During the course of my "full-time RV retirement" project, I've immediately dismissed the notion of towing a travel trailer. The reason for this is that I've never towed ANYTHING in my 50 years on this planet. LOL But as I narrow down what I think might be something that works for me, I can't escape the fact that a TT MIGHT offer me a lot of what I want.If it matters, I've looked mostly at the 'classic' Arctic Fox 25R and 25W models. So just what sort of challenges am I looking at? If I am understanding the whole GVWR and tow ratings, I shouldn't need a monster truck to pull one, an F-250 should be fine. The idea of backing one up give me pause though.Too many people have suggested I explore this idea more, so I reckon I'd be foolish to ignore it. :)Thanks!

Learning curve? It all depends upon how much you do it? Tow your trailer only once a year and you'll probably never figure it out. Tow it every day, and you'll have it down "pat" in no time.When you get your rig, before leaving the dealer parking lot, practice just moving round in the parking lot. Then drive to an empty school parking lot, and practice backing, turning, backing turning and you'll figure it out pretty quick.There again, your learning curve all depends upon how often and how much you actually do anything. The important thing is, don't get overwhelmed, don't get frustrated, and don't let anyone rush you (even after 50 years of towing experience).

my advice..... rent a "u-haul" cargo trailer, a large one... ( once or twice ) as the short ones are HARDER to back up...this will tell you .. if you can pick it up "Quickly" or NOT...a longer truck and a longer trailer is easier to back-up... like anything in "Life"... practice, practice, practice... will get you over the LEARNING Curve.

How is your "learning curve" for anything else? If you never try anything new, then this will be a bit difficult. If you subscribe to the notion that we should learn something new every day, then this will be a piece of cake for you. As a career educator, and a person who has studied the teaching/learning process extensively, I can tell you that humans in general have a remarkable capacity for learning. You should be able to learn this with no trouble at all as long as you're willing to invest some effort.Go for it!-Speak

Backing, heck towing for that matter takes practice. And practice makes perfect. I have seen many people struggle to back into a spot that should be fairly easy. Simply b3cause they do not understand the basics of backing anything. Even a MH you will have to back up sooner or later. So just get some experience. Three things that help when backing. First, learn to watch your mirrors, second, place your hand at the bottom of the stearing wheel and turn the wheen in the direction you want the trailer to go. Last, once the trailer starts to go follow it.

That Arctic Fox 25W would be my choice if/when I replace my current piece of junk. An F250 or F350 SRW diesel would tow it effortlessly. I mention F350 because there is little difference in the truck price and it has stronger springs. After some practice, you will have one nice rig.I like the 25W because of the two doors for easy access and safety. Having the bath next to the bedroom allows you to avoid streaking from one end to the other.

What's the learning curve like?? | Good Sam Community

43 Replies

SpeakEasy
Explorer
Nov 25, 2017
How is your "learning curve" for anything else? If you never try anything new, then this will be a bit difficult. If you subscribe to the notion that we should learn something new every day, then this will be a piece of cake for you.

As a career educator, and a person who has studied the teaching/learning process extensively, I can tell you that humans in general have a remarkable capacity for learning. You should be able to learn this with no trouble at all as long as you're willing to invest some effort.

Go for it!

-Speak
Chuck_thehammer
Explorer
Nov 25, 2017
my advice..... rent a "u-haul" cargo trailer, a large one... ( once or twice ) as the short ones are HARDER to back up...

this will tell you .. if you can pick it up "Quickly" or NOT...

a longer truck and a longer trailer is easier to back-up...

like anything in "Life"... practice, practice, practice... will get you over the LEARNING Curve.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Nov 25, 2017
Learning curve? It all depends upon how much you do it? Tow your trailer only once a year and you'll probably never figure it out. Tow it every day, and you'll have it down "pat" in no time.

When you get your rig, before leaving the dealer parking lot, practice just moving round in the parking lot. Then drive to an empty school parking lot, and practice backing, turning, backing turning and you'll figure it out pretty quick.

There again, your learning curve all depends upon how often and how much you actually do anything. The important thing is, don't get overwhelmed, don't get frustrated, and don't let anyone rush you (even after 50 years of towing experience).

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What's the learning curve like??

43 Replies

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