What's the learning curve like??

[AllenTC2]

During the course of my "full-time RV retirement" project, I've immediately dismissed the notion of towing a travel trailer. The reason for this is that I've never towed ANYTHING in my 50 years on this planet. LOL

But as I narrow down what I think might be something that works for me, I can't escape the fact that a TT MIGHT offer me a lot of what I want.

If it matters, I've looked mostly at the 'classic' Arctic Fox 25R and 25W models.

So just what sort of challenges am I looking at? If I am understanding the whole GVWR and tow ratings, I shouldn't need a monster truck to pull one, an F-250 should be fine. The idea of backing one up give me pause though.

Too many people have suggested I explore this idea more, so I reckon I'd be foolish to ignore it. 🙂

Thanks!

[Jayco-noslide]

Difficult to answer. There is a huge amount to learn but most of it can be learned as you go along. I'm 75 and have had about 6 RVs of one sort or another and still learning. I think the used middle sized motor home towing a subcompact car that we have now is the best set-up over 5th wheel, small trailer, etc. Backing the MH is easy with a spotter. Can't back up with the car attached anyway. Whether towing something or just driving a large vehicle it's going to be scary for awhile but very doable. 50 isn't old at all for starting.

[SpeakEasy]

I think the thing that is hardest to learn, and probably only comes from experience, is knowing when NOT to go into a situation. In particular, going into gas stations or restaurants, you have to be able to judge, "Will I be able to get out of there?" It's one thing to back a trailer into a campsite. It's another thing entirely to back out of a tough spot in a gas station or small parking lot.

-Speak

[AllenTC2]

rbpru wrote:


Typically, 10 mpg, 250 to 300 miles a day, 60 mph, is the norm. A couple of feet can make a TT too small or too large. You want to buy right, resale value drops like a stone.

Good luck

Well, my thoughts were I'd find a nice place, hang out for however long I felt like before moving on; dumping and refilling tanks and refrigerator as needed. I'm not planning on moving about daily, or even weekly if I can help it.

[rockhillmanor]

Chuck_thehammer wrote:
my advice.....

rent a "u-haul" cargo trailer, a large one...

( once or twice ) as the short ones are HARDER to back up...
this will tell you .. if you can pick it up "Quickly" or NOT...
a longer truck and a longer trailer is easier to back-up...
like anything in "Life"... practice, practice, practice... will get you over the LEARNING Curve.

X10!

This is what I tell my first time horse trailer people to do BEFORE ever buying a trailer,
especially if they have NEVER pulled a trailer.

AND

Pick up 2 orange traffic cones at the local hardware store.

Rent a long U-Haul and go directly to the empty are of a shopping mall parking lot.

1. First Practice going up and down the aisles. till you have that down pat.

2. Then place the 2 traffic cones, one on each side at the end of a lined parking space. And practice backing in from both directions of the aisle. Without knocking down the cones and centered in the middle of them.

This practice test, without investing big bucks on an RV will tell you whether you want to and/or can handle a TT. :C

BTW: After practicing with a U-Haul in a parking lot.....Over 50% of my horse people decide they do NOT want to haul a trailer. :W

[path1]

25w here. You'll love it.

Practice makes perfect.

I have
Cheap hitch with 1000 bars. 1200 pound bars might be better.
Airbags on older 3/4 ton.

[coolmom42]

In addition to the advice above, I highly recommend watching some Youtube videos on "how to back a trailer". There are many good ones out there.

backup cameras on the truck and on the trailer rear are helpful. But in any situation, the best recommendation is to get out and look for obstacles.

It's helpful to put markers down as targets. Put one where you want the back tire to be when you stop, and one down where you MUST stop the rear of the trailer, or to mark any obstacle such as a stump or post that is hard to see. Cone-type markers come in collapsible versions and are cheap.

A trailer + truck are the cheapest route to RV living. If you get a motor home of any size, you will need a tow-behind vehicle for daily driving, so you will still be towing something.

Practice in an empty parking lot, just driving around and backing. Then go to a non-busy secondary road. Gradually work your way up. 60 mph is a good safe towing speed, so don't be afraid to get in the right lane and stay there. You will be in smart company.

[prichardson]

Ditto on all of the above. Also there will be a "learning curve" to maneuvering any style RV you decide to go with as with the exception of vans and small class Cs all will be longer and wider than what you are now used to handling.

[rbpru]

As already mentioned if you tow a lot, you will learn fast. If it is a semi-permanent location you can pay to have it towed.

I would really suggest you rent and live in a TT before you buy. The TT life is fun but not for everyone. Even a week or ten days of camping and travel will show you a lot.

Typically, 10 mpg, 250 to 300 miles a day, 60 mph, is the norm. A couple of feet can make a TT too small or too large. You want to buy right, resale value drops like a stone.

Good luck

[kerrlakeRoo]

When in the Coast Guard I taught a lot of guys to tow boats.
Best suggestion is as was said before, rent a trailer, preferably on a Sunday and take a half dozen 5 gallon buckets to a large empty parking lot. Set the buckets up about 12' apart width wise and over a 40'-50' length. Practise backing straight down the length of it, then when you are used to that start learning to make turns while backing.
And as was also mentioned before, longer trailers are easier, and if you wish get a low boy or utility trailer so you can see over it the first time.
It can be frustrating at first, but just go slow, backing a trailer is a matter of learning NOT to overcontrol. and small forward movements make huge differences in alignment of the tow.

[Lynnmor]

That Arctic Fox 25W would be my choice if/when I replace my current piece of junk. An F250 or F350 SRW diesel would tow it effortlessly. I mention F350 because there is little difference in the truck price and it has stronger springs. After some practice, you will have one nice rig.

I like the 25W because of the two doors for easy access and safety. Having the bath next to the bedroom allows you to avoid streaking from one end to the other.

[donn0128]

Backing, heck towing for that matter takes practice. And practice makes perfect. I have seen many people struggle to back into a spot that should be fairly easy. Simply b3cause they do not understand the basics of backing anything. Even a MH you will have to back up sooner or later. So just get some experience. Three things that help when backing. First, learn to watch your mirrors, second, place your hand at the bottom of the stearing wheel and turn the wheen in the direction you want the trailer to go. Last, once the trailer starts to go follow it.

[SpeakEasy]

How is your "learning curve" for anything else? If you never try anything new, then this will be a bit difficult. If you subscribe to the notion that we should learn something new every day, then this will be a piece of cake for you.

As a career educator, and a person who has studied the teaching/learning process extensively, I can tell you that humans in general have a remarkable capacity for learning. You should be able to learn this with no trouble at all as long as you're willing to invest some effort.

Go for it!

-Speak

[Chuck_thehammer]

my advice..... rent a "u-haul" cargo trailer, a large one... ( once or twice ) as the short ones are HARDER to back up...

this will tell you .. if you can pick it up "Quickly" or NOT...

a longer truck and a longer trailer is easier to back-up...

like anything in "Life"... practice, practice, practice... will get you over the LEARNING Curve.

[DutchmenSport]

Learning curve? It all depends upon how much you do it? Tow your trailer only once a year and you'll probably never figure it out. Tow it every day, and you'll have it down "pat" in no time.

When you get your rig, before leaving the dealer parking lot, practice just moving round in the parking lot. Then drive to an empty school parking lot, and practice backing, turning, backing turning and you'll figure it out pretty quick.

There again, your learning curve all depends upon how often and how much you actually do anything. The important thing is, don't get overwhelmed, don't get frustrated, and don't let anyone rush you (even after 50 years of towing experience).