Backing a small trailer...

[Ranger8729]

And then it jackknifes!

But for real, anyone have trouble with smaller trailers? I have a 5x8 utility and my jet ski as smaller trailers. I also have a 6x16 landscape style trailer for larger loads. The larger trailer is just butter backing it anywhere. The two smaller trailers can be a nightmare. I back the trailer slowly, and it turns like it should. Buuuuut it reaches a "point of no return" VERY quickly. Basically no steering input will make the trailer turn if you go too far one direction.

I'm aware of the change in pivot points with the wheelbases, but this truck just feels like i'm running a knife edge backing in the smaller trailers. Of course I just slow down and pay attention, but it annoys me lol

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[Strokerduster]

You ought to try backing a trailer with a jeep. Like trying to push a string.

 

[Dinglehead]

smaller trailers are actually way harder than bigger trailers for this reason.

get good with a small one and a big one will feel easy as hell.

 

[Obijack]

Just takes practice. I’ve been doing it for years so it’s second nature now.

 

[t4thfavor]

Shorter the trailer, the faster it moves left to right. So your inputs have to be smaller to match.

 

[DT444T]

With small trailers, especially NARROW trailers, you have to back the up so you can't see them. As soon as you can see it, it's angled pretty hard.

 

[Texasota]

Shorter the trailer, the faster it moves left to right. So your inputs have to be smaller to match.

Yes, it was an adjustment for me too. Ranger’s wheelbase is shorter so it requires smaller steering adjustments when backing. After getting use to it I like the responsiveness better!

 

[Ranger8729]

I drove a 2006 TJ 6spd for years. I can rock that hard core. Just feels the Ranger, no matter how slowly I am going, the short trailers just stopsresponding sooner than anything I've driven.

And that high tailgate blocks my entire trailer for the jet ski. Rear camera is awesome however in that instance.

 

[Texasota]

I drove a 2006 TJ 6spd for years. I can rock that hard core. Just feels the Ranger, no matter how slowly I am going, the short trailers just stopsresponding sooner than anything I've driven.

And that high tailgate blocks my entire trailer for the jet ski. Rear camera is awesome however in that instance.

I usually drop the tailgate and look over my shoulder out the rear window while backing the boat down the launch ramp or into the garage. It allows me to see both trailer tires, fenders, the boat and and any people near the trailer.

 

[SemperVee]

Tried backing up with tailgate down but the noise was very distracting!! Can this alarm be disabled ?

 

[t4thfavor]

Tried backing up with tailgate down but the noise was very distracting!! Can this alarm be disabled ?

Push the parking assist button on the little stack of buttons where the Auto start/stop button and ESC button is located.

 

[SemperVee]

Push the parking assist button on the little stack of buttons where the Auto start/stop button and ESC button is located.

Great Thanks!

 

[t4thfavor]

The rear sensors should also disable themselves when you plug the trailer wiring harness into the truck.

They might, but I seem to recall hearing them when I have my small trailer (4-pin) attached. I don't recall it with the big (7-pin) connector attached.

 

[Jon Olivier]

They might, but I seem to recall hearing them when I have my small trailer (4-pin) attached. I don't recall it with the big (7-pin) connector attached.

Same here. My small fishing boat (using the 4-pin) does not disable the sensor.

 

[Ranger8729]

The parking senair

Do you guys have the correct trailer length set for those trailers? I think I remember not having a length set, or having a length less than or equal to the 3ft setting, keeps the sensors active.

Yeah, double check you have the correct length entered. Both my shorter utility and jet ski use a 4-pin connection and disable the parking sensors as soon as the trailer is recognized. The larger has a 7-pin and also cancels it immediately.

I can hand push my utility around all day, but the jet ski weighs 650lbs dry on a 300lb galvanized trailer - I'm not that big but the slope on the lawn is lol ?

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