How To Back A Trailer

Backing a trailer can be a frustrating experience. Here are some tips to help make the process easier.

[stevek]

The switching-hand-position tip at the beginning is absolutely brilliant. I have not seen this advice in any other other source so far. It turns the steering wheel into a "tiller"--if your hands "go right", the trailer goes that way. Beautifully simple, speaking to how the mind actually works when trying to figure out this mystery. Top shelf!

[wendellhoward]

Although I’ve backed trailers for several years, I love the video.
One comment I would add for new backers or complicated backs. If your trailer is to far off track simply stop and pull forward a few feet. This helps realign the trailer and truck to continue the backing.

[arnisdaddy]

One thing you forgot to mention that is an ESSENTIAL safety tip whenever backing ANYTHING: Always have your windows at least 1/3rd down. That way the driver can hear someone yelling STOP if they are about to hit something they can't see. Todays cars and p/u trucks are very quiet in the interior with the windows up and you will miss someone trying to warn that you are about to hit something/someone. ALWAYS BACK WITH YOUR WINDOWS DOWN!

[c.s.walker]

Been driving 18 wheelers for 15 years. Stop worrying about hand positioning or turn left to make trailer go right or opposite. Watch your mirrors. If you see too much trailer in the left mirror turn I steering wheel to that mirror and now look for it to show up in right mirror. If there is too much trailer in right mirror. Turn the steering wheel to the right mirror and look for it to show up in the left mirror. Turn the steering wheel to the mirror that has too much trailer in it and it will start tracking other way. Use 1/4 to 1/2 turns. Most people over correct and get into trouble. Nothing wrong with pulling up a little to gain control again.

[inandaroundthelakemn]

Great video. I learned some of my best curse words watching my dad back a trailer. Something I have learned over the years is; you can always go forward to straighten out and start over. I currently have a narrow spot next to my garage and when I was learning I often had to pull up and “straighten out” to make small adjustments easier. I often see people get “committed” to being in reverse and the get stuck. Remember if you get confused pull forward and start again. But please practice before you get to the boat ramp!

[fadingfwd]

started semi truck driving today and i honestly was about the throw in the towel after today's backing lesson. your holding of the steering wheel at the bottom will save me. tysm for this tip!!!

[lairdstewart]

I worked in a tire shop for 20 years and was amazed how many times pro semi drivers could not back their trailers into the shop! I used the steering wheel trick that I learned on the farm when I was 12 years old to back their trucks.

[Paul_Warren_Wolfe]

Thank you for an excellent video. I have to drive with a trailer at work this week and I've never driven with a trailer before, this video has taken away some of the fear and given me a small degree of confidence.

[christopherpettersen]

Extremely informative. As a long time angler, who has been back of the boat for many years, I finally got my own first boat and trailer, and this is very helpful.

[pattysherwood]

A lady I know helped me get hay with her trailer. She shocked everyone (except her husband) by perfectly and quickly backing up to the barn door, around a corner on uneven ground. I grew up on a farm and never saw anything like it. Her husband likes to see people’s reactions when she whips that trailer around like magic.

[brucebannerman]

Not sure why I watched this as I have been backing trailers for years. The only thing I might add is that it is no shame to stop, get out, and look at where you are and where you are going to be. I have passed on the bottom of steering wheel trick many times, often at a camper park.

[tylerjackson]

Thank you, I’m 16 and work around my dads ranch. This will most definitely help me in the future!!!

[grshazlip]

Thanks for the hands placement tip. I hope this solves my trailer backing problem.

[michaelfoley]

Very good video this will help you. I work at a busy boat ramp near downtown Chicago. I see lots of first timers. They a lot of times ask if I can do it for them. I always say NO. I tell them pull straight start backing slowly when you see to much boat on the left side turn towards it slowly it will correct it and when you over steered left you will see to much boat on you’re right turn towards the right and you will find the sweet spot. By the time the wheels are to hit the water 99.99 % of the time it looks like they been doing it for years. How I learned many years ago was by finding a flat loading dock and putting the trailer in the center of the door. When I was young I used the hand positioning at the bottom of the wheel method. This is the first time I heard of the reference point of the wheel well and light on the trailer. I absolutely love it and it will be part of my future instruction. Excellent video.

[slimbeaux]

One of the better videos on backing a trailer and I have watched a bunch of them. Moving from a pop up shorty to a longer hardside and I am sure hoping it will be easier. Practice, practice, practice.

[vikfanlife]

This is the second video I’ve watched where it’s been suggested to put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. Very good tip. I’m going to try this next time I take my boat out

[BillieJean]

Thanks for the 3 points of reference!! Excellent tutorial!!

[teddymac]

Superb video with great tips. I especially like using a reference point on your vehicle and a reference point on the trailer. I have a bad habit of only looking at my target point so this video will help me immensely.

[tikhang]

Easier say then done... I just bought a new used boat and was having trouble backing it down the boat ramp... It took about 10 minutes to get it right... It was so embarrassing with all these other boaters waited and watched me... Thank you for the tips...

[Healthyscience]

switching the hand to bottom of steering wheel was awesomeee technique, appreciate your work sir 🙏