Wow, lots of people have towing tips. That's great. I missed what the OP has for a tow vehicle and what he might be planning to purchase for a trailer, but I think most people are saying the same things: longer trailer is easier to back up, practice at home or in a parking lot...driving forward is a piece of cake. Depending on the weight of the trailer with the tractor on it, a trailer brake is going to be critical. Pretty much anything more than a subcompact tractor probably needs a trailer brake and heavier-duty trailer. Here's my setup:
Learning how to drive with a trailer..
- Thread starter tomcatg
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newbury
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Lots of good advice here. Lots of repetition.
A few things I didn't see:
If you have young children buy them some big passenger truck and trailer toys (1:25 scale) - and play with them with your children.
Get some cameras you stick on the trailer and can watch when your in the cab of your truck - I use Wyze V2 cams w/ magnetic base. In fair weather I can pop a couple of cams on the back of either of my trailers for precise maneuvering or monitor my hitch hook up.
A few things I didn't see:
If you have young children buy them some big passenger truck and trailer toys (1:25 scale) - and play with them with your children.
Get some cameras you stick on the trailer and can watch when your in the cab of your truck - I use Wyze V2 cams w/ magnetic base. In fair weather I can pop a couple of cams on the back of either of my trailers for precise maneuvering or monitor my hitch hook up.
Garandguy1
New member
One thing no one really touched on was the fact you don't have a hitch. 1) Get at least a Class 3. (2) Get the apprpiate ball mount to make sure that the trailer rides level. (3) if you are hauling a tractor you will need electric brakes so a controller is a must unless the trailer has surge brakes but trailer brakes anyway. I have a heavy duty single axle trailer and use it to haul my JD x724. It did not come with surge or electric brakes but can be a pain to stop with my 96 Chevy C3500 CC LB SRW when hauling so I plan to add electric brakes just for my safety and peace of mind. Already have the controller but everything else posted is great advice especially planning in advance. Whenever I have to stop for gas or whatever questio one is "Can I get in safely" then "Can I get out safely"
Go to a busy boat launch and just sit and watch how it’s done. Many people have no clue how to back up a trailer…. Just watch. If this makes you reconsider getting a trailer, don’t do it. Some actually have a front hitch on their truck to push the trailer. Works good since you see the trailer right in front of you. Just don’t try traveling on the highway that way.
YNORUM
New member
14' single axle will be your friend, not to pricey, and decently capable for hauling needs (about 2500 lbs after you figure 3500 lb axle minus trailer weight). Proper load balancing is key. This won't be too difficult to back up. Double axle has benefits, but it's pricier, and since you don't have a trailer now, I'm guessing you don't need the extra payload the 2nd axle will provide. Good luck and be safe.
EdGooding
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I have not read through all 12 pages of responses, so if this has been covered I apologize. The tips that I have read are excellent. Beyond gaining experience with pulling a trailer, you also need to learn how to load one properly to have the weight in the right places. Generally, most of the weight should be over the trailer axles. But, the tongue weight is critical, too. If you load up the trailer without proper tongue weight and get up to highway speed, the trailer can start to pendulum on you and cause you to lose control. Learn how to use the manual brake on your trailer brake controller because you do not want to hit your truck's brakes if this happens. Best to avoid it altogether by getting the tongue weight correct for each load you transport.
Timberbank
New member
I trailered horses in a two horse trailer for years. First thing I learned was how to backup dead straight between pylons. Put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. Using your side mirrors back up. Move trailer slightly left, hand moves right, slightly right, hand moves left. Practice until you can backup 100’ without touching a pylon. Then, you’ll be good to go.
I never trailed on my own as you’re always going to be in situations where you’re going to have blind spots. Have someone with you to direct you and always keep them visible in a side mirror with windows open so you can hear them. Hand signals are useful as well. Stay safe. Good luck.
I never trailed on my own as you’re always going to be in situations where you’re going to have blind spots. Have someone with you to direct you and always keep them visible in a side mirror with windows open so you can hear them. Hand signals are useful as well. Stay safe. Good luck.
Dadah
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Don’t over think it!! The trailer will follow you whoever you go!! A backup camera that looks at the ball/hitch is paramount. Unless you have someone that will be there “every time” you hook up. Connecting the trailer. Hitch on ball, secure & lock. Electrical connection, connect. I cross chain the safety chain. It prevents the tongue of the trailer from swinging back and forth should the hitch come off the ball. That’s what I do. Make sure the foot is cranked up. Now you should be ready to go. Depending on the length and width of the trailer you may need to allow for turns. You may need to swing a little wider or allow for the trailer to cut the corner some. Short trailers, not so much, longer wider trailers yes.
No for backing. That is up to you to practice, practice, practice!!! Then when you think you have it, practice some more. I’ve been pulling equipment trailer open and enclosed since I was 16 and at 67 I still screw up and have to reset by pulling forward. People will say put you hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and if you want to back the trailer to the right move the steering wheel to the left and opposite to back left move the steering wheel to the right. Oh well, good luck!!!
After you get a hitch and a trailer, you will want to practice in an open space where you can lay out some cones or other items to act as the "edges" of your imaginary roadway.
Steering is "reversed" when dealing with backing a trailer. The easiest way I found to deal with it is that when backing the trailer, keep your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and don't make large movements. If you want the trailer to move LEFT, move your hand to the LEFT. If you want the trailer to move to the RIGHT, move your hand to the RIGHT. And watch out that your front end doesn't hit something and rip your bumper off. I was shown how to back up like this by a long haul truck driver. It made a Night/Day difference in my ability to back a trailer.
I hate to tell you, you WILL need those mirrors folded OUT to do this!
whitehair
New member
At your position in life why not just hire someone else that has insurance to transport your stuff