One of the most asked questions I see in forums is usually phrased somewhat like this, "we just bought a new RV and have never towed before, any tips?". I usually keep quiet on forums because everyone has something to say and a lot of times they aren't very nice. Everyone forgets they were once a beginner too! So, without further ado on my own safe, non-judgement space, I'm here to help!
You might be saying, "Dee Dee, you're still a new RV'er yourself!" And you're right, I'm new to the RV life. But I've been towing horses for many years, so I was lucky enough to have that experience before hitching up to a camper. Along the thousands of miles of hauling I've done, I've learned some simple principles to towing that can lower your stress level and make arriving at your site so much easier.
Don't Rush
So many people feel the pressure of drivers behind you who are in a hurry. If you are turning, backing in somewhere, or passing someone - let the people behind you wait. The extra time it takes them to pass someone because you need to go a safe speed to do so, isn't the end of the world. When you're backing in, don't let the feeling of blocking the road get to you - that's when you lose concentration and back into something. Take your time and let that person sit and wait for you to safely back in.
10 & 2 on the highway
Highway driving IS a bit stressful - no matter what you're towing. Passing trucks will give you drafts, so it's always safer to keep two hands on the wheel at all times (unless you're one of the few on the road, of course).
Fight the urge to correct sway
Kick that urge to the curb right now! Letting up on the gas and turning your wheel to try to correct any sway is the recipe for jack knifing and overturned trailers. If you feel any sway (first of all, make sure you have the appropriate set-up), keep your foot on the gas and keep the wheel straight.
Let up on the gas before a light (Even when it's green!)
Especially when you're coming up on a light on a 60mph road. The worst thing is having to skid to a stop because you kept going 60 and were caught in a "do I stop or do I try to make it" situation. Play it safe and take your foot off the gas a bit when coming to an intersection in case you have to make that last minute call. It makes for a smoother and easier stop.
Pick a distance before each light and commit to your decision
After feeling out your rig and your stopping power at various speeds, you will know what distance you need in order to stop safely. As you're learning this, you will need to pick a distance and commit to your decision of driving through the light. Playing that 'do I stop or not' game in your head and then deciding to try to make it, will 100% make you run a red light. So, when you get to your point, put your foot back on the gas and head through.
Wide turns!
Definitely wide turns. Probably wider than you think, at first. It's better to make the driver in the other lane pee their pants a bit, than scrape your rig on a curb, tree, or fence.
Back in from the driver's side
Trust me - it makes it so much easier! You can follow your trailer's wheels and see where the entire back end of your trailer is going if you back from the driver's side.
Have a spotter when backing in
While I'm not an advocate for this with my horse trailer (I'm an independent woman gosh darn it!). I am a huge advocate for this with the camper. A horse trailer might make a little crunch noise, but a camper would probably splinter into a million pieces (no not really, it would just cost way more to fix and horses are clumsy and break everything anyway). Two parts of my recommendations for a spotter:
If you can, always have your spotter be your husband/wife/family member. Anyone else won't be as careful because they don't own your rig.
Use your phones! It's so much less embarrassing and stressful than yelling to each other in front of everyone who has set up their chair to people-watch and then getting frustrated with each other. This goes for hitching up too.
Use your mirrors!
I've talked to quite a few people who have said they don't use their mirrors when backing. That really baffles me because #1 - I'm 35 years old but I'm pretty sure my spine thinks it's 95yo, so that literally isn't an option and #2 - that's what mirrors are there for! If you learn at what point you should use your mirrors and when you should physically look behind you, you will be cruising right into your site and be eating dinner before your neighbor even levels his camper.
I hope this proves to be helpful. Once you feel more comfortable with the basics, towing a large rig can actually be a bit fun.
Happy Camping All!
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