Slipping when towing a trailer

[Runnerdrm]

Why when backing up with a trailer attached, am I slipping and losing traction? I park my 14 ft flat bed on an uphill surface, but when trying to back it into place, the tires "break loose" and I can no longer push the trailer. (even when the trailer is empty). It is an 05 SR5 2wd. Will newer, better tires help? (I used to pull the exact same trailer with a Pathfinder with no problem.) Please help.

 

[TRDCal]

Will newer, better tires help? (I used to pull the exact same trailer with a Pathfinder with no problem.) Please help.

4wd would help. If your tires are worn maybe newer (wider) tires might help you put the power down but if its a slippery or steep hill you might be out of luck, try taking a run at it maybe?

Maybe your trailer doesn't have enough tongue weight

 

[KidVermicious]

I'm guessing tires too. If new tires don't help I'd consider installing a limited slip.

 

[PhillyO]

You can try dropping a couple of psi on the rear tires or get a hitch tongue with a little more drop so u put more weight towards the front on the trailer.

 

[TechWrench]

You can try dropping a couple of psi on the rear tires or get a hitch tongue with a little more drop so u put more weight towards the front on the trailer.

I would agree that lowering the tire pressure would give you more of a contact patch which might help. But I fail to see how lowering the height of the ball mount would change the amount of tongue weight the trailer exerts on the hitch. I, IMHO, do not think the tongue weight will change if the ball is 6, 12, or 18" above the ground. However, if you add weight to the front of the trailer, that might help.

 

[Burt]

Does it have one of those goofy tongue brakes? I rented a U-haul trailer with one and backing up into a driveway would cause it to engage brakes. I just had to persuade it more...

 

[ebg18t]

Check to see if the trailer has surge brakes. When backing up a trailer with them they need to be disengaged.

Add weight over the rear axle and lower the tire pressure.