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Old 05-26-2018, 06:14 AM   #1
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First time towing ...nervous wreck!!

Good morning!

We usually have someone take our Windjammer to the camp site but today, my husband has decided to give it a try. The hard part will be to back it up to it's place. Geez....hope all goes well. Any tips??
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Old 05-26-2018, 06:22 AM   #2
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If you continue to tow it will get better. Before I bought mine I towed for six years up to 42 ft flatbeds, even toyed in tandem I have my cdl. I was nervous towing the new TT then after 5 years I bought new 5th wheel and was nervous first time as well
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Old 05-26-2018, 06:28 AM   #3
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Hook it up and find a big open parking lot. Back it up go around simulated corners to get comfortable with the dynamic of it. He will be fine. We all had a learning curve.
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Old 05-26-2018, 06:29 AM   #4
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As long as it's a healthy nervous...that's a good thing - always! Complacency isn't a good thing when you're pulling a trailer but confidence comes with experience.
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Old 05-26-2018, 06:32 AM   #5
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Tip,Go Slow on your Movements when turning and go even SLOWER when Backing! Only Listen to 1 Person at a Time that is trying to Help! Youroo!!
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Old 05-26-2018, 06:46 AM   #6
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Make sure if you have friction brake bar on WDH to remove before backing up. Later RJD
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Old 05-26-2018, 06:53 AM   #7
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Make sure if you have friction brake bar on WDH to remove before backing up. Later RJD
Remove your Sway Bar also! Youroo!!
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Old 05-26-2018, 07:19 AM   #8
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Just take your time driving and communicate well backing in.
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Old 05-26-2018, 07:38 AM   #9
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When you are backing up my wife and I are always in contact via speaker phone. If the person who is guiding can't be seen in by the driver the tv should not move. Good luck and leave the worries at home.
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Old 05-26-2018, 08:06 AM   #10
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Be sure to use distinct and understandable hand signalsClick image for larger version

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Old 05-26-2018, 08:40 AM   #11
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Parking lot is the best idea for backing practice and corners. The longer the trailer the easier it is in my opinion.

When driving if not comfortable slow down. Don't let others speed dictate how fast you feel comfortable with. If you cannot go fast enough on the interstate to stay safe then find other routes.

Don't be afraid to ask someone for help backing in but agree with others...pick ONE person preferably someone without a beer in hand. If you are really nervous you could ask someone to back it in for you and you can guide them but not sure I would go that far.

A bit of nerves is a good thing as it will keep you cautious.
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Old 05-26-2018, 08:47 AM   #12
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Here are some tips:
Tips and Tricks to Backing Up | Learn To RV
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Old 05-26-2018, 08:54 AM   #13
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That is right on. Was backing in to our site last fall I had 3 people hollering which way to turn. I stopped. Turned the car off and asked 2 of them to please let the other give direction as they were making me crazy. I know they were trying to help but it wasnt helping. Had them over for a drink later and thanked them for their efforts.
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Old 05-26-2018, 09:43 AM   #14
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Be sure to use distinct and understandable hand signalsAttachment 173388
This! And listening to one person as youroo said!

I’ve put the truck in park and step out more than once as someone extra comes along thinking they can help my wife guide me and all I see are arms flailing that mean nothing.
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Old 05-26-2018, 09:58 AM   #15
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All good advice given. There are lots of YouTube videos with towing tips. Here is my favorite https://youtu.be/p1B5d_K2__4
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Old 05-26-2018, 10:10 AM   #16
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Few things for perfecting backing up a trailer....

1. Speed is always slooooooooow!

2. Put your hand at the bottom (6 o’clock position) on the steering wheel.
Move that hand to the left to make trailer go left.
Move that hand to the right to make trailer go right.

3. Turning too sharp can cause jackknife and rarely can you recover.
Pull ahead, then apply steps 1 and 2 again.

Practice makes perfect.
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Old 05-26-2018, 10:25 AM   #17
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There are a handful of methods. This is the one that clicked for me: Place your hand at the top of the steering wheel. Turn the steering wheel as if you are pushing the camper out of the mirror.

Good luck!
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Old 05-26-2018, 10:27 AM   #18
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Remove your Sway Bar also! Youroo!!
Remove the bars on equilizer? I haven't and haven't had any issues that I know of.
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Old 05-26-2018, 11:50 AM   #19
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Not load bars, but the sway bar. Remove or at least loosen
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Old 05-26-2018, 12:01 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kenandterry View Post
Few things for perfecting backing up a trailer....

1. Speed is always slooooooooow!

2. Put your hand at the bottom (6 o’clock position) on the steering wheel.
Move that hand to the left to make trailer go left.
Move that hand to the right to make trailer go right.
3. Turning too sharp can cause jackknife and rarely can you recover.
Pull ahead, then apply steps 1 and 2 again.

Practice makes perfect.
x2

I use #2 all the time. It's the back of the trailer you're controlling.

The hard part for me is judging when the back of the trailer will hit the front of the campsite. I do a lot of getting out of the truck to see where I'm going.

Hand signals help, but if you are guiding, it's going to take you some time to learn how to guide him. If someone offers to help, listen, but with a healthy dose of common sense. When we first parked, we had other campers help and still need help when parking at rally's and have to back up.

Just take it slow and you'll be fine.
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