Towing - Page 3

float5 · 05-10-2016, 02:38 PM

I don't like to go by anyone's directions. I like to get out and look myself.

kstock11 · 05-10-2016, 02:43 PM

I also like the hand on the bottom of the steering wheel method. Also when backing a long distance, the trailer never goes straight back, but more like a mild "S" curve. Biggest advice is go slow!

cpaharley2008 · 05-10-2016, 02:49 PM

The other problem, though, is that not being able to see where I'm going unnerves me more than I anticipated. Hopefully the rear view camera will ameliorate the situation.

or at least make it easier.....

LarryandLiz · 05-10-2016, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by float5

I don't like to go by anyone's directions. I like to get out and look myself.

Yep, and best to explore first without the trailer. However, when you are a few hours from home and moving into a new area it is kind of hard to unhook to go explore the new area. Best alternative would be to get out and walk a bit.

escape artist · 05-10-2016, 03:27 PM

Hi: All... On our way back home we stopped into Grove City Pa. at the outlet mall. Parked in the back 40 away from all the cars. Will be easy to get out Eh? Ha Ha... By 1pm. the lot was jammed and our rig was surrounded on all sides

No one gave us an inch extra space. Well I got behind the wheel and just towed out like no one was there. Not a scratch or ding. Shows you can do it when needed to. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

sunrisetrucker · 05-10-2016, 03:32 PM

[QUOTE=Ron in BC;142120]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg A

General Question; Is the 19 easier to back up than the 21? I'm finding that the 19 is the easiest trailer I've ever backed into spots with, but I've not pulled anything but Scamps and a 17B, and it's easier than all of those.QUOTE]

My view is that the greater the distance between between the ball and the trailer axle, the easier it is to back up. Much more forgiving.

I've had a short m/c trailer that was lethal to back up and long boat trailers that were a dream to back up.

On that basis I'd say the 21 might be a tiny bit easier to back up than a 19 but maybe not enough to even notice.

Ron

The general rule is:
The longer the trailer is and the shorter the tow vehicle is, the easier it is to backup. The reason is, that the longer the trailer is, the slower it turns and the shorter the tow vehicle is the quicker it turns.
(hope that makes sense)

sunrisetrucker · 05-10-2016, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kstock11

I also like the hand on the bottom of the steering wheel method. Biggest advice is go slow!

Many people put their hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, but if you really want to get proficient at backing up I would suggest you put your hand at the top of the wheel. Yes at first it will feel awkward but after you get use to it you'll find it more intuitive and allow you to react to over and under steering much quicker. If you get a chance to watch a professional driver backup you'll see that they start with there hands at the top. Well at least vast majority do.

And I totally agree with the go slow part.

**Donna D.** · 05-10-2016, 04:08 PM

As someone who sweats bullets every time I need to backup Ten Forward, my only suggestion is to tell you when things start going bad... STOP. Pull forward and start again. Because if things are heading south and you keep going... they won't get any better... promise.

Jim Bennett · 05-10-2016, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunrisetrucker

Many people put their hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, but if you really want to get proficient at backing up I would suggest you put your hand at the top of the wheel. Yes at first it will feel awkward but after you get use to it you'll find it more intuitive and allow you to react to over and under steering much quicker. If you get a chance to watch a professional driver backup you'll see that they start with there hands at the top. Well at least vast majority do.

And I totally agree with the go slow part.

I completely agree, and have tried to stress this point before. Rather than relying on tricks which requires taking time to think about things, one should practice doing it properly so it becomes intuitive. Just like riding a bike, you don't think about the corrections you need to make, you just do them.

thoer · 05-10-2016, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I completely agree, and have tried to stress this point before. Rather than relying on tricks which requires taking time to think about things, one should practice doing it properly so it becomes intuitive. Just like riding a bike, you don't think about the corrections you need to make, you just do them.

Sure - says the guy who pulls trailers all the time at work!

Jim Bennett · 05-10-2016, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thoer

Sure - says the guy who pulls trailers all the time at work!

And that's how I know it works.

thoer · 05-10-2016, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

And that's how I know it works.

You just probably have fun sipping a good Scotch watching the rest of us try to back into sites.....

Jim Bennett · 05-10-2016, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thoer

You just probably have fun sipping a good Scotch watching the rest of us try to back into sites.....

Another good reason for practising.

gbaglo · 05-10-2016, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I completely agree, and have tried to stress this point before.

And, I completely disagree with you Jim, because I don't tow a trailer daily.
There is no trick. It's simply hold the bottom of the wheel and move your hand left to go left and move your hand right to go right.
I don't have to think about anything else.
It's kinda like the difference between short division and long division. No intervening steps.

Jim Bennett · 05-10-2016, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

There is no trick. It's simply hold the bottom of the wheel and move your hand left to go left and move your hand right to go right.
I don't have to think about anything else.

To me, this step is more thinking than needed.

Am I wrong to suggest there is a better way, one that is used by people who do reverse with trailers quite often? I am no professional driver, though I have driven a lot with trailers as part of my profession.

Hey, if these tricks work for folks, and they don't care to improve on it, that is just fine. I am just suggesting what I feel is a better way.

gbaglo · 05-10-2016, 05:43 PM

The last time you wrote a description of how you back up a trailer, it took at least a full paragraph and involved switch directions of travel a couple times in your head. You obviously don't refer to that paragraph when backing a trailer. To you it is intuitive.
My "trick" takes one sentence to describe.

sunrisetrucker · 05-10-2016, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

The last time you wrote a description of how you back up a trailer, it took at least a full paragraph and involved switch directions of travel a couple times in your head. You obviously don't refer to that paragraph when backing a trailer. To you it is intuitive.
My "trick" takes one sentence to describe.

Unfortunately Glen your "trick" is an impairment to improving your efficiency.

And I mean that in a kind way

thoer · 05-10-2016, 06:13 PM

To me, the essence again, is that for folks who tow and back up a trailer often what works without thinking, as second nature, might not work nearly so easily for us too infrequent tow'rs.

gbaglo · 05-10-2016, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunrisetrucker

Unfortunately Glen your "trick" is an impairment to improving your efficiency.

And I mean that in a kind way

Nobody has explained how that is. I just know that it works without me having to think "if I do this then this will do that and that will do this". Left is left and right is right.
And keep an eye on your front fender so you don't turn into a tree or a rock ( thank you BC Parks ).

Greg A · 05-10-2016, 06:25 PM

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