Backing a small trailer...

Jon Olivier

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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.
I believe the trailer length is only for the BLIS, not the backup sensors. But yes, I have mine set for the length of the trailer.

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Jon Olivier

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Well that's very interesting. I guess I don't know what to say then. Because mine certainly doesn't sound when my trailer wiring is plugged in. And, just as a control example here, it does sound when the trailer is hooked up, but the wiring isn't connected, like when I'm just moving it around the driveway and/or in/out of the garage. So that proves that it is within the range of the sensors.

It even modifies the vehicle icon on the infotainment screen to show a trailer behind it when I put the truck into reverse. And there is a message which pops up on the instrument cluster screen saying the rear parking sensors are disabled once I put the truck in any gear after hooking up the trailer.

I'm not saying you're wrong, just detailing my experiences. Another weird quirk of these trucks apparently, even with the same model year and the same trim level.
Ah, you just pointed something out that I hadn't thought about. I stand corrected. For my boat, I disconnect the wiring when backing the boat into the water. That would explain the sensor triggering while in Reverse! I haven't had to back it up anywhere else. At home, I pull straight into the driveway and maneuver the boat trailer by hand to it's storage location.
 

Mustangman02232

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I can put my 53’ reefer trailer and 32’ long tractor damn near anywhere......

short single axle trailer with a pick up you might as well go get a beer and come back in 10-15 minutes when you hear the swearing when I get out of the truck to drop it
 

Walle

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In regards to backing small trailers, recently had an occasion to rent a 5x9 U haul utility trailer, I noticed that the trailer had a significantly longer drawbar length ( almost 2x longer than normal small trailers) and found that this trailer was fairly easy to back up as it was not super twitchy in reverse. Of course knowing that it was significantly shorter than the 24" box trailer I normally use, I was super gentle with the steering inputs. Don't be afraid to pull forward and straighten the mess out and start over. It's a practice skill
 

Mr.Mel

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For sure this comes down to what you are used to and practice. I raced Dirt Bikes for years and towed them around with a Ranger using a short Motorcycle trailer and you learn a small even slight twitch on the steering wheel makes a lot happen very fast with the short trailer. I could put that trailer anywhere using the side mirrors or looking over my shoulder. Now when I get into my Son's F150 with a Landscape trailer it seems you need to start turning the trailer a week before you need it to pivot and have to spin the steering wheel in circles to make anything happen, I look like a rookie with that rig! Just comes down to what you are used to and practice.
 

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Groo here
Try backing a Hay Wagon with a tractor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Really , part of the problem is the short drawbar, part is you cant see till it is too late.
You must slow down and take your time,[ like when you tow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]
Backed 42 ft fuel tankers for ten years,, then backed a little flat bed,,, had to learn all over!!!
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