How to Tow a 31-Foot Camper
Towing a 31-foot camper is a big responsibility because of the increased risk to everyone on the road. The additional mass of a large trailers makes more serious the consequences of any accident. A trailer of this size must be equipped with working brakes, signals, maker lights and electric trailer brakes for travel on public roads. Connecting the trailer to your vehicle correctly lessens the chances of it disconnecting while you are driving. You must adjust your driving style to compensate for the weight and length of the trailer, too.
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Instructions
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Determine the mass of the 31-foot camper by looking on its data plate under gross trailer weight. The data plate is typically located on the frame of the trailer. Add to this the weight of any cargo that will be stored in the trailer.
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Determine the maximum towing capacity of your tow vehicle by looking in the owner's manual. The towing capacity must exceed the weight of the trailer and cargo for a safe trip.
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Connect the trailer's coupler to the vehicle's hitch by lowering it on. Lock in it place by lowering the latch and securing it with a hitch pin.
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Fasten the left trailer chain to the right side of the hitch's chain hole and the right chain to the left side. The chains should cross under the coupler. This catches the coupler in the rare event it becomes detached from the vehicle during travel.
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Fasten the trailer's seven-pole electrical connector to the vehicle's electrical receiver by pushing the two together. Test that the trailer's lights respond to the driver's controls in an appropriate manner.
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Remove the wheel chocks from the tires on the trailer and inspect the wheels for the proper air pressure. The manufacturer's recommended air pressure is typically printed on the side of the tire.
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Adjust the brake controller unit in the cab of the tow vehicle according to its manufacturer's directions. A brake controller must be adjusted for the specific weight of the trailer to operate properly.
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Drive more slowly than normal and provide more distance from the car in front of you to compensate for the reduced braking and handling when you are towing the trailer.
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Drive around corners more slowly than normal, making wider turns, while still maintaining your lane. A long trailer has a tendency to cut the inside of the corner and possibly ride up on the curb. When changing lanes, remember you require additional space to fit into the next lane because of the length of the trailer.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice towing the trailer on quiet country roads or in an abandoned parking lot until you feel comfortable with the additional weight and length.
References
Resources
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