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#500333 - 04/07/08 04:39 PM
Re: Tow Vehicle Safety Seminar????
[Re: Ron Green]
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R W Burgess
Long Time Member
Registered: 06/13/02
Posts: 10080
Loc: Warsaw, Va.
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On another thread in this forum, I had a flash of brilliance (don't stay too close to me when this happens every decade or so!  ) of sharing towing experiences with AACA members and/or all auto enthusiasts in general. Please read the posts below and add your opinions. We've all seen accidents that could have been avoided. Maybe a seminar or a class on a showfield this year can help prevent us from having an accident.
The Ron Green post that started this thread;
Helping out with the parking of the truck and trailers for the Glidden tour, it was absolutely amazing what some consider safe. I am surprised that there are not more fatal accidents, and even more surprised at how many really don't know how to safely pull a trailer including simply backing one up.
Hey! Hey! I feel a Philly seminar coming on!!!!
This is a very important subject that should certainly be covered somewhere.
Subjects covered:
1.Trailer hitches available and the differences in each
2.Preloading of trailer hitch
3.Proper straps and ratchets
4.Proper placement of vehicle on trailer
5.Proper tie down of vehicle
6.Tires and good inflation practices
7.Equipment security
8.Purchasing of tow vehicles and the options necessary
9.Anything else Ron Green???
Ron has graciously accepted the moderator job for this subject next year.
Wayne
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#500504 - 04/08/08 12:01 AM
Re: Tow Vehicle Safety Seminar Anyone????
[Re: R W Burgess]
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charlier
Member
Registered: 03/26/05
Posts: 245
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Hey! Hey! I feel a Philly seminar coming on!!!! This is a very important subject that should certainly be covered somewhere. Subjects covered: 1.Trailer hitches available and the differences in each 2.Preloading of trailer hitch 3.Proper straps and ratchets 4.Proper placement of vehicle on trailer 5.Proper tie down of vehicle 6.Tires and good inflation practices 7.Equipment security 8.Purchasing of tow vehicles and the options necessary 9.Anything else Ron Green??? Ron has graciously accepted the moderator job for this subject next year. Wayne * *
Here are a few more...
10. Sway control, what is it and why you need it.
11. Purchasing a trailer (including custom features)
12. Trailer modifications
13. Brake Controllers (buying one and using it)
14. Trailer Maintenance
15. Towing Mirror Options and their proper use
If there was only more space at some of the larger meets a car trailer rodeo/hands on trailer session might be something to consider.
Maybe this activity could be done at the chapter and/or Region level instead of meets.
Maybe in addition to a seminar at Philly, this information could also be published in the AACA magazine as a multi-part series???
That way many, many, more AACA members could benefit from this other than those who are able to attend a seminar.
If publishing this information in the magazine is not possible then what about putting it on the AACA web site??
BTW, if anyone really wants some fun they should get their trailer inspected at my local inspection station. At this facility one has to back their trailer uphill, around the side of the building between the building and the owners racing rig. The last time I was inspected there I had to do all that and parallel park behind the racing rig. The look on the staff's face when they came in the next morning and saw where I parked was priceless.
Edited by charlier (04/08/08 12:05 AM)
_________________________
Charlie
AACA Member No: 800449
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#500573 - 04/08/08 09:45 AM
Re: Tow Vehicle Safety Seminar Anyone????
[Re: R W Burgess]
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Ron Green
Member
Registered: 05/24/00
Posts: 1826
Loc: Camp Hill, PA. USA
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Hey! Hey! I feel a Philly seminar coming on!!!! Ron has graciously accepted the moderator job for this subject next year. Wayne
It would probably be easier with less chance of upsetting some with "worlds worst cars ever made" seminar.
17. Why it is important to have your battery in a enclosed case to prevent a fire.
18. Make sure tires, etc inside trailer are secured when towing (unless you like dents).
19. Checking your lights and brakes before and during use.
20. How to tell when a tire is shedding or losing air while towing.
21. Learn to kick your tires and know if one is losing air. Optional piece of wood can be used.
22. Do not cover your vehicle while towing even in a enclosed trailer
23. If hauling various vehicles a electric winch may be useful.
24. If hauling various vehicles you may need several tie down locations in the floor.
25. Some vehicles tend to loosen when towing. Check straps periodically.
26. Setting the adjustment of the sway bar control.
_________________________
Ron Green
AACA Member #337715
AACA Gettysburg Region (board member)
President Amphicar Club (IAOC)
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#500605 - 04/08/08 11:12 AM
Re: Trailer Towing Safety Seminar????
[Re: R W Burgess]
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Ron Green
Member
Registered: 05/24/00
Posts: 1826
Loc: Camp Hill, PA. USA
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Quote: "I had a flash of brilliance (don't stay too close to me when this happens every decade or so! )"
Wayne you are making these so easy for jabbing you I can't do it?
I am tentatively scheduled to do the "worlds worst cars ever made" seminar in 09 (Philly) however that could change I'm sure. With only 45K tow miles under my belt there are many out there with much more experience to lead a seminar.
27. Be sure beverages are iced down so once rig and trailer are at destination and parked comradery, ribbing and celebration of getting there alive with all the nuts on the road can begin.
_________________________
Ron Green
AACA Member #337715
AACA Gettysburg Region (board member)
President Amphicar Club (IAOC)
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#500621 - 04/08/08 11:34 AM
Re: Trailer Towing Safety Seminar????
[Re: West Peterson]
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R W Burgess
Long Time Member
Registered: 06/13/02
Posts: 10080
Loc: Warsaw, Va.
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West, Great! You're elected. I'd love to work with you on this.
You realize that you need someone to point out your mistakes in front of everyone, you know?
Ron, send me an e-mail at waynesway32@yahoo in case I've lost yours.
Wayne
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#500663 - 04/08/08 01:19 PM
Re: Trailer Towing Safety Seminar????
[Re: West Peterson]
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Ron Green
Member
Registered: 05/24/00
Posts: 1826
Loc: Camp Hill, PA. USA
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Backing up 101:
Facing forward put your hand at the bottom and middle of the steering wheel. Whichever direction / side you want the rear end of the trailer to go too, turn the wheel to that side.
_________________________
Ron Green
AACA Member #337715
AACA Gettysburg Region (board member)
President Amphicar Club (IAOC)
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#500679 - 04/08/08 02:14 PM
Re: Tow Vehicle Safety Seminar Anyone????
[Re: R W Burgess]
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charlier
Member
Registered: 03/26/05
Posts: 245
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Ron, well we certainly have a good list to start with. I'm wondering where you are from Charlie? I know I'll be putting on publications in 2009, and not knowing what Ron is doing, maybe we need a new leader for a seminar like this?
Wayne
Wayne, I am located on near Reading, PA. (about 60 miles from Philly).
Unfortunately, Jan-March is not a good time for me to be away from the office which is why I have not attended the Philly event.
I also have far fewer miles towing than many others here or in the AACA.
One of those people are probably far better qualified than myself to do a seminar.
I would be more than happy to pass along some of what I have learned if needed.
Before I purchased my tow vehicle and trailer I was blessed to have a friend with many years of towing experience that passed on his knowledge to me.
He helped me design my trailer and gave me 3-4 hours of on the road training when I brought the trailer home from out of state.
He also made himself available for any questions I had after my trailer purchase.
I have told him a numerous occassions that he should start a company to teach people how to purchase trailers and Tow SAFELY. Maybe someday he will.
Another AACA member has a web site with a lot of trailering tips. Some of the tips one this site are from my friend. http://www.monmouth.com/user_pages/friartuck/lincoln/trailer/trailer.html
I tracked down a photo of my parallel parking job I mentioned in my previous post: http://www.gti16v.com/miscpics/ppark2.jpg
BTW, you cannot tell from this photo but there is a jetski testing tank maybe 5-6 feet behind my trailer.
Another item fopr the list...
28. How to use reflective tape to improve visibility of your trailer.
Be advised that the tape on my trailer in the above photo is not applied to commercial regulations. I went a little overboard.
_________________________
Charlie
AACA Member No: 800449
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I been backing up manure spreaders and other stuff since I was about 5 or 6 so it comes natural to me. One day my old pappy put me on one of the John Deere's we had and said, "Just keep tryin until you get it under the barn cleaner proper". It must have took me an hour to figgure it out the first time. I can back most anything anywhere now. Just fur fun, try a 4 wheel wagon with a worn front end sometime. I bet Thriller, bein a farm boy, can do it too. 
Dave! 
