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Old 11-29-2020, 10:17 AM   #1
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One of my reminders during toad hookup

Long time Rver, new to dinghy towing this year.

Only towed 4 times this fall. Developed a procedure check list for my toad.

Once, I almost forgot to install the hitch pin so I used my label maker to attach a reminder right on the tow bar. Good thing I double checked my work.

Plastic 1/2" label, large font, covered with Scotch Storage Tape to resist the weather.

Anyone interested in my checklist PM me and I will share. Checklist is 1 page and combination of owners manual, verbatim, and my notes in italics. Will help if you have MS Word.

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Old 11-29-2020, 10:36 AM   #2
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So you always pull the hitch? Why not just install a locking hitch pin and leave it installed/folded up and rotated to one side or the other?
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Old 11-29-2020, 10:50 AM   #3
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I bought a Blue Ox locking hitch pin and tow bar cover for rv season, up here that's May - mid/late October. Since I am new to it thought this reminder would help me and for me the tasks that are done occassionally are the ones where a reminder helps.
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Old 11-29-2020, 11:06 AM   #4
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Understand reminders but just was wondering why you would ever pull the hitch. It really doesn't matter just was curious. I install mine when MH is purchased and only remove it years later when selling/trading in MH. It's like an add on modification.
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Old 11-29-2020, 11:43 AM   #5
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Toad check lists are a good idea if you need one. I have one that reminds me to make sure the transmission is in neutral to avoid this from happening again.
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Old 11-29-2020, 11:54 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbles View Post
So you always pull the hitch? Why not just install a locking hitch pin and leave it installed/folded up and rotated to one side or the other?
Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbles View Post
Understand reminders but just was wondering why you would ever pull the hitch. It really doesn't matter just was curious. I install mine when MH is purchased and only remove it years later when selling/trading in MH. It's like an add on modification.
I guess you mean why would you ever pull the tow bar, and I can’t speak for the OP, but my motorhome’s hitch receiver is used for way more than towing a toad. Sometimes there is a ball mount for a motorcycle trailer, or a bike rack, or a carrier for cargo and fire wood on the receiver. There is no reason for me to leave the toad tow bar mounted when it’s only used a couple times per year. Most of the time there is some other towing device in use.

Reminders and checklists are very good things. Over the years I have probably forgotten one thing or another at least once in regards to towing or RV traveling. And yes, I did forget the hitch pin once. I towed a 3700 pound boat/trailer 100 miles with no hitch pin. Fortunately the safety chains were tight enough that the ball mount couldn’t pull all the way out of the receiver. I was lucky.
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Old 11-29-2020, 02:13 PM   #7
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Thanks all for your comments
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Old 11-29-2020, 02:14 PM   #8
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Yes I leave mine in but when I traded it in this spring for a DP, took a lot of effort to get it out. Sanded it down, repainted it and added a little graphite lubricant and its good to go. Probably got locked in after we brought it down from Mass. To our new house in sunny Florida in the middle of a little March snowstorm last year. Typical NE weather, no indication of snow that week when we headed up to pick it up.. Of course I'll still leave it in on the DP but do plan on pulling it once a year or so.
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Old 11-29-2020, 04:40 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GL1800Rider View Post
Toad check lists are a good idea if you need one. I have one that reminds me to make sure the transmission is in neutral to avoid this from happening again.


Ouch! Wow! In reference to pictures, hope everyone was alright.
Yes, scary if certain procedures are not followed properly.
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