Trailer School?

[Chitown Naomi]

Hi -- Are there any in-person training programs for learning to drive safely with a trailer? Best I'm finding is training for commercial big rigs...


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[Donna D.]

I know there's one not far from Escape Trailer Industries, but doubtful you'll want to go to Chilliwack, BC to take advantage of it.

[Chitown Naomi]

Thanks Donna. And thanks for rep,ying! I can't figure out how to move this question to the general forum. I accidentally posted intro forum... Learning my way around the app.


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[mary and bob]

At a rally last year I did a hands on backing up training session. Kind of ridiculous because it was with a golf cart and lawn tractor wagon, but it did get the general idea across.

[Jack L]

I would check with some local RV dealerships. See if they know of any. PS don't mention molded fiberglass trailers. If they think they can sell you something, they would be more accommodating. A cousin bought a 40 foot diesel pusher and the selling dealer referred her to a school.

[Chitown Naomi]

Thanks and I'll keep it on the DL regarding the fiberglass.

[Chitown Naomi]

Thank you! It would be good to start off small with something like a golf cart...just to start practicing.

[floyd]

I think they have one at Carnegie Hall... Do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by Chitown Naomi

Thank you! It would be good to start off small with something like a golf cart...just to start practicing.

I was thinking something more like your vehicle with one if the smaller enclosed U-Haul trailers. Get a friend with experience to go with you to pick it up and take it to a large, fairly empty parking lot. If the trailer doesn't completely block your rear view mirror, turn the mirror up to get used to doing without it.

Go forward until you have a sense of how it feels and tracks. Then try backing straight. Then try backing 90 degrees into a pair of parking spaces. Then take it on the highway. Start with uncongested rural or suburban roads. Then take it to a multi-lane highway.
How's that for a lesson plan?

[k corbin]

I am pretty sure you can find a regular driving school instructor to teach you how to back up a trailer as well as tow it safely under various conditions. Just call around to the driving schools and ask if they can arrange it. Chances are very good they have someone on the staff who has the experience needed.

Small businesses are often glad to have extra work come in the door and it breaks up the monotony of teaching teens to drive.

[Iowa Dave]

You might check with your local community college to see if they have a course. Also I have seen reference to this type of instruction at Becoming an Outdoors Woman courses on several occasions.
Dave

[monB]

There's this one:
Rick Andrews' RV Training School. RV, motor home, 5th wheel, travel trailer, boat trailer, driving instruction

Mon

[Chitown Naomi]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

I was thinking something more like your vehicle with one if the smaller enclosed U-Haul trailers. Get a friend with experience to go with you to pick it up and take it to a large, fairly empty parking lot. If the trailer doesn't completely block your rear view mirror, turn the mirror up to get used to doing without it.

Go forward until you have a sense of how it feels and tracks. Then try backing straight. Then try backing 90 degrees into a pair of parking spaces. Then take it on the highway. Start with uncongested rural or suburban roads. Then take it to a multi-lane highway.
How's that for a lesson plan?

Jon, that is such a genius idea!


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[Chitown Naomi]

Originally Posted by k corbin

I am pretty sure you can find a regular driving school instructor to teach you how to back up a trailer as well as tow it safely under various conditions. Just call around to the driving schools and ask if they can arrange it. Chances are very good they have someone on the staff who has the experience needed.

Small businesses are often glad to have extra work come in the door and it breaks up the monotony of teaching teens to drive.

I had no idea. I figured it would have to be something fancy, like a truck driving school. I will find out what my local options are. Thank you!


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[Chitown Naomi]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

You might check with your local community college to see if they have a course. Also I have seen reference to this type of instruction at Becoming an Outdoors Woman courses on several occasions.

Dave

Hi Iowa Dave, I've never heard of "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" courses! The things you learn on this board!


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[Chitown Naomi]

Originally Posted by monB

There's this one:

Rick Andrews' RV Training School. RV, motor home, 5th wheel, travel trailer, boat trailer, driving instruction



Mon

Thank you for the link!


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[Gilda]

I like this image from Pinterest.

[Gilda]

Also, check out this website, The Art of Manliness (and womanliness!). They have a piece on "how to back up and trailer" and "how to tow a trailer".
Back Up Trailer | The Art of Manliness

[Gilda]

AARP offers driver safety courses. I'm sure much of what they teach is applicable to trailers. AARP Driver Safety Course - Classroom and Online Classes - AARP

[LiseKen]

I second the idea of a regular driving school. My teen is learning to drive a car the same time I'm learning to drive out trailer. Really giving me some perspective (and lots more gray hair!)



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