Evasive Maneuvers when towing

[TexBohunk]

I have been travel trailering for several years now. I always try to think of what to do in certain situations on the road. I have always tried to remember certain key things when towing. (1) I cant stop on a dime. (2) I cant swerve too hard. (3) Leave yourself a way out. I always leave plenty of space between myself and the vehicle in front and watch the road. However Idiots abound and i have had just a few close calls. Other drivers are one thing and another is animals. Deer being the main cause of concern in most areas i travel, I talked the DW into letting be install a Ranch Hand bullnose bumper on my truck for the wildlife. Knock on wood havent had any encounters. Just want to know what other RVers do or have had to do in similar situations.

[mowermech]

"EVASIVE MANEUVERS"??
I have hit three deer and a dog in my driving life (since 1958). None of them gave me any chance to evade/avoid the collision.
I can see no reason to wreck my truck and trailer, and the 2 ATVs in the trailer, in a vain attempt to save the life of an animal.
While you are planning that "evasive maneuver" or "panic stop", remember that at 60 MPH you will likely travel over 100 feet before your actions have any effect on your vehicle, whether it be dodging something or simply braking!
That deer (or whatever) that is going to jump into the road 20 feet in front of you won't leave enough time for you to react!

[coolbreeze01]

I agree....Some people can't drive anything well.

[ktmrfs]

Stefonius wrote:

Houston Remodeler wrote:
If we can't gently maneuver to avoid hitting an object, we're taking it with us.

I agree. I'm not inclined to make emergency maneuvers that could flip me over or cause me to end up in a ditch. If I can't avoid it by braking moderately with the wheels straight, it's going to get hit.

That's doubly true for the folks who do 85 to pass me and then cut in front with one car length to spare, then promptly slam on the brakes.

me also.

sheet metal is easily repaired or replaced. Human bodies, well hard to repair, and irreplaceable.

sheet metal wins hands down.

[Stefonius]

Houston Remodeler wrote:
If we can't gently maneuver to avoid hitting an object, we're taking it with us.

I agree. I'm not inclined to make emergency maneuvers that could flip me over or cause me to end up in a ditch. If I can't avoid it by braking moderately with the wheels straight, it's going to get hit.

That's doubly true for the folks who do 85 to pass me and then cut in front with one car length to spare, then promptly slam on the brakes.

[TexBohunk]

Did lots of research on grill guards and bumpers. What sold me on the replacement bumper was the video on youtube: Ranch Hand vs Deer.
The stock bumper on my f250 weighed 75lbs, the ranch hand weighs about 220lbs.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Gonzo42 wrote:
Has anyone had experience using one of those whistles on their vehicle that supposedly warn deer away from the road?

Essentially a lot of agencies have studied the air powered ones and come to the conclusion that they don't work.

[Gonzo42]

Has anyone had experience using one of those whistles on their vehicle that supposedly warn deer away from the road?

[BenK]

Good both comments and this topic...not enough folks think about
driving defensively...

My 2¢

• Everyone out there is an idiot and too many will live up to that expectation
• Keep the TV & Trailer brakes up to temp by touching them every so often
• KNOW your setups abilities by testing it when you do NOT need it
• Honk if you see animals...especially when dark
• Even turn off the lights for a second or so to allow them to run away...some times right into the lane... 😞
• Never try to make sudden or major swerves to avoid hitting

Biggest one I always keep in mind is that they (animal, human, etc)
will do exactly what you don't want them to do...

[rhagfo]

Bull Rider wrote:
Here's a tip that we've learned over the years.

Deer are seldom alone. When you spot a deer, start looking for the fawn, or the rest of the herd.

Frequently people will visually lock onto one deer, only spot the second or third deer too late to avoid.

Drive out in front of your vehicle. Watch vehicles way ahead for brake lights, swerving, dust clouds, flashing headlight, or other anomalies.

X2 Called defensive driving.

You also need to be thinking a bit like the idiot that is out to cut you off.

[Bull_Rider]

Here's a tip that we've learned over the years.

Deer are seldom alone. When you spot a deer, start looking for the fawn, or the rest of the herd.

Frequently people will visually lock onto one deer, only spot the second or third deer too late to avoid.

Drive out in front of your vehicle. Watch vehicles way ahead for brake lights, swerving, dust clouds, flashing headlight, or other anomalies.

[Naio]

Gonzo42 wrote:
I take whatever action will place me the furthest away from the coming accident.

Yeah, there are some people, when they pass me I am glad because I do not want to be near them on the road. I slow down even further, so they get a mile ahead of me asap.

[Gonzo42]

IMHO, Naio has the best attitude.

I currently use my MH, my truck, by auto, my SUV, my motorcycle or one my my (currently) 3 bicycles.

Of course each is different, yet the attitude is the same. I always assume the cagers are going to do something stupid. So I take whatever action will place me the furthest away from the coming accident.

In addition to that, I go out of my way to yield the right-of-way to everyone else around. This preempts the cretin who was going to go anyway, and hopefully the recipient of the right-of-way appreciates it, feels good, and possibly does the same favor for someone else.

[Naio]

I've used a bicycle as my primary in-town transportation all my life. I drive like a bicyclist :).

This means I assume I am invisible to everyone around me and that they will behave accordingly. I also assume they are drunk and their vehicle far outweighs mine. And I coast for a while before braking for a light.

I am the person who always slows down and lets you in ahead of me. Even if you are nice and wave me to go on, I shake my head and make a 'No, you' gesture. Because, really, you do not want to be behind me, the bicyclist in a heavily loaded minivan.

[rexlion]

path1 wrote:
...I drive no more than 45 so I have lots of stopping distance in front of me, people pass me giving a wave and they create all kinds of stopping distance for me.(OK joking):) ...

45 mph? I can picture the waves you'd get, LOL. Friendly middle finger extended, right? :B

[atreis]

Don't be in too much of a hurry.

I've had to do emergency maneuvers due to others and animals - deer, and once a large overstuffed chair falling off a pickup in front of me on the Schuylkill Expressway. Stuff can get thrown around in the trailer (including emptying the cupboards for you), but it follows along fine. It helps to have a low center of gravity, long wheelbase, and properly adjusted hitch.