Towing a trailer or RV can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to it. The fear of towing is not uncommon, but with the right knowledge and practice, you can overcome it and enjoy your RV adventures to the fullest. In this article, we'll provide you with some valuable tips to help you conquer your fear of towing. But before we delve into those tips, remember this: don't let others' fears limit you. Sometimes, people project their own fears onto us. They may be afraid of towing, but instead of facing their fears, they create a negative narrative to stay in their comfort zone. Towing is a skill that can be learned and mastered with practice. Don't let the doubters discourage you from trying something new.
Keep Positive: The first step to overcoming a fear of towing is to change your mindset. Towing can seem like a daunting task, but it's actually a pretty common practice. Over one million people a year take to the roads in an RV. That means that millions of people have successfully towed a trailer, and you can too.
Remember, you don't need any extraordinary skills to tow a trailer. If U-Haul would give a trailer to anyone with a valid driver's license, then it can't be that hard. So relax, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you can do this.
Educate Yourself: To get started learning about towing, head over to YouTube and search for “how to tow a trailer” There are many videos available that can teach you the basics of towing, from hitch setup to backing up a trailer. Watching a variety of videos will help you learn the "language" of towing and the different techniques that are used.
You will also learn about the two main parts of towing: the hitch setup and the actual towing part. Having knowledge of the components of a towing setup will help you feel confident when you go to purchase your own setup.
You will also begin to learn the principles of towing. This includes things like how wide to make your turns, when to pivot to get out of a gas station without jumping the curb, and how to back into a campsite. All of this information will be helpful once you are behind the wheel yourself.
Practice Makes Perfect: Once you have learned the basics of towing online, it is time to get behind the wheel and put your skills to the test. A great way to do this is to rent a small U-Haul trailer and practice around town during low traffic times.
Most U-Haul or trailer rental places have small utility trailers that you can rent for very little money. They will also help you set up the trailer and give you some pointers on how to tow it safely.
Practicing in a safe area will help you get the feel of towing and build your confidence. It is also a good idea to ask a friend to ride along to give you encouragement and help you out if you need it.
Seek Training: Find a friend or family member who knows how to tow and ask them to let you ride shotgun while they tow. This is a great way to learn the basics of towing and to see how it is done in real life.
When you are riding shotgun, pay attention to everything the driver is doing. Ask questions about why they are doing things the way they are. This will help you learn the situational awareness necessary for every responsible driver.
Your mentor can also give you tips and advice on how to tow safely and confidently. They can also help you troubleshoot any problems that you may encounter.
Start Slow and Small: When you are first starting out with RVing, it is a good idea to choose a smaller RV. This will make it easier to handle and maneuver, and it will also be less expensive to purchase and maintain.
Smaller RVs are also easier to tow, which is important if you are not used to towing a large vehicle. If you want to go larger later on, you can do so with confidence once you have gained some experience
When you are purchasing a hitch system for your RV, it is important to have it installed by a reputable RV dealer. They will be able to make sure that the hitch is properly installed and that it is the right one for your RV and tow vehicle.
A reputable RV dealer will also be able to teach you how to hitch and unhitch your RV safely and confidently. They will also be able to answer any questions you have about towing and hitching.
Build Confidence Gradually: When you are first starting out with RVing, it is a good idea to start slow and camp close to home. This will give you a chance to get used to driving and towing your RV in familiar surroundings.
Here are a few reasons why it is a good idea to start slow and camp close to home:
- You will be less stressed and more relaxed, which will make it easier to learn.
- You will be able to get help from friends, family, or other RVers if you need it.
- You will be able to practice backing up and maneuvering your RV in a safe environment.
- You will be able to learn the ropes of RV camping without having to worry about long distances or unfamiliar roads.
Once you feel comfortable driving and towing your RV in familiar surroundings, you can start to venture out further. But it is always a good idea to start slow and gradually increase your comfort level.
Here are a few tips on starting small and staying local:
- Choose a campground that is close to home and that has plenty of pull-through sites.
- Travel at off-peak traffic times to avoid the crowds.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help from other RVers.
- Take your time and don't rush into anything.
Here are some additional tips to help you overcome your fear of towing:
- Talk to other RVers. There are many RVers who are happy to share their experiences and advice. Find an online forum or RV club and join in the conversation.
- Read books and articles about towing. There are many resources available that can teach you everything you need to know about towing.
- Watch videos of people towing. This can be a helpful way to see how it's done and to get a feel for the different techniques.
- Don't give up. It takes time and practice to learn how to tow safely and confidently. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually get the hang of it.
Remember, you're not alone in facing the fear of towing, and many RV enthusiasts have successfully conquered it. With a little patience and practice, you will be well on your way to enjoying the RV lifestyle.
Happy RVing!
More for you to read:
Tips And Tricks For Better Gas Mileage!
10 Best RV Lakeside Campgrounds You Don’t Want To Miss.
Written by: RVCrazy Team
September 06, 2023
