Tail spin
How much tail length is too much to make tail spin problematic or damaging as when leaving the gas pump? My 5er has 12' overhang at the rear. A 38' I'm interested in buying has 17' tail at the rear. T...
Forum Discussion
As long as you know the distance needed to clear the "swing" it's not a problem. Regardless of trailer length and tail "swing", every turn is a new challenge, and something to constantly be aware of.
When you first get your camper, take it to an empty parking lot. Of course, practice backing a few times so you begin to learn the trailer limitations. But one other thing you can do is put your camper tow vehicle into a sharp turn. Stop. Put a marker at the end of the trailer (Outside corner), then proceed your turn. If you have a second person, have them lay a marker ever couple feet as you make the turn, forming an arch. After making a 1/4 turn get out and look at the arch. See how much space it took. This is your tail swing. It helps to get a true visual of what's happening back there. Then when you are in actual traffic, at an intersection, or even a fuel station, you'll have a better perception of your turning radius and what's happening at the "end".
The thing you are taking away from this exercise, is to capture that in memory, thus enabling you to make a turn, and know if you can navigate it without clobbering something beside you when you start the turn.
I have on occasion, been in a turn lane, and then realize it's too risky to make the turn. I'll wait for the right moment, then force traffic to let me go straight. Not pleasant, but the other option is to get jammed up and then really tick folks off!
When you first get your camper, take it to an empty parking lot. Of course, practice backing a few times so you begin to learn the trailer limitations. But one other thing you can do is put your camper tow vehicle into a sharp turn. Stop. Put a marker at the end of the trailer (Outside corner), then proceed your turn. If you have a second person, have them lay a marker ever couple feet as you make the turn, forming an arch. After making a 1/4 turn get out and look at the arch. See how much space it took. This is your tail swing. It helps to get a true visual of what's happening back there. Then when you are in actual traffic, at an intersection, or even a fuel station, you'll have a better perception of your turning radius and what's happening at the "end".
The thing you are taking away from this exercise, is to capture that in memory, thus enabling you to make a turn, and know if you can navigate it without clobbering something beside you when you start the turn.
I have on occasion, been in a turn lane, and then realize it's too risky to make the turn. I'll wait for the right moment, then force traffic to let me go straight. Not pleasant, but the other option is to get jammed up and then really tick folks off!
