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The Water Cooler
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Question for those that tow travel trailers
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<blockquote data-quote="wawazat" data-source="post: 3836345" data-attributes="member: 35603"><p>There are three big considerations I make when prepping a rig to tow on the highway. </p><p></p><p>First is if the brakes are adequate to for a reasonable emergency stop considering the weight. The brakes getting above operating temperature and no longer slowing you down is scary in a racecar on a track, it is downright terrifying on a public road in a 15,000lb# rig.</p><p></p><p>Second is if the tow vehicle has the length and mass to keep a trailer under control at highway speeds with the anticipated crosswinds. Sometimes the weight of the trailer is well within legal tow limits for the truck but a 40mph crosswind hitting a travel trailer while youre doing 65mph or faster is scary if the truck doesnt have the mass or length to handle it. Ive been in setups where the trailer could steer the truck and it is NOT fun. </p><p></p><p>Third is if the truck has enough residual power at highway speeds to snap a bumper pulled trailer back into shape if it starts swaying. Distributing the weight properly on the trailer will all but completely remove this risk, but I have seen it happen to others enough that it is always a consideration before I hit the interstate.</p><p></p><p>I started pulling gooseneck trailers full of cattle shortly after I turned 16 for long distances and hopping pasture to pasture in the country with my dad before then. Just be aware of others and keep plenty of safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Other drivers will eat up that space fast, so it is important to leave early enough you can stay relaxed on your drive and go at the speed that requires the least amount of changes to your speed or lane. I also like to get a feel for braking potential and acceleration on surface streets before jumping on the highway. If you havent backed a trailer very much, maybe get some cones or similar beforehand and practice hand signals and backing with your wife before you leave for your trip.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="wawazat, post: 3836345, member: 35603"] There are three big considerations I make when prepping a rig to tow on the highway. First is if the brakes are adequate to for a reasonable emergency stop considering the weight. The brakes getting above operating temperature and no longer slowing you down is scary in a racecar on a track, it is downright terrifying on a public road in a 15,000lb# rig. Second is if the tow vehicle has the length and mass to keep a trailer under control at highway speeds with the anticipated crosswinds. Sometimes the weight of the trailer is well within legal tow limits for the truck but a 40mph crosswind hitting a travel trailer while youre doing 65mph or faster is scary if the truck doesnt have the mass or length to handle it. Ive been in setups where the trailer could steer the truck and it is NOT fun. Third is if the truck has enough residual power at highway speeds to snap a bumper pulled trailer back into shape if it starts swaying. Distributing the weight properly on the trailer will all but completely remove this risk, but I have seen it happen to others enough that it is always a consideration before I hit the interstate. I started pulling gooseneck trailers full of cattle shortly after I turned 16 for long distances and hopping pasture to pasture in the country with my dad before then. Just be aware of others and keep plenty of safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Other drivers will eat up that space fast, so it is important to leave early enough you can stay relaxed on your drive and go at the speed that requires the least amount of changes to your speed or lane. I also like to get a feel for braking potential and acceleration on surface streets before jumping on the highway. If you havent backed a trailer very much, maybe get some cones or similar beforehand and practice hand signals and backing with your wife before you leave for your trip. [/QUOTE]
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