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!

[rbpru]

If you are parking by yourself the "get out and look" method is the best approach I know of.

Unless you are in a hurry or worried about blocking access, there is no reason to worry about how many times it take you to park. I have found that as you get better at parking, you also get fussy about well you did.

Indeed, it is not unusual to see a TT angled on a campsite and wonder why they choose to park at that angle. 🙂

[ken56]

It really isn't that bad learning. Always give yourself plenty of following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Don't tow at 80 mph. I started out with a 24 footer, a piece of cake to tow. Then moved up to 30 ft. and somewhat different but still pretty easy. Now I have a 37 footer and its a beast. The other 2 I could get in and out of gas stations with. The 37ft. I have to be very careful on finding places I can get in and out of. If you have a diesel truck then you are better off in choices of gas stations. Gassers not so much.

Learning to back it into a site is a lesson in patience. Get Out And Look, GOAL, multiple times if needed. The shorter the wheel base the quicker the reaction, longer wheel base the slower and thus easier to back. Don't be intimidated. Go have some fun.

[BizmarksMom]

AllenTC2 wrote:
Another thing I noticed was the model I was looking at didn't have (at least from what I read) the ability to take a generator.

And I assumed to be a good "boondocker" I'd need to make some mods/sacrifices. BizmarksMom, why did you have to give up a TV for the solar panels?

I didn't have to give anything up. For the list price I could have either the tv or solar panels. (Neither one had been installed) I never use the tv, so I chose solar panels.

Travel trailers need to be plugged into a generator, the same way you plug them into shore power. My trailer has a built in space for a generator to be stowed. I still have to start that generator and plug the trailer into it. It isn't a big deal. I just make a personal game out of seeing how long I can go without plugging in.

[LAJMINNIEPLUS]

Or, you can buy one of those new Fords that park themselves. lol

[AllenTC2]

Another thing I noticed was the model I was looking at didn't have (at least from what I read) the ability to take a generator.

And I assumed to be a good "boondocker" I'd need to make some mods/sacrifices. BizmarksMom, why did you have to give up a TV for the solar panels?

[rockhillmanor]

If you are looking at slides...make sure you look at them with all the slides "pulled in".

Many rv slides block access to things like the fridge, bed, sink, toilet.

Which means that if you pull off to use any of the above you will NOT have access to them. Which defeats the whole reason of owning an rv. Even worse on a MH where your partner and family can't use anything inside while travelling.

[rbpru]

Access to the TT without moving the slide out is a must for us. Not only the bathroom but the kitchen and table need to be accessible.

We have often stopped at a tourist attraction, a gas stop, or shopping center parking lot for lunch, travel break and of course potty break.

If the OP wants to Boonedock that can be a big step. It looks like fun in all the RV adds but it is a bit more complicated. Many do it, but your "as issued" TT is usually not really set up for it.

Also TT new comers often underestimate the amount of maintenance needed.

That is why the go slow advice when RVing is well founded. Each of us have different priorities and needs.

[BizmarksMom]

AllenTC2 wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:
Hate to break it to you but when you get to be my age, the pee issue is always an issue. I cannot always make it to a rest area so I do it discretely... on the side of the road....

One of the reasons I shied away from the truck campers. LOL I assume a TT can be used (in most cases) with the slide outs still "in"? LOL

That's one of the things you'll need to check. You would be surprised at how many trailers are not at all useable with the slides in. For me, that ruled them completely out. I'm a female, and sometimes I need to GO! I've also had a slide on my previous trailer break in a windstorm - I got it retracted, but it was a 2 day drive home and that slide was not coming back out. I was able to use the bathroom, the bed, and open the fridge to make a sandwich for dinner.

I currently own a Nash 22h - another Northwood product. I love the thing. It holds up just fine on dirt roads, and it's a comfy layout for me and my dogs. I was able to buy mine with 280 watts of solar panels on the roof in exchange for the television - which I never use anyway. It was a great option. I haven't had to fire up a generator at all this year.

[Reddog1]

SidecarFlip wrote:
... I cannot always make it to a rest area so I do it discretely... on the side of the road....

I don't know about other states, but about 40 years ago my uncle did that here in California, and was cited by a CHP. He had to go to court and was required to register as a sex offender.

Wayne

[TomG2]

Towing a travel trailer is something that can be learned in a relatively short time. Generally, it takes six lessons, separated by a period of time, to learn most activities, so allow yourself a few hours for training. Learn "By the book" and not by what some Internet expert says. The biggest thing is to practice and take your time. Occasionally, I still get out to check my progress. If in doubt. Stop and check. I refuse any neighbors that want to wave and holler at me while backing. I travel alone and can put my trailer where I want it without a bunch of drama.

[westend]

rockhillmanor wrote:

westend wrote:
... The only limit to operating a towed combination is your apprehension. The

learning curve is gradual and short

...

For some but sadly not for all.

I full time and sadly I watch day in and day out some RV'ers that still can't back their TT in. I watch them struggle and after they are finally in I sometimes get to talk to them. Only to find out they have been dragging that TT around for years and still can't back it in with out a lot of hoopla and numerous tries.

Guess I could have said the curve is gradual and short to learn the basics. The OP states "no towing" experience so it may definitely be a good experiment to haul an open deck trailer, to begin.

FWIW, I camp in some very out-of-the-way areas around MN, pulling a 22' trailer with a crew cab. If I was out West and wanted to reach more remote spots, I can detach from trailer and bunk under the truck cap. I would be worried sick to try some off-road areas in a Class A or C. Of course, most can tow a toad, though.

Good luck on trying a few out and see what works for you. There's a lot to see out there!

[rockhillmanor]

westend wrote:
... The only limit to operating a towed combination is your apprehension. The

learning curve is gradual and short

...

For some but sadly not for all.

I full time and sadly I watch day in and day out some RV'ers that still can't back their TT in. I watch them struggle and after they are finally in I sometimes get to talk to them. Only to find out they have been dragging that TT around for years and still can't back it in with out a lot of hoopla and numerous tries.

[AllenTC2]

SidecarFlip wrote:
Hate to break it to you but when you get to be my age, the pee issue is always an issue. I cannot always make it to a rest area so I do it discretely... on the side of the road....

One of the reasons I shied away from the truck campers. LOL I assume a TT can be used (in most cases) with the slide outs still "in"? LOL

[SidecarFlip]

Hate to break it to you but when you get to be my age, the pee issue is always an issue. I cannot always make it to a rest area so I do it discretely... on the side of the road....