Forum Discussion

dbbolton2's avatar
dbbolton2
Explorer
Feb 24, 2014

Newbie to Travel Trailers

So tomorrow I am purchasing my "new to me" travel trailer. A 2007 Flagstaff 831QBSS. I'll be towing it will a 2500HD with a WD hitch. About five years ago I owned a Fleetwood Niagara highball PUP that I pulled with a Trialblazer, but I figure this will be significantly different when towing. Any tips or tricks? I haven't pulled anything this long before, and I have heard that longer trailers can actually be easier to back in than a shorter one. Any insights are appreciated!

Thanks!
Dave
  • MackinawMan's avatar
    MackinawMan
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2014
    Best advice IMHO is to go slow and take your time. No rush, so don't let anybody rush you.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2014
    You definitely want good sway control. What WD hitch do you have? If it does not have built in sway control, I would advocate trading it for an Equal-i-zer or similar, at the minimum.

    Know your trailer weight and tongue weight. Make sure you have 10%-15% of the trailer's weight on the hitch. Inadequate weight on the hitch will get you into trouble, bigtime.
  • dbbolton2's avatar
    dbbolton2
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2014
    Thanks for the input! As of now, I don't know what hitch is on the tow vehicle end. The previous owner is going to bring it in. I could see that there was a WD set up on the A-frame of the trailer. If it doesn't have sway control, I will definitely get something that does. The last thing I want is 33 feet of trailer going crazy behind me!
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    Feb 25, 2014
    Installing a high quality WD hitch, preferably with integrated sway control will provide a comfortable towing experience as the truck is plenty capable. Depending on terrain and heavy footedness, gas mileage will range anywhere from 6-9 mpg. It should be easier to back up than your previous set-up, I have no trouble doing so with my similar-sized towing combo. Have many wonderful adventures in your Flagstaff TT!!!
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2014
    Take your time and dial in the WD. I would recommend a good integrated WD/sway control hitch like the Reese HP Dual Cam. Long trailers back up much better and you have plenty of truck for the job.
  • dbbolton2's avatar
    dbbolton2
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2014
    Thanks Fla-gypsy. It looks like it will probably come with a Reese HP Dual Cam. I just pulled the trigger on it tonight and will be picking it up later in March. No sense pulling it in the ice and snow and I'll wait until it thaws a bit. Needless to say it will be a long wait!

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