towing long TT
I know that the entire towing experience will be interesting for me (basically a rookie)but there are one or two things that I'd like advice/opinions on. The TT that I am getting is about 35 feet ...
Forum Discussion
Regular turns are not an issue. Keep a slightly wider arc and turn a little later. The trailer wheels will track inside the TV wheels up to two feet depending on the configuration of your trailer and the sharpness of the turn.
Turns approaching 45% angle and more can be taken fairly normally with a wider arc to clear the inside curb. Once the turns become sharper you'll have to wait longer to turn, then cut it harder which will induce more tail swing. If you're too far outside the path of the turn you stand the chance of crunching something on the blindside with the tailswing. Obviously, turns which are long and wide require the least consideration because the wheels will not track as closely to the inside.
Another point to consider when turning, do not straighten out as soon as the TV passes the obstacle, rather, hold your arc until the trailer axles clear, then straighten out. The tendancy is to turn back to a straight line once you think you're clear, which only levers the trailer tongue and the rear axles closer to the inside very abruptly. It's counter intuitive and require practice to get it right.
If you think in terms of prescribing and arc within a turn which will accommodate your total rig length rather than just fitting the rig through the turn, you'll start to visualize what is actually going on and will pick it up quicker. Practice is the only cure. Take your time and don't be afraid to stop and get out to look if you're not certain. No one ever died of embarrassment. Though, some have been wounded by the grief of damaging their trailer.
Turns approaching 45% angle and more can be taken fairly normally with a wider arc to clear the inside curb. Once the turns become sharper you'll have to wait longer to turn, then cut it harder which will induce more tail swing. If you're too far outside the path of the turn you stand the chance of crunching something on the blindside with the tailswing. Obviously, turns which are long and wide require the least consideration because the wheels will not track as closely to the inside.
Another point to consider when turning, do not straighten out as soon as the TV passes the obstacle, rather, hold your arc until the trailer axles clear, then straighten out. The tendancy is to turn back to a straight line once you think you're clear, which only levers the trailer tongue and the rear axles closer to the inside very abruptly. It's counter intuitive and require practice to get it right.
If you think in terms of prescribing and arc within a turn which will accommodate your total rig length rather than just fitting the rig through the turn, you'll start to visualize what is actually going on and will pick it up quicker. Practice is the only cure. Take your time and don't be afraid to stop and get out to look if you're not certain. No one ever died of embarrassment. Though, some have been wounded by the grief of damaging their trailer.
