Backing a trailer
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Backing a trailer
I have come to the conclusion this is the single best vehicle for back a trailer. The only thing that comes close is my 1955 Ford 600 tractor. The key here is the amazing turning radius. Couple that with the power to move things and the large mirrors to see ... It couldn't do a much better job.
My brother has a 250 D. Backing with that monster with a trailer is really hard, especially in tight spaces. I often find myself backing around trees and into very tight places with a 14 to 20 foot work trailer (or boat). I am always surprised how easy it is to put this rig where it needs to be with the 150.
I grew up on a farm and have been moving trailers and such since I was 11. Now, in my blading years, I can move backwards with a trailer almost as well as I can go forward in a sports car. With a long wheelbase tow vehicle, you get used to the trailer being slow to resond on a cut. However, with the 150 ... the trailer swings almost as quick as the a short wheelbase tractor. Very nice.
My brother has a 250 D. Backing with that monster with a trailer is really hard, especially in tight spaces. I often find myself backing around trees and into very tight places with a 14 to 20 foot work trailer (or boat). I am always surprised how easy it is to put this rig where it needs to be with the 150.
I grew up on a farm and have been moving trailers and such since I was 11. Now, in my blading years, I can move backwards with a trailer almost as well as I can go forward in a sports car. With a long wheelbase tow vehicle, you get used to the trailer being slow to resond on a cut. However, with the 150 ... the trailer swings almost as quick as the a short wheelbase tractor. Very nice.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Ohio
I think I need some lessons from you. My trailer manuevering leaves something to be desired. 
At least if you're saying they're a good truck for it I'll have some hope now that boating season is coming around.
At least if you're saying they're a good truck for it I'll have some hope now that boating season is coming around.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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These trucks do tow great. I have a 18' car hauler with a 4' tounge and I can back it through my garage (My garage is wired, its a 4 car with doors on both ends) and put it on the pad on the backside real eazy.
Plus I can tow my loaded trailer at highway speeds and not feel it at all.
Plus I can tow my loaded trailer at highway speeds and not feel it at all.
New User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Morgan Hill , California
VIZSLA_BUDDY, Glad you started this thread. I'm a boater myself and have a 21' ski boat and tandem trailer. I just cleaned out the garage today and ran out of time to hook up the boat. The main reason we bought this truck (05 Scab 4x4 5.4) was for towing. I had a 95 Bronco before this and it was the worst tow vehicle I ever owned. I hope next Sunday I find time to drive my boat around the block. Boating season is almost here and I want to be ready. Hope my Scab tows as good as you said.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Good advice
One of my friends gave me the best advice ever for backing a trailer. "Follow the trailer" It may sound dumb, but it is the best way that I have found to avoid having to think about where the trailer is going to go. I just keep repeating it to myself and I have been able to back everything from the cart on my lawn tractor to a semi-trailer.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: On top of a big hill...
It just takes practice. I have a 16x7 enclosed dual axle trailer that gave me fits when I fist bought it because it's 8' tall. After a few years with it I can back it up almost as easy as I drive it forward.
I also have a 18x6.5ft landscaping trailer I haul my tractors with and it's easy to back up beause it's pretty long and the folded-up loading ramp is real easy to see in the mirror.
My other one is a little 6x8ft utility trailer that is probably the hardest because it's a single-axle and so short. When it starts to go crooked on you it jackknifes fast!!
I also have a 18x6.5ft landscaping trailer I haul my tractors with and it's easy to back up beause it's pretty long and the folded-up loading ramp is real easy to see in the mirror.
My other one is a little 6x8ft utility trailer that is probably the hardest because it's a single-axle and so short. When it starts to go crooked on you it jackknifes fast!!
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Originally Posted by MountainHound
My other one is a little 6x8ft utility trailer that is probably the hardest because it's a single-axle and so short. When it starts to go crooked on you it jackknifes fast!!
I got some tow pics...
Heres one of the ranger towing about 3000lbs in a trailer raited for about 2000lbs. Ya, this was stupid...
Heres one of the 150 towing the 90 ranger. That 90 looks nothing like that anymore and I took that pic about a month ago.
Well OK, since I brought up the 90...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,542
Likes: 22
From: Murphysboro, IL
My dad taught me to back a trailer when I was about 10 or 11. A tractor is an excellent way to learn to do anything in my opinion. I can back my 18' tandem flatbed as well as I can pullit forwards. I have even won bets with my backing ability.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Las Vegas
Originally Posted by SuperCrewDude
I think I need some lessons from you. My trailer manuevering leaves something to be desired.
At least if you're saying they're a good truck for it I'll have some hope now that boating season is coming around.
At least if you're saying they're a good truck for it I'll have some hope now that boating season is coming around.
Not sure if this is what you're looking for but it helped me become a decent trailer backer upper.
Keep your hand at 6
'clock on the steering wheel. When you want the trailer to go right, you turn the wheel to the right........and vice versa. Dial in just enough to get the trailer started in the direction you want and then bring the steering wheel back SLOWLY!!As mentioned above, the different wheelbases(both trailer and tow vehicle) take practice.
Happy boating...........I can't wait either!!!
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It is funny, I have never thought about how to turn the wheel when I back (I just do it) ... but you are right ... if you want to go right you simply turn the wheel right ... cool ... I will use that with the kids...
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,413
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Originally Posted by Vizsla_Buddy
I have come to the conclusion this is the single best vehicle for back a trailer. The only thing that comes close is my 1955 Ford 600 tractor. The key here is the amazing turning radius. Couple that with the power to move things and the large mirrors to see ... It couldn't do a much better job.
My brother has a 250 D. Backing with that monster with a trailer is really hard, especially in tight spaces. I often find myself backing around trees and into very tight places with a 14 to 20 foot work trailer (or boat). I am always surprised how easy it is to put this rig where it needs to be with the 150.
I grew up on a farm and have been moving trailers and such since I was 11. Now, in my blading years, I can move backwards with a trailer almost as well as I can go forward in a sports car. With a long wheelbase tow vehicle, you get used to the trailer being slow to resond on a cut. However, with the 150 ... the trailer swings almost as quick as the a short wheelbase tractor. Very nice.
My brother has a 250 D. Backing with that monster with a trailer is really hard, especially in tight spaces. I often find myself backing around trees and into very tight places with a 14 to 20 foot work trailer (or boat). I am always surprised how easy it is to put this rig where it needs to be with the 150.
I grew up on a farm and have been moving trailers and such since I was 11. Now, in my blading years, I can move backwards with a trailer almost as well as I can go forward in a sports car. With a long wheelbase tow vehicle, you get used to the trailer being slow to resond on a cut. However, with the 150 ... the trailer swings almost as quick as the a short wheelbase tractor. Very nice.
22' cattletrailer
25' flatbed used to haul hay and feed
18' hd lonewolf to haul tractor
16' trailer for supplies{fenceing and what nots}
8' for smaller what nots and parts
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 11
Originally Posted by DOHCmarauder
Not sure if this is what you're looking for but it helped me become a decent trailer backer upper.
Keep your hand at 6'clock on the steering wheel. When you want the trailer to go right, you turn the wheel to the right........and vice versa. Dial in just enough to get the trailer started in the direction you want and then bring the steering wheel back SLOWLY!!
As mentioned above, the different wheelbases(both trailer and tow vehicle) take practice.
Happy boating...........I can't wait either!!!
Keep your hand at 6
'clock on the steering wheel. When you want the trailer to go right, you turn the wheel to the right........and vice versa. Dial in just enough to get the trailer started in the direction you want and then bring the steering wheel back SLOWLY!!As mentioned above, the different wheelbases(both trailer and tow vehicle) take practice.
Happy boating...........I can't wait either!!!