Towed for my first time yesterday

[frankserrano]

when i got my jetskis a couple years ago and realized i needed to learn how to pull a trailer and maneuver it, i went for gold lol i just hooked it up and drove straight to the nearest slip via backroads and backed that sucker right in there a few times to get the feel of it.

i look goofy as hell backing a trailer up though, one hand on the top of the steering wheel, one hand on the back of the passenger seat while i'm craning my neck as far back as it can go so i can see as much as possible with the slide window open.

 

[AllanD]

The Longer the trailer (measured from the hitch ball to the trailer axle centerline) the easier it is to back up (because it turns less abrubtly)

I use my mirrors.

Backing up a trailer is the best reason I can think of for using Low Range with your hubs unlocked.

If you must put a trailer into a tight spot a front receiver takes a lot of the
effort out of it.

AD

 

[feellnfroggy]

aint that the truth, as long as your not driving uphill in the rain.

 

[adsm08]

Hook your trailer to your riding mower and practice. Lets you get the feel for the trailer/vehicle relationship without a truck in the way of seeing it.

That's how I learned.

 

[shane96ranger]

find a field and some boxes, make a "spot" for the trailer, and go for it.... just don't jackknife it and you're golden. find out what works for you, listen to the tips above, but find the one that works for you..
i personally don't use mirrors and don't grab the bottom of the wheel. only time i use mirror is when i am backing the semi's in the shop, when i don't have a choice

Great advice. Find a spot and practice. Empty parking lots work well too.

 

[darkspork]

Great advice. Thanks guys.

 

[93rangerXLT4x4]

I pulled a 5x9 utility trailer with a riding mower in it. It was actually really easy with the Ranger. Now I just need for figure out the whole backing thing.

my first time was using the boss's truck (newer crew cab ford 1 ton dually) towing a trailer like a 5x9 or something. then i had to tow an 18ft tandem axle flat deck with a different boss's truck a 3/4 ton f250 down into the mine site loaded up a "grizzly" for a wash plant and dragged it back to camp.

also pulled a 6x12 single axle trailer with 4 racing mowers in it with the ranger. had no problems considering each mower weighs 300lbs.

 

[sholzy]

My first time was back in '82 when I was about 20. Pulled a 26' travel trailer with an F150 on a narrow Wisconsin country road. Since then I have pulled many different size and type trailers with both cars and trucks. My most recent was using my dad's 2004 Dodge 1500 quad-cab Hemi to pull my '93 Ranger on a car trailer when my tranny went out 2 weeks ago. That Hemi is a fun truck to drive until you pull into a gas station, LOL!

 

[06Ranger]

I learned via towing around airplanes some use the front hitch some use the rear. thats my best advice.

 

[02RangerXLT]

When I backup, be it, gooseneck flatbed, gooseneck horse trailer, or a little lawn mower trailer, 99% of the time I look behind me, the other 1% of the time I use my mirrors. I hate using mirrors with a passion, and I would rather look out the back, and I find it easier to just look behind you...

 

[moogvo]

I have always taught people by going to a vacant parking lot. You can get the hang of it pretty quickly when you aren't worried about running over things. Once you can back your trailer around the building, you're good!