Do's and Don'ts Towing Off Road

[kb7our]

Hello all. I've been lurking here for weeks reading and researching trailers and now have an AT Horizon on order (after starting out with a Chaser order) which is anticipated to be completed the end of Sep - give or take. I've already learned a ton about the hobby - something I just started dabbling with after acquiring a jeep a few months ago. Unless I missed it, I have not found much reading material about "do's and don'ts" of towing an off road trailer so as not to get into trouble tipping over, etc. I've pulled a few camping trailers but only on the highway and as I get prepped for my new AT I would enjoy reading your hints and tips to stay out of trouble. Thanks and happy to be aboard.

[Halboo]

Please read this.
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=26162

[Nuclear Redneck]

1. Slow down! Seriously, take your time.
2. Remember that you have an extra set of wheels behind you. Wait for the trailer to clear the obstacle.
3. Leave your testosterone at home. If you have doubts about your ability to make an obstacle, then don't try yet until you are more familiar with your rig and its limitations.
4. Make sure you have adequate tongue weight. About 60% of your trailer's weight should be forward of the axle.
5. Your trailer will pull harder in soft sand or mud than it does on the highway. I'd halve your tow vehicle's towing capacity for off road work.

Hope this helps,

[spressomon]

Don't be afraid to air down the trailer tires in rocky terrain...just like the pull rig!

[grouch]

Don't let the trailer pass you.

[Tucson T4R]

Don't let the trailer pass you.

Now that is a tip worth remembering!

I agree with the other suggestions above. Slow down and relax. Be aware the trailer will track inside your tow rigs's tracks when turning and plan ahead for where your trailer will be tracking.

If you have the luxury of electric trailer brakes they really add a lot of control and safety. If needed when offroading you can manualy activate the trailer brakes without steping on your truck's brakes. I found that to be helpful when towing in slipery conditions, going down hill.

If you do look out see your trailer passing you. Get out and run away!

[Whoknows]

Hey, glad to see you made it on the forum. I agree with the above (airing down the trailer is something I'd like to hear more about -- not sure how that would help -- but I bet others can explain). Being a newbie myself, I'd say it is really about experience. Take it offroad often in easy conditions and/or in limited challenges. I gained a ton of experience this summer and now have a much better feel for how to wheel with the trailer. Enjoy!

[Andrew Walcker]

1. Slow down! Seriously, take your time.
2. Remember that you have an extra set of wheels behind you. Wait for the trailer to clear the obstacle.
3. Leave your testosterone at home. If you have doubts about your ability to make an obstacle, then don't try yet until you are more familiar with your rig and its limitations.
4. Make sure you have adequate tongue weight. About 60% of your trailer's weight should be forward of the axle.
5. Your trailer will pull harder in soft sand or mud than it does on the highway. I'd halve your tow vehicle's towing capacity for off road work.

Hope this helps,

X2

Welcome Aboard!

Congratulations on your AT Horizon decision. IMHO, you have purchased one of the finest off road trailers to ever touch dirt (I have a AT Horizon also so am a bit biased)!

In addition to the advice already put forth, I will give you my opinion as I have followed both Horizons and Chasers for many miles off road. I am assuming that you will be using the Lock N' Roll hitch and the Silent Hitch Pins. These items along with the air-bag suspension will give you NO indication that you are towing! This system is absolutley seemless in the fact that there are none of the typical noises or jolts/bumps that are associated with towing a trailer. Most people use these noises and vibrations to gauge the limitations of a trailer. Without these reminders most people seem to speed up as they are not receiving the usual feedback they are used to getting indicating that the trailer is nearing its limit. I know Martyn will probably jump in at any moment and further explain why we all want to mash on the skinny pedal with our trailer in tow

[Martyn]

I know Martyn will probably jump in at any moment and further explain why we all want to mash on the skinny pedal with our trailer in tow

Andrew I think you guys are doing just fine, why drag me into this ???

Andrew and I have had this discussion many times, and we both believe the reason for most AT problems is that drivers forgetting they are towing a trailer. So remember you now have 3 axles.

As far as tracking goes the AT tracks very close to the vehicles path, it has a lot to do with the distance from the coupler to the axle, but Mario does all that engineering and calculus stuff, I just sell the things

Mario has really perfected the Off Road Trailer Technique, (ORTT, got to love those acronyms!) he is the master of the manual brake controller. I heard that Margaritas will loosen his tongue.

[Andrew Walcker]

Andrew I think you guys are doing just fine, why drag me into this ???

Like we could have a discussion on this forum about trailers without your input!