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!!!

 

[RandR10]

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!

I have a buddy who just learned to back a trailer for the first time in his mid 40s. He did this with a tractor trailer getting his CDL, so don't think you're ever too old to learn. He was also very intimidated but all it really took was a lot of practice. I would recommend practicing up and down your driveway until backing feels like second nature. Include in this practice sharp turns in reverse if you can. The only other thing to worry about is going forward to swing wide around corners. This will also become second nature of you do it enough.

 

[wobranch]

Backing up with a trailer can be confusing which way to turn the wheel. Remember this: use the bottom of the steering wheel when backing, not the top. Turn the steering wheel from the bottom in the direction you want the trailer to go.

 

[English Rugby Fan]

Forward, not so much of an issue.

Backwards, a whole 'nother can of worms.

Backwards around a curve with no room? That takes some experience.

It's less difficult with a longer wheelbase and if you can see the trailer. Up until now, I've only had a small 4 x 8 with a short wheelbase. It's a real bugger to back up, even with a car.

Once you get it in to the property, practice, practice, practice.

Opposite steering while pushing an object just takes some getting used to.

 

[tracdoc]

When you buy the trailer, get a spare tire with a mount for it.
I had blowout on I-5 in Washington going 70 mph with 2 tractors on the back (heavy) and if it wasn't for the spare tire I would of been in deep trouble.

+1 on having a (air-filled ) spare trailer tire whenever you travel. In my “incident” it was a PITA to change out, but I was glad I could do it and move on.
Afterwards, I charged my trailer tires and my trailer spare with ULTRASEAL sealant (sold by Gempler’s and direct) in their formulation that is recommended for highway travel speeds. It’s easy to instill the product, and Ultraseal provides tables so you can get the correct amount for your tire size. They also sell formula for tractors (low speed) w/ higher amount of Kevlar shreds in it, but its viscosity makes it a problem at highway speeds. I don’t know if any trailers have “TPI” but if you do, check with Ultraseal to see if the sealant interferes with the sensor. I have zero connection w Ultraseal, but have been a very satisfied consumer for more than 20 years. I’m sure there are other good manufacturers out there, too.

 

[RFL]

If you have a garden tractor or a compact one, could you practice with that? I find backing with our atv to be much easier than a truck. Point is to practice with something that is easier. View attachment 788197

Learn to back with mirrors. Pick one mirror, preferably the drivers. If you can’t see the trailer, get a couple of markers on poles and attach them to the rear of whatever you are backing. Pick a line you want to stay on until you get the hang of what’s going on behind you. I say choose a mirror because if you look from one side to the other you will end up over correcting. Truly the shorter the tongue, the quicker it will turn. Watch that drivers mirror and as soon as you see the trailer starting to move either direction, turn the steering wheel toward what you see. If you see the trailer in your left mirror, turn left. Try to make adjustments small and go slow at first. If you can’t see the trailer in your left mirror and you glance to the right and it’s there, turn the wheel right. The back of the trailer will go the opposite direction you turn the wheel but in this way you will get to where you won’t even think about it. The most important part is to stage the truck and trailer straight. Let’s just use a boat ramp for an example. To get your trailer straight you will drive past the point you want the rear of the trailer to end up at. Then you will crank the vehicle sharp to the left. You can actually see the rear end of the trailer react. Then crank it back to the right until you are sitting square with the water. You now have better control of the trailer. I have backed semi trailers on curvy roads. Like they have all said, it just takes practice but use a method you don’t have to think about what you are doing. Aim the nose of the truck in the direction you see the trailer if it starts getting out of position.

 

[ArlyA]

Learn to back with mirrors. Pick one mirror, preferably the drivers. If you can’t see the trailer, get a couple of markers on poles and attach them to the rear of whatever you are backing. Pick a line you want to stay on until you get the hang of what’s going on behind you. I say choose a mirror because if you look from one side to the other you will end up over correcting. Truly the shorter the tongue, the quicker it will turn. Watch that drivers mirror and as soon as you see the trailer starting to move either direction, turn the steering wheel toward what you see. If you see the trailer in your left mirror, turn left. Try to make adjustments small and go slow at first. If you can’t see the trailer in your left mirror and you glance to the right and it’s there, turn the wheel right. The back of the trailer will go the opposite direction you turn the wheel but in this way you will get to where you won’t even think about it. The most important part is to stage the truck and trailer straight. Let’s just use a boat ramp for an example. To get your trailer straight you will drive past the point you want the rear of the trailer to end up at. Then you will crank the vehicle sharp to the left. You can actually see the rear end of the trailer react. Then crank it back to the right until you are sitting square with the water. You now have better control of the trailer. I have backed semi trailers on curvy roads. Like they have all said, it just takes practice but use a method you don’t have to think about what you are doing. Aim the nose of the truck in the direction you see the trailer if it starts getting out of position.

Nearly all the backing up we do is around corners so "just mirrors" doesn't cut it. I look back and use them. When a corner is tight, mirrores are worthless.

 

[therrien]

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!

I'm sorry I have not had time to read all the replies. I learned to back up trailers with my lawn tractor and a short lawn trailer. If you have a riding mower hook up a cheap trailer while mowing the lawn and you will get to control the trailer a little at a time without cars to worry about. Relax and it will become second nature. I don't believe in the rules people try to tell you left to go right etc because I feel those can confuse people. As you move slowly you will see how the trailer responds.
Take a breath and make it enjoyable.

 

[ctadds]

Given the windiness of your roads, it sounds like you have good chance of getting stuck or jammed up, especially with oncoming traffic.

One thing you might want to consider is mounting an additional hitch receiver on the FRONT of your truck. If you ever get into a serious jam backing up, you can unhitch, turn your truck around and hitch to the front. This gives you all the control in the world to move the trailer backward (truck now moving forward), and you have a direct line of sight.

You can do it for a couple hundred bucks, plus it makes a great place to mount a heavy duty winch.

 

[ericm979]

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.

Not picking on you but a bunch of people have said variations of that and it's not that simple. Once you get the trailer turning the direction you want, you have to have the tow vehicle follow it in order to maintain roughly the same turn radius. That means turning the wheel back the other way. If you turn right to make the trailer go left and don't do anything else, you'll jack knife the trailer.

 

[JWSharman]

backing a trailer 101.
first practice backing in a straight line - use your side mirrors (both sides) - if more trailer appears in one mirror, pull DOWN on the steering wheel on that side until there is the same amount of trailer in each mirror.
once you can back in a straight line, put a bit of angle on one side, and back round a curve keeping the same amount of angle all the time - if the amount of trailer visible increases, pull DOWN otherwise adjust the steering wheel UP (always use SMALL adjustments).
when you can keep the same angle of curve backing either left or right, experiment backing round a curve and between two SOFT targets (plastic trash bins) from both left and right.

needs a big paddock with no obstacles, but as has been said already, practice, practice, practice