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Open Roads Forum  >  Travel Trailers  >  General Q&A

 > Basic TT Towing Question?

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EKS

San Clemente Ca. USA

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Posted: 11/14/09 11:22am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Planning to tow a 27' TT one way
of 300 mi., borrowing a 1/2 ton 2000
Surburban, which has a tow rating
of 7500, TT may be 4500 empty,
I've never towed anything more than
a jet ski, is there anything that
I need to know or pay attention
to, or am I getting in over my
head for a novice?
thanks for your time and info
EKS

downtheroad

Puget Sound

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Posted: 11/14/09 11:32am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Take it easy
Make wide turns
Practice backing up (if you can't back it up you shouldn't be pulling it forward).
Good luck with it.


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enblethen

Moses Lake, WA USA

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Posted: 11/14/09 11:36am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

How are you going to operate the electric brakes on TT if equipped?
Do you have some sort of mirror extensions?


Bud
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b_salgado

Salisbury ,NC,USA

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Posted: 11/14/09 11:49am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Weight distribution hitch
Brake controller
Mirrors
Lock out OD if equipped.
Allow room to make your turns and stops
The truck and trailer will behave differently than when you are not towing. You are heavier, longer, and wider.


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tunerdude

Midlothian, Virginia

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Posted: 11/14/09 04:01pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Don't carry more water in the TT's tanks than you have to. Stay to the right. If you have to change lanes, prepare way in advance, making sure you have ample room to move your entire rig over. Carefully adjust your brake controller so that the trailer's brakes engage very slightly before the truck's brakes. Carefully adjust the brake controller so that the TT's brakes don't grab hard. Before starting out, check tire pressure all around. After 50 miles, stop and check the security of the hitch and all of your connections and trailer lights. The weight you tow makes all the difference. Have a successful and safe journey!!

Chuck&Gail

In the Colorado Mountains

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Posted: 11/14/09 04:55pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

b_salgado wrote:

Weight distribution hitch
Brake controller
Mirrors
Lock out OD if equipped.
Allow room to make your turns and stops
The truck and trailer will behave differently than when you are not towing. You are heavier, longer, and wider.


Above looks like a good list AS LONG AS Weight Distribution Hitch has built in sway control. If it does not, add sway control to the list, or, be sure you keep speed ALWAYS below about 40 mph.


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RRUGG

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Posted: 11/14/09 05:30pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Every last one of us was a novice when we started towing. You'll be fine.


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DanKirk

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Posted: 11/14/09 05:32pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Watch your mirrors. Take it slow.


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coolbreeze01

Redding, Ca

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Posted: 11/14/09 05:39pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I'd check the TT tires, bearings, brakes, and spare. Hitch, safety chains, frame, and lights. Have the necessary tools to change tires, and don't forget duct tape. Have a safe trip.


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Tee Jay

Port Angeles, WA

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Posted: 11/14/09 08:24pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

If you borrow a truck, does it have a brake controller installed? And does it have a 7-pin connection to plug the trailer into? If yes to both, you can make it work. If no, return to drawing board.

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