Tazymae
Kentucky
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Joined: 09/01/2011
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Is there anyone out there that can calm my fears about towing an RV!!!
I have a Dodge 1500 Ram with a hemi and it itself is huge.
I am going to look at a 18 footer and I am getting very nervous about being able to safely tow.
Thanks
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WayneAt63044
St. Louis, MO
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Joined: 12/24/2011
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While the Ram 1500 may seem huge to you, remember that there are many folks who drive large rigs for a living and many of us who tow RVs. You can too! Just have someone teach you a bit about towing, hitching and backing. I tow a 27' trailer with my Ram 1500 Hemi. It is different than driving a small car but not insurmountable. Your fears will diminish with experience as your confidence grows. I think it was Henry Ford that said "whether you think you can or cannot, you're right". Adopt a positive attitude, learn some new skills, and come join the fun.
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lpxguy
Chalfont PA
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look at my sig. at my length (55') I had never towed anything that long before.....nervous? oh yeah! But after the first couple times out I got quite comfortable with it. 90% of it is in anticipation especially on turns....gotta make 'em wide. It's going to take lots of practice & seat time.
2010 Silverado 2500HD 4.10 gas hog
2011 Flagstaff 831KDSS 31' TT
14,300 lbs, 55' long
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dwayneearle
Comox British Columbia Canada
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With an 18 footer, you won't even know its there. Take it out on short 1 hr pulls, visit empty parking lots and practice backing up. It's about knowing your limits and knowing how the rig will behave. If I may make a suggestion to invest in a couple of hand held two way radios. It beats having to guess what your wife is saying when your backing up in a tight spot or her having to scream at you when your not sure what to do.
2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
2005 R Vision TC26QHB
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feltham
Rochester, NY
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My advice:
Be patient - don't be in a hurry to get there.
Become an expert with your mirrors - practice.
Anticipation (like above) - anticipate turns & the other traffice
Create a checklist for hooking up - use it.
It's not rocket science or brain surgery level stuff, but you do need to know what your are doing. Like stated above: "Your fears will diminish with experience as your confidence grows"...but never get so confident that you forget you have a trailer behind you...
Me, DW & Sons 13, 11, & 7
2004 Yukon Denali XL
2011 Jayco Jay Feather Select 29L (April 2011)
2007 Jayco Jay Feather 26L ('07-'11)
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mikeb9550
MI
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Joined: 11/12/2002
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Just make sure your hitch, sway, and brake control is setup properly. Go over it yourself. With 18TT and a 1/2 Ton, you shouldnt have any issues. Relax and have fun.
If you never backed up a trailer before, one tip is to keep your hand on the bottom and move your hand to the direction you want the back of the trailer to go. small movements.
* This post was
edited 02/12/12 07:47am by mikeb9550 *
Mike
2006 Ford E350 Van (standard length)
V10, 3.73, 5 Star Tuner, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Prodigy BC, Hensley Arrow Hitch
2006 Jayco Jay Flight 26BHS
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Ray55
Missouri
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Joined: 10/23/2011
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I will let others talk about hitch weight, tow weights, 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons.
First get used to your truck. Drive it till it feels comfortable, get some cones/ shopping carts and a large parking lot to practice backing and driving thru narrow openings. If you are still thinking it is huge drive it some more. You may even have to go drive a dump truck or take a turn behind the wheel of a bus to get the HUGE out of your mind. You need to be aware of what you are driving but not afraid of it.
Then hook up a trailer ,borrow a small utility trailer if you have not driving with trailers before and practice driving it in a parking lot just like you did with the truck. Best to do it with different kinds of trailers- utility, enclosed cargo, stock, small TT, large TT if you can. The first practices with a trailer no kids, spouse or pets. What ever would make you worry/ think twice/ destracts you leave it at home. Go drive on a sunny dry day on a road that is easy when traffic is not a problem. As you gain confidence then go out on a rainy day , pick tuffer roads -you get the idea. Work up to it.
If you have pulled trailers before you may just need to practice with your TT and not go thru all the other types of trailers but I would realy stress getting comfortable with all types of trailers.
I have driven for 40 years now started with farm tractors and hay wagons then pickups, 2 1/2 ton army trucks, Buses and semi's. Pulled 5th wheels, stock trailers, and TT's just about every kind of trailer there is.
And I still PRACTICE with each new trailer /tow vehicle combination in a parking lot before loading it up and heading out on the road. I try to not have that first trip on a rainy day or when traffic is heavy.
Good luck Hope to see you on the road this summer.
US Army Retired X 2 (Both wife and I)
2012 North Trail TT 30QOK
2005 Dodge deisel 2500 HD, shortbed, 6 speed manual, Equalizer Hitch, Warn Winch, highlift jack, Honda Gen Set, Winona Canoe
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lbrjet
Liberty, IN
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You WILL know it's there. Nothing will calm your nerves the first time out. Take the corners wider than normal are you will be fine. After a couple of tows you nerves will subside.
2010 F250 4X4 5.4L 3.73 LS
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equalizer E4 1200/12000
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wmoses
Houston, Texas, USA
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All of the above is great advice, especially the bit about practice and confidence coming with actual towing experience. I would just like to add that having real towing mirrors that can be extended so that you can clearly see down the sides of the trailer will do wonders for your level of confidence when towing.
Lastly, it would make a lot of sense that you get accustomed to driving the truck first before attempting to drive the combined rig. If you are having concerns about the truck and its size, you are not ready to tow an RV. Get so comfortable driving the truck so that it itself is not an issue, then you will be able to successfully and confidently handle the combined rig, with practice.
Regards,
Wayne
2010 Jayco Jayfeather EX-Port 17Z | Tekonsha Prodigy P3 brake controller
2010 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L Vortec V8 6-speed with Power Pack Plus Package | Hypertech Max Energy tune
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WyoTraveler
Powell, WY
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All very good advise in previous posts. You will get used to towing.
I have 2 way portable radio when backing to connect the TT. I have headset type with VOX so I don't have to hold the radio and don't have to push buttons to talk. Works real well. After a couple of years you will be doing the connecting by yourself with no problems.
When deciding to drive in for fuel or parking lots etc. always look for exits before you drive in. It is easier to plan your exit strategy before you are in the tight places.
When making left turns always try to select the far right left turn lane. This will allow you a wider left turn.
After your TT is connected make a complete walk around. Making sure all turn signals and lights are operating correctly. After driving a couple of feet apply your brakes to make sure your TT brakes are working correctly, also that the hand control on the brake control operates. Every time I stop at a rest area I make a complete walk around of my PU and TT. A visual check of lights, tires, hitch, etc. If I am starting to get tire wear I want to know it before I have problems.
Don't pull into fields or camping areas unless you get out and walk the area first. You may just save yourself an expensive tow bill.
When towing you just have to be more aware of the traffic around you, stopping distances, and clearances. For almost 50 years I have always had a small label on my dash with my clearance height. Interstate clearances are usually OK but sometimes in construction zones there will be restrictions. I don't want it to be a surprise when I am under the bridge.
Lastly while backing. If in doubt, get out and walk around your rig.
2012 Jay Flight 19RD TT/W thermal package
R19 walls, R22 roof, R24 floor
2008 F-250 Ford FX4 6.8L V10/4.10 rear axle
Curt class V hitch
Reese Trunion WD with dual cam
AC6CV/7 ex-W8RUR since 1954
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