Getting a little nervous re: drive

[fanofmickey]

As our trip gets closer, I am getting more nervous about driving with our new (to us) camper. We used to have a pop-up, and I became quite comfortable driving with that behind us. But, it weighed less, had less wind resistance, and the box was pretty short.

Now we have a 21 ft. TT and I know towing this will be quite different. I'm almost more concerned because DH seems "overly confident" about towing this trailer. He's only driven it from the previous owner's house to ours!

I realize that we have to just drive it in order to learn it, but perhaps some of you have some tips or hints that you wish someone had given you the first time you hauled your trailer?

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Do you have sway control and a weight distribution hitch? Are your trailer brakes adjusted properly? If you answered yes to these questions, I believe you won't have a significant problem. Keep your speed down, give your self plenty of room to turn and pass, and you should really get used to the additional weight and size in about 50 miles or so. By the way, if you answered no to the first questions, you might consider getting these taken care of prior to departure.

 

[fanofmickey]

We do have the sway control and weight distribution hitch, and have had the brake control installed in our tow vehicle. I did not think about having the brakes on the trailer itself checked - good idea.

 

[John VN]

We have a motorhome not a trailer but a couple of items are relevant to both of these and many other rv combinations.

Have your tow vehicle and trailer weighed at a CAT Scale or another scale and check to make sure you have the correct air pressure in all tires. Many times the weight factor and tire pressure related to those weights are overlooked. Running at too low a pressure will cause heat build up that can result in bad handling or tire failure. Pressures for tires being used at specific weights are usually listed at the tire manufacturers sites.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Good point about the tires, JohnVN.

Read the directions that came with your brake controller regarding the adjustments on the control itself. It only takes a couple of trips around the block to make the adjustments. You don't want the trailer brakes coming on too soon, too late, too much or not enough. Be sure your battery is functioning on the trailer and that you connect the breakaway cable when you hook up. Your weight distribution system should be adjusted so that, when fully loaded, the trailer and tow vehicle are riding level.

 

[LeahA]

FANOFMICKEY,

I am having the same thoughts at this time. Our trip is not until next year, but very worried about driving from Illinois with our new pop up. I guess I just have to do what was suggested above, drive slower and expect it to take more time.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

You can do it, if you try. We regularly pull our 21' TT from eastern PA to FW. In October, it will be our second time this year. It really isn't a big problem. Just budget more for gas, keep the speed down, check your rig at every rest stop, and keep everything in good repair.

 

[rbork]

We've put about 10k miles on our trailer. Just keep it in good repair. Have dealer check brakes/tires etc on both trailer and vehicle. Use good driving sense and have a fun adventure!
p.s. Don't foget to pack the wgt evenly in trailer /not to heavy on tail end or wgt all in front end. I think this helps in comfortable towing.

 

[fanofmickey]

Thanks for all the good advice and words of encouragement!

DH feels like the brake controls are set pretty well. We will certainly keep the air pressure in the tires checked - that was also a key issue when driving the pop-up.

We will have lots of opportunities to check the TT at rest stops, as there are 6 of us and somebody always has to go!

It will be interesting to compare gas mileage for this TT vs. pop-up.