There IS a Technique
for Making Turns with a Trailer in Tow
If you've ever
towed a trailer of any kind, you are aware that you cannot make turns
the same way you normally would in a vehicle. That trailer just doesn't
make the turns as easily as a car or pickup truck.
Regardless of
whether you're traveling with a gooseneck trailer or a tag-along,
you should always swing a bit wide when making a turn. Nevertheless,
there are certain techniques to follow, depending on the type of trailer
being towed.
Turning with
a Gooseneck Trailer
A gooseneck trailer
is one that is hitched over the tow vehicle's rear axle. As a result,
the tow vehicle will begin its turn well before the rear of the trailer
has begun turning. Because of the path a gooseneck trailer takes during
a turn, it's very important to swing wide and then go straight until
the trailer's wheels have rounded the corner. The use of side-view
mirrors with spot magnifiers can provide a full view of the wheels
throughout the turn.
Turning with
a Tag-along Trailer
A tag-along trailer,
which is one that is hitched to the bumper of the tow vehicle, follows
the path of the tow vehicle more closely during a turn. However, it's
still a good idea to swing a little bit wide when negotiating the
turn, because even a tag-along trailer will cut a corner more sharply
than the vehicle that it is following. Again, the use of side-view
mirrors will help you to keep an eye on the path of the trailer's
wheels throughout the turn.
Turning Practice
If you've never
towed a trailer, or if it has been awhile since you've towed a trailer,
you should practice making turns in an empty parking lot or a vacant
lot prior to taking your rig out on the streets. You may set up highway
cones or flags to form a 10-foot-wide lane for your practice sessions.
Practice driving your rig down this lane.
When you reach
the end of the lane, make a turn with the rig. Do this several times,
alternating each time between a left-hand turn and a right-hand turn.
Be sure to take notice, using the side mirrors, of how close the trailer's
wheels come to the last cones as you are turning.
Rearrange the
cones to create a variety of turns to help you get a good feel of
the trailer's width and how sharply the trailer can make turns. Once
you feel confident enough, you may take the trailer out on the road.
