Seriously.... how hard is it to drive a trailer?

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Papa Deuce

Mac Daddy DJ
Aug 8, 2006
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Valley Forge Area
Yeah, I'm getting the pop up trailer tomorrow for camping, but at some point I figure I may get a small trailer for DJ stuff.

I only ever drove one, one time, and that was a UHaul trailer, and I remember getting all screwed up in a parking lot of a Burger King. :sqerr:
 
Forward is easy, it's reverse that's a b#tch. Just take your time backing it up and remember to turn your overdrive off when towing.
 
jfactor1 said:
Forward is easy, it's reverse that's a b#tch. Just take your time backing it up and remember to turn your overdrive off when towing.
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I have my new 5' by 10' Carson Trailer. It's a bit**h as you said to back it up. The problem with these type trailers is you have a very limited turning radius when you are backing up. so you have to back up, pull forward, back up..........etc..
 
Just remember, when you start to back up, grab the steering wheel at the bottom, palms up. Have your thumbs pointing out. Just turn the wheel whichever way the thumb is pointing for the way you want the trailer to go. For example, if you want the trailer to go right, you turn the wheel the direction the right thumb is pointing, which would be left. This helps me out all the time!
 
Kevin Nichols said:
Just remember, when you start to back up, grab the steering wheel at the bottom, palms up. Have your thumbs pointing out. Just turn the wheel whichever way the thumb is pointing for the way you want the trailer to go. For example, if you want the trailer to go right, you turn the wheel the direction the right thumb is pointing, which would be left. This helps me out all the time!
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Awesome....I've got to go re center the trailer in the garage, after my last gig (1:00 am) when I backed it into garage...........I will try that...
 
There's some good advice re-trailer driving and backing in this thread already.

Three more items I can suggest are:

1. Pay attention to loading, making your tongue weight neither to light or too heavy. Too heavy will affect the steering of the tow vehicle. Too light may cause the trailer to bang on the hitch ball all the way down the road.

2. Do not try to set any land speed records while towing. Trailers sway at higher speeds and swaying trailers steer tow vehicles where you may not want to go.

3. Keep longer distances between you and the vehicle ahead of you and always anticipate your stops. Stopping distances are always longer while towing.

Now go out and enjoy your family and your camper.
 
As a truck driver by day,

Kevins advise is very good.

The biggest mistake i see is when people are trying to back up small trailers is,

THEY ALWAYS OVERSTEER!!!!

When backing up, you DO NOT need to turn the wheel more than an 1/8 of a turn. The front of your vehicle should not look like a snake slithering all over the place......

Your trailer will get to where it needs to be much sooner, if you use waaay less steering input..

Damn, i should write an article for those terrible at backing up....
 
Also, remember, you have a bigger "back end" trailing around behind you. If it starts to sway, DON'T hit the brakes. I used to floor it to speed up a bit and let the wiggle go away and then coast back down to speed. If you slam on brakes, it could jack knife.

I agree with Rick....Go forward as much as possible. A trailer will help you lose weight as well......you park further out!!
 
It takes a little time to "really" get used to the trailer..but "in this situation..practice make perfect!"

I could put that trailer in just about anything!

I also found i5 1000 x easier to back my 5x8 trailer! I could turn that trailer on a dime! The 6x12 took a little extra time to figure out...but now its so darn easy!

The only problem I sorta have is "distance"!

I mean yea...I'll be straight on...but sometimes I need to back up a little more than what I thought!


But yea.....doesnt hurt to practice! You may look stupid doing it....but when it comes time to do it in a "tight place" you should have no trouble!


BTW...if it wasnt for my friend who has "trouble" helping me back up....I had no choice in learning to back up!
 
Start using Lucas oil treatment and Transmission treatment from here on out.
K and N Filter.

Turn overdrive off, keep your speed reasonable.

Check air pressure in Trailer tires every time you tow, and your own vehicle.

Balance load.

When backing up, use mirrors only.

Practice makes perfect!
 
Kevin Nichols said:
... I agree with Rick....Go forward as much as possible. A trailer will help you lose weight as well......you park further out!!
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This is the gospel truth. Parking often involves a double-length space out in BF Nowhere. If it happens to be raining, Papa gonna get wet on the long hike. :eek:
 
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