How To Drive with a Trailer

Did you know that even the most experienced drivers may find it hard to turn while towing a trailer? Towing a trailer around is in a completely different ballpark from driving with just your vehicle. Acceleration slows down, handling feels different, and the risk of hitting something significantly increases. 

Useful Tips for Turning While Towing a Trailer

Towing a trailer is no easy task, but it doesn’t have to be rocket science. Here are some helpful tips on how to turn and back up a trailer and how to turn a trailer around in a tight space:

Practice at a Safe Location

What many drivers don’t realize is that turning while towing a trailer requires a lot of practice. It’s a skill you’re unlikely to perfect on your first try, so you’ll have to practice turning and backing up a trailer until you get it right. Just make sure to pick a safe location where you won’t hit anything or disturb other people.

Watch Your Mirrors

Your mirrors are your best friends whenever you’re towing a trailer. They’re there to improve your visibility, so use them as much as possible when you’re towing a travel trailer. Just make sure to adjust them properly so you can clearly see which direction your trailer and its wheels are going. You can also use towing mirrors, which extend farther out and help you see all the way to the end of your trailer.

Make Wide Turns

When turning while towing, make wide turns. The outside edge of a trailer might hit street signs, mailboxes, and other objects. Steer clear of these curbside hazards by making wide turns.

Go Slowly

You’re no doubt excited to start your camping adventure, but you’ll have to be extra patient when turning with a trailer. An increase in driving speed also means an increase in trailer sway. As much as possible, slow down before making turns, so you can have better control over the trailer.

Consider the Trailer’s Tail Swing

Always consider your trailer’s tail swing when you’re turning. In some cases, the rear of the trailer swings out in the opposite direction, which can hit pedestrians, signs, and other vehicles. For example, turning to the left can cause the tail end of your truck to swing to the right.

You can try using a turning radius calculator to figure out how far your trailer’s tail swing can go. In general, however, the longer the distance from the rear wheels to the back bumper of the trailer, the greater the tail swing.

Use the “Pull Straight, Turn Late” Method

When you’re towing a trailer, always remember these four words: “pull straight, turn late.” Pull straight forward into the intersection before turning to give yourself extra room. Once you’ve given yourself enough clearance, only then can you start turning.

Avoid Quick and Sharp Movements

Making turns often reduces trailer stability, which can cause the vehicle and the trailer to jackknife. Harsh steering inputs and sharp turns typically cause the weight of the trailer to shift and push the back of your vehicle outwards. You may end up losing control and crashing into another vehicle or object. As much as possible, avoid any quick steering movements and heavy braking.

Use the 6 o’clock Position as a Guide

To help you visualize which way to steer your vehicle, place your hand in the 6 o’clock position on the steering wheel. Moving your hand to the left will cause your trailer to go left while moving your hand to the right steers the trailer to the right.

Think of Your Vehicle Pushing the Trailer

One common mistake among drivers is thinking that the vehicle and the trailer are one unit. This is far from the truth. When towing the trailer, your vehicle is either pushing or pulling it in a certain direction. Instead of moving together as one unit, your vehicle is the one causing the trailer to move.

Ask Someone to Guide You

Driving with a trailer for the first time is no easy task. You’ll need all the help you can get. If you’re traveling with a companion, ask them to stand outside the vehicle and guide you as you turn in a tight spot. Just make sure they stand on the driver’s side, where you can see them.

Use a Travel Trailer Dolly

If you only need to move your trailer a short distance, use a travel trailer dolly instead of towing it. A travel trailer dolly lets you move your trailer without having to attach it to your vehicle again.

You’ll need someone to spot for you to make sure you don’t bump into anything while using the dolly, but it’s a great option if you only have to move your trailer over a short distance.

Attend RV Driving Lessons

Recreational vehicle (RV) driving schools can teach you the ins and outs of driving while towing an RV or trailer. It’s a great investment, especially for first-timers who haven’t got a clue where to start.