Forum Discussion

Whangler's avatar
Whangler
Explorer II
May 12, 2022

Maybe getting a longer trailer

Thinking of upgrading to a 31’ trailer from a 27 footer. TV is a GMC 2500HD cc long bed. I know longer trailers are generally easier to back up. I keep my trailer in a driveway at my house so it’s a 90 degree back in on a 30’ wide suburban street. It’s a piece of cake to back my 27 footer into the driveway. Will it be appreciably more difficult backing the 31 footer into the spot?

Anybody here made a similar jump up in trailer length? Was there much difference in the towing experience?

Both trailers have a 10,000 lb gvwr. Big improvement in floor plan and interior space.

Thanks,
David
  • kknowlton's avatar
    kknowlton
    Explorer II
    May 17, 2022
    Whangler, I think you'll be all right. We went from a 25' hybrid to a 34' TT and had a 90 degree angle into our driveway from a road probably about the size you have. It took a lot of getting used to, and a lot of tries, but fortunately I never put it in the ditch (we had a ditch about 4' deep and 8' wide alongside the road), and we had some very patient neighbors. 27' to 31' isn't a huge difference; just take it slow. Good luck!
  • BackOfThePack's avatar
    BackOfThePack
    Explorer
    May 16, 2022
    There isn’t much difference day-to-day from 28’ to 34’. It’s less of change than in going down from 28’.


    Tail-swing is always the challenge. Different floor plans or brands can place TT axles at a changed relative difference in distance from the hitch ball (tandems farther back tends to mean easier towing, but changed backing; not harder, a little stranger from get-go).

    “Wheel cut” is usually poor with straight Steer Axle (versus IFS). The necessary swing to have TT tandems at right pivot point can be pretty far (try a semi).

    As above, Practice is your friend.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    May 13, 2022
    One of us can tell you over the internet if a particular trailer will fit in your driveway.
    Some things need to be figured out on one’s own…
    But try this. Tape some tattletales on each side of your camper that stick out 4-5’ past the end of your trailer and back it in and see if it fits. Bout the best online “suggestion” I can come up with?
  • wanderingbob's avatar
    wanderingbob
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2022
    Four feet difference , the trailer pivots on the axles , so probably the backing difference is 2 feet , no problem ! What about the increased overhang on your driveway ?
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    May 12, 2022
    The transition from street to driveway may be an issue depending on overhang and dip.
  • ken56's avatar
    ken56
    Explorer
    May 12, 2022
    I had a 30 footer and went up to a 37 footer. BIG difference. I could fit into most gas stations with the 30, now I have to be very careful as to where I pull in to. At 31 ft you will likely be fine. Just go slow and you'll get used to it pretty quickly.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    May 12, 2022
    Skibane wrote:
    They're "easier" in the sense that they are more sluggish in responding to driver corrections - which makes them more forgiving of driver overcorrections.

    In areas with limited maneuvering room, shorter trailers are easier to back up.


    ^^^This.

    Of course, if 27ft is easy, 31ft is probably doable.
  • Jerrybo66's avatar
    Jerrybo66
    Explorer
    May 12, 2022
    I have a F-350 CC long bed and sometimes the swing length of the truck is more of a problem than the length of the trailer. If the 4 ft. additional trailer length is divided on the tandem axles you may basically have only a two ft. longer trailer for backing.... Just a thought... Enjoy your new trailer :~)
    Jerry
  • Skibane's avatar
    Skibane
    Explorer II
    May 12, 2022
    Whangler wrote:
    I know longer trailers are generally easier to back up.


    They're "easier" in the sense that they are more sluggish in responding to driver corrections - which makes them more forgiving of driver overcorrections.

    In areas with limited maneuvering room, shorter trailers are easier to back up.

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