Getting A Trailer Into The
Driveway...
I have the following situation: F350 CC Dual and 32' TT.
Driveway at the base 10' with retaining walls on either side. So I can relate.
Here are some of my own observations.
- First: Relax. Take your time.
People on the street will go around or turn around. Heck they might even
help.
- Second: Use wide sweeping
turns to attack the driveway. Start on the far side of the street. DONT
make the mistake some do swinging close to the driveway and then crossing
the street. Remember, that's not how you exited the driveway. If at all
possible make the inside of your turn on the drivers side, that way you
can see the rear end of the trailer without the mirrors by leaning out.
- Third: Try this technique. I
truck school taught me and it helps a lot. On your first attack at the
drive, watch the tires of the trailer NOT the rear end specifically.
Though you don't want to hit anything, its the TIRES that are important.
Get them to the edge of the driveway and "over turn" the trailer
past straight in respect to the driveway. Now, put the truck in drive,
turn the wheel to the stops like you want to pull fwd and straighten out,
but only go about a foot. Put the truck in reverse, and cut the wheel the
other way, pull back about a foot. Continue this until the rig is
satisfactorily straight truck to trailer, and trailer to driveway. Now you
have a straight line of site up the driveway. It is far easier to stay
straight while back up the driveway.
- Fourth. I just find that I
don't having to "gun" the motor attempting to push all that
weight up the driveway. I don't feel I have all the control I would like.
So, since I am now already straight I drop the FWD into 4Low. This gives
me a lot more control over how far I back very little throttle is needed.
- Fifth: Hug wife, thank her
for her efforts, GET A BEER!
Jim