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Tire wear on Toad
Having some unusual wear on front tires on my toad. Mechanic says when towing the tow bar will cause tires to drag when turning? Anyone had a similar problem?
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9 Replies
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Chuck, Of the various vehicles we have towed I haven’t experienced any unusual wear patterns as a result of towing. However over the years some have posted issues with specific vehicles.
Saturns as I recall were excellent toads and I do not recall any comments about tire wear. I assume the mechanic evaluated the front end, alignment, etc? Bad hubs or loose parts and pieces could cause unusual wear.
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Nothing I’ve noticed.
But I would tend to agree with your mechanic. Rather than the tires directing where the vehicle would go, the tow bar (and hence the toad) is telling the tires were to go and there would be a little lag between between when the toad goes in a direction and when the tires have reacted … which would cause a little drag.
Its going to vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the geometry of the toad front suspension and the distance between the tow bar attach points of the toad and the centerline (right to left) where the front suspension turns.
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Steering should be unlocked. Never had a problem with our Toyota FJ Cruiser.
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This picture showing bus and towed vehicle connection which is important.
Out of level pull increases toad stress tire wear.
Could this be the issue ?
We towed a Saturn 4 door for over 10 years. I remember dropping tow bar at bus to obtain a level pull.
Don’t recall any severe tire wear. Saturn at 3000 lbs checking the camera assured me it was still attached.
AL
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Everything I’ve towed wears the front tires, other than my screw ups. Just watch your mirror in a tight turn, the toad front wheels get dragged through the turn, the steering doesn’t do a complete cut. That’s why you have the rubber stink when you start the toad, rubber is on the exhaust manifold and burns off.
2000 Featherlite H3-45
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Leesburg, FL -
I’ve never experienced unusual tire wear on any of the three toads attached to the coach.
Pulled a ’07 Honda CR-V for 56,000 miles plus 69,000 miles of driving.
Pulled a ’13 Honda CR-V for 20,000 miles and 39,000 miles of driving.
Currently, pulling a ’17 Lincoln MKX for 10,000 miles plus 14,000 miles of driving.
No tire wear on any of them.
Safe travels,
Mark
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Tom:
You just gave me a aha moment. I get the burnt rubber smell sometimes after towing the car. Been trying to chase the cause for awhile.
Chuck
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Every car that I’ve towed had the rubber smell. I’ve always heard that it was from the rubber picked up from the highway along with all the dust, etc.
The smell only lasts a little while and burns off after the first drive of the toad.
Mark
PS. What I really think it is in my case is when I floor the Liberty Coach and hear that turbo spool up, the ‘burn-out’ spin of the dually tires does create a big cloud from that powerful Volvo engine!
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Thanks everyone and I will check some of the suggestions as to alignment, etc.
I do get the rubber smell when I unhook so that explanation is good.
Thanks again
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