Gotta say, I have not had any problem towing or backing my 34' TT anywhere I've dragged it. I was a newbie four years ago with zero towing experience and I've had no issues at all. I've run it up Wolf Creek Pass, Bighorn Nat'l park, Yellowstone, US 30 in PA, and Mt. Storm, WV. I've put it in "30 foot" sites in several State Parks and made it through quite a few antiquated dump stations meant for 25' trailers. I'm just a regular guy. No "S" on my T-shirt. You can do it too. Not rocket surgery. Just do it.
"It`s not important that you know all the answers, it`s only important to know where to get all the answers" Arone Kleamyck
"...An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." Col. Jeff Cooper
Sunset Creek 298 BH
My trailer is a 30 footer and with the truck attached, I'm a total of 53 feet long (as long as a semi truck trailer). My tow vehicle is a 3500 Chevy Dually, which requires a football field to make a U-turn in. But I've never had problems camping anywhere and I very seldom (very seldom) am fortunate enough to get a pull through. It's all a matter of being patient, learning how to track the trailer wheels, and using a good spotter that understand YOU!
DutchmenSport
2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Dually Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo
Century Truck Cap Commercial /Toolboxes
Northeast Outfitters Canoe
Our TV/TT combo is 58 ft overall and have no problems on the highway or backing. Where we do encounter issues are inside campgrounds, private or otherwise. It seems mandatory in campground design that fixed objects, rocks, trees, fences, etc be place at the apex of every turn. It sometimes feels that the designers never drive anything longer that a small truck around to check their plan. Probably the same people that design mall parking lots.
We upgraded to a 30 footer last summer from a 12-foot box popup, which meant going from a 19 foot overall length to a 30 foot overall length. I managed to get myself into a pickle pulling into a Meijers near Grand Rapids, MI on our second outing with it. I was trying to make a tight turn right at the entrance when oncoming traffic left me with no way to swing wide and clear a curb. Being a low profile trailer, I wasn't about to just curb-it, so I waited, and waited, and waited... until the other knucklehead who wanted to use the exit I was blocking figured out I wasn't about to blindly back out into traffic to make way for him.
Aside from that, I haven't had any major issues, other than our driveway being a bit tight. When backing it in, I end up completely blocking the road to squeeze it in, but I figure if I can get a 30 foot camper squeezed into a 40 foot long driveway, most campsites should be a breeze!
A couple of tips often-mentioned here would be to make sure when you're pulling into a place, you have planned an exit strategy. Gas stations can be tricky in a small town. Large stations near major thorofares are usually a little more forgiving, but small stations in small towns can be a challenge. Also, don't be afraid to back up and try it again. Sometimes that means getting out of the truck and asking people behind you to move so you can back, and/or having a spotter guide you.
Going to be honest and part of me is proud and part ashamed lol but I wimped out on the 34.5. I am going with one that is about 30ft bumper to hitch as I was concerned with my ability to pull it.
The wheels will likely be only a foot or so further back than the smaller one. Not a big deal when you consider the turning radius. That being said a 34.5" trailer, once you add the hitch is nearing 40' behind the truck.
I have had 7 tag alongs in the last 15 years and they all towed different. Weight placement is extremely critical.My first trailer would not tow properly with 2 beach cruisers hanging off the back with my front water tank empty.
My buddies trailer would not tow well with his rear mounted water tank full.
The manufactuers can varry alot on axle placement and I believe that is the key.My current toyhauler tows the best of all of them but also has the heaviest tounge weight.
Tounge weight is the key with a tagalong trailer. Too lite and it can sway badly just rolling down the road.
x96mnn wrote: Going to be honest and part of me is proud and part ashamed lol but I wimped out on the 34.5. I am going with one that is about 30ft bumper to hitch as I was concerned with my ability to pull it.
Thanks for all your help!
What were you going to pull it with? Were you getting close to your GCVWR?
If it backing up a longer trailer, most find the longer the easier it is to backup.
33' 5er here up from a 28' 5er, this one is much easier to spot.
Russ & Paula
The Beagles Hedwig and Precious.
Portland, OR.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS
2001 Dodge 2500 4X4, 5.9 Cummins 5 speed, 3.55 gears, Pacbrake, Power Puck, 258K
My TT is 31' and about 35' overall. Everywhere we go it is a back in situation. This is also my first TT, previously I towed a 24' boat trailer. I can back the TT up easier than the BT.
The only place we go that is pull-through is when we take the kids to the local Yogi Bear CG. Otherwise it is all back in. And measuring from the rear bumper back I have 38ft. So that means almost always and alley dock (back around corner) situation. I have two-way radios so DW can watch my blind side. Not as bad as one might think. The longer trailers give you a lot more room for error in the over correction department.
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