What's the learning curve like??
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 thi...
Forum Discussion
Tips:
Big and good mirrors.
GOAL- Get Out And Look. If you aren't sure, get out and look. Do it often when you are new.
While sitting in drivers seat parked, have someone walk down both sides of your camper and watch them. Then have them start in the back middle of your camper and walk straight back away from it until you can see them in your mirror. Have them drop a cone there and then go look.
If you are closer than that to something, you should be GOAL ;)
Do a similar exercise when backing up on a turn. How far can you jacknife safely (max turn angle). Realize the HUGE blind area on the wide radius of the turn and how to deal with it.
I often get out and put some kind of marker as a visual reference. I use my wife and daughter out of harm's way (if I can't see them, I stop, period.) and tell them something like, "When the edge of this slide clears this mark on the ground (or this stick or whatever), tell me to stop"
For Towing you want to ALWAYS plan your "escape" before pulling in anywhere. If cars can pull in your way and block you, they will- whether they know it or not. Always point your tow vehicle towards your planned exit. Use extra parking spots when you need them and make sure you account for the trailer and truck swing angles.
I try to park far away from the store or whatever, but that doesn't stop cars from parking right next to me :R
It's like riding a motorcycle- everyone and everything is out to get you. Operate with that in mind and you will be much safer and more successful ;)
Certainly not trying to scare you. I think it is well within most people's capabilities if they use caution. But the "rules/realities" above might help you be more successful and relaxed if you want to start towing a camper.
Good luck! :)
Big and good mirrors.
GOAL- Get Out And Look. If you aren't sure, get out and look. Do it often when you are new.
While sitting in drivers seat parked, have someone walk down both sides of your camper and watch them. Then have them start in the back middle of your camper and walk straight back away from it until you can see them in your mirror. Have them drop a cone there and then go look.
If you are closer than that to something, you should be GOAL ;)
Do a similar exercise when backing up on a turn. How far can you jacknife safely (max turn angle). Realize the HUGE blind area on the wide radius of the turn and how to deal with it.
I often get out and put some kind of marker as a visual reference. I use my wife and daughter out of harm's way (if I can't see them, I stop, period.) and tell them something like, "When the edge of this slide clears this mark on the ground (or this stick or whatever), tell me to stop"
For Towing you want to ALWAYS plan your "escape" before pulling in anywhere. If cars can pull in your way and block you, they will- whether they know it or not. Always point your tow vehicle towards your planned exit. Use extra parking spots when you need them and make sure you account for the trailer and truck swing angles.
I try to park far away from the store or whatever, but that doesn't stop cars from parking right next to me :R
It's like riding a motorcycle- everyone and everything is out to get you. Operate with that in mind and you will be much safer and more successful ;)
Certainly not trying to scare you. I think it is well within most people's capabilities if they use caution. But the "rules/realities" above might help you be more successful and relaxed if you want to start towing a camper.
Good luck! :)
