Wheel base & backing up trailer

TresK3

I've heard that a longer wheel base on the TV is better for towing... presumably for towing forward.  My question is about maneuverability when backing up.  The place I'm storing my trailer will need some jockeying to get it into place (#Verna can attest to that. 

The two TV's that I'm considering have 127" vs 119" wheel base.  Would towing/backing be easier with a shorter or longer wheel base?  Or would it matter?

rfuss928

Shorter WB is better for maneuvering.  Longer WB is more stable on the highway.
If the storage area is smooth and flat a trailer dolly may be a solution.

Denny16

Yes, a shorter wheel base is better for getting into tight places, and baCking around tight curves.  I use my tractor to maneuver our TaB into its tight storage place.  

Cheers

Verna

A vehicle shorter than my 21’ F-150 would be so much easier in your driveway😂

(21’ with hitch)

TresK3

That's about what I thought.  Verna, you did great in our driveway, so I'm sure I won't have any problems... after a few years of practice.

It's a gravel driveway, so a trailer dolly probably won't work, or really be that necessary.  As for a tractor: I knew I'd have to get some accessories for the trailer, but a tractor?

Denny16

Yes, the “tractor” is my go to work horse around the property, I also have gravel roads into the place, that need to be maintained, a field that never stops growing grass, and an At dumping/ firewood trailer to haul around.  

TresK3

Sweet looking tractor.

I pulled the trigger on a '17 Dodge Dakota earlier today.  It's the GT model with the "Class IV Towing Package."  Only 25K miles and it seems to have been very well taken care of.  Guess I'll have to change my signature now (everything's outdated, but in a good way).

Denny16

Thanks, the tractor is an older Kubota orchard tractor, but still going strong.  We repainted it a few years back.  
Congratulations on the newish Dakota, it’s a grand little big truck.  I had a late 2002, sold in 2003 Dakota Sport with Club Cab, and,  max tow package, PissiTrac 4:10 rear end, basically a GT but with the V6 engine and 4-speed auto tranny.  Was a good TV, put 998000 mikes on it before trading for the Jeep Truck.
cheers

Verna

@TresK3, how long is your new Dakota? I can help with the helpful hints of backing up and I’ll bet you watched me. Always tell yourself slow down, and don’t let anything hurry you. 

Camak

TresK3 said:

Sweet looking tractor.

I pulled the trigger on a '17 Dodge Dakota earlier today.  It's the GT model with the "Class IV Towing Package."  Only 25K miles and it seems to have been very well taken care of.  Guess I'll have to change my signature now (everything's outdated, but in a good way).

Are you sure that you bought a 2017 Dakota? 2011 was the last year that the Dakota was built

Camak

Durango?

ChrisFix

Must mean 2017 Dodge Durango...which is built off the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform. It's a very capable unibody towing SUV.

Denny16

Camak said:

TresK3 said:

Sweet looking tractor.

I pulled the trigger on a '17 Dodge Dakota earlier today.  It's the GT model with the "Class IV Towing Package."  Only 25K miles and it seems to have been very well taken care of.  Guess I'll have to change my signature now (everything's outdated, but in a good way).

Are you sure that you bought a 2017 Dakota? 2011 was the last year that the Dakota was built

Right, the new Dakota is not out yet.  Must have had a senior moment...
cheers

TresK3

Yeah, I meant Durango, not Dakota.  I was too distracted by Denny16's nice tractor.  Senior moment #2 for today.
Either way, I'm warning the pedestrians ("Dodge!").

Verna

“If you can’t Dodge it, Ram it”! 

Says the Ford F-150 owner who has owned vehicles from the all 3 of the Big Three, plus Toyota.