Frequently Asked Questions- and Answers

Q: Why the 15" tires and is the ST225/75R15E 10-ply tire tough enough for my trailer?
A: Yes, the 2011 Trailer Toad 3500HD and the 5000SD models have ST225/75R15 10-ply Tow Master radial tires. This larger tire (older models used 12" tires) has solved the issue of tire longevity and availability. *Every 2011 Trailer Toad 3500HD and 5000SD now comes with 6-lug wheels. This is very common bolt pattern on trailer wheels so now you have another spare tire (in an emergency).

Q: Does the axle pivot or do the tires scuff when I turn?
A: The axle does pivot, approximately 20 degrees, and that is one of the patented features that makes it work so well. This also helps prevent excessive tire wear and dramatically reduces sway in side winds or when a semi passes you. The pivoting axle is a "true sway control" between the trailer and the tow vehicle and dampened by a pair of NAPA Steering Stabilizers.

Q: What about backing up? If the axle pivots can you back up with the Trailer Toad?
A: Yes you can back up with the Trailer Toad attached. All you have to do is insert the two Reverse Pins. *2011 Trailer Toad 3500HD and 5000HD models feature the new "Dual-Pin" Reverse System. Each Trailer Toad has Reverse Locking pins and tubes on each side of the main frame and the axle has matching tubes the pins slide into on each side. When the pins are in place, the axle cannot pivot and the trailer backs up like it before you installed the Trailer Toad. **If your trailer weighs over 10,000 lbs you should install the Stabilizer Bar Kit (5000SD comes with the Stabilizer Bar Kit) This prevents excessive side loads on the receiver drawbar. These heavy trailers can cause enough side load to bend or break the drawbar and damage the receiver hitch opening.

Now the trailer will back up like a normal trailer. Due to the larger tires and heavier trailers, we suggest using the "Dual Lock" system each time you backup.

Q: When the Trailer Toad is in the "Reverse" position don't the tires skid if you turn sharp while backing up?
A: Yes, they do skid sideways a little bit and they may even rub against the weight-distribution bars. You will never back up enough that it will put wear on a tire. If you are going to back up an incline or are towing a trailer over 10,000 lbs, we recommend using the "Dual-Pin" system if your Toad is so equipped. IMPORTANT! BE SURE to raise the 'Reverse Pins" and clip them in "up" or stored position before you tow at highway speeds.  We DO NOT RECOMMEND towing at highway speed with Reverse "Dual-Pins" attached to the axle, it could affect handling and WILL increase tire wear. (I leave mine in Reverse position from when I arrive at an event to when I am ready to pull out onto the highway. That way if I have to maneuver around I don't have to worry about backing up to position the trailer.) ***I have towed with the Reverse Pins in the "Reverse Position" to see what would happen. The handling was not much different but the axle will not pivot and for that reason we suggest you only tow with the Reverse Pins in the stored position. If you break a stabilizer shock you can temporarily lock the axle in place and use it until you replace the stabilizer shock.

Q: After my trailer is attached to the rear of the Trailer Toad it will be about 24" farther away from the tow vehicle, how do I get the trailer wiring plugged in?
A: Don't worry, the Trailer Toad is shipped with a 36" wiring extension cord. It has the Bargman style 7-connector RV plugs already wired on each end. Unless the trailer plug-in has been modified, this extension cord will plug right in.

Q: I have a stacker trailer and I want to tow it with my motorhome. I know it is heavy, will the Trailer Toad work in this situation?
A: Yes, it will work better than any other option. There are IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS with stacker trailers.

1. If the loaded gross weight of the stacker trailer is over 17,500 loaded: We recommend the new Trailer Toad 5000SD model.
2. If you choose not to use your existing equalizer hitch you should purchase one with the highest weight rating you can. Strength is a concern with these heavy trailers so DO NOT leave yourself trusting a standard equalizer hitch assembly, get the strongest one you can. We sell only the best and strongest weight-distribution hitches. If you need detailed information please contact us. 
3. You should know your empty and loaded tongue weight. Not what you think it will weigh, what it actually weighs.The Trailer Toad does NOT add to the GCVWR of the tow vehicle. Quite simply, Trailer Toad helps you manage the heavy trailer weight better than a conventional weight-distribution hitch.
4. Let's be honest here, we are all exceeding what the motor home says it should be towing, right? That is the "nature of the beast" when towing race car trailers with a motor home or even a pickup for that matter. Use common sense, maintain your tire pressure, inspect your brakes and drive defensively; that is your best protection to stay out of situations that can cause problems.
5. Towing a heavy trailer with a motor home, or any tow vehicle for that matter, is inherently dangerous and requires some care. The 2011 Trailer Toad 3500HD is designed to handle up to 3,000 lbs tongue weight and 15,000 lbs gross trailer weight. The Trailer Toad 5000SD is designed to handle tongue weights in excess of 4000 lbs and gross trailer weights in excess of 24,000 lbs. We require the use of the Stabilizer Bar Kit on trailers over 10,000 lbs and recommend them for all applications, these will help control the extreme side loads much better. With that much weight, stopping is another consideration. The Trailer Toad does not have brakes but it helps keep the coach balanced and this prevents the front tires from skidding, allowing your ABS to help stop you better. Always check your trailer brakes to keep them in optimum condition.
6. Your frame-mounted receiver hitch needs to be strong enough to support the forward and rearward loads of stopping your trailer. Make sure you have sufficient bracing in the receiver tube area so it will will not "roll under" in severe stopping situations. There is a picture on this page of the bracing we did to our own hitch.  
   
   Those are frequently asked questions I hear all the time. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please call me. I will do my best to get you an accurate answer. We have over 750 satisfied customers so we are doing it the right way, something I am proud of.