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OUR TOAD

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Joseph

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  • PurchDate: 3/7/2015
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2011
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  • ExtColor: Gray / White
  • Location: California
Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #15 on: April 28, 2015, 11:28:27 pm »
DONEWORKING..... dang it my guess was wrong and I was hoping I'd win something. (WH)   I hadn't looked at the brake system you have. I have been considering the road master invisibrake.  My toad only weighs 1800 lbs  however that doesn't change the cost of the braking system.

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Doneworking

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  • PurchDate: September 2013
  • Model: 2350 Ford
  • ModelYear: 2013
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  • Location: Oklahoma City
Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #16 on: April 29, 2015, 08:43:24 am »
Joseph, you can't win 'em all!! roflol roflol

Actually, the Invisibrake is very appealing.  I took a close look at it and just decided to go to this route.  Our Cherokee Trailhawk is off road rated and weighs over 4000 pounds.  We pop down the back seat and fill that baby with gear because we boondock in National Forest Campgrounds for weeks at a time.  So, we are pulling quite a bit of weight for a 5000 pound hitch and want the most margins of safety we can get in our equipment.  How and where you use your rig and toad has a great deal to do with these decisions.    We climb up and down a lot of 10,000+ foot passes ever year and I need all the help I can get. 

Paul
« Last Edit: April 29, 2015, 08:44:57 am by Doneworking »

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randallandchris

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Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #17 on: April 29, 2015, 09:01:06 am »
Joseph, hated the hookup and driving.  Should've had quick connect of lightweight parts, no crossbar, and integral cables and wiring.  But still the wife had stophereitus, always wanting to turn around no matter the road and park no matter the lack of space. 

BTW, which 1800# vehicle is your toad?

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Bruce

Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #18 on: April 29, 2015, 12:36:26 pm »
Here is the equipment we use for towing our 2013 Honda CR-V with our 2014 2552 PC:
Roadmaster Invisibrake part number 8700 and
Roadmaster All Terrain Non-binding tow bar.

We find these to be very easy to use because there are no braking components to move in and out before or after each trip.

The tow bar is light enough for one person to easily hook up and/or disconnect (much easier than our previous Roadmaster unit that always took both of us "seniors" to manage together).  The base plate is barely visible when to tow bar is removed.

We purchased these at Camping World in San Martin, CA and had them do the installation.  That very complicated process was done perfectly and we're very happy with the results.

We do plan to add the Roadmaster "Fusemaster" switch to avoid the possibility of discharging the toad's battery while hauling on a long trip.

Bruce and Sharon
« Last Edit: April 29, 2015, 02:36:22 pm by Bruce and Sharon »

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Joseph

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  • ModelYear: 2011
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  • ExtColor: Gray / White
  • Location: California
Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #19 on: April 29, 2015, 05:28:08 pm »
Randall....We bought a 2014 Bo-Concept smart car that was a dealer demo.  Weighs very little, incredible room and perfect for our use.  I do understand the stophereitus, goes with being married.

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Joseph

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  • Location: California
Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #20 on: April 29, 2015, 05:36:26 pm »
Done working.. not sure which brake system I will go with, I imagine which ever I can get the best deal on, their both highly rated.

We don't carry lots of gear. Maria and I have traveled for weeks on a motorcycle carrying only what the saddle bags allowed. I spent years being sent to places around the world with all my gear in a small duffle bag told to do the job and don't leave a mess behind.  One learns to travel with less. 

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Dale and Cindy

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  • Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #21 on: April 30, 2015, 08:03:09 pm »
I want to thank you all for your comments that were extremely helpful to us; and, I also wanted to update you as to what we decided to go with regarding our towing options for our 2011 Hyundai Tucson, manual transmission dinghy.
We visited Byerly RV Center today and we talked to Bill Dougherty, who was very knowledgeable and very helpful about our towing needs.  He explained everything to us about the products that they offer.  They offered two products, Blue Ox  and Demco.

Here is what we decided to go with:

Blue Ox Tow Bar Alpha and Removable Baseplate - BX2329 Baseplate

Blue Ox Patriot Brake System with Breakaway and Alert

We will take our Tucson in next Thursday to get it ready to tow.

Did I mention that we are going to Alaska for a 61 day tour with Adventure Caravans in July?  Holy cow. . . . we are just trying to get ready for this Alaska adventure, and if any of you have suggestions or comments regarding our trip to Alaska, don't hesitate to tell us about your experiences.

Again, thanks to all of you for your comments and advice.

Cindy



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Bob Mahon

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Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #22 on: April 30, 2015, 11:05:26 pm »
The most important thing I can think of right now is a good quality 12-volt air compressor.
Others will make recommendations and all will be good.
But, if I could take only 1 thing, it would be the compressor.
Second to that, if you know anything about electrics, a VOM, terminals & terminal crimpers, wire, stripper, wire cutter and fuses.
Carry on, regardless..................
"In God we trust" to save our country and bring our troops safely home.

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Dale and Cindy

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  • Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #23 on: May 01, 2015, 12:27:24 am »
Hi Bob Mahon - yes, we have a good air compressor that is always with us to keep the tire pressure where it should be.   All the other things you mentioned regarding electronics like VOM, terminal crimpers, wire, stripper, wire cutter . . . . I'm afraid I don't understand, but that is my limitation.  Thank you so much for your recommendations!!

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Joseph

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  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2011
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Tan/Cherry
  • ExtColor: Gray / White
  • Location: California
Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #24 on: May 01, 2015, 01:36:53 am »
Flat tire with a compressor won't do much unless you can stop the leak.   For tubeless tires Look into a safety seal kit. I have one and have used it on motorcycle tires to large off road jeep tires.   My preference is calling triple A. But that's not always possible.

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GoPhoenix

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Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #25 on: May 01, 2015, 08:16:59 am »
Enjoy your Adventure Caravans trip.  We’ve been on several and always had a great experience.  Going on their Chicago trip this fall and the American Music Trail next year.
I remember very few of the things that I’ve spent money to buy, but I remember all of the places that I’ve spent money to see.

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ragoodsp

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Re: OUR TOAD
« Reply #26 on: May 04, 2015, 10:05:03 am »
I have used the portable Break Buddy set up on several toads with zero issues.  The new Cherokee has a very thick pedal shaft that the BB clamp will not fit over.  I contacted BB and they sent me and adapter that actually attaches to the pedal; I do not find it a good set up at all.  The leather seats in the Cherokee and the angle of the front portion of the seat does not lent itself to good contact with the BB and the BB has a tendency to slip/flop around a lot.  I would endorse 100% going with a unit that is under the seat or a set up that is far more secure compared to the BB portable unit.  That is only if you were going to use it on a new Jeep Cherokee, other nits may work great but be careful with slippery leather.   Thanks.
Ron Goodspeed