Correcting the Wayward Trailer
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1116
Printed Date: 12 May 2025 at 4:12pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Correcting the Wayward Trailer
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Subject: Correcting the Wayward Trailer
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2010 at 3:19am
|
Backing a trailer up isn't all that hard, but it takes practice. The key fact to bear in mind is that the trailer will ALWAYS go in the opposite direction of the tow vehicle. This causes a great deal of confusion and the mail reasons you see guys jockeying back and forth with a trailer that seems to have a mind of its own. Here's an easy way to master the maneuver: 1) Find an empty parking lot where you can learn to gain control over your trailer without worrying about a bunch of campers watching and laughing at you. After you shift into reverse, place your left hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. When you move your hand to the right (which turns the steering wheel and front tires to the left), the trailer will move to the right. When you move your hand to the left (which turns the steering wheel and front tires to the right), the trailer will move to the left. It takes a little getting used to (and your brain will fight you at first), but it works. 2) Move slowly. Most beginners back up too fast. If the trailer starts to move in the wrong direction, STOP. Pull up, straighten the trailer, and start again. Trying to correct a wayward trailer will only make matter worse. Once you master the parking lot, you're ready for the camp! |
Replies:
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2010 at 6:36am
|
Your right, the brain just doesn't want to go along with the whole thing! Practice and more practice will do the trick. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2010 at 3:29pm
|
I have a rear-view TV camera and LCD screen in my RV. When its just me using the RV, the camera is worth it keeping me from bumping into something. Even tho' my R-Pod is much narrower than the RV, I still was worried about having to get out and check how close the back-end of the Pod was from an obstacle. I went over to Wal-Mart and they have a 'wireless' backup camera system for $99. The camera is built into a license frame. I connected the 12VDC power wires into the license light wiring. The color LCD plugs into the cigarette lighter on my dash. If I want to see to the rear, I just turn on my Pod lights. It can almost see in the dark. Some RV dealers sell rear view camera systems for $500-or more. ------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: cane2
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2010 at 8:17pm
| Saw them at Auto Zone for $79 bucks. |
Posted By: sylviablue
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2010 at 2:33pm
|
Cheaper and simpler is the two flag system. One sticks on the hitch, one on the car. They use magnets and you can remove them when not using.
------------- four peas |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2010 at 3:09pm
|
They are great for hitching up, but I think rpodcamper is talking about backing up the whole rig. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|