Reversing a big trailer.

[Mal Hannes]

So we all know the well documented Amarok lack of low range in reverse saga.

Today I experienced that with the Hilux.

I had to reverse a boat into a locker with a small uphill before the locker.

The problem is bakkie is on grass and both wheels of trailer on rocky gravel.

So no problem this is Hilux I have low range in reverse.

Ja well not so easy to steer in low range with no Centre diff. Secondly grip on grass with wet wheels is just non existent.

This is a skill I don't have yet.

[KurtG]

That’s interesting Hannes.

On a Pajero you can lock the Centre diff lock.

[Apocalypse]

Its why Land Rovers were for years the only real option for big heavy stuff like boats and horse boxes - they all had an open centre diff.

Older 4x4s with manual hub locks were also useful - you could effectively have low range rear wheel drive

Its a big downfall in even the almighty Rubicon!

[ThysleRoux]

That’s interesting Hannes.

On a Pajero you can lock the Centre diff lock.

Hannes' problem is actually that the 'Lux does not have a center diff - the transfer case is like a locked center diff when in 4WD

[KurtG]

Oh, his post reads differently to me. He says it has “no Centre diff” so I assumed it lost traction somehow.

[ThysleRoux]

I suspect he actually referred to the fact that the locked-up transfer case made steering control difficult.

[Mal Hannes]

I suspect he actually referred to the fact that the locked-up transfer case made steering control difficult.

Exactly!

Sorry I did not explain myself well the lack of a centre diff means it is locked at all times and now reversing where you have to steer into a narrow locker so you need to maneuver was difficult.

Tomorrow I will try and use the auto Wild track (also with no centre diff ) and see if it is easier.

[Johannes]

And? Tomorrow never happened ?

[Mal Hannes]

Yes Tomorrow happened.

I was just embaread to say the Ford had no issues.

It dealt with it no problem.

Maybe practice is making us better.

[Johannes]

[Flipside]

The Hilux did not possibly “push too hard” and locked up the run in brakes?

[BushWacker]

So we all know the well documented Amarok lack of low range in reverse saga.

Today I experienced that with the Hilux.

I had to reverse a boat into a locker with a small uphill before the locker.

The problem is bakkie is on grass and both wheels of trailer on rocky gravel.

So no problem this is Hilux I have low range in reverse.

Ja well not so easy to steer in low range with no Centre diff. Secondly grip on grass with wet wheels is just non existent.

This is a skill I don't have yet.

I have a comparable challenge ...
reversing a short-length Met-Mini
with my LWB 130 ...
off the road, up my steep driveway
and backwards into my forecourt,
effectively a 270deg dog-leg of a path ...
I go into LowRange in order to reverse at slowest
speed without riding the clutch
and without jack-knifing ...
(traction & power rqmnt not being the issue at all)

[KurtG]

On the subject of reversing a trailer. I find that reversing our Metalian is much more difficult with the SWB Pajero (wheelbase about 250mm shorter than a LWB) than my previous LWB Pajero.

I find that it takes longer for the trailer to start reacting with the SWB, so by the time the trailer starts to swing, the car is at quite an angle and then it goes pear shaped and overcorrections start happening and then I’m in shit.

I need a few forward maneuvers to get things lined up optimally which was not the case before...

[BushWacker]

According to caravan guys
Metallians have a ‘long A-frame’
... presumably axle to hitch ...

... and this could make reversing tricky ...

[Mal Hannes]

The Hilux did not possibly “push too hard” and locked up the run in brakes?

Yes that is exactly my problem on some trailers you can lock the brake in the off position for reversing.

But on this old boat trailer there is nothing like that.

So when the brakes are locked on cement and the bakkie is on wet grass how do I stop the brakes from locking.