5 Tips For Backing Up A Boat Trailer

If you're a new boat owner or haven't taken your boat out for a while, you may wonder how to backup your boat trailer in the safest and safest way possible.

It can be a little tricky, especially if you're backing it around a tight corner, but once you know how to do it and you've had a few practice runs, you should be backing it up like a pro in no time!

In this guide, we'll walk you through all the steps to successfully back up your boat trailer every time you need to do it.

Tip 1: Understand How Your Boat Trailer Responds

The first thing to get familiar with is how your boat trailer reacts when you turn the steering wheel while backing up. It is imperative to remember that your trailer will move in the opposite direction of your tow vehicle whenever your turn the steering wheel.

As a simple example, if you're reversing and turning your steering wheel clockwise, the rear end of your tow vehicle will also move clockwise. Still, your trailer will move in the opposite direction and go counterclockwise.

So, to avoid your trailer going in the wrong direction, you need to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the way you want your trailer to go.

An excellent way to get both your vehicle and your boat trailer to go in the direction you want them to is to place one hand, palm down on the steering wheel in the 6 o'clock position rather than placing your hands in the usual 9 and 3 positions.

So, if you want to back up your trailer like a pro, you have to adjust the direction of the trailer. You can move the hand that's at 6 o'clock slightly left or right to alter the trailer's trajectory. This no-fail tip should have you backing up your boat trailer like a pro within no time.

Tip 2: Prepare

Before you head out onto the open road, you need to make sure that your vehicle is fully prepared for any situations where your boat trailer requires backing up.

The most important preparation is to properly adjust your side mirrors to have a good view of the trailer and any hazards from your driver's seat.

An easy way to tell if your side mirrors are well adjusted is if you can see one side of the trailer in the inner half of each mirror. The outer half of each mirror should show you the rest of the view behind the trailer to see any hazards.

Many boat owners will install blind-spot mirror attachments to help them see obstructions and hazards more clearly. These are helpful tips for successful backing if your trailer blocks the corresponding mirrors, as you won't be able to see anything else. These few basic lessons are vital if you want to be backing up like a pro.

Tip 3: The Basics Of Backing Up Your Boat Trailer

The most common situation where you'll be backing up your boat trailer is when you're reversing it in a straight line onto a boat ramp at the dock.

Although this is the most basic way of reversing a trailer, it's not without its challenges, and you'll need to go slowly and steadily to perform a well-executed backing-up maneuver.

Position yourself and check the side mirrors

Firstly, you need to pull into a position with lots of room around the towing vehicle and the trailer. Next, ensure your wheels are straight and the trailer is in line with the vehicle. Then, look at both your left side mirror and your right side mirror so that the way is clear of any obstructions and hazards.

Begin backing up

Before you begin to reverse, put your hazard lights on to warn pedestrians or other drivers that you're about to start your maneuver. Then, place your vehicle into reverse and put your hands on the steering wheel with one hand in the 6 o'clock position.

Keep your vehicle's wheels straight and gently press the gas pedal so that you begin to move slowly backward in a straight line. Keep checking your mirrors for any obstructions and ensure that the trailer stays in line with your vehicle.

Adjust your trajectory

If you notice that the trailer has begun to drift to the left or the right of the launch ramp, move the hand that is in the 6 o'clock position in the opposite direction of the way you want the trailer to go. You should only need to turn the steering wheel slightly to do this.

Once the trailer moves in a straight line again, keep moving slowly until the boat rests on the launch ramp. You can adjust the trailer's direction at any time with small wheel movements.

Tip 4: How To Backup A Boat Trailer Through A Turn

You'll also have to back up your boat trailer around a tight corner to get onto a boat ramp or a driveway. Again, most of the basic principles are the same as reversing in a straight line, but it is a more difficult maneuver to perform.

For this example, we'll tell you how to back up your trailer in a 90-degree right turn. So, to perform this maneuver from the left, simply reverse the instructions.

Position yourself and check your mirrors

The beginning of this maneuver is exactly the same as when you're reversing in a straight line. But, first, pull up into a position with plenty of room on either side. Also, check your mirrors for any obstructions, such as curbs, that could get in the way as you turn your trailer.

Begin to reverse

Turn your hazard lights on, place your hands on the wheel with on hand at the 6 o'clock position, and put the vehicle into reverse. Check both mirrors for obstacles, and then focus on the right-hand mirror.

While pressing the gas pedal slowly, turn the steering wheel counterclockwise so the trailer moves to the right. You can watch the trailer move to the right in your right-hand mirror.

Reverse in an arc

The trailer will now begin to arc through the turn, and at this point, you should turn the wheel so that your vehicle's wheels return to the center. But, again, ensure you're still moving slowly and only gently pressing the gas.

By bringing the wheels back towards the center, your vehicle should start to follow the trailer's direction as the trailer continues to arc backward.

Progress through the arc

As you continue to reverse through the arc of the turn, make sure to occasionally check your left mirror for any obstacles that may catch the tires and the front and rear of the vehicle.

Reversing straight back

At the end of the turn, your vehicle and trailer should be lined up in a straight line. Then, reverse straight back until you've reached the boat ramp, driveway, or other destination.

If you complete the turn and you've gone past a 90-degree angle, all you need to do is pull forward, straighten up and then slowly back up again in a straight line. However, backing up your boat trailer isn't an easy maneuver, so it can often take a few re-adjustments to get it right.

Tip 5: Practice Makes Perfect!

Before getting into any real-life situations where you'll have to back up a boat trailer, it's best to have a few practice sessions first so that you get used to the process in a safe setting and will already know how to back up your boat trailer like a pro when you have to do it in the real world.

You'll have to back up your boat trailer in many different situations, such as backing around a tight corner, moving it around or between obstacles, or reversing in a simple straight line.

The best way to practice is to find an empty parking lot and place some cones on the ground to simulate different backing-up situations. This will allow you to try different types of maneuvers, such as reversing at tight angles, where there's no risk to you or anyone else.

FAQs

How far into the water should I backup my boat trailer?

Ideally, when reversing your trailer into the water, you want about two-thirds of it to be submerged and the other third to be out of the water. However, if you submerge too much of it into the water, you run the risk of the bow of the boat floating over the bunks and moving off to the side.

How do I retrieve my boat back onto the trailer?

To retrieve your boat from the water, you first need to backup the trailer so that two-thirds of it is submerged in the water and then apply the parking brake and put it in to park.

Then, move the boat onto the trailer enough so that you can attach the winch line to the bow eye. Next, crank the winch and pull the rest of the boat onto the trailer. Once it's on the trailer, raise the outdrive or engine and shut the engine off. You can then use your vehicle to pull the boat out of the water.

What should I do once my boat is back on the trailer?

If you've just retrieved your boat from the water and it's firmly back on your trailer, you need to make sure that you drive away from the boat ramp so that you're not blocking it. You should then remove any weeds from the boat, drain the live wells and remove the boat's drain plug. Maintaining and cleaning your boat is crucial as a boat's condition influences its functionality.

Final Thoughts

Backing up a boat trailer may present you with a few challenges, but after a few practices, you should be backing up your trailer like a pro. The key is always to keep it calm and steady and to ensure you frequently check your mirrors for any obstacles.

If you follow the helpful tips for backing up your trailer, you will be impressing other boat owners with your expert backing-up skills at the dock before you know it!

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