Fossil Hunter
Torrance, Ca.
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Joined: 05/08/2004
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I am planning on towing an 08 tacoma 4x4 auto trans doule cab behind an 08 Winnebago Sightseer 30B I'm also going to get a Remco DSD.
My questions are:
Key on to unlock steering wheel but how do you prevent battery drain?
Trans in Park?
Any recommendations on tow bars,etc.?
I recently upgraded from a travel trailer so I am a toad rookie.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Fossil Hunter
2008 Winnebago Sightseer 30B
2008 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Long Bed 4x4 Remco Disconnect
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Loren Ross
Reno, NV
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Joined: 11/12/2007
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Well, FH... The answer to your first 2 questions will be best obtained from the owners manual, not from someone who doesn't own the same exact vehicle. I tow my vehicle all day with the key unlocking the wheel, and even with the EvenBrake my battery never goes flat. You can always run a charging wire from the motorhome if you think you will have a problem.
As for towbars and equipment, I always recommend going to the manufacturers web sites where you can find the exact installation instructions for your vehicle. Even if you don't do the work yourself, you can see in the instructions what has to happen to your car/truck to complete the installation. I've always thought that the least amount of metal cutting and such is the best way to go. Both Blue Ox and Roadmaster make excellent products in several versions, but the installations can be very different in the same vehicles.
Good luck!!
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Fossil Hunter
Torrance, Ca.
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Thanks Loren, but the owners manual has no info on towing since Toyota forbids towing. I need info from someone who is actually using this truck.
ThankS
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sdsdsd
Malvern,Pa
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Joined: 07/19/2004
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usually if you put the transfer case in neutral no damage will occur. This will keep the internal transmission parts from turning.
steve
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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Fossil Hunter wrote:Thanks Loren, but the owners manual has no info on towing since Toyota forbids towing. I need info from someone who is actually using this truck.
ThankS Remember that you will void you warranty by doing this!
Deen - Vancouver, WA
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gmanatl
Hiram, GA
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Joined: 02/28/2007
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If your Toyota doesn't have an off position on the ignition switch you may have to pull a battery cable to avoid running down the battery. I tow a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X2 automatic using a Remco drive shaft disconnect and my igniton switch has accessory, off, on, and start. I put it in off and the steering wheel is unlocked but nothing is on so no battery drain takes place.
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submustang
Southern Oregon
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Joined: 09/12/2006
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When I first started towing my Tundra, I left the key in accessory, never had the battery run down. I figured out that if I turn the key on and then back to off that the steering wheel remains unlocked as long as I don't remove the key. Try turning your key to on and then back to off. If you can turn the wheel back and forth without it locking you're likely OK. To verify it, pull the key and see that it locks with the same amount of wheel movement. I watch mine carefully as I turn the first couple times to make sure the truck follows as it should. I am probably a bit paranoid, as I double-check everything and keep a close eye on the toad. Better that then damage something. I also leave the transmission in park. By the way, the disconnect has worked flawlessly.
2002 Tradewinds LTC
2004 Toyota Tundra Doublecab Toad
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moisheh
North America
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Joined: 05/04/2002
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WE tow an 05 Tacoma double cab 4 x 4 automatic. Same as the 08. Also have the Remco disconnect. The proper procedure is to disconnect the driveshaft and put the tranny in Park. There is no neutral for the transfer case. The key has to be in acc. to keep the wheel unlocked. Make sure the radio is off. Battery has never run down even after a whole day of towing. Great truck and tows well. I installed the Blue Ox base plates and use their bar as well. A difficult installation but very strong base plate. I would never use some mickey mouse push against the seat braking syste. We use a US Gear Unified tow brake. Has a vacum pump so you still have power brakes. My second choice would be the M & G system. Another very well made piece.
Moisheh
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Gadget Guy
Whitefish/Calgary
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Joined: 02/18/2007
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I tow my 05 Tacoma with a Remco disconnect. You DO NOT void the warranty when using a Remco disconnect. I have had warranty work done with no problem. Your 08 is no different than my 05. You will have to use WD 40 or similar product on the disconnect to keep it working. I also added a live 12 volt feed to my truck for power supply. This way if you end up towing a few days in a row without unhooking the truck your battery is right up to full charge. I also use the SMI brake system which uses a vacuum pump to supply power brakes to the truck with great success.
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jcarew
Sterling Hts. Mi.
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Joined: 09/11/2003
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Hi we tow with a blue Ox bar and a drive shaft disconnect as for the steering, I removed the locking bar that locks the steering and can now shut it off and pull the key. I installed led lights in the tailgate and plug in to the mh I do not use the toyota taillights when towing.
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