Max. Trailer length - NP and state parks

4X4Dodger wrote:

MFL wrote:
To answer the backing question, a bumper pull trailer will start to turn quicker, when backing, due to being hooked to the very rear of the tow vehicle. A FW turns much slower when starting to back, but turns very quickly, once the angle starts to make a major change.

I never have much problem with SP campsites being too short for my 31' FW. I have found the FW height to be the bigger problem. Most SPs have a lot of trees, with low hanging branches.

Unless you get one of the really small FWs, most will be closer to 30 feet or more, overall length. There are not many newer 24' FWs available anymore.

Jerry

Turning radius is a function of the distance from the pivot point to the CL (center line) of the trailer wheels.

It has nothing to do with 5th wheel or bumper hitch.

The shorter the distance noted above the quicker it will respond and vice-versa.

"It has nothing to do with 5th wheel or bumper hitch"

Sorry Dodger, but it makes a big difference being hitched over the rear axle. Your truck will have to move much more initially, before the trailer will make much of a turn. As you know a TT turns right away, as the truck backs into a turn.

Try backing a friends FW, and you will more understand. A FW is harder for most, until you get used to it, for this very reason.

You are correct, that a longer, wheels farther back version of TT, or FW is generally easier to back. A short utility trailer, with a short tongue turns very quickly.

Jerry