Next week, S will be loading up a 16-foot moving truck with a tow dolly for his car and driving 1100 miles. We’re nervous about the driving, since he has never driven anything while towing. Suggestions/advice from anyone experienced in towing a car, boat, trailer, etc.?
It would be a good idea for him to do some reading or YouTube viewing in advance about some basics like - how to attach the trailer and ensure it’s safely secured, how to back a trailer, how to change a tire on a trailer, what and when to inspect along the trip, etc.
From what I’ve seen, these are some of the common issues people have when they’re inexperienced at towing:
- They don’t know how to properly secure the trailer hitch and it pops off when they hit rough road.
- They don’t know to stop after the first 20 minutes of driving and check that the hitch and all safety gear (chains, tie downs etc) are still tight and that the bearings aren’t hot.
- They don’t understand how to make safe turns and end up jack knifing the trailer after a sharp turn.
- They aren’t skilled at backing the trailer so get “stuck” when they park. Hint - for people unsure about their backing ability it’s almost always easiest to avoid backing up to begin with by parking in a way that they don’t have to back up to begin with. Trust me, it takes a lot less time to walk a few more feet to that distant but straight in/out parking area than it will to try to back out of a tight spot.
Used to tow a pop up and currently own an RV. A few things, one is be aware that it will take longer to stop due to the extra weight so do not tailgate and try to anticipate your stops. Don’t wait to the last minute to break. Second, be aware of the wind effect on a moving truck. My RV the first few times I drove it was a bit of a surprise just how much the crosswinds impact the ability to keep it in your own lane. Also when Semi’s go by, be aware of the gust of wind.
Turning to the right is harder than turning to the left because of the tighter turn radius, make sure to watch your mirrors to ensure your trailer will clear the turn. Especially watch when departing a gas station pump. Not really harder but need to be more aware of your turn radius.
The biggest bit of advice is don’t be in a hurry and plan for more stops. I find driving the RV to be more mentally exhausting than driving the same distance in my car. I take more frequent stops to get out, stretch and just get a mental break when driving the RV over any distance. Also, try to avoid getting into any parking situation that will require him to back up.
And if he finds he has to back up have some one stand behind and help direct.
Go to a gas station that he fits under with large turn radius. No drive thru food…
I know that appears common sense but when my parents first got their travel trailer…anyway that particular story was good for years of laughs…but I’m sure nobody ever heard all the details…
Check on options if truck breaks down–not sure you can just call AAA in this case.
Make sure he knows the height of the vehicle.
If you have some time to kill here is the 11 foot 8 video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USu8vT_tfdw
“Also when Semi’s go by, be aware of the gust of wind.”
More than a gust of wind–you’ll be pulled in closer to them by a vacuum suction. You need to move over to get away from them to lessen the effect.