Posted 2012-05-02 7:53 PM (#143620) Subject: Avoiding an unavoidable high center/drag situation
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
Having some welding work done on my LQ trailer, and my husband was nice enough to drop the trailer off for me. Stopped in the welding shop today, and I had not previously visited. The driveway/entrance is a steep decline from the main road, and while my husband said the trailer did not drag on the way in, it is so steep its going to high center on the way out. I have a skid plate under my dump valves, but the driveway is so steep I'm pretty sure I'm going to snag a holding tank on the way out. There is a possibility I can kind of angle out, but I'm not sure I can get enough angle to avoid high centering or dragging. Once in a high center situation, what is the best way to get out? I pick the trailer up Friday afternoon.
Posted 2012-05-02 8:28 PM (#143624 - in reply to #143622) Subject: RE: Avoiding an unavoidable high center/drag situation
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
I probably could back it out, but it is a steep narrow driveway, and I will be backing on to a busy 4 lane arterial with 45 MPH traffic. Would need a couple of people to stop traffic because the trailer would be entering the roadway completely blindly.
If at all possible it would be safest and probably the most legal to pull out into traffic going forward.
Posted 2012-05-02 10:50 PM (#143633 - in reply to #143624) Subject: RE: Avoiding an unavoidable high center/drag situation
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by headhunter on 2012-05-02 5:28 PM
I probably could back it out, but it is a steep narrow driveway, and I will be backing on to a busy 4 lane arterial with 45 MPH traffic. Would need a couple of people to stop traffic because the trailer would be entering the roadway completely blindly.
If at all possible it would be safest and probably the most legal to pull out into traffic going forward.
But backing out is definitely an option.
A few guys from the shop could be your flag men for a few minutes.
Or just take it slowly with an observer to stop you if it starts to drag. Then immediately back up and try something different. There is no magic to pulling a trailer, just a little caution.
Posted 2012-05-02 10:54 PM (#143636 - in reply to #143620) Subject: RE: Avoiding an unavoidable high center/drag situation
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
Addendum to my post ... bring a couple of 2x6 boards to place under your trailer tires. The number of boards required will be determined by the height and length of the obstruction. When you're on the roadway, pick up the boards and you're on your way.
Posted 2012-05-04 7:17 PM (#143691 - in reply to #143620) Subject: RE: Avoiding an unavoidable high center/drag situation
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Corsicana, TX
I have a relatively new (to me) extra long 8 ft wide 6 horse trailer and have already high centered it on my first trip out with it. I would also love any suggestions on the best ways to get out of situations you are already in. I was pulling out of a field used for trailer parking at an open showed and had a steep grade to go up. I tried pulling up at an angle and got really stuck. I am terrified I will do it again.
Posted 2012-05-05 12:36 AM (#143702 - in reply to #143691) Subject: RE: Avoiding an unavoidable high center/drag situation
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by timberlace on 2012-05-04 7:17 PM
I have a relatively new (to me) extra long 8 ft wide 6 horse trailer and have already high centered it on my first trip out with it. I would also love any suggestions on the best ways to get out of situations you are already in. I was pulling out of a field used for trailer parking at an open showed and had a steep grade to go up. I tried pulling up at an angle and got really stuck. I am terrified I will do it again.
Wait until you encounter unprotected railroad crossings out in the country with sharp approach and departure angles...
Avoiding an unavoidable high center/drag situation
