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08-19-2012, 09:46 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 104
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Learning to tow something bigger than a pop-up?
I've posted a few threads about potential tow vehicles and potential HTT's or TT's that we're considering, but it dawned on me that I've never towed anything bigger than our 1007 pop-up and never driven anything bigger than our minivan (save for moving truck once).
Whether we go with an SUV or pick-up, would it be a good idea to get some training on towing a 19' - 23' trailer? I just can't imagine going to the dealer and plunking down $15-25k for an HTT or TT without having a good idea of what I'm getting into. I'm concerned about others' safety as well as not learning via expensive mistakes.
Suggestions welcome.
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08-19-2012, 10:00 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Central California
Posts: 2,283
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Assuming your TV and TT/HTT are appropriately matched you should not have many concerns. Where people get in the most trouble towing; whether its TT, boats or general purpose trailers is not having a good match between trailer and TV. The handling characteristics are strongly influenced by having a sufficient TV.
When purchasing either the TT or TV don't take advice from anyone financially engaged in the process. Read the specs, take the weights and do the math on your own to determine the effectiveness our the combination you are considering.
Actual towing isn't much different if you are towing a PUP with you minivan or a 40' 5er with a 1 ton dually. Take things slow, think about what you are driving into before you get there and give your self plenty of space on turns. I think you will pleased at how much easier I is to back up a larger TT vs a PUP.
Good luck.
__________________
2020 Ram 1500 5.7L
2007 Chevy Duramax LMM/Allison (Sold)
2012 Jay Flight 29QBH (Sold)
2012 Jay Flight 26BH (Sold)
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08-19-2012, 10:34 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mostly the US
Posts: 10,002
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As Clubhouse mentioned... just remember to take the turns a little wider. First chance you get, find a large parking lot conducive for practicing backing, and ever turning. This will also give you a better idea of how to park your combo at a store, shopping center, WM, etc. LOL... and definitely don't take advice from the one financially benefiting from you.
What may be really freaky for the first couple of times might be gassing up. Your combo is short enough not to worry too much at a gas station, just remember to take a wide turn leaving the pump. Anytime you are concerned taht you may hit something pulling out or backing in, just have the non-driver with a walkie talkie behind you the first couple of times to help reassure the driver everything is indeed safe.
Also, 25k for a 19'-23' tt seems steep. Click on the link below my signi if you haven't had a chance to read it yet. Hope this helps some. Happy shopping
__________________
Denise, DH, grandkids, and two rescue pups
-2016 Jay Flight 29QBS Elite
-2016 Ford F-250 XLT 4x2, 6.2L EFI V8, 4.30 Elec Lock, Heavy duty Alt
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08-19-2012, 12:04 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: WV
Posts: 336
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Quote:
Originally Posted by healthi
As Clubhouse mentioned... just remember to take the turns a little wider. First chance you get, find a large parking lot conducive for practicing backing, and ever turning. This will also give you a better idea of how to park your combo at a store, shopping center, WM, etc. LOL... and definitely don't take advice from the one financially benefiting from you.
What may be really freaky for the first couple of times might be gassing up. Your combo is short enough not to worry too much at a gas station, just remember to take a wide turn leaving the pump. Anytime you are concerned taht you may hit something pulling out or backing in, just have the non-driver with a walkie talkie behind you the first couple of times to help reassure the driver everything is indeed safe.
Also, 25k for a 19'-23' tt seems steep. Click on the link below my signi if you haven't had a chance to read it yet. Hope this helps some. Happy shopping
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Good advice. Also, if you are getting a new TV, try to find one with back up cam. Makes hitching up a lot easier, and will save your marriage.
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08-19-2012, 01:16 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Richmond B.C.
Posts: 303
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I didn't find the transition from towing a pup to the TT too different.....I just swing a little wider when turning. I also had to add wider towing mirrors, brake controller and a WDH. Setting the brakes took a little time....I had to figure out how to make the correct setting. All I can recommend to pratice....going to a TT worked for us....we have no regrets.
__________________
2012 Jayfeather X213
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Quad cab 4x4
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09-18-2012, 11:24 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Lethbridge
Posts: 124
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I remember the first time that I towed our trailer, after practicing in the parking lot as so many people recommend. Like anything I think it just takes time and practice to feel more comfortable with towing. Having the proper TV and TT combo sure makes it easier to enjoy the experience too.
__________________
2012 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Z-71, 6.0L, Crew Cab w/3.73's
2011 Jayco Jayflight Swift 26BH
38 Nights Camping in 2017
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09-19-2012, 08:11 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Luray, VA (central Shenandoah Valley of VA)
Posts: 1,430
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I agree with all the good advice above, and would like to add one thing. Braking. Even when all your brakes (including TT) are functioning properly, you still won't stop as quickly as with the pup. And there seem to be numerous individuals out there who either have no clue that a TV/TT combo can't stop on a dime, or they just want to test your reflexes. Be ready for these folks, and always drive defensively, because it will happen eventually.
__________________
2003 Ford F-350 V-10 Crew Cab 4WD Long Bed
2004 Jayco Designer Medallion 29 RLTS 5th wheel
Bill, Gayle, Teddy (Jack Russell terrier), and Honey (Beagle)
Retired at last !
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
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09-20-2012, 02:27 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Eastern Virginia
Posts: 223
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tinlizzie23
I agree with all the good advice above, and would like to add one thing. Braking. Even when all your brakes (including TT) are functioning properly, you still won't stop as quickly as with the pup. And there seem to be numerous individuals out there who either have no clue that a TV/TT combo can't stop on a dime, or they just want to test your reflexes. Be ready for these folks, and always drive defensively, because it will happen eventually.
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Great advice. There will be a driver pull around you and then slow down to make a turn. It's happened to me and I had to get on the brakes. To say the least, be ready. When I turn, I always watch the TT wheels to be sure they are clear to make the turn also. Tow mirrors are a must. Know how high your TT is and watch for any low obstacles.
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Joe
2004 F150 SuperCrew Lariat, 5.4L, Max Towing, CIPA Towing Mirrows, Timbren
2006 Jay Flight, 31 BHDS
Reese Strait-Line Dual Cam
Prodigy P2
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