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DallasSteve's avatar
DallasSteve
Nomad
Oct 06, 2023

Turning With A Long Bumper Pull Trailer

I have a 38 foot bumper pull trailer and I will be pulling out of my summer park in 2 days. I hope some of the experienced pros here can give me some guidance. I've taken 3 short trips in the new truck (F-250 long bed, full cab, a long truck) and trailer, but it's been 6 months now and that's all the experience I had. When I came into this park I had a left turn off a divided road so that was pretty easy. This time I need to take a right turn onto the same divided road. It's only 1 lane each side with a center lane for turning. I've got a little cheat room on the right side of the exit from the park, but only about 2 or 3 feet. If I took a left turn I'd have to go 10 or 20 minutes out of my way, plus it's a tighter road going left. Can you guide me on how far out into the street I have to get before I start turning the wheel of the truck? I can't go to a parking lot to practice so I have to give this my best shot. I suppose if I have other right turns the same will apply, but I'm trying to avoid them except out in the country when I get to the next park.
  • JRscooby's avatar
    JRscooby
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2023
    I don't stand under how you expect anybody to spot you around a corner when can't see corner or rig.
    All I can say is start the turn as far left in driveway you can, and don't turn wheel until turning as short as the pickup will cut puts it as far to left as safe. In other words, use all driveway, and as much road as can get.
  • DallasSteve's avatar
    DallasSteve
    Nomad
    Oct 06, 2023
    Thermoguy wrote:
    Drive out until the tires of your trailer are even with the edge of the road, then turn the direction you need to go. You might be able to start turning a little before they are at the edge depending on how much room from the tires to the edge of the road, so if you stay to the left of the drive, you have more room to start your turn earlier. You might need to have someone stop traffic or just wait for a large enough gap so you can use both lanes of the road.

    Thanks. I'll move as far to the left as I can before I start my turn. I think there's enough room because I've seen at least 2 other long trailers pull out that way without even slowing down much like they weren't worried about it at all. I'll take it slow and keep checking my mirrors.
  • Mike134's avatar
    Mike134
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2023
    swing as wide as possible......not much other advice to give
  • Thermoguy's avatar
    Thermoguy
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2023
    Drive out until the tires of your trailer are even with the edge of the road, then turn the direction you need to go. You might be able to start turning a little before they are at the edge depending on how much room from the tires to the edge of the road, so if you stay to the left of the drive, you have more room to start your turn earlier. You might need to have someone stop traffic or just wait for a large enough gap so you can use both lanes of the road.

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