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

My Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/...

[@oflo1750]

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 😊

[@prototypeeight9503]

i'm 54 years old, I haven't backed up a trailer in 25 years. I thought I knew exactly how to do it, but I had to re-learn it. I live on a busy street and the people around here don't have any common courtesy and just drive up on you like you need to get out of their way when you're trying to back up a trailer. I had to abort and drive around 5 or 7 different times before i could finally back my new utility trailer into my driveway. After I got done I looked for videos - yours helps a lot. I kept my hand up top and struggled.

[@genesnyder2985]

I drive truck and it’s amazing how many drivers do that

[@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.

[@ProducerGio]

Dude I pull forward sooo much

[@leskavage]

That’s my go-to move.

[@tryingtogetthere1653]

@@leskavage 😂😂😂

[@tryingtogetthere1653]

@@ProducerGio 😂😂😂

[@oldbloke100]

I drove semi's for years and that is exactly what to to. If you try to chase it you will be all over the place. Just go forward to straighten up.

[@z3phyrdok]

I can imagine this will help a lot of people. I learned by just doing it. Repetition & learning from my mistakes. Good video man!

[@AverageOhioan1903]

How many times did you slam into your bumper lol

[@monoped8437]

i just keep driving around the block until i find a parking spot!

[@burbbilly]

Lol. Been there :-)

[@idahousarmymomma9120]

I’ve been doing that with mine too lol.

[@nghitran1433]

absolutely true. :-))

[@vw5036]

🤣🤣

[@GradexAxGuy]

Hahahaha me too!

[@cj2sew]

Thank you especially for hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. I've had a truck drive try to teach me this and they failed to mention this. Such a simple idea. Powerful

[@doctorlarry2273]

The most important thing to learn to back a trailer into a space at any angle is to approach it as normal, and make your last turn moving forward such that it turns the trailer in the direction you want it to go backwards. Example - if I am going down the right hand lane and want to back into a driveway on the right side, I stay toward the right as I approach the driveway, turn toward the left as I pass the driveway, and then make a quick right just before stopping to reverse. At that point, the trailer is already turned toward the direction of the driveway and backing in is much easier. If you stay straight as you approach, you will spend much more time getting the trailer properly oriented.

[@RobertPeru2749]

I just discovered this video. The hand at the bottom of the wheel advice is so cool. Thanks!

[@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) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKHXiGqwhLWLaKc

[@zemtek420]

Great tip on having your hands at the bottom of the stearing wheel when backing.

[@rachelsway7302]

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!

[@burbbilly]

Thanks for making the account :-) It's nice to hear when one of my videos helps someone out.

[@kewlnes987]

lol i could see my dad doing that too. he doesnt explain things very well, and when i ask questions, he doesnt really answer them. He just keeps talking about whatever indirect thing was on his mind . good job on getting it done, backing up a trailer is a lot harder than i thought it would be. good for you for taking a time out. if i dont, then the argument just escalates and you know how that goes.. haha

[@edorazen9534]

Rachel Anschuetz ok

[@mynameismarcusT]

Yeah I feel you haha

[@mikemotorbike4283]

@@kewlnes987 I've noticed often that parents can't be objective while teaching their kids driving. It's probably the one thing parents cannot do well. Its also fascinating to discover for the first time in your life, that your parents have a fault. They are giving up control when they teach driving, and since your lives are a stake when you are behind the wheel, its counterintuitive for them not to be able to protect you from the shame, expense and culpability of an accident by rescuing you from making mistakes. Plus, you are becoming an adult, and their status as an authority and identity as a caregiver is threatened. When you are gone, they will have to figure out where they were before you came into their lives, and start their lives over again from that point. It's tuff for you and for them too. Remember, and have compassion, your other parent has to live with the spouse's challenges. It should make you more sensitive to what partners might have to deal with, with you.

[@pkoduri]

I couldn't even backup a small trailer hitched to my riding lawn mower. This video is awesome, and I can't wait to try the tip.

[@richardsokolis7314]

Drove semi 22 years . can back a 53 footer around the corner to a dock with inches to spare. One of those 10 foot trailers on my truck. It goes everywhere but where it needs to go!

[@Cornerstore203]

😂

[@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.

[@burbbilly]

Awesome to hear! Glad I could help, happy travels and be safe down there

[@asd67lkj]

...Thanks to you Martin, for all your great advice on your KZbin channel....had not realised that you were not in South Africa....

[@papabear149]

Don’t move to NC unless you vote conservative!

[@OklahomaLoneWolf]

My god, save us all!

[@CW1971]

That's a great tip to put your hand on the bottom of the wheel! I always struggle especially with small trailers trying to think which way I want the the trailer to go then making my turn the opposite way. Going to try this tip next time I'm out with my big trailer

[@vicO1323]

I've always put my hand on the bottom of the steering wheel, makes it a lot simpler. Another thing with single axle trailers they tend to turn quicker than a tandem axle trailer, so going slow is the key. good video

[@burbbilly]

Thank you and right on about going slow with the smaller trailers

[@SemicrazyMagatrucker]

Nice good work,,, I'm a professional driver,(cdl).. So I think that it's smart to point out ...make it as easy as possible for yourself. Backing up starts with your set up,,, and always back,(less it's not a option)up toward your driver's side as shown on these clips. We call the other direction that,(blind side ).. not idea. So whenever possible do all maneuvers in drive and back straight back, or back to your left. If you always use the mirrors it will become second nature for you faster.. not using mirror one day..camera next turning your head next.. always mirriors and Remember GOLD...Get out and look if you can't see the full picture get out don't damage anything just go look......If you know you are way off target like backing a boat down a ramp....keep going as far as you can without hitting anything......so now you have more room in front of you to maneuvers get it straight in drive so now just back straight back.. that's my 2 cents.

[@PepperDeVillle]

Thanks! This is all awesome advice. I can imagine I would learn these things the hard way - trying to back up on the "blind side" when it could be avoided with careful setup. And the thing about backing up further even when you're off - that seems counter-intuitive but the way you explained it makes sense. If you go a little further back, you will have extra room to correct. I am actually less concerned about maneuvering the trailer: I have backed up a trailer before and it was intuitive to me. I'm more concerned about changing lanes on the freeway with a big truck and trailer. I'm afraid I will not see a car and I will cause an accident.

[@SemicrazyMagatrucker]

@@PepperDeVillle I wish all driver was as concerned about lane changing as you. I find I'm more comfortable lane changing in my CMV then my personal vehicle. I feel I can see everything better in big truck. My biggest fear folks that pull in front of me then slam brakes for yellow light. Any time I'm cut off I try to slow down,,, expecting they will fast stop....and die.

[@SteveB357]

By manually hooking it up, you left out half the cussing.

[@burbbilly]

haha yea that's for another video

[@coolkittymama1977]

Steve Brettell 😹😹😹

[@ashleyanderson3633]

Steve Brettell 🤦🏻‍♀️😂😂😂😂🙌

[@freshashin9300]

They didn't swear at all

[@josephmonrroy1877]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@johndayjr.6554]

Thank you very much .. this video helped me greatly. God bless the both of you.

[@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.

[@111000100101001]

Yes, same technique here except I call it ‘bring it in or put it away’ in my head when backing up looking in the mirror.

[@lewiefrazier1041]

Neat advice. Thanks!

[@thegreatestfallout1794]

I've been doing work as a landscaper for years and this is by far one of the more important techniques. Also, never feel ashamed if you have to switch between drive and reverse to align and get your trailer in that tight spot.

[@CIubDuck]

Wow that actually sounds so much easier and better (no discredit to the video uploader)

[@mmaries9052]

I like this way works for me 😊

[@tkoborny]

My dad taught me this exact way and it does make backing a trailer pretty easy.

[@ricardogarza533]

New to trailers and my single axle gave me hell reversing into the furniture store... needless to say embarrassed to the Max and I did get angry. But we learn from our mistakes 🤣

[@rubensalais1502]

Good video, I just watched for fun, I being driving with trailer since I was 16 I'm 44 now and you video is really good and easy to follow I show the video to my son since I don't have patience .

[@danielc.1169]

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

[@burbbilly]

? I'm missing something here because this didn't seem right and I've read it twice....

[@danielc.1169]

Ok, let me try again, what u do is turn away from trouble, and trouble would be where u see your trailer in the mirror you dont want it to be......so if u see your trailer( the rear end starts to pop in view and jack knifing ) in your right mirror and you want you trailer over to the left( driver mirror) then u must turn towrds trouble, you turn to your right, because u dont want your trailer in your right mirror per say. So as you are trying to "straight line" back, and want to keep it straight as u back up, as soon as u see ur trailer swinging to the right or left mirror, in order to keep straight , turns towards trouble, meaning turn the wheel to which ever mirror u see ur trailer jscking knifing into.

[@danielc.1169]

Remember u are to be looking back and forth in both mirrors and as sson as u see ur trailer jacking in whichever mirror, then turns towards it to straighten back out , we call it " turning towards trouble "

[@danielc.1169]

Btw, loved ur sandbox video, i just copied ur 6x4 box for my sons, very simple and great build u did. I made it in a few hours today, thanks

[@burbbilly]

Ok I got you now. Good tip! and makes sense, wheel is doing the same thing as my way but your doing it from a driving position. Also thanks for the kind words about the sandbox, did you use the new video where I break it out or the old one? I have to get this new one I'm building finished, hoping for good weather this weekend to get the top built and it painted and the finished video up.

[@user-vb7fs6yd7r]

Thanks gent's. I have a low profile trailer that i felt I had no problems backing up until I bought a dually crew cab..couldn't see crap past the fenders(close call with the wife's car/wife was in it), so I put a couple of old broom sticks in the back corners to give me some sort of reference point and wouldn't you know it, I can see where I'm going again..(happy wife/ less strife)..2 beers on me waiting for you in Oregon for Martin's enthusiasm and you being a good friend

[@burbbilly]

You're welcome Mark! I'm adding your beer offer to my current tally and so far if I collect on all the beer offers I should not have to buy beer for the next couple of years lol Thanks for posting, take care

[@mikemotorbike4283]

the most interesting parts for me, oversteer recovery, were deleted; so I can follow along and imagine which way to turn wheel, and compare it with what he does and the effect.

[@pgo301]

HEY!!! I never turn down free info and good tips. THANK YOU !!! :D

[@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.

[@josephaltaha9352]

Thank you for a great video. I can't wait to give this a shot.

[@Juan-dc6yf]

Just picked up my trailer driving it home easier than I thought and then I tried to park in my driveway and it was a complete shit show

[@frostygecko6230]

This video is awesome! Thank you so much it was very helpful 😊

[@bigsqueezy661]

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!

[@burbbilly]

You're welcome Milton appreciate the post

[@cambash8012]

Great overview of trailer safety.

[@cecildoss3157]

Tip #2. When backing into very tight place don't use your brother-in-law as a ground guide.

[@JesusPaidItAll]

🤣🤣🤣

[@glenncalzada1707]

How about an x-wife? 😏

[@cecildoss3157]

That's cold. LOL

[@adultingforidiots1973]

This is a good tip. A guy did this EXACT thing trying to back in a 53ft flatbed into my tiny ass driveway. Definitely left some tire marks in my neighbors yard. The only helpful thing his brother in law did was add dramatic effect 😂

[@sylvibahr9834]

Good advice, Burb billy. I wanna go and try this now.

[@linehaullife7807]

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.

[@harolddenton6031]

Back in mid 1970's my grandpa lester jones made me learn to back a single axle tobacco trailer fully loaded into the barn. On each side I may have had a 12 to 15" clearance gap on both sides of trailer when backing it into the barn. He never allowed me to give up until I learned to successfully back that trailer into the barn.

[@Nunya-gk9fr]

That’s my grandpas name wtf

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

When I first started driving semis, a driver told me the best tricks... If youre backing into somewhere that you know the trailer fits into, ignore the right side mirrors. (Obviously check once when you start for pedestrians, kids, etc) But then just watch the left side and get it tight. The right side will be fine. Trying to watch both sides, especially for a novice or someone that doesn't do it often, can be confusing and stress inducing...🤣 Also, try to get trailer pointed as close to where you want it first, with truck and trailer straight. The less angling you have to do the better!!

[@EmmaDee]

That was some GREAT ADVICE!!

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

@@EmmaDee 😁 thanks!! Wish I could take credit, but someone older n wiser was the source. Just like the stuff Im starting to do on my channel, its all copied knowledge, getting passed on!!😉

[@Thurisazz1]

Ty for teaching me things my Dad never did

[@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!

[@robertfallin9733]

JIM BRIDGES ..absolutely. starting out right makes maneuvering easier. BUT never underestimate the damage people do to fences, flowers, parked cars and othet people while backing!

[@EmmaDee]

Great info for a woman that hasn’t backed up trailer in four years. However, it came back to me like riding a bike.

[@vikfan4life]

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

[@BlackMuslimConservative]

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

[@Mrbitcoinhunter70k]

I just bought I utility trailer and this is going to help me thank u for making this video

[@Choppa267]

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

[@burbbilly]

You’re welcome! Thanks for the comment

[@richc8253]

Thanks for the info. That helped tremendously!!

[@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.

[@burbbilly]

Thank you!

[@leahrenea2709]

I just bought a travel trailer. This was very helpful 😊

[@brandoncaldwell95]

hopefully you bought the right or close to right truck for it. Ive pulled way over my truck was rated for eithout issue. Catch us i knew what i was doing

[@leahrenea2709]

@@brandoncaldwell95 don't laugh but don't have one yet 🤣. My dad has a 69 Chevy long bed. I actually learned how to drive with it. He has rebuilt the engine and transmission and is fixing it to pull it. He's 76 and had a heart attack last year so I don't tell him this but I'm not counting on it. My thought process was I will just buy a truck that will be good for pulling. Seems easier to go that route as what I was looking for in a trailer was not easy to find. 1957 16 foot, vintage awesomeness. I will definitely subscribe.

[@brandoncaldwell95]

@@leahrenea2709 Ah, well. In the mean time dont let the trailer just sit. Every month or 2 take the thing for a small 5 miles cruise. Helps the wheel bearings from becoming dry or flat spots. Same with the tires.

[@mnfarmer1984]

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.

[@TheLloyz]

Thanks great video. Wish I has watched this before I tried to back up the uhaul trailer into a 90 degree angle.

[@gord2358]

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.

[@ThisAdventureFamily]

I really enjoyed these tips ! Thanks so much !

[@BulletSpoung]

Look beyond the trailers axel at the very rear of the trailer wile backing. As you look into the mirror move your hand to the bottom of the steering wheel and everything will jive inside your brain, left will be left and right will be right.

[@ChandlerBeastmoments]

Awesome tutorial!

[@talks2much2]

The moving your hand from top to bottom of steering wheel is such a great idea! Thanks… 👍🏽

[@lengthmuldoon]

I get my son in law to do it he's quite brilliant at trailer reversing and of course his efforts save my pants from soilage

[@caanannethken1659]

Little tip, it always helps to straighten out after your first turn, especially if you want to turn the other way, after that, just keep doing Micro-adjustments to you get it where you want.

[@Robocoppat]

Great video. Of course backing a trailer with tandem axles is so much easier. Consider me a subscriber.

[@burbbilly]

Thanks Patrick

[@goosemcgee6247]

Thanks man, my anxiety levels just dropped 95%. 👍

[@okiefred8399]

I learned the correct hand position years ago from the movie "The Long Long Trailer" with Desi Arnez and Lucille Ball.

[@tenagestr]

This is great practice too! It’s much harder with a shorter trailer, you have to make quick adjustments so it won’t get away from you

[@AJ-ui6ny]

My grandpa took me to an empty boat ramp when I turned 15 or 16 and let me practice until I got it right. 👍 thanks for the video

[@bigny56]

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!

[@burbbilly]

You're welcome Andrew! Appreciate the post

[@Warren7BTrack]

Good advice... Some more advice is to use those side mirrors instead of turning around and looking backwards

[@christinnorthuis9287]

Awesome video. I recently bought a utility trailer to haul our pottery set up for art festivals. I found out the hard way that I am backing up inept. Thanks for sharing the tips.

[@juanguillen3432]

Very awesome advice. Thanks for the assistance!

[@burbbilly]

You're welcome Juan, appreciate the feedback

[@stephenhair5501]

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.

[@Sip28]

Wish you can teach me too

[@oldgriz816]

When you master that, borrow a hay wagon and learn all over again. ... I taught a guy to back a trailer in a big empty parking lot. Covered the basics and had him practice by backing in a figure 8 around 2 light poles.

[@burbbilly]

Martin can do figure 8's around a parking lot full of light poles all while chewing gum and performing Beethoven on the bongo drums!

[@lostinmyspace4910]

I've been driving a utility trailer for years, it's second nature now...so easy for me. BUT, what is funny is when I don't have the trailer on my truck, and I need to back up, like into a regular parking place at the mall for example, I end up turning my truck in the wrong direction. Old habits are hard to break. Good video.

[@burbbilly]

Haha I know exactly what you are talking about, I will go to back up my truck and I have to think for a second or I mess it up.

[@markme4]

LostInMySpace / that's funny as shit

[@omarvilla7476]

LostInMySpace n

[@frowlinian8175]

LostInMySpace you should try driving a semi and backing a bobtail 😂 every freaking time at the terminal, in front of everybody I ALWAYS end up turning the wrong way

[@SimRacingVeteran]

nhyijy- I used to drive Tractor trailer. I drove for about 7 years at this point and my company had put me in a straight truck just for one afternoon. This was my first time driving a straight truck. Well needless to say the fence at my first customer had a bad day. I put this thing into reverse and drove it like a tractor trailer, she swung the opposite way and crushed that fence. Ooooops my bad!

[@thefaeryman]

I learned the hand position in the chevy manual years ago.

[@Mike1614b]

it takes practice. Go to a large empty parking lot and practice there. Amateurs oversteer, so if you're new to it, steer less. I frequently need to back onto driveways on fairly busy streets, and I can tell you the average driver is an impatient a-hole, and will try to drive around you, so watch out for them.

[@patrickcorbett8361]

Good advice....thanks ! pc

[@LynxenX]

Good trick with moving your hand to the bottom of the wheel to steer. The way I learned it is if you see the trailer start to peak at you in your left mirror, you turn your wheel to the left. Peaks at you in the right mirror, turn your wheel to the right. Both work.

[@fuujinmugen]

Very helpful, thank you! And a big Howzit To Martin!

[@joeseabert8391]

When I was in the army driving a deuce and a half pulling a water buffalo you can’t see the trailer until it’s fully jacked. It’s a definite two person operation.

[@munalizashow5969]

Nice dually

[@davids9577]

sticking your head out to see and steering from the bottom of the wheel makes it awkward. Use your mirrors instead and with you hands towards the top of wheel like you are use to, TURN TOWARDS YOUR MISTAKE. Works like a charm. You can also pull forward to reset the trailer. Also, another trick truckers use... Get Out And Look. Those methods worked like a charm for backing in a 53ft trailer. Actually, longer trailers are way easier to back up then a short trailer. For short trailers, go slower and pull forward often if you need to. (even though its a old thread, it just showed at the top of the list today).

[@Richard-be3cw]

A teamster told me to keep the trailer going straight TURN TO THE MIRROR. Put your hand/hands at 12 o'clock on the steering wheel. Back up slow, if you see the trailer start to appear into the right mirror. If your want the trailer to keep going straight back, Turn to the right mirror about a quarter turn and see what the trailer does. If it doesn't turn back and straighten up, add a little more right turn. Take your time, relax ,watch the back of the trailer with right or left mirror. It's simple really "just turn to the mirror" to make it turn to the other way. What's also important is the vehicle your pushing the trailer with. You've got to watch your front end to make sure it does run into something. It's best to set up the vehicle and trailer in the middle of the road so get more moveable front end range of the push vehicle. Using a short wheel base vehicle makes backing a trailer way easier than a long wheel base truck.

[@Eagles0690]

One little tip I learned in 46 years of trucking. When you need to correct, most people, myself included, tend to pull up too far. When you need to correct the angle, only pull up as far as you need to. Much easier.

[@ljfloyd9948]

I should have looked at you video before I towed the trailer.

[@musicman1685]

Me too!!!

[@berniestewart5982]

Check out the alley docking videos. I’m glad that I’m not the only professional driver giving advice.

[@markcobb6561]

You x the chains to cradle the tongue if it comes lose to keep the tongue from gouging the road and flipping the tow vehicle.

[@timmorris3056]

EXACTLY👍👍 EVERY State Trooper will tell you the same, and yes they've seen trailer tongues dig into the asphalt and pole vault the trailer on top of the tow vehicle, like slamming a boat upside down on top of a minivan, and now you have an amphibious family hauler🤣😂

[@mckrackin5324]

@@daviddou1408 Not until it slows down a lot. If you have break away brakes, it will never dig in (until you stop).

[@mckrackin5324]

@@daviddou1408 Trailers also don't have engines. When they come loose, the fall behind and tighten the chains. That's why the chains are crossed. To cradle the tongue and hold it off the ground at speed.

[@mckrackin5324]

@@daviddou1408 I never said a word about "this trailer".

[@mckrackin5324]

@@daviddou1408 What are you, 12?

[@ArtietheArchon]

I like to think of backing a trailer in two "modes," aiming the trailer, and following the trailer

[@rupe53]

Another tip is to take a gander at where you are trying to put that trailer BEFORE you go there. It might be a few seconds looking out the side window as you drive by and maybe a quick walk-around to double check for enough space or possible obstructions. Most of the tips here are also geared toward backing up straight. Backing around a corner will need practice and knowing your vehicle plus the width of the trailer, which you can't see in both mirrors. Don't forget that a short wheel base (Jeep?) mixed with a short utility trailer can be a little quirky on the first few attempts, especially if the trailer is narrow and low so it's not easily seen in the mirrors. There's no shame in having a buddy guide you when safety is the name of the game.

[@burbbilly]

Very good point about the shorter wheel base and trailers. They get squirrelly FAST!

[@rheeneek]

I'm driving a 96 Ford Ranger with a little trailer with a generator welder on it for work and I have been lost trying to back in anywhere 😂😅

[@rupe53]

@@rheeneek ... if that trailer is too low and too narrow to see in the mirrors, try adding some of those yellow fiberglass poles you see on snowplows to the rear of the trailer. BTW, they also make cheap backup cameras these days. For under $100 you can see everything back there without leaving your seat. I see one on Amazon for $79 that is also wireless, so install is a snap.

[@glenncolliss7415]

The simple method I use is , make the front of the tow vehicle go in the direction you want the tail of the trailer to go. Slow and simple !

[@dandeleona4760]

My friend was driving his medium passenger car on the highway with a wide grassy center dividing four lanes. An SUV pulling a trailer was oncoming on the other side of the divide when his trailer came loose, crossed the center island like a rocket and rammed his passenger vehicle HEAD ON. My friend said it was on his side of the road so fast he didn't even have time to change lanes to avoid it. He said he started to come to when he heard someone screaming in agony. When he was fully conscious he realized it was HIMSELF screaming because the trailer bar came through the engine compartment and struck him in the head and chest. It was still embedded in the front cab of his car. He spent months in the hospital with chest and skull fractures and has short term memory loss now. And tho we screw with him a little bit because of it, we all know we're lucky he even survived. The driver of the SUV just missed vehicular homicide because he didn't take care of business. So PUT THE DMN CHAINS ON and DO THE DMN SAFETY CHECKS whenever you pull a trailer.

[@ronaldnorris2179]

I cannot understand why anyone would not do safety checks…making sure the safety chains are hooked properly and the hitch HAS the safety pin installed…and please make sure the lights on the trailer work…I see a lot of trailers with no lights!!!!

[@subradiant_music]

I hate assholes that want to be complete pieces of shit like that. Also I wish chain's had carabiner style hooks but like shackles

[@lisamaurizi4274]

What was that grease called on the electrical to prevent corrosion?

[@luvutubing]

Launching my "new to me" boat from it's "new to me trailer" this weekend so I hope this works out...lol

[@jakerodriguez547]

I see the front of the car goes to the right when u want the trailer to go left so I think aligning the car and trailer close to the left side before reversing prevents u hitting the front of the car while reversing if the road isn’t wide enough i could be wrong I’m just assuming

[@AdonaiNate]

I have a very small utility trailer that I literally can't see unless I'm turning and it's hard back up something you can't see.

[@UnkleAL1962]

so do I so I bought 6 foot skinny fiberglass driveway markers at Lowes, and put eye rings on each side at the back of the trailer, and put those down through the eye holes and fasten them down, (can use something like electrical staples if you have wooden racks) then you can always see the back. I cut them so they stick up 4 or 5 feet.

[@jimmie200]

Great tutorial!

[@bakfixx]

25% of the California population is watching this as the mass-exodus begins....

[@dimwitsadvocate6264]

Oh crap! So all these Californians are going to take their crappy ideas and ruin other states.

[@LTDanno360mods]

i find it way easier even in semi trailers back up Fast it helps to turn easier without stopping i learned on how to back a boat trailer afterhours at kmart when the lot was clear my dad taught me at around 8 years old

[@bcmfarmsllc8103]

Short wheel based trailers suck in general! Longer the easier it is!

[@nickblackwell7937]

Short trailer no problem just dont cut ya wheel as hard just cut ya wheel a lil in either direction an 53 footer an so on cut it more easy as fukn pie i can put any lenght trailer where ever i want long as there's nuff real estate to put it there got as many miles backing up than most have goin forward shit used to haul bridge material had to back up sometimes 5 to 6 mles down a lil county Back road so yeah learned prettyquick plus as a kid we always hauled hay in summer an i always got to back the trailer in the barn

[@willasmr8957]

@@nickblackwell7937 Haha good memories!

[@komalley35]

Short trailers are absolutely harder than longer trailers and they will Jack knife super fast. Unfortunately I have the damage to my truck to remind me of this every day.

[@rezyness]

Thanks you for the tips!

[@leesaaiken9490]

Thanks so much for posting this! I’m determined to learn how to back my utility trailer up and then move on to the boat - which I hope is the same concept. Fingers crossed.

[@user-hj2vy4sk8j]

Now I just gotta grow the muscles to do all this lol

[@sidneyferguson2535]

I am ten I can back up with a ride on mower into a shed

[@davidgearardo1788]

Yeah so do it with a truck. Then hit us back

[@mikewilson7812]

Yeah, and after years of backing a trailer, you go and volunteer to drive the bobtail for your kid's marching band. You go to back next to the band bus like you're backing a a trailer and almost hit the bus. What's the first thing some yokum says? "I thought you were a professional!?"

[@seanbowie7966]

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