Trailer and RV Travel
Traveling with a trailer need not be a wearisome experience. A little planning and some additional experience behind the wheel, however, are helpful.
First, you should ensure that your trailer and related equipment comply with the laws of your state and all other states through which you intend to travel. These regulations, which vary widely, are summarized in chart from on the insert. Then, if you still have questions, consult your AAA/CAA club.
Make certain that your towing vehicle is ready to handle the weight of the trailer. The rear springs should be strong enough to maintain the car at a nearly level position. Check the shock absorbers and wheel alignment. Adding a little air to the rear tires-usually no more than 4 or 5 pounds and never exceeding the manufacture's specification-can be helpful.
Load your car and trailer for optimum stability on the road. Keep heavy items out of the trunk and rear seat to help the car absorb the weight of the trailer. Load the trailer with about 60 percent of the weight toward the front and 40 percent toward the rear. To give a low center of gravity, place the heaviest items nears the floor.
Most travel trailers are designed to lean, almost automatically, to correct packing. Cabinet doors and drawers are usually made so they will remain closed in transit. The most important thing is the pack the cabinets, drawers and stowage compartments so that their contents cannot slide. Place each item in such a way that braces and is braced my its neighbors. Lash large articles such as bicycles tightly to outside carriers rather than laying them inside where, unsecured, they can create havoc in sharp swerve of sudden halt.
If your trailer has an independent braking system, check the brakes before starting out. Inspect the car and trailer, paying particular attention to the hitch, the tires on both vehicles, safety chains, the load and how well both vehicles seem to remain level. On trailers so equipped, check the water, electrical and LP gas systems. It is a good practice to repeat the visual inspection at each stop along your route. Unusual noises should be investigated immediately, after pulling well off the highway. Do not drive an unstable car-trailer combination; a swaying trailer is both tiring and hazardous.
The two main causes of instability on the road are high speeds and traveling downhill. To minimize their ill effects, always obey the speed limit for towed vehicles. Anticipate downhill grades: Slow up before, not after, starting the descent and use a lower gear to keep from overworking the brakes. Use a lower gear on uphill pulls as well. You will get more power at less cost to your car. On long grades use the climbing lane if their is one, or pull over when the opportunity permits to let faster traffic pass.
Since a car-trailer combinations is heavier and longer than a car alone, you will need to allow a greater distance for stopping, both in the city and on the open road. More time and distance also are required for passing. Remember that air suction, sometimes created when you overtake another vehicle, can cause both to lurch unexpectedly.
Keep in mind, too, that when turning corners or rounding curves, the trailer wheels will not follow the same track as your car's rear wheels. They will travel considerably closer to the inside of the curve. To compensate, and to avoid running over the curb of off the pavement, you will have to start your turn not only from farther to the outside but also from farther into the curve or intersection. Proceed with deliberation-and practice.
Practice also is the key word for mastering the art of backing a trailer. Although it is very different from backing a car, it can be relatively simple. First place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, then move your hand in the same direction you want the trailer to go. For example, move your hand left to move the trailer left. Should the trailer jackknife, pull forward, straighten up, then try again.
Before starting out, be sure to contact your AA/CAA club for a routing that affords the most favorable terrain and road conditions for trailer travel.
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PERMITTED |
PERMITTED |
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| State/Province | Length | Combined Trailer/Towing Vehicle |
Width | Height | Independent Brake System (A) |
In Towed Trailer | In Pickup Camper | In State Rest Areas |
(B) No regulations
(C) Permitted but not recommended (D) Maximum width 8 ft. on Interstate
(E) Total 55 ft. if trailer exceeds 45 ft.
(F) Check with state/province for exceptions and restrictions
(G) If trailer was manufactured after July 1, 1975, independent braking system is required when gross weight is 1,500 lbs. or more
(H) Person must be seated in a regular passenger seat or in a seat penitently mounted to camper
(I) Owner's family only
(J) Special provisions apply
(K) Required on second towed vehicle
(L) Mobile home combination, 60 ft.; other combinations, 53 ft. (59 ft. if combination of a tractor, semitrailer and trailer or tractor and two trailers)
(M) Permitted if fifth-wheelers only
(N) Special provisions apply to fifth-wheelers
CALIFORNIA-Maximum of one boat or general utility trailer may be towed behind passenger of pleasure vehicles.
COLORADO-No trailers permitted on Broadmoor-chyenne Mountain Highway Or Pikes Peak Auto Highway.
CONNECTICUT-Recreational Vehicles whose limits exceed 7 1/2 ft. wide, 8 ft. high, 24 ft long and 7,500 lbs. are prohibited on Merritt and Wilbur Parkways.
ILLINOIS-No trailers on bridge between Fulton, Illinois, and Clinton, Iowa.
IOWA-Travel trailers, house trailers and mobile homes over 3,000 lbs. are required to have brakes, equalizing hitches and sway control.
MARYLAND-No vehicles with bottled gas permitted in Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and Fort McHenry Tunnel.
MINNESOTA-Breakaway brakes are required for trailers weighing 6,000 lbs. gross and over.
MISSISSIPPI-Trailers longer than 32 ft. prohibited on Natchez Trace.
MONTANA-See Glacier National Park for RV restrictions on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
NEVADA-More than one boat or general utility trailer ma be towed behind passenger or pleasure vehicles; check with state restrictions.
NEW YORK-Use on most parkways prohibited; check with state for restrictions.
NORTH CAROLINA-Independent brake system required on house trailers weighing more than 1,000 lbs. and manufactured after December 31, 1974.
UTAH-Breakaway braking system required if over 3,000 lbs.
VIRGINIA-No camping vehicles carrying more than two non-permanently mounted 45 lbs. bottled gas tanks with valves closed: Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and Norfolk-Portsmouth Tunnel.
WISCONSIN-Riding in fifth-wheel trailers permitted under certain conditions.