2018 Alante 26X Toad Problem

[micp]

On my maiden voyage with my 26X, I made a sharp left hand turn and damaged both the stock bumper of the motorhome and my stock bumper on the TOAD as they connected.

I pull a 2016 Jeep Wrangler, connected via a Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar. I have towed this same Jeep with my Diesel Pusher over 20,000 miles with no problem on sharp turns.

I contacted Blue Ox and presented my problem, they offer a Hitch Extension for short wheelbase motorhomes to prevent this from happening. JH

[cabinetmaker]

Originally Posted by micp

On my maiden voyage with my 26X, I made a sharp left hand turn and damaged both the stock bumper of the motorhome and my stock bumper on the TOAD as they connected.

I pull a 2016 Jeep Wrangler, connected via a Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar. I have towed this same Jeep with my Diesel Pusher over 20,000 miles with no problem on sharp turns.

I contacted Blue Ox and presented my problem, they offer a Hitch Extension for short wheelbase motorhomes to prevent this from happening. JH

What is your wheelbase? We tow a jeep behind our Class C 29MVP and haven't noticed any problems. Our wheelbase is 223". I do notice the Class C doesn't seem to turn as sharp as the class A's we have had.

Sorry for your problem...no fun damaging your rig. Sure seems like if this is a potential problem Jayco and maybe Blue Ox would mention something. A warning sticker on the rear bumper would be nice!

We also have Blue Ox tow bar and mount.

[micp]

I am hoping my post will allow others to learn from my mistake. The wheelbase on our Alante is 158" and it does turn quite sharp which is great when it is needed and now I know to watch those bumpers more closely when making turns. So now I am working on a custom bumper for the new motorhome and either new plastics for my factory bumper or a custom bumper for the Jeep. JH

[hawkster]

Sometimes I tow a kendon motorcycle trailer. Got in a tight parking lot and had to make a U turn to left. The kendon contacted the ladder and bent it. New ladder for me. Jayco was very nice and gave me a free ladder even though I told them I destroyed it.

[cabinetmaker]

Originally Posted by micp

I am hoping my post will allow others to learn from my mistake. The wheelbase on our Alante is 158" and it does turn quite sharp which is great when it is needed and now I know to watch those bumpers more closely when making turns. So now I am working on a custom bumper for the new motorhome and either new plastics for my factory bumper or a custom bumper for the Jeep. JH

Watch your tail swing too!!! Don't ask me how I know. Had a Class A and while getting fuel someone pulled in front of me and blocked me in. I said to myself no problem I have great turning radius so I will just go around him. I made it around but the tail swung out and hit a pole they put by pumps to protect them from getting hit. Put a little spot on the back corner of my motorhome which was easily repaired but put a big mark on my pride!

[JesseS]

Yep, the Alante 26 has a very short turning radius, which as the OP stated is great when you parallel park it (like i do in my rv access) or need to do a U-turn. But be very mindful of that tail swing, saw a guy scrape a wall he was to close to by swinging out to sharp. Mine also has the 158" wheel base and I also tow with the blue Ox Alpha, but tow a CR-V which has rounded low bumpers. First time I hooked it up gave my wife the radio and had her watch as I made sharper and sharper turns, seems I can lock it and still not hit the toad. (but very close!) I used to drive big rigs and am very conscious of how much damage a jack-knife can do. I have seen guys with 5th wheels punch out their rear windows doing to sharp of a turn.