cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Life with a trailer behind...

Jgwoods
Explorer
Explorer
For the 2 years and 30,000 miles of camping done so far it has all been trailer free, just the crew cab dually Ford F350 and Northstar Igloo 9.5 in the bed. Total 25 feet.

Recently I bought a 14x7 trailer to carry a motorcycle and a bunch of other stuff, all stuff I would "like" to have along but none of it necessary. It would just make for a different trip having a bike to ride when we are far from home.

But I don't love the idea of having to maneuver that trailer as I go into get fuel and backing into camping spots etc.

I ask those of you who haul a trailer how do you like it? DO you have any advice?

Thanks,
Joe
30 REPLIES 30

Boatycall
Explorer
Explorer
Artum Snowbird wrote:
Short trailers are not easy to back up


Not to mention virtually invisible back there. You typically won't see a small trailer in your mirror until it's already turning.

Don't forget - you'll need a hitch extension. I would highly recommend the TorkLift Superhitch. It's DOT approved for any length extension you'll need.
'15 F450, 30k Superhitch, 48" Supertruss, 19.5's, Torklift Fast Guns
'12 Eagle Cap 1160, 800watts solar, Tristar MPPT, Magnum Hybrid 3k Inverter
'15 Wells Cargo 24' Race Trailer, 600 watts Solar, TriStar MPPT, Xantrex 2kw inverter
'17 Can Am X3 XDS Turbo

hitchup
Explorer
Explorer
Years ago, while in Winchester, VA, there was a Fulltiming couple who lived in their TC. They also pulled a cargo trailer w/motorcycle and misc that didn't fit into the TC for daily living.

We watched them out our back window parking the cargo trailer into back-in space. He had unhitched it from the rear and hitched it to the front of his dually. Very clever and seemed quite easy, since he had a good view.

RV dealers typically use a similar way with TTs and 5ers, but use a tractor (Bobcat?) that they hook up to the front hitch and back it into tight spaces or in buildings for service or PDIs.
2014 DRV Mobile Suite Estates 38RSB3....our custom home
2014 Ford F450 KR CC 4x4......his office
2015 Lance 1172 TC.....mobile Motel FOR SALE
Working Fulltimers since 3/2005

"Shoot for the Moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars."

Jgwoods
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks everyone, this is very encouraging. So far I have managed to put two dents in the trailer- darn tree branches.
I made a living driving box trucks for a while. I can use the mirrors just fine and could stick the landing easy. It's the hinge in the middle that calls for practice.
I put a hitch extender on to reach out from under the camper and it seems to work fine based on our one time trial. On that trip it took me a while to get the trailer backed into where I wanted it. I do get out and scout everything out and I can see the trailer easily. I guess I am over-turning and then over correcting, but some more practice and I'll gain comfort.
I have ordered a camera set up to hardwire but I haven't figured a good way to run the wire. I haven't drilled any holes in the camper yet and I don't want to botch the first hole.
Once the snow clears away I'll be doing a number of mods and get over my caution about changes.
Thanks again for your stories and advice. I look forward to more if any want to chime in

Joe

JIMNLIN
Explorer
Explorer
I had three TC years ago (8'/9.5'/10.5') years ago pulling various sizes of boats up to 3800 lbs when the kids were home. With many large COE lakes around boating/fishing/etc is #1 recreational activity around here. Had a hitch on the front of the truck to drive the boat to the ramp or backed it in.....which ever was easier to do.
I also made living pulling flatdeck/enclosed trailers so backing a trailer is just part of normal every day driving.
As others I've always had trailers of some type around from a small 14' tandem axle flat bed up to my present 36' tri axle 16k GN stock trailer.
We double towed with a 5th wheel RV trailer and a 3400 lb bass boat, for 8 years, bringing up the rear. No....I didn't back the combo up very far.
"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" ............ Will Rogers

'03 2500 QC Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs Westach
'97 Park Avanue 28' 5er 11200 two slides

Rettrooper
Explorer
Explorer
We tow a 14ft enclosed motorcycle trailer that we will fill with a m/c and other pieces of equipment we think we'll need.

TIP: when backing put your hand palm down onto of the bottom of the steering wheel. Move your hand to the right, the trailer will turn to the right. Move your hand to the left, the trailer will move to the left. Don't make sharp turns! Try it. Plan ahead at filling stations. Take your time!
2013 Eagle Cap 1160
2006 Ford F-350 SD CC Diesel

billtex
Explorer II
Explorer II
We trailer a Classic Boston Whaler at times. Do not have a back up camera (yet). One piece of advice; we use walkie talkies when backing in. DW jumps out and guides me in if needed. This prevents any yelling, etc so as not disturb others.
We also tow a 25' Airstream (not with TC) and this system work well for us.
Never really had any issues at fuel stops...plan accordingly before entering!
Agree; short/single axle trailer are the most difficult to maneuver.

Go slow!
Bill
2020 F350 CC LB
Eagle Cap 850
25'Airstream Excella
"Good People Drink Good Beer"-Hunter S Thompson

noteven
Explorer III
Explorer III
We have a basic 8-1/2 ft x 16 ft body cargo trailer - we tow it behind our 3500 - using a Super-Truss system and an Air-Safe suspension coupler.

We don't like travelling without it because it completely eliminates the fore and aft "camper jiggle" we get when not trailering. Our camper does not have cowl struts like a Lance.

The ride is eerily smooth on the busted highways of our region when hooked up to the trailer via the Air-Safe system.

The trailer is our garage - bikes, plus chairs, outdoor cooking stuff, tools etc.

We like.

Bedlam
Moderator
Moderator
I also tow a 8.5x20 trailer behind my truck camper. Mine sits low with dropped torsion axles which makes towing and loading easy but you have watch driveways and unimproved roads. I am under 50' overall length (23' trailer and 25' truck/camper) and fit most pull through sites. Wider sites that are short allow me to double park in a 25x20 footprint.

Consider upgrading the axles to the heavier models for the same size. My trailer is over 3000 lbs empty and then I carry two vehicles, 84 gallons of water, 25 gallons of LPG and 17 gallons of gasoline which all make the weight creep up. Soon I will be installing solar and a battery bank in the trailer which will easily add 500 lbs by the time I'm done.

If I decide to go bigger in the future, I will go with a stacker (think of a double decker) instead of going any longer. Too may times we use the ferry system in our area that charges in 10' increments and I want the length to stay at 50' or less to keep charges down and campsites open.

Host Mammoth 11.5 on Ram 5500 HD

deltabravo
Nomad
Nomad
I even put an awning on the big trailer:

2009 Silverado 3500HD Dually, D/A, CCLB 4x4 (bought new 8/30/09)
2018 Arctic Fox 992 with an Onan 2500i "quiet" model generator

deltabravo
Nomad
Nomad
Life with a trailer is my life. Having a trailer has never been a hindrance to me.

I started with a 6x12 and used it from 2010 through last year when I sold it. I sometimes kick myself for selling it. I sold it because it wasn't big enough for the uses I put it through outside of camping. I use it for other things, and the size was starting to test my patience.

It never was a problem. Prior to selling it, I took it on most all of my trips. The only times I didn't take it was when I went to AM Solar to get my solar installed in 2010 and a few trips when I took my mobile garage (8.5' x 20') with my Jeep in it, or multiple motorcycles.

The only trip I have ever taken without a trailer was to AM Solar. I have been doing the truck camper thing since 2010. Truck has 40k miles on it now, and a high percentage of them are with the camper on board.

Two words describe towing a trailer: Adapt & overcome. It will only be a nuisance if you let it be.

I have never had a problem getting fuel.

7x14 is an ideal size. If the wheels / fenders are totally outside the trailer box, it will be nearly just as wide as the camper, which means you can see it out of both mirrors while backing up.

My 6x12 had a track width narrower than the camper. If I was trying to back up in a straight line, I couldn't see the trailer until it was crooked.

6x12 didn't give much room for gear in front of the motorcycle(s) I hauled.

I want to get either a 7x12 or 7x14 to replace the 6x12 I had, but I'm not in a big rush to do it.

The 6x12:



The 8.5 x 20, which I still have. I scored this beauty from Craigslist and made a 600 mile road trip each way to get it.



The 6x12 was my motorcycle and gear hauler when camping. I carry things like lawn chair, patio rug, generator and gas, and other misc camping stuff.

I sold the 6x12 about 2 weeks before my big motorcycle adventures last year, so I used the 8.5 x 20. It's huge and doesn't have a lot of ground clearance when going in and out of driveways off city streets, but who wants to tow such a behemoth on city streets anyway?

One thing I will highly recommend to anyone looking at getting a trailer, and you may have to special order it to get this feature, is get one with a tongue at least 48" long.

Dealers that don't have a clue will order all their trailers with a standard 36" tongue, and that short of a tongue isn't conducive to most truck camper uses. the camper will likely hit the front of the trailer in a sharp turn. You can adapt to the problem and get a longer SuperTruss extension though.

When I bought my big trailer, I thought I'd need a longer SuperTruss, so I ordered one, then discovered I was OK with my short one.

Do I like having a trailer? YES!!
It gives me extra storage space for gear, even if I don't haul a motorcycle.
2009 Silverado 3500HD Dually, D/A, CCLB 4x4 (bought new 8/30/09)
2018 Arctic Fox 992 with an Onan 2500i "quiet" model generator

bcbouy
Explorer
Explorer
you get used to it being back there pretty quickly,and you do have to pick your gas stops accordingly.i always try for the outside pump lanes.backing them isn't as bad as it seems.just dont crank your wheel when backing.a little goes a long way.
2012 ram 2500 hemi crew cab sb 4x4 2015 northstar 850 sc 14.5 g3 guide custom fly fishing boat

Reddog1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Install a back-up camera, not a cheapie, and not wireless. It really makes a big difference, with or without the trailer. It es especially great with the trailer, for connecting, backing and monitoring the trailer while on the road.

I have had my back-up camera since 2005, and it has never failed to work. I flat tow a Suzuki Samurai. I thought the camera would only be worth while when towing. I was wrong. Backing up a TC in a parking lot is a piece of cake with the camera.


2004.5 Ram SLT LB 3500 DRW Quad Cab 4x4
1988 Bigfoot (C11.5) TC (1900# w/standard equip. per decal), 130 watts solar, 100 AH AGM, Polar Cub A/C, EU2000i Honda

Toad: 91 Zuke

Farmerjon
Explorer
Explorer
Don't forget it is back there. surprising but it is easy to do. When switching lanes leave plenty of room.
Artum Snowbird wrote:
Short trailers are not easy to back up, but the best learning is done when it's not a panic. Hook up the trailer and look in your mirrors to see how far you can swing and still make the curve. If you go to far, it is impossible to correct, you have to drive forward to make the curve smaller.

X2
The best thing you can do is practice and you can do that without the camper on your truck, just use your mirrors without looking over your shoulder or using the center rear view mirror.
Even 7ft wide will be almost invisible to you until you turn or at least wiggle. A back up camera would help a lot.
Having your bike for exploring and errands would be nice.
Happy camping.
2015 F350 Lariat CC LB 4x4 DRW 6.7, 6sp auto, 3.73
2000 F350 lariat SC LB 4x4 DRW 7.3, 6sp manual 3.73
1987 F250 Lariat SC/LB 4x4 SRW 460 4sp stick 4.10
1995 Jeep wrangler
99 Star Craft 953

Jgwoods
Explorer
Explorer
ANother question along the way- many campgrounds want to know how long your rig is before you reserve a given space. Of the limit is 35 feet. My truck and trailer behind it total 40 feet with the truck being 25 feet. If I understand right I just call it 25 feet and disregard the trailer, or tell the campground folks it is 25 feet and a 14 foot trailer?

coolmom42
Explorer II
Explorer II
For fuel stops, choose a truck stop or other pump with lots of space.

So far as getting into a site, you probably will have enough space in many sites to drop the trailer where you want it, and then put the truck where you want it. If you decide to back in, work with your spouse to develop a system. Take your time, and if in doubt, get out and look.

Lots of info on here about how people get assistance backing (or not.)

And don't cut a right hand turn too tight and scrape the trailer.
Single empty-nester in Middle TN, sometimes with a friend or grandchild on board