Carries the tongue weight
The trailer’s tongue sits on the Toad’s axle, so the tow vehicle carries zero tongue weight.
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- The Trailer Toad
An axle that carries the tongue weight
The Trailer Toad is a patented auxiliary axle, or dolly, for tag-style trailers. It rides between your tow vehicle and your trailer and takes the trailer’s tongue weight off your hitch completely.
Front attachmentThe L-shaped shank from your weight distribution hitch slides into your receiver and bolts into the Toad’s front swivel. Safety chains connect here too.
Spare tireA spare rides on top of the Toad, ready if you need it on the road.
Steerable Duratek axleThe Toad’s own USA-made torsion axle carries the trailer’s tongue weight. Its center vertical spindle follows your turns without scrubbing the tire.
Reverse pinOne red-handled pin on each side. Lift them to tow; drop them into the axle to lock it straight for backing up.
Hitch head and ballYour weight distribution hitch head mounts on the rear of the Toad. The trailer couples to its ball, just as it would to a truck.
Spring barsThe hitch’s spring bars run back to brackets on the trailer tongue and chain up to set tension, keeping the trailer level while the Toad carries the load.
How it works
What the Toad does for your towing
Your tow vehicle pulls. The Toad holds up the front of the trailer. Four things make that work.
Stays level, stops straight
With no tongue weight on the hitch, your tow vehicle rides level. Brakes and ABS work as designed, and the trailer sways less.
One ball on the rear
A single ball on the back of the Toad. Your trailer couples to it the same way it couples to a truck.
Turns with you, backs up too
The steerable axle follows your tow vehicle through every turn. To back up, drop the two reverse pins and it locks straight.
- ReceiverA properly braced 2″ or 2.5″ receiver. If your hitch is rated under 10,000 lb, consider bracing the receiver tube so it can’t rock front to rear.
- Weight distribution hitchRequired, no exceptions. Its shank goes in your receiver and its head and ball go on the rear of the Toad. Use yours or buy one from us.
- SetupArrives as a complete assembly on a pallet. Attach the fenders and set up your hitch: about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
- Towing capacityThe Toad does not increase your tow vehicle’s towing capacity. Stay within its ratings.
Models
Two Toads. One chassis.
Both models are now built on the same redesigned chassis, developed with Duratek Axle. The axle is the difference.
3500HD
$4,495Factory direct · plus freight
For trailers up to 12,000 lb: campers, car haulers, horse and utility trailers.
- Tongue weight
- Up to 1,200 lb
- Trailer weight
- Up to 12,000 lb
- Front stabilizer kit
- 35% off for new owners
- Axle
- Duratek torsion, USA-made
- Needs
- Weight distribution hitch
5000SD
$5,295Factory direct · plus freight
The best choice for stacker trailers and commercial hauling.
- Tongue weight
- Up to 3,000 lb
- Gross trailer weight
- Up to 24,000 lb
- Front stabilizer kit
- Included
- Axle
- Duratek torsion, USA-made
- Needs
- Weight distribution hitch
3500HD → 5000SD
Bought a bigger trailer? With the new chassis you don’t buy a new Toad. Swap the axle and your 3500HD becomes a 5000SD.
Call about upgrading
Applications
Fits what you drive
- 01Pickups
- 02Truck campers
- 03Class C motorhomes
- 04Class A gas
- 05Diesel pushers
The bridge-end bump
Your rig stops taking the hit
Without a Toad, tongue weight and every road impact go straight into the back of your tow vehicle. That’s hard on frames, hitches and rear suspension, and you feel it at every bridge end. With the Toad carrying that load, the ride gets smoother for the vehicle and for you.
Signs your rig is already taking the hit
- Sagging rear bumper or a separated seam on the rear cap
- Interior doors or slide-outs that drag with the trailer hooked up
- Water leaks around windows from body flex
- Loose cross-member rivets, stress cracks or broken hitch bolts
- Excessive rear tire and suspension wear
- Cargo doors that won’t stay shut, and cupboards that rattle
Questions
Trailer Toad FAQ
Don’t see your question? Call us. The owner answers the phone.
How much tongue weight does my tow vehicle carry with a Trailer Toad?
None. The trailer couples to the ball on the rear of the Toad, and the Toad’s own axle carries that weight. Your tow vehicle carries zero tongue weight.
How do I back up with a Trailer Toad?
Lower the two red-handled reverse pins into the receiver tube on the axle. That locks the axle straight so the Toad backs up like a trailer and protects the axle. Pins up to go, down to back up.
What size trailer does the Trailer Toad work with?
The 3500HD carries up to 1,200 lb of tongue weight, for trailers up to 12,000 lb. The 5000SD carries up to 3,000 lb of tongue weight with a gross trailer weight up to 24,000 lb, and is the best choice for stacker trailers and commercial hauling.
Do I need a weight distribution hitch?
Yes, absolutely. The hitch’s L-shaped shank goes in your receiver and bolts to the Toad’s front swivel, and the hitch head and ball go on the rear of the Toad, where your trailer couples. You can use the one you have, or buy one from us and we’ll match it to your rig.
Do I need to brace my receiver hitch?
Maybe. The Toad works with a properly braced 2″ or 2.5″ receiver. If your hitch is rated at 10,000 lb it is probably braced enough; anything under that, consider bracing the receiver tube to stop it rocking front to rear.
What tow vehicles does it fit?
Motorhomes from Class C to diesel pushers, pickups, truck campers and SUVs. With a truck camper, no tongue weight goes to your hitch extension.
How much assembly is there?
Very little. The Toad arrives as a complete assembly on a pallet. You attach the fenders and set up your weight distribution hitch, which usually takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. Setup videos are on the Trailer Toad Garage YouTube channel.
Does the Trailer Toad increase my towing capacity?
No. The Trailer Toad does not increase your tow vehicle’s towing capacity. Always stay within your vehicle’s ratings.
What tires does the Toad use?
ST225/75R15 load range E tires, rated at 2,850 lb each.
Can I upgrade a 3500HD to a 5000SD?
Yes. Both models are built on the same redesigned chassis, developed with Duratek Axle, so a 3500HD becomes a 5000SD with an axle swap.
How is the Trailer Toad shipped?
Toads ship by truck freight to commercial and residential addresses across the USA and Canada. We give you an accurate freight quote up front, and liftgate or residential delivery can be added for a small extra cost. Parts are in stock and ship by USPS or UPS.
What warranty comes with the Trailer Toad?
The Trailer Toad has a limited warranty for the original owner, including a limited lifetime warranty on the frame. Ask us for the full terms.
Questions about your setup?
Call or text us with your trailer weight and tow vehicle. You’ll get an honest answer, every time.
Call or text (319) 404-7001