Camper to Trailer Distance

[SpeedRacer350]

Hey all- I want to tow a 20' car hauler behind my Wolf Creek 840 on my 1-ton DWR. The hitch I have now puts the ball right at the edge of the camper's bumper, and all weights and capacities are well within spec. So, my question is: is there a general rule of thumb for the distance from the corner of the camper to the trailer? It's the jacks that stick out the most. For example, when I pull a string from my ball to the edge of the camper, then move thru the arc toward my trailer, I see that I can turn the truck a little more than 45 degrees before contact. Is this acceptable? Or should I expect full 90 degrees with no contact?

[SpeedRacer350]

toddb wrote:


The trailer has a 6' tongue so no extension is needed. Just have to crawl under to connect.

This looks exactly like my setup. What's the distance between your camper and trailer?

[toddb]

The trailer has a 6' tongue so no extension is needed. Just have to crawl under to connect.

[Grit_dog]

The rule of thumb is once you can't put your thumb between the camper and trailer, you can't turn any sharper!

[SpeedRacer350]

Can anyone share some pics of their TC and car hauler setup?

[SpeedRacer350]

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately, it looks like I need to invest in a Magnum hitch and Super Truss.

[deltabravo]

SpeedRacer350 wrote:
is there a general rule of thumb for the distance from the corner of the camper to the trailer? It's the jacks that stick out the most.

Depends on the width of the trailer, and the length of the trailer's A-Frame.
My car hauler has a 50" A-Frame.

My hitch ball is 14.5" from my AF811 bumper.

[ferndaleflyer]

If the trailer gets away from you backing up there is nothing you can do, other than pull forward, to keep it from hitting.

[Reality_Check]

Full lock with my truck is 90*...going forward. Backing isn't the only problem. All of the tongues on our trailers were extended. Add this; a 'perfect 90*' with no room to spare, only works on flat ground. Angle up a bit on the truck, and the jack will be a few inches closer all of a sudden. You need room.

[JRscooby]

A bumper pull can't get 90* unless the tongue is no wider than twice the distance ball is mounted behind the body of TV. OTOH, no reason to get to 90*. And a longer overhang, rear axle to ball, will cause a short tongue trailer to contact sooner.
When checking in the parking lot, remember it is easier to watch on the left turn, but on the streets, right is more likely to hit.

[Hemi_Joel]

45 degrees is looking for trouble IMHO. I like to set mine up to clear at 90°, then I never have to think about it.

[ferndaleflyer]

Many a DP at the drag races has been contacted by the trailer. Thats why many of us order our trailers with a 6ft tongue. If not very aware and careful you will make contact, and it won't take long.

[kohldad]

If you are only hauling open roads and commercial campgrounds, you MAY be able to get away with it but you will need to be careful as you will get to touching quicker than you think. That angle could also become less if the trailer and camper lean into each other when turning tight. While there isn't a set rule, I prefer as close to 90* as possible but I could accept anything that is at least 75*.

[SpeedRacer350]

Kayteg1 wrote:
Take the set to empty parking and try to make 360 turn, observing the camper corners coming to trailer.

Good point. If it clears with the steering wheels at full lock going forward, I'm happy with that. I'll just have to not get stupid and jammed up in reverse.

[Lwiddis]

Do what Kay suggests....carefully. Having a spotter is a best practice.