Mark and Linda
Smyrna, Tennessee
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Joined: 11/06/2011
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I used to pull a pop up with our 2007 Dodge Caravan, got used to backing into campsites by myself because the DW was at work. I always got out did a survey of limbs, etc. before backing in. Now we have the Puma...I towed it home, and backed it into my driveway, just a little different than the pop up which I could see over and around. At my old work location I would have to back a C-130 out of the hanger or different spots, I would turn my head and look out the back window of the tug...wingspan was 132 feet. I find myself doing the same thing with the trailer now but and I am getting used to the mirrors and the extensions I use. Practice hooking up by yourself, get used to doing a walk around before pulling out, then find a place to practice backing, etc. When I do my light check I take a binder that I have and place it against my brake pedal on the TV. I have learned to do a few things by myself since my DW is at work most of the time when I hook up.
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anaro
Cary, NC
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Joined: 01/16/2011
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One more thing, watch your gas stations. You will find you prefer the ones parallel to the gas station rather than perpendicular as they are easier to get in and out of. The perpendicular ones, you will want to be on the outside lanes if possible. The nemesis in the perpendicular ones are the cars parking for the stores.
2009 Ford F250 Lariat Crew Cab 6.4L diesel 4WD
2011 Crossroads Zinger ZT26BL
Reese Dual Cam
6 nights camped in 2012!
27 nights camped in 2011!
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04fxsts
Westville, Illinois
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Joined: 09/04/2011
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My BIL helped me a lot, best advice was to not hurry and get out and look for yourself. Jim.
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Artemus Gordon
Redding California
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Joined: 03/04/2011
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jyh818 wrote:If you want to practice, you can rent a small trailer from Uhaul to get yourself familiar with how a trailer behaves behind you.
You may want to invest in a backup camera to help you hitch up.
Best advice...practice on a Rental! Ya... Love it....
2012 Montana 3750 Hickory Edition, 2003 Ford F450, 4x4 off Road, 7.3 liter, Air bags, Longbed Dually. Curt Q24 hitch, Moride pin box, P3 Brake Controller
2012 3750 Montana
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Ole Man Dan
Gadsden, Alabama
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Joined: 03/26/2010
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Tazymae wrote: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 
Unless the 18 footer is loaded with lead, the Hemi 1500 should tow it with ease.
* Please remember how large you think the 1500 is now and get back to us later after visiting a bunch of campgrounds.
One big advantage you will have over the folks towing huge trailers is that your 18' trailer will fit nearly any site. The big rigs can't.
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bakerkids
IL
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Joined: 05/29/2008
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If you get 18' foot or under, remember that the smaller trailers are more difficult to back. They react quicker to the movement of the steering wheel. Make small adjustments and learn how to "push" the trailer into your site. Mine is 16'. DH drove semis for years, and says once you learn to back those little ones you'll never have a problem with the larger ones.
Before I got my Jeep Liberty I towed using DH's extended cab truck when I went solo. Since my daily driver was a Civic, the truck did seem huge. I found that practicing in an almost empty campground was the best. This time of year should be great.
When I camp solo, I try to look the site over first. I sometimes place a rock on the pad where I want my axle to end up since I don't have anyone with me to tell me when to stop for best placement on the site.
Me '62, DH '59, DS '89, DD '90, DD '92
4 K9s
Our photos
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mike54
Crystal Lake,IL. GO BEARS
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Joined: 04/23/2005
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Tazymae wrote: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
there are days I wish to have 1500 dodge rm with my 17' TT back
I now have a dodge 3500 long bed towing a 34' TT . don't worry about after a few trips you'll get use to towing.
Mike & Marsha 
West Allis Sunshiners
Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8319SS
2005 dodge ram 3500 5.9 cummins diesel
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kodiakcanuck
Ottawa, Canada
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Joined: 07/29/2008
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It won't take long to get used to it, and it's great you are starting smaller since it's your first time.
Your truck will have no problems, your truck could probably tow two 18'footers LOL 
Just take your time, practice backing up before you get to the campground and pretty soon you'll wanna trade that 18 for a 28 foot 
2011 Kodiak 240KSSL
Husky Center Line WDH
2010 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4, 3:55, 5.7L - at last, a HEMI
2007 Kodiak 214 HTT (prior)
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rovobay
Damascus, Oregon (Portland Suburb)
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Joined: 01/30/2012
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18ft is a good starting point. . . practice, and time in towing. before too long you will become a pro.
Happy trailering to you!
1999 Cameo by Carriage 26FLS bought in February 2012 (our first trailer)
TV is a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4X4 Crew Cab Short Bed with a 6.6l Duramax and Allison Transmission
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JoyceandSteve
Houston, Texas
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Joined: 05/24/2011
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Mirrors,Mirrors, Mirrors. Get used to using only the outside mirrors.
Steve & Joyce
2011 Chevrolet 2500 Z71 4X4 6.0L
2011 Keystone Passport 2850RL
1996 Celebrity 200 Boat
2000 Yamaha 1200 LTD Waverunner
2012 Ford Mustang GT (Mama's ride)
Vítejte na víkend doma a Steve Joyce
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