Backing up when towing with a MH

[gingerK]

Here's a question for those of you who have toads; I know you have to unhook the car from the MH in order to back up but I don't know why. Is it because of the type of tow bar/hitch used to pull the toad? I've never pulled a vehicle (other than on a trailer) so I want to understand the basics of it. And if I were simply pulling a trailer of some type with the MH, could I then back it up as if I were pulling it with my truck? Just curious as I'm considering adding a toad to my managerie.

[retiredhappy]

I believe it has something to do with the transmission in the toad cause you CAN back up a trailer. Melissa D needs to jump in here.

[Bethers]

You cannot back up the RV while you have a car on a tow bar.  Why? Because the front wheels of the car will turn the wrong way and you will drag the car — putting extreme stress on the steering components.

You see, most motorhomes have an extended overhang to the rear.  There are still many feet of motorhome beyond the rear wheels  This magnifies the stress when attempting to turn in reverse.  Serious damage will occur to your towed car unless you unhook it from the motorhome when circumstances arise and you are forced to back up.

[gingerK]

Thank you! I didn't take into account the fact that a car has wheels on each "corner" of the car, where a trailer's wheels are centered. It makes perfect sense now.

[Queen]

Thank you! I didn't take into account the fact that a car has wheels on each "corner" of the car, where a trailer's wheels are centered. It makes perfect sense now.

Watching someone do it makes it readily apparent. Saw an older gent do this in the Keys, he was driving a nice Class A Prevost and pulling a Jeep Grand Cherokee, when he started backing up the car squirreled around a bit then made some fairly interesting noises. Kinda painful to watch.