Towing tips for first trip

[BigBadSierra]

Did you also have the weight distribution hitch adjusted for the truck...Chain ones are easier but mine is the friction kind so it's harder to set.

[c0ld29]

Can you please explain or provide a link to what you are referring, how does one adjust the tailgate?

 

 

Yeah, I've never had to move the camera to hook up a trailer....

 

You take the tailgate cable and loop it around the round piece at the top (where the tail gate latches to when closed). This gives the tailgate an angle which allows you to see the bumper from a semi top view.

[fastxr]

 

 

 

You take the tailgate cable and loop it around the round piece at the top (where the tail gate latches to when closed). This gives the tailgate an angle which allows you to see the bumper from a semi top view.

Hmm interesting, haven't heard of this before, might have to try it out this weekend when I go to move my travel trailer

[sahls01gmc]

I guess I see the idea, but you still have to get out of the truck to do that. The camera was suppose to save that step....

[Scott P]

I managed to back up to the trailer without too much of a problem. I might have to try that tailgate thing though. The camera is a big help. I had to turn off the annoying proximity warnings though. The trailer brakes are working well. I have put the gain up to eight and still no lock up on the trailer brakes. I did notice a measurable drag though, so they are working. The GM video was quite helpful with setting the trailer brake.

 

I have no problem driving sanely. Since this truck has the fuel mileage gain, I've been accelerating slower and setting the cruise control to 65 or 70 since it gets me better mileage. This truck as turned me even greener. I did get it backed up into my driveway pretty straight and without hitting the lawn. I;'ll take that. Tomorrow, I will be doing maintenance stuff like packing wheel bearings, going over the electrical system, washing and waxing, etc.

 

I am pretty confident since the trailer is well within the towing specs. I'm planning on running it over the scales to check weight, just to know what I'm dealing with. We have a back in spot at the campground, so that will be my biggest challenge for sure.

[Fishbait]

Make sure you have a spare tire,lug wrench and a jack that fits under the trailer. Make sure the jack fits when the tire is flat. I learned the hard way on my boat trailer.

[thewhitestallion]

Make sure you have a spare tire,lug wrench and a jack that fits under the trailer. Make sure the jack fits when the tire is flat. I learned the hard way on my boat trailer.

 

lol know that feeling.... I only imagine that a lot of explicit words got dropped...

[Darmichar]

Take this trip low and slow. Get a feel fro the camper and truck and what it can do. You likely won't be able to tell the camper is back there, but you and your family's safety (as well as those sharing the road with you) should be your first priority.

 

I'll also second having a spare camper wheel & tire (or two) and jack and 4-way so you don't have to leave the camper on the side of the road while driving to the next podunk village looking for a tire.

[Spurshot]

I managed to back up to the trailer without too much of a problem. I might have to try that tailgate thing though. The camera is a big help. I had to turn off the annoying proximity warnings though. The trailer brakes are working well. I have put the gain up to eight and still no lock up on the trailer brakes. I did notice a measurable drag though, so they are working. The GM video was quite helpful with setting the trailer brake.

 

I have no problem driving sanely. Since this truck has the fuel mileage gain, I've been accelerating slower and setting the cruise control to 65 or 70 since it gets me better mileage. This truck as turned me even greener. I did get it backed up into my driveway pretty straight and without hitting the lawn. I;'ll take that. Tomorrow, I will be doing maintenance stuff like packing wheel bearings, going over the electrical system, washing and waxing, etc.

 

I am pretty confident since the trailer is well within the towing specs. I'm planning on running it over the scales to check weight, just to know what I'm dealing with. We have a back in spot at the campground, so that will be my biggest challenge for sure.

 

Best to keep it in the 55-60 mph range til you get a bit of experience towing. That will give you a lot of control margin and it will only take a few minutes longer to go the 60 miles or so you mentioned.

[PMurray]

Backing into the spot - put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Watch trailer in mirrors. If you want trailer to go right, move your hand to the right. If left, etc.

[Darmichar]

Also, the easiest way to learn backing up a trailer is to place your hand at the 6 O'Clock position on the steering wheel. Whichever way you need the trailer to go, move your hand that way.

If you need the trailer to move to the left, move your hand to the left (turning the steering wheel clockwise). Need it to the right, move your hand to the right (turning the steering wheel counter-clockwise).

As you back trailers up more and more this 'feeling' will become second nature and you'll be able to have your hands anywhere.

This trick just gets you actively (and easily) thinking about which way the wheel needs to be turned.