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Setup Instructions for 3500HD and 5000SD models.
Important! Read and follow these instructions!Whether you are setting up a new Trailer Toad or want to make sure your current Trailer Toad is “carrying the tongue weight”; these instructions make for a correct installation. Block the trailer tires and get the trailer level, DO NOT set up with Toad attached to the tow vehicle..
*Measure how high the ball needs to be with the coupler on the trailer at the "level height". Make a note of this measurement. *We recommend taking the spare tire off for install, it makes the Toad lighter and easier to move. *With the Trailer Toad held up in front with a floor jack, get it level. Install the hitch head on the rear of the Trailer Toad so the ball is 1.5" to 2" higher than the coupler height on trailer when trailer is level. No need to tighten the fasteners yet, you may need to adjust them again. *Raise the trailer with tongue jack and roll the Trailer Toad under the trailer and lower the trailer until the coupler can be attached to the trailer ball. Latch it so it can’t roll away or fall out. Remove the kickstand, if you were using it, or the floor jack. We want no support under the front of the Toad. It is basically hanging from the coupler on the trailer. Let the trailer down slowly and the Toad will begin to “straighten and level out”. Stop when trailer is about 1” too high in front. *Install the weight distribution bars in the hitch head and hook the chains up or set the bar on the bracket (depends on how bars attach on your W.D. hitch). There should be no-preload on the W.D. bars or chains at this time, just as snug as you can get by hand. *Retract the tongue jack until all the weight is on the Trailer Toad and the tongue jack is off the ground. You will see the WD bars start to get tighter*Make sure the trailer tires are blocked in place, the trailer can now roll. *The goal is to get the Trailer Toad and the trailer in a level position with tongue jack retracted. *If the Trailer Toad is not level you can adjust this by readjusting the weight-distribution bars. Raise them to lower front of the Trailer Toad and lengthen the chains or bracket to raise the front of the Trailer Toad.*Once you are satisfied the Toad is as level as you can get it, you can make a final check to see if the trailer is level. if it isn’t, you may have to raise or lower the hitch head on the rear of the Trailer Toad. (Moving WD bars now only tips the Toad, it will not raise trailer.) *Now that the Trailer Toad is level and the trailer is level you can focus on getting the front drawbar height set. With tow vehicle level and sitting at ride height measure from the ground to the center of the receiver hitch opening. *Next, install drawbar in front holes, hold the drawbar level with the ground, see what holes will get you as close to the same height as your receiver measurement. Use those holes. Make sure you hold the drawbar (shank) level to get the height.*Unhook the Trailer Toad from the trailer and using the Toad T-Handle roll the Trailer Toad up to the rear of the tow vehicle and insert the drawbar into the receiver hitch. *This takes a bit of patience and some spray lubricant. Getting it started straight is important. (Tech Tip- We have used rope or a ratchet tie-down wrapped around the shank back to spare tire mount and pulled tight enough to hold shank level while you work on getting in the receiver opening.) *Once it is in place insert the retaining pin or bolt to secure the drawbar in the hitch. back the Trailer Toad under the trailer and reattach the weight distribution bars to the same chain lengths or "L-bracket", depending on the W.D. hitch you have, and that should finish the installation. ***Make sure you tighten all the bolts, attach safety chains, check trailer lights, torque lug nuts to 100-ft/lbs. (Do this again at 100 & 200 miles and before each trip) and check tire pressures (70-80 psi). Always double check safety equipment when towing. This setup will “test your patience” a bit. It will be worth it to take your time because if you get the setup on the first attempt, you are pretty much don't have to change it.