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Great tips David, especially taking your time to get to your destination. My old saying is , I rather get there late than not at all. As always stay safe and take care.
Also...for the first timers...The trailer doesn't always follow the truck. Obviously. During turns, your trailer cuts the corner shorter than the truck. HOW MUCH room you need to leave is different with every trailer, and different with every curve. So, in the beginning, leave too much room. But, watch closely where your trailer tires track in relation to the curb. Watch EVERY single time. And in time, you'll become an expert...with YOUR trailer. But even the most expert trailer hauler has a learning curve with each and every new trailer they tow. Every single one is different because of the vast variations in trailer lengths, widths, and axle positions. Don't be afraid to take it easy and ride the learning curve slowly.
As an old trucker it is always good to hear someone provide solid advice to others. Well done in your video. Here is my process as old trucker rules for safety: 1. If you don't absolutely have to backup, then don't. 2. If you must backup, do it slowly. 3. Be sure you know exactly what is behind you. 4. If you are not sure, Get Out And Look (GOAL method). 5. Repeat step 4 as many times as needed during the backing process. 6. Don't forget to look up to insure proper clearance for tall rigs. 7. Never let others or your surroundings hurry the procedure.
Your backing up tip is right in line with what we were taught at a coast guard boating safety class that included trailering. He said, "Turn the BOTTOM of the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go." That was so much easier than trying to remember to reverse the direction of the turn for backing the trailer.
Couple of suggestions....check the hitch ball regularly. I've had mine loosen up before. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the 7-pin plug and latch to keep the plug from bouncing out. Replacing a 7-pin plug on the road that's been dragging on the pavement is a real pain. If your trailer weighs 50% or more of your tow rig use a weight distribution hitch. Check and adjust your trailer brakes at least annually. Check your trailer brake controller gain each trip especially if you're towing heavier than normal. Check trailer tire pressure as under-inflated tires can blow out from heat. Check the trailer tire lug nuts with a torque wrench as they can and will loosen up over time.
Practice in a big empty parking lot, towing and backing up between cones. Practice at night with the lights on the RV. Practice hitching and unhitching numerous times to be sure you get it correct. Good video.
I do 60mph as well. I used to tow faster until I moved to California. Vehicles towing have a speed limit of 55 here. That pretty much forced me to not exceed 60. After doing that for awhile, I realized how much safer, less hassle and better gas mileage I got. Now I do 60 no matter the limit unless it is less than 55. Just get in the right lane, set the cruise and let everyone else jockey and lane change constantly.
First time I owned or drove a truck or towed a trailer was when we bought both. I remember having a very difficult time getting unhitched at the site... the tongue just would not come off the ball. Another camper came over and we both pushed, pulled and jumped to get it off. Now I figured out to not use the parking brake and just raise the jack until it pops off. Plus, I quickly learned to turn right to get the trailer to go left. Anti-sway bars are well worth their cost. Get in the habit of doing a walk-around with a checklist. Get used to truck-suck on the highways :-)
Nice tips! Backing up can be extremely stressful in tight spots.. just remember to take a deep breath and take your time. Remember the backing up fundamentals.
when you put your chains on crisscross underneath them so there you make an X out of them . its law in most states so if your trailer comes off the ball the chains will catch the trailer.
I'm a long distance truck driver. I learned to do that many years ago. There are people who are angry at the company who owns the equipment or just think it's funny to see a truck drop its trailer. A quick check can save a disaster from happening.
ALL very good points. I've been towing Rv's & trailers for ~40+ years, including 4 commercially. I fully subscribe to watching your speed. Rarely do I exceed 60-62 mph. It not only provides more time to react, but tires, brakes, steering and other actions are safer. Better mpg's as well. In most cases the difference between 60mph vs 70 mph is only going to add about 15- 30 minutes to your day of travel time. You'll drive a lot more relaxed and a less fatigue as well. Couple of items that I'd highly suggest though; 1. Tire pressure. Incorrect pressure is the culprit in a lot of tire failures and accidents when towing. 2. Regular trailer bearing maintenance. 3. Safety chains, brake away cable (brake set) & 7 way light connection are CORRECTLY connected.
@@James-il3tq y es I do. I also see numerous people driving above the speed of their tire ratings. An accident waiting to happen.. when traveling thru California the speed limit for trucks and rv trailers is 55. So technically I’m speeding!
I think having a cheap pair of walkie talkies is probably the best advice. If you’re at the end of a 30 foot trailer and a 20 foot truck in front, with the engine running, it’s almost impossible to communicate with the driver. You’ll be yelling so much that it’s just annoying. Not only for you, but everyone else around you. I love the tip about starting at the bottom of the steering wheel. It just makes so more sense than trying to do it backwards. As always, great advice and God bless!
I'd add to these excellent tips, if you have to back into somewhere tight in a yard (like a business down a narrow street with a small forecourt out the front, going through a front gate and down the side of a relative orfriend's house etc is to GAS. Go Ask Someone. "Hey, what way do people normally back in here?" If there's nobody to ask and you're backing into some place tight and tricky, sometimes it's very helpful to walk in to where you want to end up, turn around and face the approach and think "OK, how would I steer out of here driving forward to get out?" I found it's a lot more intuitive to figure out the trailer and vehicle positions and angles you'd use to drive out forward and then do the opposite of that.
Wow that is the best ever. My husband can do it all but I'm somewhat more timid. I'm 63 and I've driven everything but it's been years. We own a goat farm and can handle myself on equipment . You made it so much more organized and easy. Thank you ! Angel ✌
On my Ford F150 it will tell me every single step on how to connect a trailer to my truck that is helped me out a lot because I’ve forget to put the safety chains on or even plug in the electrical connector or even just check to see if the lights are working on the trailer
Wind. Slow down is an understatement. (Wyoming is the windiest) & Wyoming does post wind warnings. There are those that ignore them! January 2020 I saw one of the guys who tow the new campers to the dealership, had ignored wind warnings on I 25 north of Cheyenne. He rolled over onto a ditch. Trailer looked totaled. Maybe the truck, too.
When you can tow a 7000 pound trailer down a windy Wyoming mountain with your 6000 pound pickup truck, the flat roads of Indiana will feel like a holiday.
That’s a really cool thing to do. I’m glad you and your wife were able to do all of those good stuff I’m a camper I can’t every year I used to take a trailer but we normally take a camping tent. As you know, my name is Andres Reyes
I would also add that you should always keep a few wiring tools in case your wiring harness gets damaged and you will lose your turn signals on your rig while on the road. You may have to do some repairs while at a rest area as the sunsets. With a flashlight. On your cell phone.Don’t ask me how I know; just saying. But make sure you do your preventative maintenance and keep up with any upkeep that you need to do with your trailer especially the tires and safety equipment
just wanted to let you know that Jesus Christ loves you so much and to encourage you to google these verses and find out what they say if you haven’t before! 💟 john 3:16-21 romans 5:6-8 romans 10:9-13 also there is a channel here on youtube and if you’re a human being i’m sure sure you can relate to it somehow! you should find when you search up “Living Waters” so you should hear the message and listen to both sides because he talks with a lot of other people and see if it makes any sense to you. God bless you in the name above all names, Jesus Christ the Son of the living God.
I'm picking up my trailer 1,000 miles from home in a couple days. Good timing on this video.mmFor backing up practice I recommend the android game Car Driving Simulator 3D: Steel Transport. I don't know what it's like to do it from the driver's seat, but I understand the kinematics of the moving vehicles.
Thanks for the tips. I am a beginner and also thought practicing towing and maneuvering would be a must for me. There are a few nice big empty lots around For me to practice. It will just be me and my dog most Of the time. Hopefully she won't poke fun Of me. 😁 also, i enjoyed your video. The two Of you are fantastic together! Thanks
Wow your so amazing with your teaching skills you’re so down to earth man. I’ve never pulled a trailer either. We are trying to go camping in October it’s so difficult to find anything available in the Atlanta area. And yes we’re going to go to church does pretty close to us that has a huge huge parking lot if they allow us to go out there we will practice backing up with some safety cones
One big omission is making sure your tow vehicle is right for your trailer. I made the mistake of not towing with enough truck and is a was almost catastrophic. Weighing your trailer is excellent advice but you need to way your truck as well. KNOW what the numbers mean. Great video, thank you.
Solid advice, I'd just add, if you don't KNOW what the numbers mean, LEARN. The heavier the vehicle and load is than the trailer and load, the safe it will tow at progressively higher speeds. I've put five bags 30 lb bags of concrete in my SUV when I've had to tow another SUV on a heavy trailer. And if you're doing that, take the jack and the spare out of the vehicle you're towing and put them in the tow vehicle, as close to the centre of gravity and as low as possible.
I want to thank you for mentioning that you should both know how to tow the trailer. I’m a single, 60 y/o female and you wouldn’t believe (yeah you would) how many women I meet that are in awe of the fact that I do everything myself. Why? Well, because I’m female. Sad to say that but it’s true. There’s absolutely NO reason why gender should matter. I understand if they’re nervous but you don’t want the first time you do it to be when the main driver gets sick or hurt and they can’t do it. It’s crucial to know how to do it and there’s plenty of big parking lots you can practice in.
@Lori W. Thanks for your encouraging words. I'm close to your age and am planning a trip with my tow behind camper and doggies. So proud to join the ranks!!
One more tip regarding the speed limit - don't be afraid to pull over to the side of the road and let the rest of the traffic go by you if you can. We travel on a few roads where the pull outs are few and far between, but if I can drive safely close to the frost line to allow others to see past me when it's safe to pass, I will do so, but you really have to be paying attention to the road ahead for debris on the roadway if you do this.
Well said! Always be courteous to traffic behind you when driving below speed limit. Occasional pullover to allow traffic to pass is a common courtesy.
Even when I’m not towing and at a location where I never been I like to drive slow because I like to look around and don’t know the road. If cars are behind me I’ll pull over and the wife gets mad and says they can pass if they want and I tell her I don’t wanna be “that person” ( I use other words)
i towed a caravan (travel trailer) for years and my top tip is ! when you are being over taken by a big rig speed up a little and i do mean A LITTLE ! like 1 or 2 mph as this will create tension between the tow car and the trailer and it greatly reduces what we call snaking (not sure what you call it) its where the trailer starts 2 wobble the tow car and affect the steering a little and depending on your weights and speed that can be a butt clenching few seconds lol
Mountains and grades - Watch well ahead to see if the big trucks are jamming up the right lane, Depending on your rig, you might want to be ready to move to the left lanes well ahead of time, because if a really slow truck causes trucks to try to pass and they can't and you suddenly are stuck at 25 in a group of trucks fighting a grade, it's alarming. They are trying to keep their momentum up. Gas Stations, Truck Stops, Rest Areas - Rest Areas, In many states trucks will park on the shoulders and most allow parking on the shoulders in the Rest Areas. Rest Areas - many are too small and don't have much room for other than cars. Luckily, you have a bathroom. In the larger ones park on the Truck side even if not directed by signs. Truck Stops and Gas Stations - Drive by and scope out your entry AND exit paths. I saw a lot of trailers and RVs stuck in gas stations where they didn't have an exit from the pumps after they got in there. You might have to park on the truck side or not have RV suitable parking at the gas station. I have a diesel TV. It takes only the smaller size diesel nozzle so I generally can't use the big truck side of truck stops. Several chains are installing RV lanes for diesel and/or gas. Easy to get in and out. The recon drive-by also lets me see which pumps have diesel in addition to gas. GREEN HANDLES - Almost everybody uses green handles on their diesel pumps, except BP ALL of their pumps have green handles. Roadside Attractions - The tourist traps that have lot's of signs to convince you and your kids you have to stop there?? Many don't have suitable access to pumps or parking for trailers. Many are still closed but the signs are still there
your trailer wheels is the pivot point in back up and same your back tire on truck where tire make turn push down tab to lock trailer to the ball and put lock pin in it so will not unlock
The easiest way to avoid trailer sway is to have more truck than trailer. I tow a 24' with a suburban 1500 (would not recommend) so I am just under what the truck is rated for. I keep as much cargo weight in the truck as possible and have never had trailer sway. Also going over 65 is just asking for trouble, you'll get there, the beer will still be cold
Remember the move "The Edge" with Anthony Hopkins? "What one man can do another man can do".. or woman. I hear that quote when towing or backing the trailer...lol
You buy a camper because you like messing around with a camper, not because you like sitting around relaxing in the outdoors, because when you buy a camper the last thing you'll be doing is sitting around relaxing in the outdoors.
They don't "have" to drive that slow because of their chosen setup. They drive that slow by choice and their setup is well within the capability of their tow vehicle. Trailers under a certain weight do not require weight distribution and under a certain length do not require sway control. Proper loading of the trailer is much more important. P.S I tow a 4000# travel trailer with a 3/4 ton truck. I use dual sway control just because Semi truck drivers like to hug the line and the increased wind velocity sucks the two vehicles towards each other. I also stay at 65 or below no matter what the speed limit is. Mainly because my truck is geared for towing so anything over 2200 RPM drastically decreases my fuel economy.
When i was 10 we had a 33 ft rv pulled by suburban, a truck passed on right the wind caused us to lose control ended up rolling 3 times sideways in median in Florida trailer was pancake suburban was OK but tottalled
My tip is to make sure that your trailer is parallel to the ground when loaded and towing. I see way too many trailers out there with the tongue practically dragging on the ground. This can be from too much tongue weight or from the wrong amount of drop on your hitch. There are many diagrams on the internet for how to calculate the proper amount of drop for your combination. My truck is 4x4 and only an inch taller than stock and I need a 0" drop hitch like the one in this video.
I noticed you don't use a load equalizing hitch. Your rig may be light but don't you think it would help with the towing? (new to the channel so you might have already covered this)
Great video and content. However I would recommend everyone grease the ball on the hitch. There are some hitches, like Anderson hitches, that recommend you not grease the ball. Everything else was excellent information.
Good Morning, great video, quick question, we are purchasing a trailer with two axels and you mentioned Anderson Wheel Levelers, do you have one set (a two pack) or two complete sets two level each tire? There also is a brand with a small rubber mat that sits beneath the levelers, do you think that is helpful?
I know it's your personal choice not to use one but for probably 90% of new people towing a travel trailer a weight distribution, anti sway hitch should be used. This video was aimed at new people towing and I think the subject should have been brought up and the reason why you don't.
Get out and look at the tree you are concerned with. Asking, "How am I with that tree?" Is usually answered, "You're OK." And as soon as you start moving a frantic, "Wait, STOP." is heard. Use "Passenger Side" and "Driver Side" because your guide may be looking forward or to the rear and they answer with how they are standing, and the driver may forget if they are looking over their shoulder or in the camera. Passenger Side and Driver Side will never change We made two short "Break-in" trips before making a 6,300 mile cross-country trip. I have to do a major rebuild or replace on my awning, and a big scratch and along the driver side and pulled off a little of the end molding. Both my fault, I still wasn't used to trailer swing. If you can take the WDH bars off before a bunch of backing, makes it a lot easier. I found that if I accelerated just a little bit when being passed by an 18 wheeler, the wind induced sway is greatly reduced.(Not totally) Your TV pulling harder pulls the trailer straighter. MPG. In CA where we are constrained to 55 mph, I generally got 14.5 mpg. On the big trip, with a lot of hills and higher speeds, my mpg was down to 12 average, includes a/c. (Temps in AZ and CA deserts were up to 117 on I-10 eastbound and 110 westbound on 40. Through NM, , OK,TX and LA our daily highs were in the high 90s.) I tried to find an 18 wheeler that seemed to be making a reasonable speed and stayed back behind them. Never found a sweet spot for mpg. 6 speed trannie, it liked to put me at near 3k rpm at 65 than at 2k at 72. Sometimes I could cruise along at 63 at about 1800 rpm.
If you take turns backing up then it's easier to learn how to direct and lessens the "sorry for what I said to you when you were backing up the trailer" moments. :-)
At the beginning of you're video you explain about heading out on the road four years ago and mentioned Roe, well that's been rather confusing as her name was Jenni. Can you help fill in the blanks with this change in your wifes name. Of course anyone else can speak up if they know why Jenni seems to have changed her name.
Sorry.... but when you use you hand to work to camera the back ground moves in and out. The end of the video makes it look like it's way windy outside. :)
i tried backing my 20ft trailer into my curved driveway....for 40 minutes. shit you not i know the neighbors were watching and laughing. thats why im here. :(
Red and Blue Flashing Lights - Some states allow privately owned construction vehicles to display flashing red and blue lights in conjunction with their project.
Towing or not, excessive speed might just be the number one cause of preventable highway crashes and deaths. Especially when you consider that most, if not all, drivers do not need to be in a hurry. Life is short as it is, so why shorten yours or others, right? I know, I practice in personal injury litigation. Trust me, medical costs almost always exceed insurance minimums and more importantly, you're injured body will most likely never be the same again. While laws strive to "make you whole again," that rarely happens. No amount of money is worth future pain and suffering, as well as the loss of the enjoyment of life.
Sway control bars are really inexpensive. A small price to pay for just a little piece of mind. Granted if the wind is TOO strong…stop the rig and pull over!! Caution…it is not a save all tool! Be smart
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Great tips David, especially taking your time to get to your destination. My old saying is , I rather get there late than not at all. As always stay safe and take care.
Also...for the first timers...The trailer doesn't always follow the truck. Obviously. During turns, your trailer cuts the corner shorter than the truck. HOW MUCH room you need to leave is different with every trailer, and different with every curve. So, in the beginning, leave too much room. But, watch closely where your trailer tires track in relation to the curb. Watch EVERY single time. And in time, you'll become an expert...with YOUR trailer. But even the most expert trailer hauler has a learning curve with each and every new trailer they tow. Every single one is different because of the vast variations in trailer lengths, widths, and axle positions. Don't be afraid to take it easy and ride the learning curve slowly.
Bro your a legend 🙌🏽
Thanks much, good to know! Just bought my first camper trailer and I'll pick it up tomorrow.
I appreciate this information. Thank you 🙏🏼
As an old trucker it is always good to hear someone provide solid advice to others. Well done in your video.
Here is my process as old trucker rules for safety:
1. If you don't absolutely have to backup, then don't.
2. If you must backup, do it slowly.
3. Be sure you know exactly what is behind you.
4. If you are not sure, Get Out And Look (GOAL method).
5. Repeat step 4 as many times as needed during the backing process.
6. Don't forget to look up to insure proper clearance for tall rigs.
7. Never let others or your surroundings hurry the procedure.
Great instruction for us laymen!
As a retired Navy guy, I love this. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks much for your great tips, especially GOAL!!!
Your backing up tip is right in line with what we were taught at a coast guard boating safety class that included trailering. He said, "Turn the BOTTOM of the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go." That was so much easier than trying to remember to reverse the direction of the turn for backing the trailer.
Couple of suggestions....check the hitch ball regularly. I've had mine loosen up before. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the 7-pin plug and latch to keep the plug from bouncing out. Replacing a 7-pin plug on the road that's been dragging on the pavement is a real pain. If your trailer weighs 50% or more of your tow rig use a weight distribution hitch. Check and adjust your trailer brakes at least annually. Check your trailer brake controller gain each trip especially if you're towing heavier than normal. Check trailer tire pressure as under-inflated tires can blow out from heat. Check the trailer tire lug nuts with a torque wrench as they can and will loosen up over time.
Thank you!
Also thanks for this great information, much appreciated! My first time towing a camper trailer.
wow never thought of these...sheesh
Thank you for your tips. I will be a newbie, haven't bought my travel trailer yet AND I will be traveling SOLO! Wish me luck
I will be joining you on this new solo traveling soon. Best of luck!
Practice in a big empty parking lot, towing and backing up between cones. Practice at night with the lights on the RV. Practice hitching and unhitching numerous times to be sure you get it correct. Good video.
Great advice, thanks. Just bought my first camper trailer, picking it up tomorrow.
I do 60mph as well. I used to tow faster until I moved to California. Vehicles towing have a speed limit of 55 here. That pretty much forced me to not exceed 60. After doing that for awhile, I realized how much safer, less hassle and better gas mileage I got. Now I do 60 no matter the limit unless it is less than 55. Just get in the right lane, set the cruise and let everyone else jockey and lane change constantly.
@@James-il3tq We have a name for reckless people like you in countries with proper safety regulations. ...Statistics.
First time I owned or drove a truck or towed a trailer was when we bought both. I remember having a very difficult time getting unhitched at the site... the tongue just would not come off the ball. Another camper came over and we both pushed, pulled and jumped to get it off. Now I figured out to not use the parking brake and just raise the jack until it pops off. Plus, I quickly learned to turn right to get the trailer to go left. Anti-sway bars are well worth their cost. Get in the habit of doing a walk-around with a checklist. Get used to truck-suck on the highways :-)
Truck suck! I didn't know the term for this, buy sure felt it on the first day of towing!
Nice tips! Backing up can be extremely stressful in tight spots.. just remember to take a deep breath and take your time. Remember the backing up fundamentals.
when you put your chains on crisscross underneath them so there you make an X out of them . its law in most states so if your trailer comes off the ball the chains will catch the trailer.
I totally agree with the 60mph rule.
This was great. For a lot of it, it felt like John Mulaney was giving me the tutorial, which was nice.
Gotta love the dog licks! Lol. You two look like your living life. 👍
Every time you lose sight of your truck (i.e. going in a store or rest area) recheck your hitch.
Also you should know the height of your trailer.
That's a good one!
I'm a long distance truck driver. I learned to do that many years ago. There are people who are angry at the company who owns the equipment or just think it's funny to see a truck drop its trailer. A quick check can save a disaster from happening.
Spoken like a seasonal pro! You sr for being a young guy sound like a older veteran camper. You are excatly right on ALL point! Thank you.
Tip #1: have the appropriate WDH with sway control. It adds so much safety for minimal cost. (And yes, I have watched your video on WDH)
Your videos are so good! I really enjoy them. Always a plus when you show your cats and dog!
ALL very good points. I've been towing Rv's & trailers for ~40+ years, including 4 commercially. I fully subscribe to watching your speed. Rarely do I exceed 60-62 mph. It not only provides more time to react, but tires, brakes, steering and other actions are safer. Better mpg's as well. In most cases the difference between 60mph vs 70 mph is only going to add about 15- 30 minutes to your day of travel time. You'll drive a lot more relaxed and a less fatigue as well. Couple of items that I'd highly suggest though; 1. Tire pressure. Incorrect pressure is the culprit in a lot of tire failures and accidents when towing. 2. Regular trailer bearing maintenance. 3. Safety chains, brake away cable (brake set) & 7 way light connection are CORRECTLY connected.
If you're going 60mph on single lane highway hope you're pulling over once in a while to allow traffic to pass 👍
@@James-il3tq y es I do. I also see numerous people driving above the speed of their tire ratings. An accident waiting to happen.. when traveling thru California the speed limit for trucks and rv trailers is 55. So technically I’m speeding!
I think having a cheap pair of walkie talkies is probably the best advice. If you’re at the end of a 30 foot trailer and a 20 foot truck in front, with the engine running, it’s almost impossible to communicate with the driver. You’ll be yelling so much that it’s just annoying. Not only for you, but everyone else around you. I love the tip about starting at the bottom of the steering wheel. It just makes so more sense than trying to do it backwards. As always, great advice and God bless!
EXCELLENT VID.GUYs SALAMA PO
I'd add to these excellent tips, if you have to back into somewhere tight in a yard (like a business down a narrow street with a small forecourt out the front, going through a front gate and down the side of a relative orfriend's house etc is to GAS. Go Ask Someone. "Hey, what way do people normally back in here?" If there's nobody to ask and you're backing into some place tight and tricky, sometimes it's very helpful to walk in to where you want to end up, turn around and face the approach and think "OK, how would I steer out of here driving forward to get out?" I found it's a lot more intuitive to figure out the trailer and vehicle positions and angles you'd use to drive out forward and then do the opposite of that.
Awesome tips! I feel that I’m ready for my first towing now
Wow that is the best ever. My husband can do it all but I'm somewhat more timid. I'm 63 and I've driven everything but it's been years. We own a goat farm and can handle myself on equipment . You made it so much more organized and easy. Thank you ! Angel ✌
On my Ford F150 it will tell me every single step on how to connect a trailer to my truck that is helped me out a lot because I’ve forget to put the safety chains on or even plug in the electrical connector or even just check to see if the lights are working on the trailer
Wind. Slow down is an understatement. (Wyoming is the windiest) & Wyoming does post wind warnings. There are those that ignore them! January 2020 I saw one of the guys who tow the new campers to the dealership, had ignored wind warnings on I 25 north of Cheyenne. He rolled over onto a ditch. Trailer looked totaled. Maybe the truck, too.
When you can tow a 7000 pound trailer down a windy Wyoming mountain with your 6000 pound pickup truck, the flat roads of Indiana will feel like a holiday.
Thank you SO MUCH! I'll let you know how it works out. We are taking our pop up camper on our first long trip next month :)
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Thank you. I especially liked the hand position tip for backing up!
That’s a really cool thing to do. I’m glad you and your wife were able to do all of those good stuff I’m a camper I can’t every year I used to take a trailer but we normally take a camping tent. As you know, my name is Andres Reyes
Thank you, your tips were very helpful.
Backing up you can also "Chase the tail" if it's swinging right and you need it to go left.... turn right.. I call it chasing the tail lol
The GMT800 Chevy is the icing on the cake.
Great video! 🎉 Luv the "walkie talkie" suggestion! Thanks!
I would also add that you should always keep a few wiring tools in case your wiring harness gets damaged and you will lose your turn signals on your rig while on the road. You may have to do some repairs while at a rest area as the sunsets. With a flashlight. On your cell phone.Don’t ask me how I know; just saying. But make sure you do your preventative maintenance and keep up with any upkeep that you need to do with your trailer especially the tires and safety equipment
just wanted to let you know that Jesus Christ loves you so much and to encourage you to google these verses and find out what they say if you haven’t before! 💟
john 3:16-21
romans 5:6-8
romans 10:9-13
also there is a channel here on youtube and if you’re a human being i’m sure sure you can relate to it somehow! you should find when you search up “Living Waters” so you should hear the message and listen to both sides because he talks with a lot of other people and see if it makes any sense to you. God bless you in the name above all names, Jesus Christ the Son of the living God.
Tip: make sure you have wide towing mirrors too.
Even your wife is so professional on the camera❤️👍🏼👍🏼your dog is a beautiful dog
I'm picking up my trailer 1,000 miles from home in a couple days. Good timing on this video.mmFor backing up practice I recommend the android game Car Driving Simulator 3D: Steel Transport. I don't know what it's like to do it from the driver's seat, but I understand the kinematics of the moving vehicles.
Great video new follow future rv lifer 🎉
Here I am looking for tips lol. I am traveling to pick up a Motorhome from Odessa Kansas Friday lol
Thanks for a nice video.
Hello, have you done a review of your screen tent behind you? How do you like it?
Great tips
Thanks for the tips. I am a beginner and also thought practicing towing and maneuvering would be a must for me. There are a few nice big empty lots around For me to practice. It will just be me and my dog most Of the time. Hopefully she won't poke fun Of me. 😁 also, i enjoyed your video. The two Of you are fantastic together! Thanks
Thanks for the tip👍
No problem 👍
Wow your so amazing with your teaching skills you’re so down to earth man. I’ve never pulled a trailer either. We are trying to go camping in October it’s so difficult to find anything available in the Atlanta area. And yes we’re going to go to church does pretty close to us that has a huge huge parking lot if they allow us to go out there we will practice backing up with some safety cones
One big omission is making sure your tow vehicle is right for your trailer. I made the mistake of not towing with enough truck and is a was almost catastrophic. Weighing your trailer is excellent advice but you need to way your truck as well. KNOW what the numbers mean. Great video, thank you.
Solid advice, I'd just add, if you don't KNOW what the numbers mean, LEARN. The heavier the vehicle and load is than the trailer and load, the safe it will tow at progressively higher speeds. I've put five bags 30 lb bags of concrete in my SUV when I've had to tow another SUV on a heavy trailer. And if you're doing that, take the jack and the spare out of the vehicle you're towing and put them in the tow vehicle, as close to the centre of gravity and as low as possible.
Great tips. Thanks.
I want to thank you for mentioning that you should both know how to tow the trailer. I’m a single, 60 y/o female and you wouldn’t believe (yeah you would) how many women I meet that are in awe of the fact that I do everything myself. Why? Well, because I’m female. Sad to say that but it’s true. There’s absolutely NO reason why gender should matter. I understand if they’re nervous but you don’t want the first time you do it to be when the main driver gets sick or hurt and they can’t do it. It’s crucial to know how to do it and there’s plenty of big parking lots you can practice in.
@Lori W. Thanks for your encouraging words. I'm close to your age and am planning a trip with my tow behind camper and doggies. So proud to join the ranks!!
Roe knows how to tow! It’s F-ing BRILLIANT! 😂🎉
Have you ever towed over Donner Pass?
Saw Goldie and Daisy in the background, say Hi to Thomas & Stacy for us! Y'all have fun!
I thought I regonized that jeep. Lazy days! Enjoy the visit!
I just knew that last tip was gonna be: and if you have a dog, teach IT how to tow as well! Great tips guys. Thanks!
It looks like you aren't running a weight distribution set up. I suggest this for that 1500
I don't have a 1500, I have a 2500hd diesel.
@@FateUnboundok. Are you running a sway control?
One more tip regarding the speed limit - don't be afraid to pull over to the side of the road and let the rest of the traffic go by you if you can. We travel on a few roads where the pull outs are few and far between, but if I can drive safely close to the frost line to allow others to see past me when it's safe to pass, I will do so, but you really have to be paying attention to the road ahead for debris on the roadway if you do this.
Well said! Always be courteous to traffic behind you when driving below speed limit. Occasional pullover to allow traffic to pass is a common courtesy.
Even when I’m not towing and at a location where I never been I like to drive slow because I like to look around and don’t know the road. If cars are behind me I’ll pull over and the wife gets mad and says they can pass if they want and I tell her I don’t wanna be “that person” ( I use other words)
i towed a caravan (travel trailer) for years and my top tip is ! when you are being over taken by a big rig speed up a little and i do mean A LITTLE ! like 1 or 2 mph as this will create tension between the tow car and the trailer and it greatly reduces what we call snaking (not sure what you call it) its where the trailer starts 2 wobble the tow car and affect the steering a little and depending on your weights and speed that can be a butt clenching few seconds lol
I have to tow a new travel trailer probably tomorrow and I’m scared!😮
Mountains and grades - Watch well ahead to see if the big trucks are jamming up the right lane, Depending on your rig, you might want to be ready to move to the left lanes well ahead of time, because if a really slow truck causes trucks to try to pass and they can't and you suddenly are stuck at 25 in a group of trucks fighting a grade, it's alarming. They are trying to keep their momentum up.
Gas Stations, Truck Stops, Rest Areas -
Rest Areas, In many states trucks will park on the shoulders and most allow parking on the shoulders in the Rest Areas. Rest Areas - many are too small and don't have much room for other than cars. Luckily, you have a bathroom. In the larger ones park on the Truck side even if not directed by signs.
Truck Stops and Gas Stations - Drive by and scope out your entry AND exit paths. I saw a lot of trailers and RVs stuck in gas stations where they didn't have an exit from the pumps after they got in there. You might have to park on the truck side or not have RV suitable parking at the gas station.
I have a diesel TV. It takes only the smaller size diesel nozzle so I generally can't use the big truck side of truck stops. Several chains are installing RV lanes for diesel and/or gas. Easy to get in and out. The recon drive-by also lets me see which pumps have diesel in addition to gas. GREEN HANDLES - Almost everybody uses green handles on their diesel pumps, except BP ALL of their pumps have green handles.
Roadside Attractions - The tourist traps that have lot's of signs to convince you and your kids you have to stop there?? Many don't have suitable access to pumps or parking for trailers. Many are still closed but the signs are still there
your trailer wheels is the pivot point in back up and same your back tire on truck
where tire make turn
push down tab to lock trailer to the ball and put lock pin in it so will not unlock
The easiest way to avoid trailer sway is to have more truck than trailer. I tow a 24' with a suburban 1500 (would not recommend) so I am just under what the truck is rated for. I keep as much cargo weight in the truck as possible and have never had trailer sway. Also going over 65 is just asking for trouble, you'll get there, the beer will still be cold
Thank you for the info!!!!
Sweetie is so beautiful! Thank you.
Good advice.
The first time I towed my 24 foot trailer I drove all the way to Arizona from California. 🤯 It was hard. Drove through L.A. Wouldnt recommend it.
Remember the move "The Edge" with Anthony Hopkins? "What one man can do another man can do".. or woman. I hear that quote when towing or backing the trailer...lol
More tips! OH BOY!!!
You buy a camper because you like messing around with a camper, not because you like sitting around relaxing in the outdoors, because when you buy a camper the last thing you'll be doing is sitting around relaxing in the outdoors.
A weight distribution hitch with sway control would help your situation. That way you wouldn’t have to drive so far under the speed limit.
They don't "have" to drive that slow because of their chosen setup. They drive that slow by choice and their setup is well within the capability of their tow vehicle. Trailers under a certain weight do not require weight distribution and under a certain length do not require sway control. Proper loading of the trailer is much more important.
P.S I tow a 4000# travel trailer with a 3/4 ton truck. I use dual sway control just because Semi truck drivers like to hug the line and the increased wind velocity sucks the two vehicles towards each other. I also stay at 65 or below no matter what the speed limit is. Mainly because my truck is geared for towing so anything over 2200 RPM drastically decreases my fuel economy.
When i was 10 we had a 33 ft rv pulled by suburban, a truck passed on right the wind caused us to lose control ended up rolling 3 times sideways in median in Florida trailer was pancake suburban was OK but tottalled
What kind of back up camera do you recommend
Good advice! 👍
My tip is to make sure that your trailer is parallel to the ground when loaded and towing. I see way too many trailers out there with the tongue practically dragging on the ground. This can be from too much tongue weight or from the wrong amount of drop on your hitch. There are many diagrams on the internet for how to calculate the proper amount of drop for your combination. My truck is 4x4 and only an inch taller than stock and I need a 0" drop hitch like the one in this video.
Do you have any recommendations for backup cameras?
I noticed you don't use a load equalizing hitch. Your rig may be light but don't you think it would help with the towing? (new to the channel so you might have already covered this)
Do you use a dog crate for your dog in your pull vehicle? If so what kind?
Love your videos! Could u recommend a good backup camera?
I just had a Haloview installed and love it!
Just take your time when backing up. Nice and slow ends up being fast.
Great video and content. However I would recommend everyone grease the ball on the hitch. There are some hitches, like Anderson hitches, that recommend you not grease the ball. Everything else was excellent information.
What grease are you using on the ball?
Take a drink every time he says “trailer”.
Good Morning, great video, quick question, we are purchasing a trailer with two axels and you mentioned Anderson Wheel Levelers, do you have one set (a two pack) or two complete sets two level each tire? There also is a brand with a small rubber mat that sits beneath the levelers, do you think that is helpful?
Blessings always ☝🏼💯🙏🙏🙏👏❤️
I know it's your personal choice not to use one but for probably 90% of new people towing a travel trailer a weight distribution, anti sway hitch should be used. This video was aimed at new people towing and I think the subject should have been brought up and the reason why you don't.
If you're going only 60mph on single lane highway hope you're pulling over once in a while to allow traffic to pass 👍
Get out and look at the tree you are concerned with. Asking, "How am I with that tree?" Is usually answered, "You're OK." And as soon as you start moving a frantic, "Wait, STOP." is heard.
Use "Passenger Side" and "Driver Side" because your guide may be looking forward or to the rear and they answer with how they are standing, and the driver may forget if they are looking over their shoulder or in the camera. Passenger Side and Driver Side will never change
We made two short "Break-in" trips before making a 6,300 mile cross-country trip. I have to do a major rebuild or replace on my awning, and a big scratch and along the driver side and pulled off a little of the end molding. Both my fault, I still wasn't used to trailer swing.
If you can take the WDH bars off before a bunch of backing, makes it a lot easier.
I found that if I accelerated just a little bit when being passed by an 18 wheeler, the wind induced sway is greatly reduced.(Not totally) Your TV pulling harder pulls the trailer straighter.
MPG. In CA where we are constrained to 55 mph, I generally got 14.5 mpg. On the big trip, with a lot of hills and higher speeds, my mpg was down to 12 average, includes a/c. (Temps in AZ and CA deserts were up to 117 on I-10 eastbound and 110 westbound on 40. Through NM, , OK,TX and LA our daily highs were in the high 90s.)
I tried to find an 18 wheeler that seemed to be making a reasonable speed and stayed back behind them. Never found a sweet spot for mpg. 6 speed trannie, it liked to put me at near 3k rpm at 65 than at 2k at 72. Sometimes I could cruise along at 63 at about 1800 rpm.
With all the off road camping do you ever regret not having a 4x4 truck?
Practice at 8 MPG sounds stressful… 😅
Stabilizers... don't forget to RAISE them up before you tow! :-)
I can't back up for doo doo, so I only go forward 😢 if your rig is overweight you could be denied an insurance claim.
Doggie's name?
If you take turns backing up then it's easier to learn how to direct and lessens the "sorry for what I said to you when you were backing up the trailer" moments. :-)
At the beginning of you're video you explain about heading out on the road four years ago and mentioned Roe, well that's been rather confusing as her name was Jenni. Can you help fill in the blanks with this change in your wifes name. Of course anyone else can speak up if they know why Jenni seems to have changed her name.
Sorry.... but when you use you hand to work to camera the back ground moves in and out. The end of the video makes it look like it's way windy outside. :)
i tried backing my 20ft trailer into my curved driveway....for 40 minutes. shit you not i know the neighbors were watching and laughing. thats why im here. :(
Red and Blue Flashing Lights - Some states allow privately owned construction vehicles to display flashing red and blue lights in conjunction with their project.
Wahoo
Towing or not, excessive speed might just be the number one cause of preventable highway crashes and deaths. Especially when you consider that most, if not all, drivers do not need to be in a hurry. Life is short as it is, so why shorten yours or others, right? I know, I practice in personal injury litigation. Trust me, medical costs almost always exceed insurance minimums and more importantly, you're injured body will most likely never be the same again. While laws strive to "make you whole again," that rarely happens. No amount of money is worth future pain and suffering, as well as the loss of the enjoyment of life.
Sway control bars are really inexpensive. A small price to pay for just a little piece of mind. Granted if the wind is TOO strong…stop the rig and pull over!! Caution…it is not a save all tool! Be smart
You guys look alike
How about getting enough sleep. Or take breaks.
Slow brain = trouble