Maiden voyage approaching..Nervous. Any tips?

[nixter68]

I have done everything possible to make it a safe trip. Just nervous about actually towing something? Never have done it before and will be traveling with my young daughter, so I won't have any real help. Only going a short distance, but will have some hills and freeway and curvy roads. 

[ammobob]

Take it easy, no speeding and no sharp turns. Remember you have extra length behind you so will have to turn wider at intersections. You'll be fine just take your time    

[solds88]

Nixter68,

First time towing?? It will be a lot easier than you think. To start with, don't hug the curb when you turn. If you stop for gas, don't turn in until you make sure that your entrance-exit will be one fluid movement,no backing. At the campground, chock your wheels before you unhook your TV (Tow Vehicle)!! Since you're not used to backing, request a pull through campsite. If you do get into a backing situation ask your neighboring campers for help. You will find that 99.9% of all campers are really great people and will be more than willing to help. Have fun.  

[rob]

1. Ensure that you are hitched correctly, stabilizers are up, step is stored and lights work.

2. Ensure that you can see if a car is behind you. If not, buy a tow mirror.

3. Be that slow Sunday driver in the right hand lane. It's not a race. Remember that you are pulling extra weight so it will take longer to speed up and slow down. A 1000 lbs trailer acts differently than 1000 lbs in the vehicle.

4. Have fun! It may be stressful driving the first time but the great memories you make will be worth it.

[dp]

What are you towing?

[dp]

My first time was coming home from the dealer in Wisconsin and it was a hundred miles. I was scared to death. I never pulled anything before. I get half way home and it starts pouring rain, lol. I see this empty parking lot and I pulled in and started to back it in between the lines and after about 3 or 4 times I had it down. Now I back in my driveway and never give it a thought. After I hook up now I just go. I know what to expect and it's not much. I never drive over 65 but I know I could. Good luck. After the third time you will be a pro at it.

[joanne]

[quote source="/post/14032/thread" timestamp="1438883563" author="@rob"]1. Ensure that you are hitched correctly, stabilizers are up, step is stored and lights work.

2. Ensure that you can see if a car is behind you. If not, buy a tow mirror.

3. Be that slow Sunday driver in the right hand lane. It's not a race. Remember that you are pulling extra weight so it will take longer to speed up and slow down. A 1000 lbs trailer acts differently than 1000 lbs in the vehicle.

4. Have fun! It may be stressful driving the first time but the great memories you make will be worth it. [/quote]   ^^^^^^These are the essentials.

For correct hitching, make sure that your coupler is latched and that your safety chains are attached.

With an 8.0, you should have an easy tow.

[fasteddieb]

Once everything is checked - doors, windows, stabilizers, hitch, hookups, you name it...

...right before you get in your car or truck, do one final, slow walkaround, giving everything a final check. Every time.

Learned that from flying, and its amazing the little things you find that you might have missed the first time around.

I had never towed anything much larger than a utility trailer prior to picking up my 21BHS and I was nervous as well. No problems at all driving from Illinois back to N GA, even with the WD hitch set in a slightly less than optimal fashion.

And learned that slowing down to about 55 mph saves a lot on gas compared to the 65-75 I normally drive at on the interstates.

[admin]

Towing for me is all about spacial awareness. Remember to take wider turns, brake earlier, and look for wider openings when changing lanes or merging. The actual act of towing is generally the easiest part since the trailer is going to simply follow you

Its also important to remember...dont let other drivers push you into an uncomfortable situation. Its OK to be the "slow" one as long as its not actually putting others in danger. Other drivers dont care that you have a trailer (big or small) or how comfortable you may be with it. So dont let their rush or frustration get to you.

Good luck and let us know how it goes

[pinstriper]

^^^^^^^^^^^This.

Towing is all about being immune to peer pressure from other drivers who will happily push you to do something unsafe.

Remember, you're in charge. Go as slow as you need. Let others go around you. Pull over. It's OK.

[jeeps]

Checklists for everything.  Hitching, unhitching, setting up, prepping to travel, etc.  Then use them.  Don't think you can remember everything untill you've done it many times, and even then, use the lists.   Pulling a trailer is easy .... I've even done it.  Backing up and parking, not so much for novices.  I'll bet you can recruit a spotter in any campground.  Campers are a friendly, helpful group.  Let us know how it goes.

[gbpack]

How did your maiden voyage go?

[obadiah]

For sure, let us know how it went!

O

[nixter68]

Well, I did it and survived! Backing it in was a disaster both times and I got some assistance from some kind and understanding fellow campers.  

I learned a lot.

1. Near disaster when it dropped as the pin in the wheel jack didn't set and missed my foot by an inch. Thank goodness. Had to call on fellow campers to help lift it up. Thank goodness it doesn't weigh much.
2. It is a new to me 2005 model and it had a small tear on the corner of the bed near the piano hinge. Several small children busily ignored my instructions to not jump and I discovered the small tear had become much worse and needed repair. I was able to take it in and have it welded and reinforced all corners of both beds for good measure. Hopefully that will solve that issue.
3. Was surprised by how comfy the dinette set bed became with some soft blankets on the cushion.
4. Can't wait to go again with my husband this time so my daughter and I can impress him with our skills.
5. I love how easy/quick it is to set up and take down.  
6. 95% of other drivers were very courteous.

Thanks to all of you for your tips and suggestions!