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Old 12-22-2015, 09:31 PM   #1
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Suggestions for backing large trailer into tight spot

I am considering buying a 8329ss at roughly 35ft. I have a F150 supercrew 5.5 bed. That combo is long already and now I want to back that combo from the road which is 23 ft wide into my driveway which is 17 ft wide and 35 ft long and at a 90 deg angle to the road. (Less than ideal I know!) The green is grass and other neighbors property where there are trees and boulders I cannot drive into.

This is my issue and I want to see if there is anyone with good experience to give pointers before I try it. As you can see I am concerned that I won't be able to do it so I made a scale model of the rig and trailer. And it seems doable, but just looking for thoughts. I am very good at backing our 22ft trailer now, but this a lot longer.
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Old 12-22-2015, 09:32 PM   #2
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Forgot to add pics....
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Old 12-22-2015, 09:52 PM   #3
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Scoop Method

https://youtu.be/RLtfrBWzNCw
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Old 12-22-2015, 09:52 PM   #4
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That sounds better than what you will have at many campgrounds. Practice is my suggestion. The longer the trailer, the easier to back but slower to respond. Do the scoop technically where you swoop through the top of the site and out the other top side of it. As you pull past tip the nose of your truck to the passenger curb (given backing in to passenger side spot) This has your angle already started for you. I was also taught to stay closer to the side you want yo back in to when starting as it will give you more room for your arc. Get some good walkie talkies for you and your other half. Use passenger side and drivers side instead of left and right. Dh will tell me tree passenger side 3 ft so I can react accordingly.

Ps I like the model trailer.
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Old 12-22-2015, 10:01 PM   #5
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I have always done that backing my 22ft and was doing that with my model, just didn't know it had a name! it's just so tight. Swinging the trailer and the truck against the other side of the road.

I definitely will practice in an empty parking lot before ever bringing it home. I'll set up cones to represent the exact situation I have to make sure I can do it.
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Old 12-22-2015, 10:17 PM   #6
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Funny video. It is a great primer. I have a 29' TT that I now have good comfort with backing up. The comfort comes from repeating the effort.
The DW an I no-longer(recently) have ill words as I have gotten better and do not depend on her. Big point here, get out and look yourself. An extra is to look for possible low branches. It takes awhile to look like you know what you are doing.

Best of luck.
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Old 12-23-2015, 12:07 AM   #7
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I try to back in from drivers side with a spotter. I do this with a 32' MH and 20' car trailer. Swoop and go slow. If never did it before with a trailer, I tell people to put their hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and move you hand the direction you want the trailer to go. Bumper tow only. Trailer right/hand right. Trailer left/hand left
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Old 12-23-2015, 06:46 AM   #8
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Try to back to the driver side instead of passenger of possible. You can look thru your window when mirror are out of the viewing area.

Good idea on practicing in a open area. Once you learn where the trailer tires need to be as you make your manveuer it should be the same.

Just put my 35 ft in a spot in the dark and never been here. A slow steady speed and not over correcting on the steering wheel will be the biggest help. If frustrated take a break it will make it worse.

Patience and practice. You will get it.


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Old 12-23-2015, 06:52 AM   #9
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SLOW movements and Do NOT have LOT's of HELPER's! Youroo!!
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Old 12-23-2015, 06:57 AM   #10
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Very helpful suggestions! Thanks. To clear something up, I will be backing in from the right. So ill be backing the passenger side in first. I have done this many times with the other trailer and just made it, I am wondering if this length will be harder or easier. Guess only on e way to know..... just buy it and try it.
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Old 12-23-2015, 07:41 AM   #11
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SLOW movements and Do NOT have LOT's of HELPER's! Youroo!!

I agree on less help the better. I used to say I could put a trailer in a spot in 5 minutes. With help it would take me 10 minutes. Lol

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Old 12-23-2015, 08:15 AM   #12
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Lot of good suggestions here. If you can do the turn to the driver's side is really a good one in site selection too. If not, and I can't either, and have to deal with drop offs and culverts to boot. What I found to be the most help for me was a back up camera system, wireless, not bluetooth affected from Rear View Safety( approx $179 froma Amazon). Instead of mounting it on the back of the TT, I have my wife stand at the back of my TT's parking spot. Hold the camera relatively steady and point it at the TT coming into the drive. I even get it "dead nuts" on the 2x12s that go under the tires.
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Old 12-23-2015, 08:45 AM   #13
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Practice at a large parking lot.


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Old 12-23-2015, 09:15 AM   #14
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The "scoop" method is a must and having 1 "spotter" and 0 "helpers". A "spotter" only warns of imminent danger, a "helper" will try to guide you.
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Old 12-23-2015, 09:20 AM   #15
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Check this out -
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Old 12-23-2015, 09:29 AM   #16
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Backing from the ------------

I have to agree with A32Deuce that backing from my left where I can see my wheels of the RV on the drivers side all the time, I have better luck
backing. If I try to back from My passenger side, I have to pull/ backup
many times. Always back from the left is my best bet with a spotter to stop
me from reshaping my rain gutter or roof edge.

Good Luck
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Old 12-23-2015, 09:31 AM   #17
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Have you thought about putting a hitch on the front of the truck, it's amazing how much more you can maneuver it around.
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Old 12-23-2015, 09:46 AM   #18
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Don't want discourage you from your purchase. I found out the hard way. That unit is a beast although very nice. Realistic tongue weight is 1100 lbs. It is not very well balanced with two slides kitchen bath and storage all on the drivers side. I tried pulling it with a titan never felt in control.
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Old 12-23-2015, 09:54 AM   #19
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Quote:
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Have you thought about putting a hitch on the front of the truck, it's amazing how much more you can maneuver it around.
I have but unsure how that would work well on a F150 with close to 1000# hitch weight.
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Old 12-23-2015, 09:57 AM   #20
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Don't want discourage you from your purchase. I found out the hard way. That unit is a beast although very nice. Realistic tongue weight is 1100 lbs. It is not very well balanced with two slides kitchen bath and storage all on the drivers side. I tried pulling it with a titan never felt in control.
No... not discouraged, but just trying to understand what I'd get into. So my truck can handle 1110 lbs on hitch weight when using a WDH. It's at the limit but doable. Did you weight your tounge? What was the issue you has specifically? I have chatted to a few folks that have towed this same trailer with 1/2 tons and no complaints. Let me know. Thanks.
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