Okay, I purchased a 41 foot travel trailer. This is a lot longer than my previous 30 foot trailer. I will need to back this camper in to a permanent camp site that already has a deck installed. I would like to get the camper within a few inches of deck. The deck is 16 feet long. I have a 60 degree angle approach (birds eye view) and only have one way to approach campsite. Meaning the campsite is on the passenger side when I pull up to it. I have to start the camper in on the 60 degree angle and then straighten it out to get it parallel to the deck. **It should be noted, I do not have the ability to pull the TV and TT forward so both are in a straight line before backing in postion**How do I gauge where the pivot point location should be (in relation the deck) before I start to bring the camper tail around?Hopefully my description of what I have indicated makes sense. I am trying to visualize how I need to attack this before I get to the campsite.Any practical experience or advice is appreciated. I tried looking for videos of really long travel trailers, but I have only found 5th wheels or smaller TT examples.dh

It depends a lot on the tow vehicle actually. My van has a relatively short wheelbase (138") and a decent rear overhand, so the trailer responds immediately when the van turns. Generally, I don't need to turn until the rear tire of the trailer is at the point it needs to pivot around. Generally, the trailer pivots around the front trailer tires, and the back on mostly scrubs but terrain affects that a lot too.Any, just try practicing in an empty parking lot. If you have a long wheelbase tow vehicle, it might be worth borrowing something different. Or pay a towing company. They'll probably only charge a small service fee for backing the trailer into the spot using a short wrecker.

Trial and error. No one is deducting your pay for not getting it right the first time.

carringb wrote:It depends a lot on the tow vehicle actually. My van has a relatively short wheelbase (138") and a decent rear overhand, so the trailer responds immediately when the van turns. Generally, I don't need to turn until the rear tire of the trailer is at the point it needs to pivot around. Generally, the trailer pivots around the front trailer tires, and the back on mostly scrubs but terrain affects that a lot too.I have a 2013 Ford F150 with a 157" wheelbase. Its turning radius when driving forward is horrible (compared to the Chevy trucks I was used to driving) but going is reverse is not too bad.Thanks for the feedback.dh

carringb wrote:just try practicing in an empty parking lot.X2. Set up some cardboard boxes to simulate the deck.

You won't really know until you give it a try. Take it slow and easy and have a spotter or two. Might be easier than you think.

Need Advice for Backing in 41' Long TT to Camp Site

legolas
Explorer
Jan 26, 2018
darleyhavidson wrote:
Okay, I purchased a 41 foot travel trailer. This is a lot longer than my previous 30 foot trailer. I will need to back this camper in to a permanent camp site that already has a deck installed. I would like to get the camper within a few inches of deck. The deck is 16 feet long.

I have a 60 degree angle approach (birds eye view) and only have one way to approach campsite. Meaning the campsite is on the passenger side when I pull up to it. I have to start the camper in on the 60 degree angle and then straighten it out to get it parallel to the deck. **It should be noted, I do not have the ability to pull the TV and TT forward so both are in a straight line before backing in postion**

How do I gauge where the pivot point location should be (in relation the deck) before I start to bring the camper tail around?

Hopefully my description of what I have indicated makes sense. I am trying to visualize how I need to attack this before I get to the campsite.

Any practical experience or advice is appreciated. I tried looking for videos of really long travel trailers, but I have only found 5th wheels or smaller TT examples.

dh

Don't....get a pull thru site
BarneyS
Explorer III
Jan 26, 2018
You may have to move the deck anyway after getting the trailer into position in order to chock the tires and level the trailer. Might as well move it first if that is the case. Kind of depends on the size of the deck and whether it covers access to the wheels or not.
Barney
darleyhavidson
Explorer
Jan 26, 2018
Boband4 wrote:
If you are getting the TT delivered, ask them for the cost of the last 300 yards to put it exactly where you want it.

Already asked that question and they were not going to back it in with the deck already there.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Jan 26, 2018
Well, the good news is that you will only have to do it once.
Boband4
Explorer
Jan 26, 2018
If you are getting the TT delivered, ask them for the cost of the last 300 yards to put it exactly where you want it.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Jan 25, 2018
Ask IF the campground has a tractor to put it in with. they should be happy to help
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Jan 25, 2018
Practice backing in an empty parking lot until you get it down. Take some orange cones, or even a few blocks of wood and lay out the parking like identical to your campsite. Then practice backing in, in the space you've marked out. No one watching, no one to critique you, nothing to hit, and at the most, a tire will run over a 2x4 on the asphalt. And then you'll figure it out.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jan 25, 2018
The only way I can get into my seasonal spot is with a skid steer. It might be worth the extra money to hire one or offer the owner some extra to move it. It cost me $300. but it's my only option.

Personally I would move the deck. It will be next to impossible to get it that close without damage but it's your trailer.
jimlj
Explorer
Jan 25, 2018
I also was going to suggest a mobile home mover. I'll bet it wouldn't cost too much, they can get it exactly where you want it, and they are insured so if they damage it they fix it.
srt20
Explorer
Jan 25, 2018
The longer the trailer, the slower it is to react to driver input.

Have a spotter to guide you, figure out the communication lingo between you 2 before you start, and just do it. Its easier than you think. But you have to have a spotter if you will be backing in from the passenger side. If you could do it from drivers side then you could get enough adjustment out of your mirror.

Maybe put some kind of markers on the gravel, such as spray paint, exactly where you want the trailer so your spotter knows the exact location.