I am going to pick up my new TT on Monday. I live on a cul-de-sac in Indiana. I think its a "standard" size cul-de-sac but don't want to get down there and not be able to turn around. How can I tell? I thought about driving to an open parking lot and measuring how sharp I can turn. Any suggestions from you pro's. I'm not a complete newbie at this, but I am new at this length. I will be pulling a Forest River Cherokee Greywolf 27RR TH.

Well, first time have someone outside to watch for tail swing. Watch for excessive tire wear if you'll male that turn often

We have a cul-de-sac on our street too. I'd estimate it to be about 60' in diameter. I can turn our 35' tt no problem. We're about 58' bumper to bumper. There is a lot of tire scrubbing as our tt has wide stance axles.

Rhoadzie wrote:I am going to pick up my new TT on Monday. I live on a cul-de-sac in Indiana. I think its a "standard" size cul-de-sac but don't want to get down there and not be able to turn around. How can I tell? I thought about driving to an open parking lot and measuring how sharp I can turn. Any suggestions from you pro's. I'm not a complete newbie at this, but I am new at this length. I will be pulling a Forest River Cherokee Greywolf 27RR TH.Measure the curve of the Cul de Sac then take the rv out to a big parking lot and drive the rv as if you were driving into the Cul de sac, when you get about 1/2 way through your turn, stop and masure the distance of the truck and RV from outside to outside. compare the 2 measurements.

Can you turn your tow vehicle around without backing up now? If so then your trailer will follow your tow.

We live in a cul-de-sac. In this part of GA, they make the streets as narrow as they can get away with. We've had tractor trailers with 53' trailers turn around in our cul-de-sac. If they can make it, so can you.If cars are parked in the street, it may be a different story. You may find you'll have to back up a couple times, but it should still be do-able.-Michael

Turning 34' TT in Cludesac? | Good Sam Community

K3WE
Explorer
Mar 30, 2015
coolbreeze01 wrote:
K3WE wrote:
coolbreeze01 wrote:
jules6 wrote:
Can you turn your tow vehicle around without backing up now? If so then your trailer will follow your tow.

It really is this simple ;)

This is NOT neccesarily correct.

With longer trailers and shorter TVs you can jack-knife and bend things while turning hard and going forward.

So, just obliviously driving forward can cause problems if you are not careful? Bummer.

Fixed.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Mar 30, 2015
K3WE wrote:
coolbreeze01 wrote:
jules6 wrote:
Can you turn your tow vehicle around without backing up now? If so then your trailer will follow your tow.

It really is this simple ;)

This is NOT neccesarily correct.

With longer trailers and shorter TVs you can jack-knife and bend things while turning hard and going forward.

So, just driving forward is a challenge? Bummer.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Mar 30, 2015
I have the 1 ton crew cab, long bed dually in my sig....I also tow a 5er that is 39' 6" long and live in a cul-de-sac....I have just enough room to make the circle and pull up far enough to straighten the combo up, then back my 5er up into my drive way...it'll "skew" the drivers side tires when making the U-turn, I can look in the mirror and see the "twist", but tires are aired to recommended psi and I've been doing this since 2007, so no issues...I just use my mirrors....You should be fine....
K3WE
Explorer
Mar 30, 2015
coolbreeze01 wrote:
jules6 wrote:
Can you turn your tow vehicle around without backing up now? If so then your trailer will follow your tow.

It really is this simple ;)

This is NOT neccesarily correct.

With longer trailers and shorter TVs you can jack-knife and bend things while turning hard and going forward.
TomB_
Explorer
Mar 29, 2015
Agree with having a spotter to watch your rear, also keep in mind the sharper the turn ( I am assuming the turn will be to the right ) the bigger the blind spot will be on your right side.
6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Mar 28, 2015
jules6 wrote:
Can you turn your tow vehicle around without backing up now? If so then your trailer will follow your tow.

This, don't over think it.
mgirardo
Explorer
Mar 28, 2015
stetwood wrote:
mgirardo wrote:
We live in a cul-de-sac. In this part of GA, they make the streets as narrow as they can get away with. We've had tractor trailers with 53' trailers turn around in our cul-de-sac. If they can make it, so can you.

Rv trailers and 5th wheels do not have the axles at the rear so they do not turn the same as a semi trailer.

True, a tractor trailer can jack knife better than a pickup/suv with a travel trailer. However, in both cases the trailer follows the tow vehicle so my example is still valid.

-Michael
Playtime_II
Explorer
Mar 28, 2015
in our area the transit style school busses (just like a 40 DP but 78 kids) can but the new conventional style (engine out front like the oldies w 78 kidz) cant make the loop. since they have to honk twice before backing I bet the homeowners love this 6x day.

I was able to back up and 3pt turn my old rockwood 2902 (33') but the wdh bars were not going to make the turn quietly
stetwood
Explorer
Mar 27, 2015
mgirardo We live in a cul-de-sac. In this part of GA, they make the streets as narrow as they can get away with. We've had tractor trailers with 53' trailers turn around in our cul-de-sac. If they can make it, so can you.

Rv trailers and 5th wheels do not have the axles at the rear so they do not turn the same as a semi trailer.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Mar 27, 2015
jules6 wrote:
Can you turn your tow vehicle around without backing up now? If so then your trailer will follow your tow.

It really is this simple ;)