How to back up a trailer like a pro - EASY TO LEARN TRICK!!!

[fuzzypicklez]

I grew up on a farm, so this is a great skill to acquire. I always enjoyed backing. One tip I haven't read in comments is, if the trailer begins going in the wrong direction, there's no harm pulling forward to reset and try again.

[rachelsway]

Thanks for this video! Today, my dad, who is NOT a teacher, but means well, tried to teach me to back his single axle. It turned into an hour long fight, because i couldn't just do what he said. I put myself in time out, and i came in and watched this video. He didn't tell me ANY of this, and was surprised i didn't know!

Once I'd cooled off, i went back out, and pulled it in like an old champ. It was so easy, i even made this account specifically to tell you thanks!

[BlackMuslimConservative]

As a professional truck driver, I do the same thing - start with hands on the bottom of the wheel. Great tip, professional approved!

[avlisk]

When I got my CDL (First class license) almost 50 years ago, I was taught the "Knock it back" technique. You keep your hand on the top of the wheel and when you see the trailer start to come into one mirror or the other, you "knock it back" by moving your hand toward that mirror. Maybe because I learned it that way, I find it much easier than putting my hand at the bottom of the wheel.

[bigsqueezy]

The "move your hands to the bottom of the steering wheel" tip is single-handedly the BEST advice I have received for backing up a trailer. I have a 32 feet TT and I no longer anguish over the thought of backing it up into a campsite. Thank you for the video. Cheers!

[herbiesnerd]

Exactly. 6 O’Clock. I learned that when I was 17 and I’m 62 now. I can back a trailer on a dime the first time. You’re either pushing the trailer or following the trailer. Knowing that concept and mastering the 6 O’Clock hand position you can back any size trailer. I don’t care how big it is.

[danielc.]

I have a better tip when backing up a trailer, as i am a truck driver for 16 years and i use to train new drivers, this is a better tip and you wont have to worry where u put ur hands on the wheel, now as u look in your mirror and backing up...you always " TURN TOWARDS TROUBLE ". ...so as u are looking back and forth in your mirrors, when you see the trailer coming into view in your right mirror and u dont want it there, then "turn towards trouble " turn the wheel to the right and your trailer will go out of trouble and back the other way, reaction times on a pick up truck and little trailer are very quick so watch both mirrors and "turn towards trouble" and go very slow

[mjlorton]

Thanks again Burb Billy, this has given me the confidence to pick-up my trailer and start my move to North Carolina. Cheers, Martin.

[linehaullife]

Well done. Yes he is right about the hand placement on the steering wheel. I am a professional truck driver and I’ve driven more miles in reverse than most have driven going forward. Always remember G.O.A.L. Stands for get out and look. It is always a good habit to get in to. Always look at the area you are reversing into make sure there are no obstructions in your way. And another thing I always done is draw attention to myself. When backing the semi off a street into a dock I always have my four way flashers on to force people to notice me and the big truck.

[oflo]

I am praying this works for me here shortly. I just had to get our truck out of the back yard after unloading the trailer. I always rely on my husband to do the hauling but he's working and we are moving so I have to do this myself. He works so hard so I am doing everything I can to help ease what he has to do when he's home on his day and a half off. When I moved it to the driveway I went back and forth probably 5 times because it kept going the wrong direction than I needed it to go ☹️ But I got it to the driveway and I was rather proud of myself. The real test will be at our old place because that's much less space to maneuver. He makes it look effortless. It was difficult as I imagined it would be. But I'm going to use your tip and I'll update this evening to let you know how I did. I'm so glad I found your video though I think it's going to help a lot. At least I hope so 😊

[mnfarmer]

Nice video here. The hand on bottom of the wheel tip is great advice. Thank you for not assuming everyone knows how to properly hook up a trailer, including all redundant safety devices. It could save someone lots of grief. One tip I would add, is ALWAYS double check the ball sizes matches the hitch size.

[Choppa]

Thanks mate, never had my old man around to teach me these things

[seanbowie]

I’ve been backing up trailers for 45 yrs and this is an excellent tip for newbies! Thx

[vikfanlife]

Great video! I bought my first boat and last weekend I struggled backing up the trailer. I’ve never driven a trailer before. Thanks for all the tips

[gord]

The trick I learned in CDL school was similar but easier to understand. Grip the steering wheel at the top with both thumbs pointing towards each other. Look at your drivers' side mirror. To make the trailer move out of the mirror push your right thumb towards the mirror, pushing the trailer away. To make the trailer come into the mirror pull you left thumb in, pulling the trailer into view. I used this trick to back up an eighteen wheeler then used it to back up a B-Train (two trailers) The trick to backing up two trailers is to steer the front of the rear trailer with the back of the front trailer. Using this method I was soon able to back both trailers from the street, through a gate and into a customers yard with only a foot of clearance on either side. Sure it took a few pull-outs and adjustments but I had only been backing a B-Train for a couple of months when I performed this feat for the first time. Happy backing.

[TOTALLYRELAXED]

One important thing I would add is to back from the side of the street, or road, closest to where you want the trailer to go...this will keep your steering axle on your vehicle from going through ditches, or worse, stationary objects. 38 years as a truck driver! Btw, the longer your trailer the easier it is to back up (meaning less distance to move it). I hope this helps!

[pariswelchromero]

I'm a 57 year old lady, 5 feet 2 inches short, but .. boy howdy, is Hubby going to be surprised when he gets home! We hooked up the trailer to the truck yesterday. This morning I drove to pick up the riding lawn mower, unloaded the riding lawn mower and put it away, then backed up the trailer, all by myself!

Didn't cuss, and didn't break a nail.

Thank you thank you THANK YOU! You made it such a breeze!

(Cue Helen Reddy)

[NICKGUTTED]

You’re the man. Bought my wife a cheap pop up and I’ve never had to tow or back something up before. Good looking out and thanks for the great instructional video. Take care.

[stephenhair]

Been backing trailers of all types since I was 13 years old. Taught my boys and many of their friends. Just a note, short tongue trailers are more difficult to back than trailers with longer tongue lengths. Short trailers can "get away from you" and reach a point of no return, where you can't correct the turn without jack knifing. You have to stop and pull forward and make a correction and try again. Good point on hand position though. It helps many people with learning this skill. Thanks for sharing.

[bigny]

Great video. I used a uhaul trailer for the first time a couple of months ago and I felt like a moron because I couldn't back the trailer up correctly. Now after seeing your video and reading the comments, i know exactly where i went wrong. Thanks for the video!