Towing trailer and hitch question.

[crznut]

Hello fort friends that tow trailers. We have a new to us trailer,
2009 keystone outback.

I have a some what short head that fits my back trailer 2in hitch.

My question is: How close can I get to my travel trailer with my Chevy truck and still have turning and backing capability without clipping?

Thanks!

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Good morning to ya'll !!

I wondered that when we got our Trailer. Being of a simple mind (as my wife will tell you) I didn't know how to scientifically mathematically figure out that equation. So I stood my wife at the corner where our driveway meets the road so she could watch as I try'd to pull the camper out into as sharp a turn as possible (90 degree turn) without damaging either truck or camper.
If everything clears pulling the camper out, it'll clear in reverse too.

Keep in mind, who ever stands outside to watch needs to be able to holler real loud !

Congrats on the new camper !

 

[Nixie]

Just wanted to say congrats on the new camper! We have a 2008 Outback and love it!

 

[KristinU]

Congrats on the new camper!

My guess is that you'll want a weight distribution and sway control hitch setup and not just the standard receiver hitch...they make for a much smoother and safer tow. We had an Equal-i-zer brand setup when we had a trailer and liked it a lot (there are other brands as well) - these setups will put the hitch a little further out from your truck and make your question even less of a problem.

FYI, a WDH is not cheap, but we bought ours second hand on craigslist from someone who traded their trailer for a 5th wheel.

 

[crznut]

Thanks for the congrats. We love ours too.

We have a weight distribution set up but I believe we need a new one. The new ones have a 12" shank and mine is only 6"putting it at least 6" too close to my bumper. Thanks for the replies.

 

[crznut]

Great Idea I'll have to try that. Thanks.

 

[jbrostek]

Each WD system is different. and I hav enoticed a difference in the various hitch shank lenths. Reese seems to be the one that likes to extend out a bit more then others. But depending on the brand you own, you may be able to move the WD head to another reciever shank.

 

[crznut]

Good morning to ya'll !!

I wondered that when we got our Trailer. Being of a simple mind (as my wife will tell you) I didn't know how to scientifically mathematically figure out that equation. So I stood my wife at the corner where our driveway meets the road so she could watch as I try'd to pull the camper out into as sharp a turn as possible (90 degree turn) without damaging either truck or camper.
If everything clears pulling the camper out, it'll clear in reverse too.

Keep in mind, who ever stands outside to watch needs to be able to holler real loud !

Congrats on the new camper !

Born 2 Fish,
I was wondering! While hooked up to your trailer can you lower the tailgate of your truck and if so with how many inches of clearance from the tailgate to the crank stand of the trailer? Thanks

 

[tiggerdad]

Born 2 Fish,
I was wondering! While hooked up to your trailer can you lower the tailgate of your truck and if so with how many inches of clearance from the tailgate to the crank stand of the trailer? Thanks

Have a Jayco 32BHDS, and with the f-250 I could let my tailgate down, but with only about 1-2 inches of clearance between tailgate and electric jack.

Sent from my Desire HD using DISBoards

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Born 2 Fish,
I was wondering! While hooked up to your trailer can you lower the tailgate of your truck and if so with how many inches of clearance from the tailgate to the crank stand of the trailer? Thanks

I pull with a Dodge 2500 diesel long bed,,I cannot let my tailgate down, I lack about 2-3 inches of being able to do that.
We like to take our golf buggy with us, so I take my tailgate completely off and drive the buggy off & on with ramps. The buggy fits perfectly in the truck bed and still allows plenty clearance with the trailer.
Sometimes we take our 12 ft. jon boat in stead of the buggy,,then I leave the tailgate on. With the boat sticking out the truck bed I still have about a foot of clearance between the camper and boat during hard turns.