dieselcrawler
Elite Member
Thanks all - I'll look for something else!
While I've got you here - the turn-around by my barn - basically a very tight cul-de-sac - is... tight. With a small enclosed cargo trailer I don't have a problem making it (if I time my turn just right) but I'm wondering how the geometry of a longer trailer affects turning radius - does the length of the trailer affect the turning radius at all (with a bumper pull - not gooseneck) or is it mostly the tongue length?
Sorry for the newb question.
It's all geometry. If the tow vehicle can make the 'U-turn' without backing up, the trailer will likely follow... if the trailer doesn't jackknife into the tow vehicle bumper when turning that tight. The other issue, though typically to a lesser extent, it 'tail swing', if the trailer has a large portion of length behind the axles. At my previous job, we had a 30' gooseneck with hydraulic dove tail, there was about 10' of tail behind the rear tires, and it would swing wide and was something to be aware of...
A shorter tow vehicle makes it easier to turn the longer trailer. My extended cab short bed truck is a breeze to tow with, compared to FIL's extended cab long bed... or his brother's crew cab long bed... be it towing my bumper pull or their 24' goosenecks .