For the second time, I jack knifed my trailer into the side of my truck.

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

JimP

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2016
Posts
100
Reaction score
10
Ram Year
2016
Engine
3.6
Obviously, I'm not very good at backing up my utility trailer/truck.

This is the second time I jack knifed my utility trailer into the rear quarter panel of the truck. Not very bad but will need a trip to the body shop.

Does anybody make some kind of proximity sensor that lets you know when you're getting too close? Maybe even a voice coming over the radio that says "hey stupid...stop!!!" lol
 

Ratket

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2014
Posts
3,571
Reaction score
1,300
Location
Arizona-
Ram Year
2018 1500
Engine
Hemi 5.7
More and more practice- that is your best solution. or a truck with that fancy " backing up " stuff like the ford has for parking trailers. However I would advise learning how to do it and not relying on a "smart truck".
 
OP
OP
J

JimP

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2016
Posts
100
Reaction score
10
Ram Year
2016
Engine
3.6

spoon059

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2015
Posts
496
Reaction score
343
Location
Just north of Washington DC
Ram Year
2015
Engine
6.7 CTD
Does anybody make some kind of proximity sensor that lets you know when you're getting too close? Maybe even a voice coming over the radio that says "hey stupid...stop!!!" lol
Yea, a wife...

Are you checking your mirrors when you back? I can't imagine not being able to see the trailer if it is jack knifed far enough to hit your quarter panel...
 

JB1

Senior Member
TOTM Winner
Joined
Nov 3, 2011
Posts
8,366
Reaction score
7,527
Location
Houston, Texas
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Small trailers are a pain to back up, especially if it's on loose gravel
 

Demon-HeMi

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Posts
4,346
Reaction score
3,297
Location
Houston
Ram Year
2003, 2003, 2008, & 2013
Engine
(2) 5.7 HEMI, 3.7, & 3.6
Obviously, I'm not very good at backing up my utility trailer/truck.

This is the second time I jack knifed my utility trailer into the rear quarter panel of the truck. Not very bad but will need a trip to the body shop.

Does anybody make some kind of proximity sensor that lets you know when you're getting too close? Maybe even a voice coming over the radio that says "hey stupid...stop!!!" lol

Im starting to think its time for you to just hang up your receiver hitch brother, your truck will apparently thank you :crazy:
 

Kenneth1977

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2015
Posts
131
Reaction score
29
Ram Year
2016 Limited 4x4
Engine
5.7
Just let your tail gate down so you can see it better :hahano:
 

SYKRAMMAN

Banned
Joined
Jul 10, 2017
Posts
2,401
Reaction score
1,640
Location
Jersey shore
Ram Year
06 Mega
Engine
5.7
Practice, practice, practice, that's all free, no need to waste hard earned money.:driver:
 
OP
OP
J

JimP

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2016
Posts
100
Reaction score
10
Ram Year
2016
Engine
3.6
This thread needs pics :buffer:


I think you're right about the pics.

The trailer does sit pretty low and the truck sits high. Still can't believe I did it a second time in less than 18 month. Sheeze.

Drove my previous SUV for over twenty years and didn't do it once. It also sat much lower than my 1500.
 

smiley

Senior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2011
Posts
6,622
Reaction score
2,955
Location
Minot, ND
Ram Year
2014 Ram 2500 Crew
Engine
6.7L Cummins
I am probably weird I prefer to not use my mirrors. If I look back I am naturally very good at backing trailers. If I use the mirrors I have to really focus and use the bottom of the wheel to do it. I don't know why but always been better at seeing it vs using the mirrors. Since I am only a class D driver it works fine for me. Pros out there with Class A probably would laugh at me. Clean record though and I travel a couple thousand miles a month.
 

Stefan N

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 27, 2015
Posts
934
Reaction score
1,618
Location
Sweden
Ram Year
2015 Sport
Engine
5,7
Backup camera is perfect to use, you see when your trailer are an inch from the bumper.

and if you have a 2016 model it can't be that hard to install one
 

mtofell

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2014
Posts
2,631
Reaction score
2,269
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Hemi 6.4
If the trailer is small put some extension rod/markers on it so you can see it. The biggest problem I have with small trailers is not being above to see them.
 

GsRAM

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2016
Posts
2,929
Reaction score
2,743
Ram Year
2017 Dodge Ram 2500
Engine
Hemi, 6.4L
its tough with small trailers. my utility trailer has a large ramp on the back i can see. use your mirrors and put on some large blind spot mirrors. They really help. take your time and don't be in a rush. you'll get it.

going to a different TV does take some adjustments, but you'll get it, hopefully without any more whammos.
 

Cmsharp

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2016
Posts
388
Reaction score
156
Location
Rogers, AR
Ram Year
2016
Engine
5.7 Hemi
I put pvc pipe on each corner of the trailer, a very slight turn with move a short trailer exponentially. The pipes made it much easier to visualize.
 

JPT

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2014
Posts
1,508
Reaction score
587
Location
NY
Ram Year
2015 Big Horn
Engine
5.7 Hemi
I put pvc pipe on each corner of the trailer, a very slight turn with move a short trailer exponentially. The pipes made it much easier to visualize.

Do you have any pictures of this?

Thanks
 

Demon-HeMi

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Posts
4,346
Reaction score
3,297
Location
Houston
Ram Year
2003, 2003, 2008, & 2013
Engine
(2) 5.7 HEMI, 3.7, & 3.6
Tow mirrors folded out, you can see everything you need to with a trailer, here is what i see out of mine, with these you wpuld know long before you crush a quarter panel

3409e8d86f7505f4081d64afb8f84f6b.jpg
 
Top