Share your "Learned the hard way" stories
#21
Senior Member
Tight turns, lol. A friend learned that backing a trailer around the back of his house results in a dented rear quarter panel. This is a lesson he learned a second time, after the panel had been repaired. Or, I guess he didn't learn? Got rid of the trailer before he bought his new truck.
#22
FN Know it all
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 11
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My almost learned the hard way moment. Unhook the safety chains last. I pulled into my driveway in a hurry to drop the trailer and get going. I removed the spring bars, released the ball lock and jacked up the tongue. That’s when the trailer rolled until it pulled the safety chins tight. I realized that in my haste I did not chock the wheels. I bet it would have been fun watching the trailer roll a crossed the yard.
#23
Senior Member
A number of high end racks come with, or you can purchase license plate kits. It has been noted that making a copy of your license plate (laminate it) might still result in a pull over but will keep tickets at bay. They know it's a pain to move the plate back and forth.
If you drive to ride a lot, a set of stand alone trailer lights and 3M conspicuity tape will put you into compliance with the law, and can be a bike saver. I recommend permanently installing Optronic trailer LED lights, they are bright, and have some very cool lighting options. I like GloLight for the rear, Miro-flex Thinline for the sides. Don't forget the backup lights!
#24
Senior Member
My almost learned the hard way moment. Unhook the safety chains last. I pulled into my driveway in a hurry to drop the trailer and get going. I removed the spring bars, released the ball lock and jacked up the tongue. That’s when the trailer rolled until it pulled the safety chins tight. I realized that in my haste I did not chock the wheels. I bet it would have been fun watching the trailer roll a crossed the yard.
Not that I've done that, too.
Oh, and speaking of which: unless you're on a significant hill, chock both directions if at all possible.