I know how to reverse my trailer and put it where i want while backing up. I need to know if there is a way to calculate how much distance is needed to complete that maneuver. I tried searching using " distance to reverse a trailer", and I got many pages telling me how to back up a trailer. I don't need to know that; I can do that--I've successfully backed into dozens of tight camping spots all over the eastern US and Canada. I need to know if there is a way to calculate the distance required. I may make some modifications at my house, and I want to know beforehand if I can pull the trailer down my driveway and have room to reverse it so its heading back out. ( Backing the trailer down my drive is my current method, but that requires the cooperation of several neighbors to allow enough room in the street--this is the narrowest street in the county which allows parking on both side--about 22 feet curb to curb). I can put a parking pad in the back yard to store it, but it makes no sense if there isn't enough room.
Seems like there should be a way to calculate it based on wheelbase& turning radius of the tow vehicle, and distance from the hitch to the rear axle of the tow vehicle. Right now i have a 5th wheel, but that could change.

Anybody seen any sites that have this information?

Thanks

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

Experiment in a parking lot and mark things off with traffic cones, then measure the result.

I have looked for similar information and lost interest before I found it. Kinda frustrating because I think it should be easy to find. I have kept a CDL for many years even though I don't use it. I just think I should know this.

The distance it takes to turn a little and straighten up the trailer is very significant but I would have to find that distance through experimenting.

Did you look on Youtube? I didn't.

5th wheel and tongue tow trailers. I think you will find that the 5th wheel turns differently from the flat tow mainly because the pivot point is in front of the rear axle of your tow vehicle instead of behind it.

The 5th wheel will turn in a smaller radius whereas the flat tow is limited by the tow bar impinging on the chassis of the tow vehicle. I have actually done the dumb**** thing of breaking the rear window of my pickup with a corner of my 5th wheel. Probably wouldn't have happened if I had an 8 ft bed instead of a short bed.

To directly answer your question: I don't know. Probably takes a mathemetician to calculate. Of course, if your confines are as tight as you say, no calculation will survive the first actual attempt.

A lot of variables to have a fixed answer. Keep an eye open for a formula. Easier to perhaps use chalk or pylons and a parking lot to establish it for your particular truck and unit as mentioned.

Trailers are impossible to reverse, if you have seen it done it was an elaborate illusion

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I like this idea. You could calculate a theoretical path through analytical methods, but there would be a lot of variables, some of which might be difficult to measure accurately, and a lot of calculating. I think it would be a lot quicker and easier to just mark out a mock up of your proposed alterations and then see if you can maneuver in and out of it.

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Shorter wheelbases and distances between the TV's rear axle and the hitch, and the hitch to the trailer's rear axle is always best for what you're describing. Also, how sharp a turn may be angled while backing w/o breaching the trailer is part of it.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

I can't just take the trailer out....I have to coordinate with neighbors, so any measuring will have to wait until I have the trailer out over July 4th weekend.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

Explain???

I've owned numerous RVs over 30 years and I can't think of even one scenario that would necessitate me waiting "6-weeks to get to OR be able to move my unit."

What's up with that???

I move my unit at will - anytime, day or night 365 / year.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

Perhaps I wasn't clear. The street is about 21 to 22 feet curb to curb. My tow vehe is a F250 extended cab 4x4, it does not turn quickly. When I pull out of the driveway, I need to go all the way to the opposite curb, even without the trailer. Since my neighbors park on the street, they must move so I can have the full width of the street. The street is so narrow that the vunteer fire dept uses it for new drivers. If they can't negotiate the street , they can 't drive the fire truck. They have scratched a few over the years.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

Not an issue here, but I knew a co-worker's repo-man told him he could not have it or use it until a certain date. Again there is no magic answer but don't pigeon yourself into a corner without using all of the space that you have.

It doesn't take much room if you're really good. Check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGlcxDObA8w

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Behind every great man is a great woman. Behind every great woman is a great behind.

how long is the trailer?

i bet you such data isnt listed anywhere because of the endless variables between trailers and tow vehicles lengths and turning circles and so on.

it would be hard to come up with a useful formula, because as you mentioned, you know how to move your trailer, and unless its a super specific case like yours, i doubt that data is worked out by most anyone before an experienced trailer handler just judges by eye and tries it out.

on july 4th when you pull the trailer out, you need neighbor cooperation to pull it out straight?

can you pull it in straight from the street without the same cooperation? sounds like whatever you do, you still need the neighbors to move

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The lay out of some of the paper mills dates back to the horse and buggy days. I promise you that the turning and backing space requirements are well documented somewhere. I don't know where but I bet GD insurance companies know.