How To Back Up A Trailer - Step by Step Guide

Knowing how to back up a trailer is essential; you need to do it properly, and it is not necessarily easy business. Once you get the hang of it, you will find it easy peasy! Whether you have a travel trailer or a small trailer, you will need to know how to back it up.

We have a step-by-step guide for you, as well as some of the best tips and tricks to get you started and fully prepared to back that bad boy up!

Backing up a Trailer: Step-by-step

It is essential that you follow all of the steps carefully and do not skip anything or rush the process. Otherwise, you will get yourself in a bit of a pickle.

1. Have a good approach

You need to have a decent approach first. Preparation is vital, and you also want to make sure everything runs smoothly! You will first need to roll down your windows on the passenger and driver's sides. The windows must be open, no matter the weather.

You also want to make sure that you're alone in the car. You can't afford to have any distractions; you need to get your head in the game (backing up a trailer is serious business)!

2. Get someone to spot you

Once you have set up everything and are ready to rumble, you may want to get someone to spot you. An extra set of eyes is always handy, and someone else may see things that you don't.

The spotter needs to identify obstacles and help you avoid them. They can also help and guide you. You may also have a backup camera on your car that may help you.

3. Adjust all of your mirrors

Now, you are not going to need your rearview mirror. Also, don't try to look out of your back window. What are you expecting to see there? You'll just be looking straight at the front of the trailer. Keep your eye on your side mirrors.

Ensure that each side mirror is adjusted correctly, as they will show you the sides of the trailer and give you a good idea of what the back of the trailer is doing.

You need to be able to see behind you and see your own trailer, and you also need to adjust all of your mirrors so that you can see the rear end of the trailer.

4. Set up

A good setup is crucial. If you do not do it properly, then the rest of this process will be a mess; get it right, and you'll look like a trailer backing professional! We are talking about the S-turn!

You want to make sure that you're in a forward gear and get your car as close to the right as you can. When the bumper of your truck is nearing the far end of the place you are entering, make a swing to the left side, but only slightly.

Then quickly crank back to the right to make a smaller angle between your trailer and truck. Your truck should be positioned midway between the road's shoulders. Now your trailer is ready to go!

5. The S turn

You will likely need to make your turn angle a little bit sharper. You can do this by turning your wheels as if you were going to steer left when going forward. Put your truck in reverse and slowly let off the brake. You can do all of this very slowly and take your time.

6. Steering wheel

Put one hand on the steering wheel and turn your head and body back to look at your trailer. Put your right hand on the bottom of your steering wheel. This is known as the 6 o'clock position.

Then slowly move your hand in the direction you'd like the rear end of the trailer to go. By using this hand position, you can avoid turning the wheels in the opposite direction to where you actually want them to go.

7. Turn wheels to the right

Now, you will want to turn your wheel to the right-hand side so that the trailer goes left. You can also use your steering wheel as a guide; the bottom of it directs your trailer. If you want to turn your trailer around a corner, then steer your wheel in that direction.

Before carrying on, hop out of your car and make sure that you are properly positioned.

8. Back it up

Now you need to back the trailer up to the driver's side. Do not back up a trailer to the passenger side as it will be much harder to see it. You want to back it up at a right angle. As you approach your space, turn to the right into the middle of the road.

Then turn your vehicle at a sharp left to position yourself at an angle. If you have been going around a left-hand bend, you should be at less than 180 degrees on your left-hand side.

9. Pull forward and backward

You will likely end up pulling forward and backing up multiple times to get your trailer in its proper place. It is best to stay focused.

Backing Up Different Types of Trailers

The process can vary slightly depending on which type of trailer you have. Here are a few things to look out for:

Gooseneck trailer

A gooseneck trailer is also known as a fifth-wheel trailer. It gives you a better view of what's happening and gives you more latitude. This hitch allows you to turn a trailer much easier, gives you a lot more control when backing up a trailer, and has better angles.

A gooseneck trailer has a curved and long neck compared to other more simple trailers. It affixes to the bed of your truck or vehicle.

Bumper pull trailer

Bumper pull trailers can turn sharp and gradually. However, this does depend on the length of the tongue. The longer the tongue is, the more gradual it can turn. This trailer has a specific hitch that attaches to the towing vehicle via the ball hitch.

This type of trailer is much more lightweight and smaller compared to others. They also cost a lot less.

Some Top Tips for Backing Up a Trailer

The following are some basic tips to help you back up a trailer with a tow vehicle. You should be quite a pro by the end of this and ready to tackle any reverse situation!

Side mirrors are important

Your side mirrors will be your best friend, and they will help you successfully back up your trailer. When backing up, your mirrors act as your eyes. You should also note that the image you see in your rearview mirror is the exact opposite of where you actually want the rear of your trailer to go.

Always look over your shoulder

The trailer may be blocking your view, so roll all of your windows down and use the good view you have in your side mirrors. Keep facing forward and use your side mirrors to guide you and track the movements of the trailer.

Your wheels should be opposite to the trailer

When turning your tires, always make sure that they are in the opposite position to where you want the back of your trailer to go. If you want your trailer to go to the left, then turn your wheels right. If you want the trailer to go the right, turn the wheels left

Keep the wheel in the 6 o'clock position

When your hand is at the 6 o'clock position, you can visualize which way you'd like to steer your trailer, and it also makes the process much easier. If you move your hand to the left, the trailer will go left. If you move to the right, the trailer will head in the right direction.

Wide and slow turns

You will need to steer your vehicle to steer the trailer. And wide turns are essential when doing this, this may feel weird at first, but after some hands-on practice, you'll get the hang of it!

Do not exaggerate your turns or move too quickly; you do not want the trailer to jack knife. Slow and easy does it!

Types of Trailer Hitch Classes

When towing, you want to avoid over-stressing any of your components, as this can be highly problematic. So understanding the different hitch classes is vital.

Class 1

Class 1 hitches are known as Light duty hitches, and they can hold around 2000 pounds of trailer weight and about 200 pounds of tongue weight. You will usually see them in crossovers and cars. Their receivers are 1.25 inches.

Class 2

This type of hitch is known as regular duty, and it can handle around 3,500 pounds of trailer weight and around 350 of tongue weight. You will find them on mini-vans, crossovers, and cars. Their receiver is 1.25 inches.

Class 3

Class 3 hitches are heavy-duty hitches, and they can handle around 8,000 pounds of trailer weight and 800 pounds of tongue weight. You will find this hitch class on a mini-van, crossover, light trucks, and SUVs. Their receiver is 2-inches.

Class 4

Class 4 is a super-duty hitch. It can handle a gross trailer weight of 10,000 pounds and around 1,000 pounds of tongue weight. You can find this hitch on SUVs and trucks. Their receiver is 2 inches.

Class 5

Class 5 is known as an extra duty hitch. It can handle around 16,000 to 17,000 pounds of trailer weight and 2,550 of tongue weight. You can find this class on SUVs and trucks. The receive is 2 inches.

Class 6

You also get the commercial duty hitch. This hitch can handle 18,000 to 20,000 pounds of trailer weight and about 2,700 of tongue weight. You can find this hitch on chassis and dually cab trucks. The receiver is 2,5 inches.

FAQs

Can you backup a trailer with sway bars?

Friction sway bars have been designed for going forwards, not for backing up, especially when turning or going at an angle. You will most probably damage the sway bars in the process since the force on them changes when going in reverse.

How do you stop a trailer from fishtailing?

The best way to avoid fishtailing is to ensure proper weight distribution and make sure that the trailer is balanced. Do not overload your trailer and use a vehicle that has a longer wheelbase. Do not make any sudden movements and slow down when driving.

What should I do if my trailer jack-knifes?

If your trailer is jack-knifed, stop your car, pull forward to straighten your car and trailer out again, and then give it another go. It is best to be patient and take it very slow to avoid this from happening in the first place.

What is the safest and easiest way to back up with a trailer?

It is best to look through your mirrors, the back window of your car, and over your shoulders. Keep your focus on the rear end of your trailer and position it in the right place. You will likely need to pull forward and back to get your trailer at the right angle.

Should my trailer be level when towing?

Yes, it should be. If your trailer is at a level when you tow, it will improve your braking performance, stability, and ground clearance. It will also make towing easier for you and avoids swaying and tire wear.

If you cannot make your trailer level, then try to put the nose of the trailer down a bit.

Final Thoughts

This technique and step-by-step guide should help you no matter the size of your trailer, the size of your vehicle, or the steering ratios. And with some guidance and tons of patience, you will be able to back up a trailer like you were born to do it!

Not only is it great knowledge to have. You never know when something may go wrong or when you can put your skills to good use, but you'll also look super cool and skilled while doing it!

Most drivers can go forwards, but going backward is the hard part. But with some basic practice, you will soon see how easy it actually is. Backing up a trailer can sound daunting at first, but it really is not as challenging as it may seem.

With enough parking space, patience, excellent technique, and some skill - you will get the job done in no time!

Sources:

https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-back-up-a-trailer-like-a-man/

https://www.wikihow.com/Back-a-Trailer?amp=1

https://www.manmadediy.com/how-to-backup-a-trailer/?chrome=1

https://www.curtmfg.com/trailer-parts/learn-mor

https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/34337/how-to-back-up-a-trailer

https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/34337/how-to-back-up-a-trailer

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