Learning how to drive with a trailer..

[Ed27]

I have a Kubota M7060HD12. I tow it on small winding country roads almost every weekend for the last three years. When I tow it, it usually has a grapple on the front and either a bush hog or tree saw on the back. I have a Ford F-250 with a gooseneck hitch. My trailer is a Big Tex 14GN (20+5) with Mega Ramps (make sure to get the Mega Ramps, worth every penny!). I did a lot of research before I bought this tractor a trailer combination and I am very happy with these choices. Like you, I also drive with my driver side mirror folded in because I am tired of replacing it. I am older than you and I load and unload everything by myself. It is good that you are nervous about this; it will make you a safer driver. When you learn to drive your tractor and trailer, remember to go slow, be safe, and the person who is riding your bumper will just have to wait for you and should have left the house sooner. Good luck with your purchases!

 

[Redneck Packrat]

Ever push a wheelbarrow? Just think of how you guide the wheelbarrow when you're backing with a trailer. Works like a charm. You got this!

 

[jgmo]

Go slow excellent advice! Speed is never wise while backing.

Place hand at bottom of steering wheel center and push in the direction you want the trailer to go. It's the best way to learn backing.

Those are things I see others have mentioned. Here are some more...

If the trailer isn't going where you want and ESPECIALLY if it is beginning to jackknife, STOP...pull forward a couple of feet and try again. Stopping and pulling forward a short distance is usually all it takes to make a correction.

Stay calm and don't get frustrated....no matter how many people happen to be watching.

Pay particular attention to your coupler and know without doubt that it is secure and safety pinned so that it can't come loose.

Use adequate safety chains in case it does come loose. With strong, properly attached and crossed chains you can safely steer and stop a break away without damaging anything.

Do NOT place your load too far rearward. If you do, the trailer will begin fishtailing and steering YOU as speed increases. VERY DANGEROUS!

Carry a set of wheel chocks for both trailer and tow vehicle. Use them especially when decoupling.

Be patient with yourself and you will get this no problem.

Be safe and good luck.

 

[Redneck Packrat]

What truck would have a tow package without a hitch?

I read it that he has the receiver already installed (and possibly the wiring harness and plug) but just never got a drawbar. I've heard of new trucks coming with receivers, but never have heard of a dealer supplying a drawbar too.

 

[GrumpyL5030]

A flatbed trailer will give a better opportunity to see the situation behind the trailer. It could be even better with cameras (I've seen temporary cams that are magnet mounted and wireless transmit to a cellphone in the cab). Cams would be a huge benefit on a box trailer. Definitely practice. Find a vacant parking lot and play. You'll get the hang of it quickly.

 

[troverman]

...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.

No, a backup camera is not paramount. It makes it easier, but people have towed trailer for decades before backup cameras existed. I have several trailers. One of my trucks is a 2005 F-350 dually, crew cab long bed. It has no backup camera, and yet I can back up to the trailer and very nearly put the ball under the hitch almost every time. Keep in mind the you'll be able to move the trailer tongue a little bit just by yanking on it; there is a little leeway. In my opinion, backing up to a hitch without a camera is also a skill. You can use certain features of your truck and trailer to sort of "gun sight" in the hitch. So many skills are being lost due to technology, I understand the easiness but its also a shame.

 

[Matlax]

Put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. Move it right if you want the trailer to go right and left to go left. Takes away having to remember to reverse directions, etc. I agree with what others have said. Pay a little extra up front for a longer one. Otherwise you’ll end up with a trailer you never use because you’re stressed about towing it.

 

[Pecosbill7]

Since you don’t own a trailer or a hitch I’d seriously consider going gooseneck rather than rear or bumper pull. Easier to back up, maneuver, and also more stable on the road.

 

[Dbplunk]

Okay this is something that at 58yo, I have never done and its on my list to learn. I have a tow package on my truck, but no hitch and I don't own a trailer yet. To make things more interesting I live in the country and there are lots of windy small roads...some so narrow I fold in my trucks side mirror when I am on them...as I know from experience can be an issue. Two weeks after getting this truck someone came too far over and we slapped mirrors.

Anyway what is the wisest and safest way you guys would recommend to get into this? I want to get a trailer for the tractor at some point and a small camper.

I am one of those people that is typically, cool calm and collected and not easily stressed out. But for some reason thinking about getting stuck on one of these curvy back roads and having to back out or turn around with a trailer etc tenses me up just thinking about it lol.

Thanks in advance!

Put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. If you need the trailer to go left, move your hand to the left. Right? Move your hand to the right.

 

[kmmn]

As others have said, the key is practice.

A couple thing to address, before you tow a trailer. If you don't have a receiver on the truck, get one and a brake controller (not sure what the tow package you have includes). You need a hitch that works with your trailer (the drop should be enough to get the trailer level when loaded... trailers that go down the road with the tongue or tail down are going to handle like crap). I like an Andersen Rapid Hitch, which give some flexibility and let's you carry one hitch for either 1 7/8" and 2" or 2" and 2 5/16" balls, but there are other similar hitches. Load the trailer so the ball drops about 1 1/2 to 2 inches when it's hooked up (you don't want the truck to be tail heavy or light (handles poorly) and secure that load using multiple chains and binders at least at each corner for a tractor. Now, onto the trailer. I like a tandem, because for me they are less likely to sway, and you need something that you can see in your mirrors.

Something to keep in mind if/when the trailer sways (balancing the load helps tremendously)... once it starts swaying, you have two ways to get it in line: 1) engage the trailer brakes on the brake controller or 2) accelerate. NEVER hit the truck brakes it will only sway more. If you have any weight at all get a trailer with brakes on at least one axle (even a big truck with plenty of braking power can benefit from trailer brakes). Get them warm, before you adjust the controller output (assuming 100% electric, since this isn't a boat trailer).

It's not that bad... you'll get used to it pretty quickly!!!