-94999/94696.pdf) just look on page 4. And we all know what happens when you call HF for technical assistance - nothing. I shop HF, WM, Sams, Costco, to make my dollars stretch, but I don't kid myself into believing that their associates know their merchandise.
That said, thanks you all your feedback, I will tow with the steering unlocked. OBTW, there was a time :^) when vehicles didn't have locking steering or multiple position ignition switches.
Thanks for the feedback,
Al Fiallos
usmohls2@yahoo.com wrote: What toads do not have a steering lock?
Most current GMs do not lock the steering wheel. The shift/brake interlock locks the shifter in park (on automatics) which requires the ignition on to shift out of.
Keith J, Retired from GM Engineering
1999 Sunnybrook 27RKFS Fiver
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE 2WD/CC/SB/DA, 52 gal Titan tank, Bilsteins, Line-X, Westin steps, Prodigy, Retrax, 16K Superglide, 5th-Airborne pin box, Multi-vex mirrors, TST TPMS.
I beleive that is a typo in their manual. Here is a clickable to read it your self. I would never tow a toad 4 wheels down without haveing the steering UNLOCKED. If locked it will surly try and go to one side or the other, and then the MH will just have to DRAG it in the opposite direction to get it straight and how long will the tires last doing that? Tow Bar manual
Othertonka
2004 Southwind 32VS 8.1 Workhorse chassis
2002 CRV Toad
U. S. Gear Unified brake system
Retired Fire Captain, SFD
BaldyD1 wrote: The dingy's ignition key is turned to ACC to unlock the steering wheel when towing 4 down. If not unlocked, the dingy's front wheels will not turn left and/or right while being towed 4 down.
When towing on a dolly, the ignition key is removed and the steering is locked.
NOTE: Speel chek not werkin!
NOT always true. There are many vehicles that do NOT have a steering lock. Always check your owners manual for the correct towing proceedure, not what someone on here says they do.
What toads do not have a steering lock?
My H3 does not lock the steering. I put the thing in park after putting the transmission in neutral, take the parking brake off, pull the key and lock the doors.
othertonka wrote: I beleive that is a typo in their manual.
I don't think it's a typo, it looks intentional. Here is the exact wording:
Quote: WARNING! The towed vehicle must have the steering locked with the wheels in a straight forward position. As the wheels can not steer, the vehicle will resist turning. Avoid sharp turns which may damage the tow bar and/or either vehicle.
It specifically states that the wheels will not steer and the vehicle will resist turning. It sure sounds like they mean for the steering to be locked.
I am also curios what base plates do you use with this tow bar? This whole set up does not sound safe to me and I would not buy it. And also why would anyone buy this tow bar with the warning (Avoid sharp turns which may damage the tow bar and/or the vehicle). Does anyone every think that they will NEVER have to make a sharp turn? Use this at your own risk in my opinion
Here is what the bar looks like. What do others think of this bar? Tow Bar
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