mattrx
Texas
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Joined: 01/11/2007
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Got the 36' motorhome packed up and ready to go in the morning. I hooked up the Demco Kar Kaddy 3 with surge brakes for the first time tonight. We'll be pulling our 2005 Toyota Sienna... and man, does it look long!
I haven't measured, but I must be running at least 50' with the motorhome and car in tow. I must say, I'm a little nervous about a rig this long!
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Vet Man
Ct. & Florida
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Joined: 09/28/2003
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Noooo, everything is bigger in Texas.
2008 Itasca Sunrise 35A
2006 44ft Breckenridge
2008 Honda CRV Toad
2007 ZR1 Colorado Toad
2008 Pontiac Solistice GXP "Brazen Orange"
2008 26ft Car Mate-Car
"We Traveled To Alot Of Different Places While On Vacation, Until The wife Asked Directions"
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xctraveler
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 10/28/2002
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I run my 36 footer with the RAV way back because I need a 6" drop for the hitch, adds a foot or more. Then I have to keep the stinger on the towbar way out because that is the only way the Tow Defender fits.
Tow'd is 5 or 6 feet behind the coach so there is 42 feet before I add the tow'd for at least 16" must be close to 60' guess I'll have to measure it now when I get hitched and ready to roll on Monday.
In any event your biggest worry is that the car will swing out in a tight turn. If you go right the car will go left before coming back to follow. That is because of the swing distance from the center of the drive axle to the pivot point of the trailer ball. I have put the car into a gas pump, once (actually DW was driving and she refused to listen to me). On the highway you should barely be aware of the tow'd so long as you can see it when changing lanes. Best advice there is drive 55 to 60 and keep right. It is much more relaxing.
Paul
Trucking down the road in a 2004 Southwind 36E on Workhorse Chassis with a 2005 Toyota RAV4 AWD stick shift tow'd with US Gear Brake System. Check out my journal
FMCA 352081
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mattrx
Texas
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Joined: 01/11/2007
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Thanks for the advice. With the tow dolly there's at least 5-6' between the MH and van. The rear of the MH sticks out pretty far behind the rear wheels. Was wondering how it would act with the auto-steer... makes sense that it will go left before right in a right hand turn. Should help me avoid those curbs in a turn!
I think the hardest part of the trip will be getting out of the neighborhood. Once we get to our destination, I plan to find a nice, big parking lot to unload the van before entering the campground.
Will definitely be taking it nice and slow!
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Crespro
Camarillo, CA
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Joined: 07/23/2004
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Hi Mattrx,
I had five coast-to-coast trips in a 37 foot Pace Arrow with a tow dolly and car. It was right at 55 feet long.
My rules:
1. Highway is fine -- watch lane changes due to length.
2. Construction -- carefully use both mirrors to position dolly. I usually attempted to keep the curbside tire on the white line marking the shoulder, but sometimes had only a few inches space on both sides.
3. Toll booths -- most have a wider lane for trucks on the far right. Watch your clearance in both mirrors as you depart.
4. Backing up -- best none at all. If needed, about 10 feet before the dolly fender approaches the door of the car.
Happy trails,
Crespro
Crespro 2005 Diplomat 40 PAQ/2008 Saturn Vue XR AWD
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alwims
Wheatland Mo.
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Joined: 08/15/2007
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Relax and remember, your toad will follow you anywhere you go. It will only track about 3 to 6" inside your MH track. We were a tad illegal in some states at 72' with this set up.
32' 1995 Rexhall RexAir
Full Timing with;
Alan the DH
Carol the DW
Pistol Pete the Maltese
Jasmin the Maltese &
Cali the Calico Cat
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bsinmich
Holland, MI
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Joined: 11/18/2000
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ALWIMS, What state is the setup legal with the car attached by tow straps and a boat attached to that? If I saw that around me I would get away as far as possible.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, & 2002 PT Cruiser w/Remco lube pump, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
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rustysylvia
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Joined: 12/19/2007
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We have our 34' MH with a 24' enclosed car hauler behind us. We put the X1/9 in the trailer and have lots of room and CCC to have my portable garage to play in. Nothing to hauling a trailer, a lot easier backing up! I used to drive truck OTR so no biggie.Good luck
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mtrumpet
Hamburg, NY
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Joined: 07/08/2005
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alwims wrote:Relax and remember, your toad will follow you anywhere you go. It will only track about 3 to 6" inside your MH track. We were a tad illegal in some states at 72' with this set up.
Boy, I don't know about that one alwins. I like to know where that set up IS LEGAL??
mtrumpet
2000 Southwind Storm 30H
Ford Triton V10 6.8L
F53 Chassis
Davis Tru-Trac
Henderson Rear Trac Bar
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Goodyear G670 RV's
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desertfam
Sunny SO CAL
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Joined: 11/30/2003
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Better not have to back up, maybe he would be better suited for 5th wheel/truck combo? With the boat in tow behind 5th
"Live everyday!"
04' Fleetwood Bounder 32w WC20
02' CRF450R
03' Z400 (Lots of Goodies)
04' Predator 50
05' Power Wheels Hummer H2
One excellent wife,Two awesomeDesert rats,no problems
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