The 3 Minute Tater Hookup ~ Back To Basecamp

[@TomSpurlock]

By the way, those silver tow bar bracket connectors that come out of the grill on TaterTot can be easily stolen. They simply unclip with a pull of a ring, then twist and remove. I wanted you to realize they aren't secure when you're parking TaterTot in a parking lot somewhere. What happens when someone takes one, or both of them? You then have to get a new set of tow bar brackets, which could take days.

[@nomadicfanatic]

I will just remove them when driving then. Thanks!

[@leemclaughlin3927]

good to know they are so easily removed ,as im sure some states would frown upon having 2 metal posts sticking out of the grill lol

[@stagemgr99]

They make a great Product to protect your hands from cold and injury , Called “Gloves” get a pair !!!

[@YodaAz58]

Man that install on tater tot was very professional!!

[@nopawsclark1longboarder.134]

Cheers m8.

[@dorcasrutherford8669]

The fixes and upgrades have put the joy back in your day. Your smile says it all.

[@mossypants7983]

Important to note, you cannot back up with the car in tow.

[@robertorion6559]

That is the same two system I use to tow my Ford Focus. Works great. I have been towing for 3 years now. The only real issue I have found is that the Blue Ox tow bar has some rust, as does the base plate. Next spring I am going to paint over the rust to extend the life of it. It works great, but 3 years is too soon to start rusting. IMHO.

[@donkisler3538]

You do need to check your electrical hookup each time. The plugs can sometimes get corroded or get loose with use. It is a part of our standard checklist for 15 years and I am thankful that it has been. It may not be as critical for you with a light and small vehicle that does not need much braking assist however brake lights and blinkers are certainly a safety factor.

[@WILDEBILL308]

Good video on hooking up your new tatertot. Here's a tip for when you unhook. When you are ready to unhook start the car and put it in drive so you put just a slight preshure on the towbar. Now put the car in park. Now when you hit the leavers to release preshure on the towbar it will be in a "neutral" condition and it will be easy to take the pins out. Also if you are on a grade the car won't roll on you. Something else you might do is if you are disconnected I always remove the adapters you connect to from the baseplate. The reason is you can't lock them and someone could take them and then you arn't going anywhere till you get new ones. I have heard there are that nasty out there so better safe than sorry.

[@haraldweltzin5117]

Dont black up with your toad vehicle connected to the RV. To do so can messs up your front end alignment - most likely the caster settings on the front end of your towed vehicle.

[@TheSoloAsylum]

it's dipped into the 40's down here in Florida. That's borderline survival mode here.

[@gonzo3954]

Ain't that the truth!!! I've had on a jacket and a sweatshirt!

[@thatmarionchickonyoutube7545]

truth!!

[@SweetFLGuy1]

Us born and raised Floridians can't stand the cold. I was only outside for 20 minutes at 41 degrees in my backyard at night and my hands and fingers was so painfully cold turning pink and red. I was worried I was gonna lose my fingers to frostbite so I went back in the warm house to thaw and warm up my hands and fingers. I don't know how the people up north in even much colder weather can handle it. I have warm gloves but sometimes you need to do stuff with your bare hands and the gloves get in the way which slows you down.

[@SweetFLGuy1]

@@gonzo3954 I live in the middle of Florida where it rarely gets below 32 degrees and anything colder than 65 degrees I have to wear the thickest and warmest jacket that Alaskans and Canadians wear below 0 degrees lol. I'm used to the mostly hot 90-98 degrees.

[@TheSoloAsylum]

@@SweetFLGuy1 We handle the cold, like they handle the heat.

[@JanetBuol]

I was in charge of setting up the tow vehicle in our household, so I made a little cheat card of what steps to go through. Had it laminated and kept it in there. Was a great help.;

[@brentfrench752]

What I like about your channel is that you always keep me entertained, but more than that I like how you always seem upbeat and happy! I always feel good after watching your videos. Thank you for entertaining on your travels.

[@Beingbethunes]

So happy you love your hat!! Jenn thinks normal is overrated anyway 😂

[@toolmanthetim7042]

what is life without whimsy? that's why i never eat brussels sprouts in a month with an R in it's name.

[@ralphwoodard609]

Hint, hint Eric’s in. It’s cold and that’s what they make gloves for.

[@belladawn622]

I didn't have gloves on the other day in the cold. Put drilled a screw into my finger and didn't even know it because my fingers were so cold.

[@gcljohn]

Only one observation Eric; here in the UK when you are towing, the object (in your case Tater Tot) being towed has to display the registration of the towing vehicle, which is achieved by adding usually a magnetic or tied on extra number plate, removed when not towed.

[@mikelebonner970]

Love JaxMan!♥️ Thanks for showing us how you tow Tatertot. Very informative. Safe travels to you both.

[@stevegunyon2887]

Eric...looking good. One more thing...you said something about the leveling jacks making the towbar set high. Whatever the case... you want that towbar as level or perpendicular to the ground as possible. The result of not doing this is hard on the front tires and will result in “cupping” them as they bounce up and down at speed by not maintaining constant contact with the pavement. I speak from experience!!

[@nomadicfanatic]

Yes, that may be true to an extend, but I've heard MUCH more issues of bottoming out there at the tow bar point and causing damage to the wires, cables and shearing off metal of the tow bar from excessive dragging. I guess you pick your demons. Which one can you live with. Which one cost less to repair.

[@judhardcastle7931]

Agree with comment about brake system power. It needs to be connected to the car battery otherwise when it breaks away there won't be power to apply the brakes! Also on ours there is a test button you're supposed to press before driving to seat everything and make sure drivers seat is in correct position--don't want to have to go start the RV before you can do that.

[@waytoson]

HIGHLY love this video... Also.. HIGHLY recommend that if you are going to be placing your pull pins on the ground to spray paint them bright orange or yellow so you can find them in grassy conditions or wherever you place them. Don't want to lose them ...that would SUCK... TFS..HAPPY🎆 NEW 🎆YEAR🎆

[@karenkrieg7212]

Nice setup with Tater tot! Suggestion... Add either keyed or combination locks to the pins that connect the car to the towbar. SOMETIMES, stupid people like to pull the pins out when you stop to go in a store. Or, just be sure to check them everytime you walk away from your RV.

[@rolloverriderpgr]

You need safety wires on the pins incase one falls off its dangling there waiting to be put back in OR buy and extra one for JIC! A story; About 15 years ago I get a call on the CB radio that an RV towing a car forgot to release the brakes. I look in the mirror and see him so I pull into the left lane so he can get up next to me. He catches up and I blow my horn to get his attention but when I'm pointing back at the car he just nodes and smiles and waves! Ok the guy behind me get behind me and were going to do a blockade stop which he wasn't to happy about until he smelled his burning brakes which I told him he better get his fire extinguisher as one of his tires was actually on fire! After it was out he got a truckers advice that if a trucker takes the time to get your attention and point at something you should really stop and check your toad or your vehicle out! And yes there have been the few bottomfeeders that did harm to people but most of us are good guys keeping you safe! Blue Skies and Safe Journeys!

[@edwinsantini1042]

Hi Eric, I had the exact same system (my toad was a Jeep Wrangler unlimited), and I found that using a drop hitch to lower the blue OX tow bar where it is more level with the car towed much better.

[@jeffknutter]

Little security tip. If Tater tot has a key with a chip have a plain steel one cut (no chip) to use while you tow. That way if someone breaks into it and figures out the battery cutoff they will still not be able to start the engine and drive away. Although she’s so little it wouldn’t stop someone from carrying it away, LOL. I’m from WI and the law here is any towed vehicle weighing 3000lbs or more must have a breaking system with a break away. But Like you, I always use my break because it’s cheap insurance. Accidents happen and a runaway could kill someone. Good for you Eric and screw the haters!

[@pda4you]

You said not needed for cars under 3k but it depends on the state you are towing in. There are either one or two states that require brakes on trailers (including cars) weighing as little as 1k pounds. At any rate trailer brakes are always a good idea, and I would not tow any car without them. Your smart to have them. Now your legal in all states.

[@WaysideWade]

Hamburger hat reminds me of the movie Better Off Dead, "Everybody wants some!"

[@rubymsp-hq9zm]

Just make sure when you pull forward to lock the tow bar in place make sure it does. I saw one rig being towed that one side didn’t lock into place. So every time they hit the brakes the one side would push forward making it a scary situation.

[@THINKPINKLAWNCARE]

Doesn't a breakaway also mean power is lost from RV? Does brake unit have a backup battery?

[@fredjones4116]

You need a drop hitch according to Blue OX you should be no more than 4" difference in height between toad and RV .

[@jlipcovich]

Exactly this. The tow bar needs to be parallel with the ground.

[@peters7413]

Ohhh my God. ... a box trailer would have been soo mutch easily .... and soo mutch more convenient for traveling 😊

[@lj4997]

You don’t need the hamburger hat, you are the hamburglar.

[@davidhbingham6812]

Wouldn't a trailer have been less EXPENSIVE and cause less wear & tear on the car. This from what another RV owner experienced with a different brand of car. 🤨

[@leemclaughlin3927]

wonder if the milometer increases too -id expect so

[@twoforrv1452]

have same set up except I went with the invisible breaking system. you don't have to set up all the time. we thought about not using breaking system with our smart car but if you in an accident nice to have as some states require breaking system no matter the weight.

[@leemclaughlin3927]

id be easily happy enough with the cable breakaway devices, the brake buddy things is just overkill for me

[@catherinenelson4162]

But he said that in some states they're mandatory.

[@leemclaughlin3927]

he made that up to justify having it -no states require it, only requirement is the very adequate break away chains/cables

[@gary-gilbert]

If your break controls is powered by the RV. If it breaks away how is it going to power the break controller. I’m by no means an expert, but something about that doesn’t sound right. When a travel trailer breaks away the house battery on the trailer powers the break. You may want to power your break controller with tots batteries. Or maybe double check with blue ox about what they suggest.

[@maebellaakamaegirl190]

I have to say one thing Eric I guess all the repairs on the RV that got done and your new little tater tot car. Has put in such a great mood. The reason why I'm saying that, is because the smile is back on your face. , I'm so happy to see that you are happy again. 🤗😊🤗💖😊💗☺️❣️

[@klouism1]

Very cool towing system. That makes a great tow car. 😊

[@DCA001TUBE]

Great setup Eric, but how do you lock "Tater Tot" when you stop somewhere, if the battery is disconnected, can you use a key, like the good old days?

[@michelleking9377]

Hey Eric, what do you attach your upper body workout to? Did you drill holes in the walls? Curious on how you did it. We want to do the same thing. Anybody else know how he does it?

[@Florida_Man_Robb]

You need a drop hitch on the RV, that angle of the tow bar is way too extreme, I think the recommended angle is 2-3”.

[@jlind00]

Thx for showing your tow setup - very informative! Love the new hat!

[@dianashelton1371]

Would you do a video on pros cons of vinyl wrapping now that you have done several?

[@waytoson]

Wouldn't the blue is breaking system be over redundant to the breaking systems of the other braking system?? Just curious..

[@wrpiii]

Hope your eye is healed (or better). Can't wait for "Our" new adventures to start with your new setup! Continued joy, health, and success!!

[@seanseanseanseansean]

Nice video lesson, how to hookup a car. Now I am less interested in towing a car behind my RV. It would have to be a very small car like yours. I am not skilled at backing up. Could we have some lessons in backing up? LOL

[@benryan9466]

Just a thought, you shouldn’t leave your tow pins in place when not towing they disappear if ya know what I mean: Master lock has locks to replace the pins with the loops. You have the same system we use and it has performed well for us. On to warmer weather safe travels Happy New Year.🎊

[@catpurrson3651]

Thank you. Good presentation. That was interesting. Bottom line is hitching is simple. The hard part was installing all the pieces and parts. Your buddy is most excellent.

[@ChristopherFrederick1969]

Off topic....Did you ever get the back corner of Miranda fixed?

[@nomadicfanatic]

Not professionally. But it's secured

[@RobertSmith-tq6mf]

For your eye problems you might try washing your eyes with baby shampoo. I used to have problems with stys. My ophthalmologist told me about using Johnsons baby shampoo. Worked for me.

[@rvboondocker2559]

Yes. You don’t need that extra braking system....until you need it!!!!!! Same thing I hear regarding 4x4. Hey! Did you see your Mickey shadow that you cast with your burger hat on???? How appropriate is that?! It’s at 13:50

[@markwisner3972]

Good video. I tow a Kia Soul and people said I did not need brakes. I am glad I did not listen to them. It is more important how a vehicle stops than how it goes. If it does not stop, you die. If it does not go, you don't die.

[@LetGoAnLive]

You might want to check but it looks like you need a drop down hitch on the RV.. Looks like you have to much of an angle form the RV to the smart car..

[@bobfmirvine6652]

RV was up on leveling jacks about one foot, Eric said.

[@eldorado5686]

Smartcar curb weight 2,363 to 2,383 lbs....youre almost half a ton off...also if its that cold, why can't we see your breath?

[@nomadicfanatic]

You're attempt to correct me failed miserably. Not sure what you think I have or what you looked at, but try again. I have a 2014 Smart Fortwo. Curb weight is 1608

[@eldorado5686]

Wow....nice way to respond to a subscriber that's watched almost every one of your videos since you had less than 10,000 subs. Either way, 1608 is still too low for what I can find....Now, the weight you arrived at (1608), does that Include Jax's shit box?

[@nomadicfanatic]

I feel like you had PLENTY of time to FACT CHECK your insult on my fact before making your petty to comment to attempt to correct me... If you are hell-bent on "CORRECTING" me - maybe actually make sure you're RIGHT??? I dunno. I guess I'm being harsh.... I did all this work to make this video and you throw out random sh*t numbers to bash me that are not even close to prove you're right... when you are STILL WRONG. How does a creator respond to that kind of comment?... It's a no-win. You don't like me. Just say it. Don't try to correct me with innacurate facts.

[@eldorado5686]

You're right. I don't like you. I never have. For someone with your content, the quality of the videos you put out and the frequency at which you release them (which are quite good from an editing standpoint) you could easily be at 500k subscribers. But you aren't. Why? Because you aren't likable. Good luck with the rest of your KZbin "career". I will no longer be there. 218,999. 7 year sub gone. Goodbye....

[@sharene411]

Phew!! Exhausting good thing you make a list!!😊

[@catherinenelson4162]

That braking system looks like a wonderful thing!

[@rosrychaplet]

It's just the 4th day of Christmas! We got 8 more days to go. Today my true love gave me, 4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree. Loving your video. Good to see your videos again. Edit: changed out humming for calling. Thanks.

[@lisablaus1459]

Hummingbirds????

[@ScottMeister]

@@lisablaus1459 Maybe she's *CALLING* the hummingbirds?? 0_o

[@rosrychaplet]

@@ScottMeister that's it. I couldn't remember calling birds. Thanks for reminding me.

[@jredd801]

A nice pair of long johns & a pair of gloves make a huge difference in the cold bro..lol Safe travels man🤘

[@MrMikeyAZ]

Any issues with the steering on the smart car returning back to normal? I only ask because we have smart car we want to tow. The Gone withe the Wynn's, back in the day, had to put a bungee on the steering wheel.

[@RyanMacOfficial]

Dude your set up is legit! Also merry belated Christmas and happy new year man!

[@fredschroeder6427]

Just curious Eric. If the brake control gets its power from the motorhome, how would it apply the brakes to the car in a breakaway event? Shouldn't the brake control be wired directly to the cars battery?

[@camplights4240]

Eric, what kind of speeds are you getting with Nomad?

[@sheilacoleman8761]

Great hook-up 😃 Make a copy of your manual. Knowing me, I'd forget a step🤪 Love the quirky hamburger ear hat❤️ Hugs to Jax😺🤗

[@davidetrevinot]

Why did you mix roadmaster and blueox systems?

[@lindashaw9034]

My goodness! What a debacle putting that into place that is! God luck with that!

[@charlesmatheson2221]

Hey brother, you really should add a drop hitch. It looks like the angle of your tow bar may be exceeding the manufacture suggested angle. You really do want that tow bar as level as possible. Safe travels.

[@charlesmatheson2221]

Sorry...😂. I posted that before I finished watching the video. Be well and warm.

[@markbeaver5010]

Nice towing setup Eric!! I've seen the same setup and it works great. Maybe someday you will own a Toy-hauler and store Tater-Tot inside which I might someday own myself.

[@ROLLMEAWAY]

As much and as fast as you travel, you will grow weary removing the brake buddy. I had the permanent system installed. It has worked flawlessly for 5 years. All I do is plug in the same power and breakaway cables and I’m done. GREAT HAT!!!

[@davidwilson5920]

Was hoping for split screen of brake demo - maybe next time. Like the new wireless mic. Enjoyed this one. Thanks. Safe travels south

[@56chevy11]

Hi Eric, you need to get a 3" hitch drop slug so the tow bar will ride more level. Look at you tube or google "3" drop slug/hitch for flat towing". Nice placard on the Ill governor, Inslee sucks as well.

[@douglasmcmanamy5988]

I think you only have a 3” difference in height between RV and tow .

[@leonleborgne573]

Dude. They have a new invention that keeps your hands warm...called gloves. 😁

[@nomadicfanatic]

Meh... I'll just go south. lol.

[@simondavey7787]

Happy New Year Eric and Jax! Loving the burger hat, definitely one for the profile picture. Looking forward to seeing you back on the road. Much love to you both.

[@Dustin.E]

That looks like an awsome set up!! And yes I agree I would want that braking assist expecially on steep decline grades. Also I hope your eye is feeling much better!!

[@asphaltadventurer]

*braking*

[@Dustin.E]

@@asphaltadventurer thank you auto correct.

[@gregnulik1975]

If only the latching pins were attached to springs , so all you'd have to do is pull on them before locking them in place. Like some folding ladders.

[@leemclaughlin3927]

those 2 mounts sticking out from the car is that deemed safe? i know in some states cars required those ugly bumper over riders for safety reasons so just wondering if those 2 bare metal mounts are deemed safe just left exposed whilst driving the potatoe car

[@gregdawildmanfast5643]

Congrats on your new set up for towing.. Towing your car is going to make your life better.. Hey don't try to back up the car while your hook up to the MTH no matter what everyone has/will say everyone has done it once enjoy be safe.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Great information and Miranda is saying she's freezing too. Safe travels and bellyrubs for Jax.

[@bryanwhat2268]

who in your RV? I see a shadow in there and it not Jacks. Oh wait it is Jacks lol funny.

[@gerbearjones6056]

Weird with the camera. Mine works here in Ontario at minus 10 or lower. I hope it works out for you

[@Faithful_Tribe]

Doesn’t the bike battery get hurt by the cold?

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

The hamburger hat is you! Great video! Steve

[@stephenchildofthelivinggod1006]

I love Jax the 🐈

[@williambingham2459]

Rear Camera may not work when on the jacks.

[@seanmackey8552]

Disconnecting the battery will not negate the odometer.

[@timothyruggles7396]

Get a second key so you can lock the doors on tater

[@sunriseskies3883]

Tater Tot looks awesome!!! 🐾

[@TheBioExplorer]

I'm sure you might already be on the road by now... but safe travels and I hope it all goes well on your way to warmth.

[@tedbell4416]

How do the brakes work on the car without it running?

[@Ashworth-Media]

Hey Jax's Man, has the hairy ape got a new hat, it suits him, at least you got treats.

[@shipsbells]

You are the awesome sauce, Eric and Jax!

[@texaslonestarrider]

Fairly easy set up! Go Get Warm My Friend!

[@weathered1935]

Bird poop ! LOL.. You Should have Done a full (Vinyl Wrap) on the Car... To make it look like a real Tater Tot 🤔 yep ,!

[@SweetFLGuy1]

That's the first thing I thought of when he first announced his new Smart car he named Tater Tot. A full vinyl wrap to look like one. Maybe in the near future he will wrap it to look like a Tater Tot with his logos on top of that : )

[@akush55]

"worst-case scenario" = the pins must fail, cable must come loose, the wheels might deflate without warning, tow bar must fall off, If Said Vehicle Give Any Audio Alert That It Gone Rogue. Except See It In The Mirror White Cloud of Bit & Pieces From Behind the Vehicle Following a semi plow thru Smart For Two ? it

[@johndecriscio9586]

Getting a tow car is probably the best decision you have made in the last year. Just my opinion.

[@Traveler_GAL]

Yes. Do it. You can “have it your way.....” 🍔 Great video. Thanks for the lesson. Thinking of doing this with the Jeep at a later date.

[@lemoncrinckles]

Very good tutorial, Eric!

[@Hotday-7269]

THEY make thermal sox That really keep your feet warm. Also you can wash them . I like your Mickey Mouse shadow from the hamburger hat. Drive safe and be careful👍🇺🇲🔥

[@OffRampAdventures]

Like the fact you put on the cap...'course it looked like Mickey Mouse in the background, so looked kinda' natural, too...

[@crystallopes4284]

REARVIEW CAMERA!!! It won’t come on while your jacks are down.

[@blackhat4968]

Hmm, no idea id its set up that way..... BUT its a smart Idea, if it works that way.

[@crystallopes4284]

That’s how our 2013 Winnebago Adventurer worked! Try it and see! If not, no harm, no foul!

[@RTOutdoors]

A brake controller is great insurance. I dig the hat. Stay warm out there.

[@txtbone661]

wow how do you know about all these tech things? I would have no clue--thanks for sharing