Community Forums

Soonerjeremy · 06-24-2013, 01:48 PM

Good afternoon all. I have a 41ft DP and plan to go to Colorado pulling a 20ft car hauler with elec brakes. I will say I am a touch nervous about such a length. I have no worries driving the coach, and feel like ill be fine on the interstates. But not sure about moving around towns and highways. Thoughts, suggestions, ideas, tips ?

**TonyDi** · 06-24-2013, 03:29 PM

A 20 ft car hauler should not be a problem. As a rule if the rig makes the turn so will the hauler/toad. I use my rear view camera a lot when passing to help determine when it is safe to come back into the lane. Be patient climbing hills and descending. Avoid (at all costs) getting into a position where you might have to back up.

rgvtexan · 06-24-2013, 04:42 PM

"Avoid (at all costs) getting into a position where you might have to back up."

That is one of the advantages of trailer towing, you can back up! Use your mirrors, camera and a spotter.

The secret of trailer towing is practice. Find a big parking lot, place some cones or boxes and practice. After a light rain or a skiff of snow is a great time, as you can see the tracks of the trailer. Learn the track of the trailer, take your time and enjoy the trip.

jeryan59 · 06-25-2013, 01:38 PM

I have a 42' Coach and pull a 24' Enclosed Trailer, we went from Kansas City to Breckenridge CO after Christmas and had no issues on main roads or in Tiger Run Resort. I would highly recommend stopping before you leave Denver for fuel prior to your climb to Eisenhower Tunnel, I was able to find a station to get fuel but pump was very very slow. Make sure to use exhaust brake or transmission down shift going down the mountain. I turn off my electric trailer brakes when exhaust brake is engaged until I need to brake as I think (???) the trailer brakes activate when the brake light comes on. I notice in the dark if my exhaust brake comes on my brake lights come on (Spartan Chassis). Good luck!

TRAILERKING · 06-25-2013, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeryan59

......the trailer brakes activate when the brake light comes on.

The trailer brake circuit should not be connected to the brake light circuit. They will get FULL 12+ voltage and lock up. Trailer brakes are to be controlled through a brake controller where it will supply variable voltage as required/adjusted.
Someone had my coach wired like that

Fkrel · 06-25-2013, 03:41 PM

The brake controller controls the voltage to the trailer, the brake switch tells the controller brakes are needed.

DegoRed · 06-25-2013, 06:11 PM

Just hook it up and drive it like you stole it!

Have been towing our 24' car hauler loaded with our Jeep for 9K miles so far. Was kind of harry in the beginning, now its all good. Only thing you really got to be thinking ahead on is when you stop for fuel. Some gas stations are a tight squeeze.

One time in Utah, made the mistake of listening to a really dumb woman. Had to back my rig and trailer up 1.5 miles to get out of where she told me to go.

Seat time is the key.