I have to say it is quite interesting to me the looks I get when hauling a huge trailer behind me. Spending three years traveling across country with the kids and hauling the 34’ travel trailer behind me, I got some of the same looks…
Sometimes I get the thumbs up and the friendly respectful nod 🙂↕️ Those I appreciate greatly…
It’s the disbelief looks that surprise me the most. Disbelief or Wonder look whichever word you prefer. I mean is it really that rare to see a woman hauling a large trailer behind the vehicle I choose to drive that day…
Some have asked how do you do it?
Actually it is simpler than you think…
First, remember that the longer the trailer, the easier it is to haul and maneuver. Secondly, be sure to do a walk around once it is connected. Make sure the chains are on, be sure you have the hitch pin in so it doesn’t bounce off the ball hitch, pick up the chalks that around or by the tires, be sure the brakes and turn signals are working properly, flip out your mirrors if you have those types of mirrors, be sure everything is set in place before you even pull away. Thirdly, be sure to give yourself plenty of turn space. Swing wider than you think you may need to be sure that you swing wide enough to not hit anything or catch the curbs. Stay on the main roads as much as possible to avoid getting yourself into a pickle with no way out (did that only once as once is all it takes to learn that lesson).
Remember that stopping your vehicle might be easy, yet when hauling the trailer you are not only stopping the vehicle you are also stoping the trailer. (When the trailer is loaded that is even more weight) So leave plenty of space between you and other drivers on the road. Let them do them and you do you with safety. Every stop you make for fuel or the restroom (mostly on long hauls, yet I recommend you start this habit and keep it) be sure to do a walk around to be sure everything is still going well. Make sure the chains are still connected. I recommend a crisscross on the chains so that if for some reason the trailer pops off, the chains will cradle the tongue of the trailer so it doesn’t dig into the road and cause more issues. Yet everyone has their own style. Just drive and enjoy the scenery and watch what goes on around you with the other drivers.
Personally, it really is that simple…
Drove across this Great Country for three years having that 34’ travel trailer behind me and did it with just me and my six kids. By far the most memorable moments that we still talk about today.
Next time you see anyone hauling a trailer or even next time you see a semi tractor trailer…give them the space and some common curtesy. They are usually much bigger than you and cannot stop as fast as you. Please don’t cut them off to make a turn in 2 blocks right in front of them. Sit back and wait the two blocks.
“Can Do”
#justdoit #youcandoit #makingthingshappen #travel #candowithlesia #confidence #personalgrowth #learning
#absostinkinglutely #fabtabulous