1st Time Pulling TT Home

you mentioned you would be in busy PC, Fl. the dealer should be aware of roads away from the beach that aren't too busy for you to use for your test drive. I know Spring Break has started, but it is still early for many schools, so it won't be as busy as it will be in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to hearing how the day goes, as PC is one of the areas, where I have traveling when I get ready to buy my next RV.

although I had been around RV's of different types for years, until I was nearly 50, I had never pulled one. If a well past 50 yr old female can pull one by herself, and not be terrified, then I am sure you and your DH can manage. Oh yeah, after he gets comfortable, then you need to give it a try.

CarpFishermanAndWife wrote:

Dick_B wrote:
It's going to be the most exciting three hours of your camping experience.
Stick with 55 mph, stay in the right hand lane and start braking BEFORE you normally do at stop signs/lights and make wide turns.

I am sure he will be freaked out - ha ha. And I will be a nervous wreck from him being a nervous wreck. Is the braking system box easy to attach/wire in/etc.?

On most truck, assuming you ordered the adapter pigtail with your controller, it will be plug and play. If not, some wiring is involved.

As to driving the TT, all it takes is practice. Your turns will be wider, etc, so you don't run over curbs. Practicing backing up in a big parking lot on the way home is a good idea too.

buying the distribution sway bar from the dealer tomorrow because hubby didn't know what was the best to buy.

The dealer won't always sell what's best for you either, they'll usually sell you what they have or what gives them the biggest profit margin so be careful with that.

Many dealers don't know how, or don't take the time, to properly set the hitches up either. I suggest you read up on here how to do so and familiarize yourself before you go. You will also have to re-adjust it once the trailer is home and loaded up as the weights will be different.

The brake controller can be a very easy install as long as your tow vehicle has the plug under the dash and you get the correct adapter for it with the controller. If not, you'll have to splice into the wiring harness, a job better done by a professional.

Go slow, take your time, turn wide and leave lots of room in front of you. Most of all, relax!

All of the above and use the mirrors and remember that the rear of the trailer swings out in a turn. Be careful and you will be just fine. Most brake controllers are plug and play for the newer vehicles. It should not take long to get that functional.

rjxj wrote:
As Rock said go to a parking lot. When you get there pull into a spot and get out and see if he is centered up. Put some item on the ground and try different ways of turning around it. Picture that item as being a steel post in a gas station.

You will be fine, have the gas tank full, allow lots of time for the parking lot, hang out in the parking lot and relax before taking off.

Funny because he did think about filling the truck up right before we stop for the trailer and I didn't think about that. I'm just glad I don't have to pull the thing.

Probably the biggest mistake new people make is cutting corners and having the trailer run over a curb. Take them wide and watch n the rear view mirror. Go very slow at first so he can get the feel for how far out to take the corner.

ependydad wrote:
When I went from a 20' pop-up to a 42' fifth wheel, the dealer offered one of their service techs to go out on a test drive with me. We went for a 35-45 minute drive where we talked and he gave pointers as I drove. I'm eternally grateful for them. See if you can ask your dealer for someone to take you for a drive.

Yes, I think we will ask for him to go along on a test drive. We will be in busy Panama City, FL where a lot spring breakers are already though. :E

fla-gypsy wrote:
Hopefully the dealer is competent and sets it up correctly as well as help adjust the brake controller. A poorly adjusted WD hitch and brake controller can make pulling a TT a handful. He needs to read up and educate his self on all aspects of towing. It can be done safely and without drama when done correctly but when not can be very dangerous.

Okay, great!

rockhillmanor wrote:

CarpFishermanAndWife wrote:
We are picking up our very first TT tomorrow and my husband is SO NERVOUS to pull it since he has never pulled anything behind his truck before (it is a 28' TT). ...... Anything else to get started pulling it 3 hours home? THANKS!

Find the first empty shopping mall parking lot and PRACTICE going up and down and turning around the aisles and parking/backing it between the white lines. BEFORE you hit the road.

This will give you all the confidence you just might need if the situation arises on the way back home with your new TT.:W

Congrats on your new TT. Welcome to the wonderful world of RV'ing! :C

Good idea - thanks!

2edgesword wrote:
I definitely can identify with the nervousness about picking up the first time trailer. My dealer set up the brake controller and weight distribution system then took me on a test drive to provide pointers on how to tow the trailer and make sure the systems were working correctly. Your hubby should ask the dealer to do the same.

Some of the major considerations at stopping distance, turn radius and thinking ahead before pulling into a place to consider what will be required to get in and out of an area. Take it slow, enjoy and stay safe.

Did the dealer charge you for setting up the brake controller and weight distribution system?