ed
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 44 
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Post by ed on Nov 6, 2017 6:15:16 GMT -5
We have been full timing in our 14' KZ Sportsman Classic and love it. Even after a year I still struggle to back it up well and any sage advice or helpful hints would be appreciated. ED
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Post by johnr on Nov 6, 2017 8:21:34 GMT -5
What do you have trouble with? Turning the correct direction? Over-turning? Backing up straight?
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Post by lynnmor on Nov 6, 2017 8:32:01 GMT -5
We often hear of the idea that grabbing the steering wheel at the bottom and moving it in the direction you want to go. Confusion may still follow. What I suggest is to plan the PATH that you want to have the REAR of the trailer to take and move the steering wheel as needed to stay on that PATH. Here is a video that will help you set up the easiest angle from the beginning: The Scoop |
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Post by Chuck on Nov 6, 2017 10:45:01 GMT -5
Thank you lynnmor that's a great video The old saying is that the shorter the trailer the harder it is to back, this is very true  Try backing up a small trailer connected to a riding lawn more an you will see what I mean Ugh ! One thing I see allot of people with small TT do is approach the camp site parallel to the site an the try to jack knife there TT into the site, this is ok if you have not got the room. But if you have the room pull away from your site at a 30 or more degree angle or more so your TT back end is at the entry point of the site. This way you do not have to do allot of turning to back into you site. The straighter you are the easier it is, this also apply's to 5th wheels as well The other thing is to take your time, move slowly, if you see that you have over steered then pull forward a bit to straighten out, don't try to be a speed demon, it not a race to back in to a site, the camp grounds have assign such to you so no one is going to take it Safe travels an check out the Kz Rally Folder Chuck |
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ed
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 44
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Post by ed on Nov 6, 2017 20:27:33 GMT -5
Thanks and I never seem to go straight back without a lot of tears and yelling!! Looking to reduce the stress and appreciate the help. Ed
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Post by nvguy on Nov 7, 2017 0:12:08 GMT -5
Taking it slow is the key. When backing you are either pushing (controlling) the trailer or chasing it, if you are chasing it, you went to far and need to stop and regroup because chasing a short trailer is a losing bet. As previously said, short trailers are harder to back, things happen very fast.
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Post by Edd505 on Nov 7, 2017 0:17:18 GMT -5
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ed
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 44
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Post by ed on Nov 7, 2017 6:10:38 GMT -5
Thanks and this saved me from going to a truck driving class. Again thx and happy trails. Ed
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Post by johnr on Nov 7, 2017 8:03:37 GMT -5
I have to back up a 500 foot driveway every time we come home. Wife asks me why I turn the wheel so much? Just go straight, she says! I tell her there's no such thing as going straight back with a trailer. 1/8 of a degree out of perfectly square and that trailer is going to one side or the other eventually.
What I do is pick a point on my driver's side mirror where the truck and camper are relatively straight. I watch the point and if I see the camper deviating from that point I correct the truck before it gets too wonky. I go slow because I'll end up off the driveway for sure if I'm in a hurry. I bet I make many many small corrections to keep the two in line and on the driveway, which is why she probably asks me why I just don't go straight. Don't juke the wheel hard, move small and keep the point in your mind. Move just enough to get back to the point.
I used to get so angry until I found that something that worked for me. I've been doing it many years now, so it's really second nature to me. There's no shame in pulling forward and getting back on track either, we all do it. It seems like that split second, oh look at the squirrel over there in the tree, dang I'm off the drive! Let go of the anger because it's not helping, it clouds the mind. Stop, take a breath, smile (because hey, you're camping!), evaluate and try again.
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Post by Chuck on Nov 7, 2017 10:59:24 GMT -5
edd505 Try backing a set of doubles LOL, you want fun, your not a real truck driver till ya can back them suckers up 20 yards an keep them straight LOL I've only made it 15, just enough to make it out of parking spot LOL  ed, johnr is right, if you get angry, take a breath, get out maybe an walk around your rig, by the time you get back into the drivers seat things will seem somewhat brighter Or you could be like a number of us broke RV owners an go out an buy a 40ft 5th wheel which is far easier at times (not all the time) to back into a camp site while the DW keeps asking why is it taking so long Ugh LOL Safe Travels Don't forget about the 2018 Kz Rally ! Chuck & Hildi |
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ed
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 44
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Post by ed on Nov 8, 2017 14:28:08 GMT -5
Thx to all and we hope to come to the rally this summer. All the best. Ed
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Post by Chuck on Nov 11, 2017 11:28:13 GMT -5
Thx to all and we hope to come to the rally this summer. All the best. Ed We Ed, you can make reservations at the camp ground now, if you get an answering machine leave your number they will call you back, once you have made your camp reservations send all you information to jetzen following his instructions in the Rally folder... Beside that Ed you will not have to back into your spot at the rally they are all pull thoughts unless you want to LOL Again Do not make your reservations on line, you may not have a camping spot with or near the Kz Rally group 
an you will not get the Rally discount !  |
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