When to return to lane after passing.

2oldman wrote:
I guess we all just learn what the passed object looks like.

Yes. Depth = distance.

in my defense driving class so I could drive fire trucks they told us to wait until you see both head lights of the vehicle you passed in the right hand out side mirror. that should give you lots of room to cut in the the lane

I usually have someone in the passenger seat when towing so I have them study the mirror to let me know when it's safe. A passenger doesn't have to watch the road so they can get a closer look.

Turn your signal on when you are close to merging back over to prevent someone behind you in the passing lane from trying to squeeze in and pass you on the right. Also, by turning the signal on shortly before you are going to merge might get some astute drivers to flash their brights to let you know its safe to merge. I try to do that any time someone towing a trailer is trying to merge in front of me. Truckers are generally pretty good at doing that because they are in similar positions as us and understand.

ugh wrote:
I have towed many different trailers in the past. But, my current trailer seems to be the hardest. When I passed a slower vehicle on interstate, I was not sure if I was cleared and had enough distance to return to the lane. I don't know if it is my mirrors or what.

What is the best way to be sure that it is safe to return to the lane when towing a trailer. Would a rear camera on the TT help?

Yes, I've found that if I can see the headlights of the passed vehicle in my rear view camera I must be clear but I signal then slowly move back in the right lane to be on the safe side. Also many people will flash their lights to let you know you are clear. They have probably been in your shoes at one time.

ugh wrote:
...............Would a rear camera on the TT help?

Yes, it would help. I have a motorhome and toad. Having the rear view camera in addition to the mirrors just gives you one more method to be sure you're clear to move back into the lane.

Cameras & monitors are very inexpensive if you buy from ebay or amazon.

Fred

Hi,

Having no depth perception, I must rely on the shadows to tell if I am really in front of the other vehicle. I also leave plenty of space. It helps if the other driver flashes their lights. Driving into the sun, there are no shadows, and at night, I have to rely on the headlights showing up in the mirror, then I can sort of tell I am ahead of them. . .

My pet peeve is that so many people when passing do not accelerate. Instead they seem to keep the cruise control on, and change into the passing lane, might only speed up by 2 MPH and it takes them SOOO Long to pass the other vehicle.

In Oregon they do give out tickets for spending to much time in the passing lane, especially while towing. I know a guy who got a ticket while towing in Missouri while in the second from the right hand lane, and it was rush hour. He did not feel 'safe' in the right hand lane, and was going through a big city, with 3 lanes on the interstate.

I am thinking of getting one of these rear view camera's for my motorhome.

Rear view mirror camera

Or this one that records what is going on behind me and in front.

dual input dash cam

You can go to these websites, click on 'view my store' and see what other products that seller has. You can also search for 'wireless back up camera' and get several results, where you can mount the camera on the back of the trailer, turn it on with 12 volts while driving (say the running light +12 volt feed) and it will work all the time the running lights are on.



Have fun camping!

Fred.

I make sure I can see that the end of my trailer has passed the vehicle I'm passing and then leave a good margin for error. Turn my turn signal on for a good several seconds prior to moving over.

If you can see your trailers shadow use that to know when you've safely passed. If the shadow is in front of the car then you'll have room to move back. Good luck

I always keep traveling until it becomes obvious in the mirrors. I really dislike people who pass me and then pull back in the lane with only a car length or two gap. So I make sure I give plenty of room.

I also nudge over into the lane just a few inches or so, look again to make sure then continue.

I guess we all just learn what the passed object looks like.