Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd
| [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317618] |
Tue, 16 May 2017 11:53  |
<rallymaster
Messages: 361
Registered: May 2014
Karma: 2
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G'day, All
Anyone have hints on unhitching the tow'd under less than ideal
conditions?
Not perfectly lined up (a little twist in the ball and socket, etc.).
The unhooking place is often not smooth. Lots of bumps and dips in the
road or driveway.
TNX,
Ron
Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317619 is a reply to message #317618] |
Tue, 16 May 2017 12:22  |
Mike Kelley
Messages: 467
Registered: February 2017
Karma: -2
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Hey Ron:
I am not an expert, but here is what I would do:
1) Block wheels of Toad or dolly.
2) Block tongue of toad hitch up, so it can not go down (I use a 4 x 4 or two).
3) Disconnect chains, latch at ball, and elect. connection.
4) Use air bag system to lower coach about 4 or more inches.
5) While hanging on to coach, stand or jump on female end of receiver hitch (the part hooked to the coach).
6) If it did not come loose at above, try tapping (or hitting gently) the latch assembly (holding it onto ball) with a hammer.
7) If 5 or 6 above did not work, jack up tow bar/hitch w/ a car jack to get hitch off of ball.
Just my simple/easy way!
Mike/The Corvair a holic
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 16, 2017, at 11:53 AM, wrote:
>
>
> G'day, All
>
> Anyone have hints on unhitching the tow'd under less than ideal
> conditions?
> Not perfectly lined up (a little twist in the ball and socket, etc.).
> The unhooking place is often not smooth. Lots of bumps and dips in the
> road or driveway.
> TNX,
>
> Ron
> Ron & Linda Clark
> North Plains, ORYGUN
> 1978 Eleganza II
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317624 is a reply to message #317618] |
Tue, 16 May 2017 14:40 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Some tow bar setups are better at this then others. Just
Remeber the car is much heavier then you and be careful. I usually make sure i am on flat ground. Otherwise i get an assistant to be ready on the brakes.
I have a stowmaster 5000, very similar to unhitching a trailer. Those that disconnect from the
Vehicle, there is a wide variety of tow bars that are easier or more difficult to connect/disconnect.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317633 is a reply to message #317618] |
Tue, 16 May 2017 17:09 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Ron,
Do you not have an on-the-coach tow bar, with latches for the length of the
tow bar arms? My Blue Ox has a latching lever on each arm. Disengaging
those latches frees the arms so that the the pins at the toad can easily be
removed.
With a rigid A-arm tow bar, disconnection can, indeed, be a difficult task
at times. But slight maneuvering of the tower or towee can generally
relieve the binding.
Ken H.
On Tue, May 16, 2017 at 12:53 PM, wrote:
>
> G'day, All
>
> Anyone have hints on unhitching the tow'd under less than ideal
> conditions?
> Not perfectly lined up (a little twist in the ball and socket, etc.).
> The unhooking place is often not smooth. Lots of bumps and dips in the
> road or driveway.
> TNX,
>
> Ron
> Ron & Linda Clark
> North Plains, ORYGUN
> 1978 Eleganza II
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317638 is a reply to message #317618] |
Tue, 16 May 2017 17:39 |
<rallymaster
Messages: 361
Registered: May 2014
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I have the tow bar mounted on the tow'd.
Many of the places I want to unhook are neither level nor smooth.
When the socket is not exactly parallel with the ball, and the ground is
not smooth, it's a PITA to get everything lined up.
Someday, when I win the lottery, I'll get a through the bumper hitch
mounted on the coach, then spend $$$$ to get the fancy coach mounted
towbar.
Ron
On Tue, 16 May 2017 18:09:38 -0400 Ken Henderson
writes:
> Ron,
>
> Do you not have an on-the-coach tow bar, with latches for the length
> of the
> tow bar arms? My Blue Ox has a latching lever on each arm.
> Disengaging
> those latches frees the arms so that the the pins at the toad can
> easily be
> removed.
>
> With a rigid A-arm tow bar, disconnection can, indeed, be a
> difficult task
> at times. But slight maneuvering of the tower or towee can
> generally
> relieve the binding.
>
> Ken H.
>
>
> On Tue, May 16, 2017 at 12:53 PM, wrote:
>
>>
>> G'day, All
>>
>> Anyone have hints on unhitching the tow'd under less than ideal
>> conditions?
>> Not perfectly lined up (a little twist in the ball and socket,
> etc.).
>> The unhooking place is often not smooth. Lots of bumps and dips in
> the
>> road or driveway.
>> TNX,
>>
>> Ron
>> Ron & Linda Clark
>> North Plains, ORYGUN
>> 1978 Eleganza II
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317655 is a reply to message #317638] |
Tue, 16 May 2017 19:24 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Ron,
If your problem is that persistent, you need to start saving for a Blue Ox
(I don't like Roadmaster base plates). It doesn't have to be a very
expensive upgrade:
A thru-the bumper hitch suitable for toad towing doesn't have to be one of
the $400+ jobs; mine, IIRC, cost Many of the places I want to unhook are neither level nor smooth.[/color]
> When the socket is not exactly parallel with the ball, and the ground is
> not smooth, it's a PITA to get everything lined up.
> Someday, when I win the lottery, I'll get a through the bumper hitch
> mounted on the coach, then spend $$$$ to get the fancy coach mounted
> towbar.
> Ron
>
> On Tue, 16 May 2017 18:09:38 -0400 Ken Henderson
> writes:
>> Ron,
>>
>> Do you not have an on-the-coach tow bar, with latches for the length
>> of the
>> tow bar arms? My Blue Ox has a latching lever on each arm.
>> Disengaging
>> those latches frees the arms so that the the pins at the toad can
>> easily be
>> removed.
>>
>> With a rigid A-arm tow bar, disconnection can, indeed, be a
>> difficult task
>> at times. But slight maneuvering of the tower or towee can
>> generally
>> relieve the binding.
>>
>> Ken H.
>>
>>
>> On Tue, May 16, 2017 at 12:53 PM, wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> G'day, All
>>>
>>> Anyone have hints on unhitching the tow'd under less than ideal
>>> conditions?
>>> Not perfectly lined up (a little twist in the ball and socket,
>> etc.).
>>> The unhooking place is often not smooth. Lots of bumps and dips in
>> the
>>> road or driveway.
>>> TNX,
>>>
>>> Ron
>>> Ron & Linda Clark
>>> North Plains, ORYGUN
>>> 1978 Eleganza II
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
> Ron & Linda Clark
> North Plains, ORYGUN
> 1978 Eleganza II
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317656 is a reply to message #317638] |
Tue, 16 May 2017 19:29 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
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Ron,
If your problem is that persistent, you need to start saving for a Blue Ox
(I don't like Roadmaster base plates). A thru-the bumper hitch suitable
for toad towing doesn't have to be one of the $400+ jobs; mine, IIRC, cost
about $70, including the receiver tube I provided:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3287-thru-the-bumper-
hitch-for-toad-towing.html
There are used Blue Ox tow bars on eBay starting at about $150.
Base plates can be expensive, but on both of my toads, it was trivially
simple to modify the brackets used with the old A-frame tow bar -- just
weld on a couple of "eyes" to match the Blue Ox standard -- about a $10 job.
I sure wouldn't willingly go back to a stiff tow bar.
Ken H.
On Tue, May 16, 2017 at 6:39 PM, wrote:
> I have the tow bar mounted on the tow'd.
> Many of the places I want to unhook are neither level nor smooth.
> When the socket is not exactly parallel with the ball, and the ground is
> not smooth, it's a PITA to get everything lined up.
> Someday, when I win the lottery, I'll get a through the bumper hitch
> mounted on the coach, then spend $$$$ to get the fancy coach mounted
> towbar.
>
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317662 is a reply to message #317618] |
Tue, 16 May 2017 20:44 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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<rallymaster wrote on Tue, 16 May 2017 09:53
G'day, All
Anyone have hints on unhitching the tow'd under less than ideal
conditions?
Not perfectly lined up (a little twist in the ball and socket, etc.).
The unhooking place is often not smooth. Lots of bumps and dips in the
road or driveway.
TNX,
Ron
Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II
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Ron,
I have a simple A-frame type tow bar that attaches to the towd baseplate with a couple of pins, and to the motorhome with a typical trailer hitch ball latch.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/towing-etc/p37214-tracker-towing-set-up.html
Just this past Saturday, I experienced a bit of binding on the hitch ball, due to pulling into a pull through space at Picacho Peak State Park (AZ) that was slightly down hill. I had blown almost all the air out of the bags to get leveled up, so the ball end of the tow bar was pretty much lower than the towd end. I made sure the Tracker transfer case was in gear, unhooked the chains and wiring, and went to unhitch from the ball. It was too tight to lift it off the ball. I called on my wife to get in the tracker, start it up, and put it in reverse. As she backed it up JUST a little, it took the bind off the hitch and came free.
If you are by yourself, it might be a bit more difficult, but the trick is to relieve the binding by taking the weight off the hitch. That could be done by chocking the wheels of the towd, and putting the motorhome in neutral, letting it drift forward an inch or so in order to achieve this.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317664 is a reply to message #317618] |
Tue, 16 May 2017 23:49 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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I haven't had near as much trouble unhooking my tow bar on uneven terrain since I started using my road master tow bar. Carry a crow bar in your travels when the tow bar gets jammed bring out the trusty crow bar and pop the sucker off. Make sure the emergency brake is set on the car so it doesen't roll away.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
[Updated on: Tue, 16 May 2017 23:50] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317665 is a reply to message #317618] |
Tue, 16 May 2017 23:58 |
<rallymaster
Messages: 361
Registered: May 2014
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Thanks to all who responded. Any more ideas will alsobe appreciated.
Ron
On Tue, 16 May 2017 20:24:23 -0400 Ken Henderson
writes:
> Ron,
>
> If your problem is that persistent, you need to start saving for a
> Blue Ox
> (I don't like Roadmaster base plates). It doesn't have to be a
> very
> expensive upgrade:
>
> A thru-the bumper hitch suitable for toad towing doesn't have to be
> one of
> the $400+ jobs; mine, IIRC, cost I
> provided:
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3287-thru-the-bumper-
> hitch-for-toad-towing.html
>
> Used Blue Ox tow bars are on eBay for as little as $150 + shipping.
>
> Base plates can be expensive, but on both of my toads, it was a very
> simple
> job to add a couple of "eyes" to convert the old A-frame brackets to
> fit
> the Blue Ox. Cost
>
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
> Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc., etc.
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
> On Tue, May 16, 2017 at 6:39 PM, wrote:
>
>> I have the tow bar mounted on the tow'd.
>> Many of the places I want to unhook are neither level nor smooth.
>> When the socket is not exactly parallel with the ball, and the
> ground is
>> not smooth, it's a PITA to get everything lined up.
>> Someday, when I win the lottery, I'll get a through the bumper
> hitch
>> mounted on the coach, then spend $$$$ to get the fancy coach
> mounted
>> towbar.
>> Ron
>>
>> On Tue, 16 May 2017 18:09:38 -0400 Ken Henderson
>
>> writes:
>>> Ron,
>>>
>>> Do you not have an on-the-coach tow bar, with latches for the
> length
>>> of the
>>> tow bar arms? My Blue Ox has a latching lever on each arm.
>>> Disengaging
>>> those latches frees the arms so that the the pins at the toad
> can
>>> easily be
>>> removed.
>>>
>>> With a rigid A-arm tow bar, disconnection can, indeed, be a
>>> difficult task
>>> at times. But slight maneuvering of the tower or towee can
>>> generally
>>> relieve the binding.
>>>
>>> Ken H.
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, May 16, 2017 at 12:53 PM, wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> G'day, All
>>>>
>>>> Anyone have hints on unhitching the tow'd under less than
> ideal
>>>> conditions?
>>>> Not perfectly lined up (a little twist in the ball and
> socket,
>>> etc.).
>>>> The unhooking place is often not smooth. Lots of bumps and
> dips in
>>> the
>>>> road or driveway.
>>>> TNX,
>>>>
>>>> Ron
>>>> Ron & Linda Clark
>>>> North Plains, ORYGUN
>>>> 1978 Eleganza II
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>>>
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>>
>>
>> Ron & Linda Clark
>> North Plains, ORYGUN
>> 1978 Eleganza II
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317675 is a reply to message #317618] |
Wed, 17 May 2017 08:01 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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I have a pair of cheeeep a-frame tow bars, one for the ratrod and one for the mousemobile. The mouse (Kia Soul) has a DEMCO baseplate which won't hook to the $50 pinned bar whose clips are on the front bumper of the ratrod. I have a 5 dollar crowbar which easily removes the hitch from the coach ball.
It's actually more trouble - although not a lot - to hook the toad to the coach. Since it isn't hooked, I can drive both to a level place, line the toad up, and pull it by hand onto the ball.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
[Updated on: Wed, 17 May 2017 08:02] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unhitching the tow'd [message #317692 is a reply to message #317675] |
Wed, 17 May 2017 14:04 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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I've used Roadmaster bars for years and the early ones tended to have binding issues if you got in the right (wrong) position. Once they introduced the non binding bars about 15 years ago the binding issues ceased to be a problem. If memory serves they used to call the non binding bars 'All Terrain" bars. If you see a bar with a small release pin on the arms, its not the one you want. The ones you're looking for have a long release handle on them.
Good luck with your choice.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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