Buzz
Backing up a car can be quite stressful, especially when towing a trailer. However, with practice, backing a trailer becomes relatively straightforward. Understanding the concept beforehand makes the process much easier.
Key Steps
Preparing to Reverse Your Trailer
Create a Plan of Action. Recognize that reversing a trailer involves the towing vehicle moving in a specific manner to direct the trailer correctly. Planning the route in advance, considering the trailer's direction, the towing vehicle's direction, obstacles nearby, and the movement relationship between all objects involved is essential.
Practice in an empty area like a parking lot. Use small orange cones to guide you. Start with a long trailer before trying a shorter one. Take it slow while learning. Short trailers are more agile but harder to reverse, while longer ones are more forgiving but require more effort to maneuver around corners.
Enlist a spotter. Having someone else behind the trailer can provide valuable assistance. Consider using short-range 2-way radios for better communication. Ensure the spotter checks for overhead obstacles like tree limbs and wires.
Adjust your mirrors properly. Clear visibility behind the vehicle is crucial when reversing with a trailer attached. Ensure the mirrors are adjusted to provide a clear view of the trailer's rear.
Position yourself to reverse towards the driver's side of your vehicle. This allows for better visibility of the rig and surroundings through the driver's side mirrors. If necessary, drive around to approach the spot from the left side.
Place one hand on the steering wheel and turn your body and head to look behind you and at the trailer. Position your right hand at the bottom of the steering wheel (6 O'Clock position) to easily control the trailer's direction. This hand position minimizes the risk of turning the wheels the wrong way while reversing.
Mastering Trailer Reversing
Turn the steering wheel right to make the trailer move left (as viewed from the front of the vehicle). Visualizing the steering wheel's bottom as directing the trailer helps in steering it backwards.
Back the trailer towards the driver's side (left in left-hand drive cars) for better visibility. The most common maneuver is a right-angle reverse.
Position yourself past the space and turn right towards the center of the road. Assuming a left-hand drive, sharply turn the vehicle left to angle it correctly. Aim for less than 180 degrees on the left side, simulating a left-hand bend.
Place your hands at the bottom of the steering wheel. Adjust the wheel as you reverse to guide the trailer accurately. Proceed slowly and check progress periodically. Avoid attempting to complete the maneuver in one try to prevent damaging the trailer. It's crucial to avoid jackknifing the truck and trailer by not oversteering. It's often necessary to stop, pull forward, and readjust during the reverse.
Back up and maneuver forward as needed until your trailer is properly positioned. Having an audience can be intimidating, but stay focused on the task at hand.
Useful Advice
- Steer the wheel slowly in any direction.
- Take breaks to check your position instead of risking damage to your trailer, truck, or others' property.
- If the trailer begins to jackknife, stop immediately, pull forward, and try again.
