How to Back Up a Trailer Perfectly!

Backing up a trailer is an important skill, and with some “know-how” and a bit of practice, you can master this skill.

#trailer #trailerbacking #backatrailer

In this episode, DirtFarmerJay reveals a few insider tips on trailer backing, as well as showing you WHY the tow vehicle and the trailer being towed behave as they do when backing and turning. You’ll also see how “jack-knifing” occurs, how to avoid it, and how different sized trailers behave differently.

When backing, you can either use your mirrors or turn your head and look directly back at the trailer and where you are backing. Both work - but we find using our mirrors is most convenient. We also use a hand-placement “trick” for the steering wheel to make it easier.

When backing a trailer, you are in reality pushing the trailer from its front. That means if the trailer tongue goes to the right, the rear of the trailer will go left, and vice-versa. This is why turning the tow vehicle’s front tires to the right causes the trailer rear to go to the left - and why steering, when backing the trailer, seems “backward” or “reverse common sense.”

Once you understand how backing works, you’ll need to practice a bit to master the technique. We suggest an empty parking lot, with no spectators. This allows you to relax and not be put under any “pressure to perform.” This is the time to learn, develop needed “muscle memory” - and the time you invest will pay you dividends for years to come!

With a couple of practice sessions, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how quickly you become proficient and confident in backing your trailer. Now that you have skills, when the need arises, you can JUST DO IT YOURSELF!

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[brucebabin]

I think what was meant to be said, was that if you want the back end of the trailer to go in a particular direction. Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and the direction your hand goes is the direction the back of the trailer will go. 20 years driving tractor trailer and I didn’t get it wrong once. Thank you for the video. 🙂

[MC-phgr]

I go to CDL school with 10 teachers and noone knows your solution nor taught this as good as you. You are the man

[brettbarager]

The best advice in backing up a trailer was from my best friend of 50 years: "Get the hell out of my way and let me do it!" I have never had a problem since! Perfect every time. 😂😂

[bobbertc]

Loved this. Seeing steering wheel, vehicle AND trailer in one view was very helpful. Thumb-pointing is also a great tip. Thanks!

[christopherc]

THANK YOU! Of all the videos I've seen, you are the only one who ever addressed which way you're looking. Alternating between over-the-shoulder and the mirrors was messing me up! My confidence level has just skyrocketed.

[francisantony]

Whoever you are. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. This helped me a real lot !!

[louislandi]

DFJ, You always have practical
lessons. No rambling on and on.
The shorter the trailer, the harder it is to back up. I have a short utility trailer for my garden tractor. I get as close as I can to the garage overhang, unhitch (It’s empty at that point) and push it back in. Since it has to fit between other equipment, this is the quickest way for me.

[codeman]

You're absolutely right when you said you don't need an audience or someone telling you go left no go right I didn't get it really down packed until I did it by myself getting that muscle memory like you said

[DebSeymourMusic]

THANK YOU ~ THANK YOU ~ THANK YOU! I just spent the last two days learning to back up...and while I managed, if I had only know the technique, I would have acheived my goals more smoothly.

[Sal-of-All-Trades]

Best advice I was given: whichever way the back end of the trailer needs to go, make the nose of the truck go in that direction.

[amypletcher]

Thank you sir for this lesson of backing up. I had to back up a lawn trailer for the first time all by myself. 😢 I was quite concerned but very confident to learn. My husband was at work so i just took my time and keep calm. I did it and finally after maybe an hour I managed to get it down half our driveway and into my back garage. Short story, ( I drove in forward and made a loop, then started the backing up.) It is definitely muscle memory😊 and i have a lot of practice to still make it smooth but i was pretty impressed with myself!!

[kasperaquatics]

Loved the video, solid no nonsense advice as usual. Just maybe, I can learn to park a trailer before I leave this earth. Thanks for the great tip.

[dancindavey]

I bought a toy truck with a trailer carrying a bulldozer. Practiced with it on a table and was really proud of my back- up ability. When I backed up my boat in my pickup… I must have jackknifed five times. Like getting hit with a mass confusion syndrome. Figured out…want boat to go left, butt of pickup goes right, and Vice versa. And I’d still screw up a couple of times.

[forefathersdaughter]

Omg. Thank you so much. I love using my mirrors but I have been struggling driving a 12' trailer for the first time. I don't HAVE to reverse bc my driveway has a wrap around but I am absolutely determined to get this right. Your video has helped me so much!!! Thank you!!!

[jacebmace]

Will have to give the mirror approach a try the next time I’m backing a trailer. Thanks, Jay!

[imablank]

Just seen your truck at tractor supply. New subscriber. Glad to have someone in my area taking about gardening and other stuff.

[scottstewart]

One of the best tips I got when learning to back trailers was to make small turns, don't crank it, make small adjustments to your steering the trailer will eventually get to where you want it.

[FrantasticFacials]

Learning how to back up a trailer hitched to a 1 ton truck when I was in the Air Force was a challenge. Great demonstration and I like the looking in the mirrors much better. Would love to see you do a 2nd video in an actual vehicle. 😁

[toddsmith]

Outstanding! Thank you very much. I’ve been backing up a trailer for years and I learned alot in this video.

[Elijah-fcex]

Best backup video demonstration I've seen