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How the Trailer Toad functions- A Question & Answer page
Question: Why do I need a weight distribution hitch with a Trailer Toad?
Answer: There are three main components to a Trailer Toad- First, is what we call the "front crossmember". This part holds the WD front shank (L-shaped bar that slides into the receiver hitch) and basically, it never moves once it is attached to the receiver hitch but the vertical holes in the shank allow us adjustment to match different hitch heights. Second, is the main frame. This frame attaches to the front crossmember with two 3/4" bolts and these create a "hinge" that allows the main frame to travel up and down without putting stress on the front crossmember that attaches to your receiver hitch. Third, is the Dexter torsion axle that bolts to the main frame. The axle attaches with a HD 2.25" vertical spindle that is welded to the axle and bolts to the main frame via an 8-lug Dexter hub. The vertical spindle is what allows the axle to "turn and follow" the tow vehicle on corners so the tires do not scuff. This also means the main frame of the Trailer Toad is allowed to move vertically on the "hinge" so it can go through dips and over bumps without putting pressure downward or upward on the receiver hitch/tow vehicle. This is the "isolation" part of the Trailer Toad function. Because it is hinged the trailer tongue weight could make the rear of the Trailer Toad, where the ball is mounted, want to move up and down a lot and it would not be stable. The Weight Distribution hitch head and the torsion arms are mounted to the rear of the Trailer Toad and the tongue of the trailer to act as "ride height maintainers / vertical travel dampers. We do NOT use the WD hitch to do any lifting, the Trailer Toad can take the weight, we are just stabilizing it with the WD hitch head and arms to improve overall handling and control.
The picture above shows the "Front Crossmember", hinge and how the shank slides into the receiver hitch opening. The picture on the right, shows the front hinge and main frame and how the vertical spindle comes up from the axle and attaches to the main frame. The trailer coupler at thte rear of the
Question: How can you back it up? Are there two pivot points / 2 trailer balls?
Answer: No, there is only one "pivot point" and it is the trailer ball on the rear of the Trailer Toad. The Trailer Toad and the trailer will back up like it did before but the Trailer Toad tires will scuff as you must "drop the Reverse Pins down" to lock the axle straight. Trailer tires skid and scuff when backing up and so do the Trailer Toad tires. The photo below shows the rear of the Trailer Toad with a Weight Distribution Hitch attached. This is the "pivot point" when backing up.
Question: If I have a "tight spot" I have to back into everytime I use my trailer, will the Trailer Toad tires rub on the trailer tongue?
Answer: Yes, if you back up at a sharp enough angle the Trailer Toad tires can rub the trailer tongue or the weight distribution bar. The first few times, take your time backing up and make sure you don't jam a Trailer Toad tire into the tongue and damage a tire or possible a Trailer Toad spindle. You will learn how sharp you can go.
There is a solution that works for a lot of Trailer Toad customers that have tight spots to back in to.
The "Rear Extension kit". It is made of two 1" thick plates and two 3/4" plates that move the hitch head and trailer ball back about 6". That basically moves the trailer tongue "V" back and opens up a lot of room for the Trailer Toad tires before they contact the trailer tongue or WD bars. The picture below shows a "Rear Hitch Extension kit" installed on the rear of a Trailer Toad. This kit is in stock and you can call us to discuss if it "right" for your setup. To order a Rear Extention Kit cal us (319) 404-7001. **We no longer sell online, personal orders only.
Question: When I first pull out and sometimes when I am slowing down to stop the Trailer Toad wants to "shimmy" and it shakes the motorhome or tow vehicle a lot. What's wrong?
Answer: Usually, it is one of two things: First and the most common issue is there is too much tension (lift) on the Weight Distribution arms. This causes a reduction in the amount of weight on the Trailer Toad and will let the axle "skip around". The more weight on the Trailer Toad axle, the better. Try lowering the tension on the bars one chain link or hole on the bracket to get more weight on the axle. Second, one or both of the stabilizer shocks could be damaged or leaking. Easy check is to unhook the 1/2" bolt on the axle end and use your hand to compress and extend them. They should feel equal and be pretty stiff. If not, they need to be replaced. The common part number is Monroe SC2928 and available at most parts stores. We offer a Extreme Duty stabilizer with a bigger shaft and urethane bushings that is built for us by Skyjacker. **If you are on the road and this shimmying starts you can "Lower the Reverse Pins" and it make it better until you get a chance to check the stabilizer shocks. The picture below shows the Extreme Duty stabilizer shocks that Skyjacker builds for us. They are available in our new Online Store on this website or call us (319) 404-7001.
