Towing: How-To Back Up and Park a Trailer

Backing up your vehicle while hauling a moving trailer can be a little intimidating at first, but all you need for success are a few helpful tips. Stuart Shoen, Executive Vice President at U-Haul will help learn more about correctly and safely backing up with a trailer. Whether you are backing up a trailer for parking or loading, it's important to learn the proper technique. As I quickly learned, it can be easy with some practice!
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Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 now offers customers access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the self-service options on their Internet-connected mobile devices. U-Haul customers’ patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to more than 150,000 trucks, 112,000 trailers, and 40,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers more than 581,000 rooms and more than 51 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

[@DeusVolo]

Backing up is best explained as.... align the trailer with the tow vehicle so each trailer fender is seen in each tow vehicle mirror. with the steering wheel straight imagine the tow ball at 12 o'clock on the steering wheel and the trailer rear bumper at 6 o'clock or the bottom of the steering wheel. Place your hand at 6 o'clock or the bottom of the wheel and make your hand move where ever you want the "rear" of the trailer to go. Longer trailer take longer time for corrections to take place. Shorter trailers correct faster, always go slow! feel free to top comment me cause this is the BEST way!

[@anthonywestjr1063]

That was plain and simple! 👍🏾🍻

[@Catman1987]

thank you

[@Kcbudden]

Plain and simple but what if the trailer and the tow vehicle are like too close together at an angle what should you do??

[@jeremiahfigueroa5789]

This made more sense to me. Thank you so much

[@howwhybyengineer3070]

Thank you man

[@blueangelhdtvm9904]

I saw this video two weeks ago. Now I'm pulling my 16 foot dump trailers. Thanks.

[@ch1no210]

Great explanation. When you said once the trailer starts going the way you want it, turn the steering wheel on the truck. First time I hear it and finally made sense to me. Thank you

[@AISBOD]

Thanks for the wheelbarrow analogy. NOW things are making sense. I have to learn to pull a 25" trailer soon (including backing it up). I'll be taking it to an empty car park to practice, but have been reading/watching instructions on backing up while I wait for the registration, etc. All the "put your hands here and turn the other way" instructions weren't making enough sense before. Now I understand what they meant.

[@waterheaterservices]

Those U Haul trailers sure look well built

[@Mumblix]

Most equipment meant for the rental market will be beefier than the standard crap. Never underestimate the ability of an amateur to destroy stuff. The rental companies would go broke if they had to replace shoddy goods after every few rentals.

[@usg4357]

Even he doesn’t really know how it works😂 “To my left I guess” I guess? I GUESS? You’re the one showing us how to do it 😂

[@RabbyRabb]

😅😅😅😅😅

[@loconino7349]

hey thanks u so much for this video I love the idea of thinking of it as a wheel barrel I watched a bunch of videos 20+ min long n still couldn't understand it n u did it in less then 3 minutes n I got more out this video then the longer ones I just started a job today n I have to latch on a 30 foot trailer n drive it around all day n I could not back up to save my life but now with this video I understand it a lot better thanks alot

[@UhaulOfficialVideos]

Thanks Loco! We are very happy to hear you found this helpful =) ^TA

[@kaybrown5637]

I had a fully loaded 4x8 Uhaul enclosed trailer that I was pulling with my mini van and pulled into the wrong driveway of a business that was next to the storage place I was supposed to turn into. I didn't have enough room to make a U-turn in the parking lot and tried for about 10 minutes to back the trailer out without hitting vehicles in the parking lot. I just couldn't do it, so I just unhitched the fully loaded trailer, turned the damn thing around, then pulled my mini van around and in front of it, then hooked it back up and drove back onto the street and into the parking lot where I was supposed to be. LOL

[@stevek5388]

Kay Brown hahaha awesome. I don't wanna sound like a dick but I would love to have witnessed that

[@kaybrown5637]

steve k :-)

[@enlightenednews5265]

Kay Brown I would have done the same thing.

[@etell221]

I've witnessed that myself.. it's embarrassing for both the performer and the spectator ... LOL

[@robertheinkel6225]

Kay Brown I had to that once. I was on a narrow single lane road with ditches on both sides. I had to do a 180 and disconnecting and backing the trailer by hand into a narrow lane, was faster and easier.

[@deadmau5471]

My brain hurts

[@anthonywestjr1063]

Snap back with Stanback! 🥂👍🏾

[@contacthigh8571]

Mine too and the video isn’t even started yet

[@thenamelessyee]

Grip the wheel at 6 o clock and push the wheel in the direction u want the back of the trailer to go

[@dredayful]

Me too! But I made it from KY to Fl safe. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@AtanasNenov]

Honestly, the easiest way to get it - if you're backing up straight and you see your trailer coming up in the left mirror, steer the wheel left until it's straight again. If you see it in the right mirror, steer right. And vice versa - if you want to back up to the left, you want to see your trailer in the left mirror, so steer right. If you want to back up to the right, you want to see your trailer in the right mirror, so steer left.

[@GreencampRhodie]

Great explanation and analogy (wheelbarrow)...thanks

[@slimjim3921]

What a great explanation. Thank you!

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

I always seem to "run out of wheel" when I try to change direction.

[@kwkable11]

True, but what a lot of people leave out when teaching about backing up trailers is that you always want to allow for what I refer to as "bob" room. "Bob" room" is my made up term for allowing your tow vehicle to have space to the left and right of the vehicle when making the counter steering moves backing up a trailer. When people are not aware of this, they will hit the tow vehicle against something because they were focusing on the trailer exclusively.

[@ftcsumo]

Great video! Going to try this out today!

[@johnmoore4]

Good wheelbarrow comparison. You could also say it is like pushing a child’s wagon by the long handle instead of pulling.

[@martina5923]

Thank you for this awesome demonstration!

[@the1grape]

VERY good explanation! Thanks!

[@kwkable11]

Actually both techniques can be used based on your vehicle and the situation. I used to be a spotter for semi trailers at 2 places and I currently own 2 personal trailers pulled by my personal vehicle. If a trailer is real high, you will have to use your mirrors because you may not get the best view for the path of travel in reverse. Also, at times, the mirror view is best so that you can see what is dead to the left or right of the trailer when backing up verses just looking behind you.

[@ZachVlogsOfficial]

Put your hand on the bottom of the wheel, now move your hand the way you want the trailer to go... it is that simple

[@UhaulOfficialVideos]

zach klingler That's a great way to think of it! ^TA

[@philippeherman3048]

+zach klingler of course you devide the wheel in two halfs upperhalf and lowerhalf if you want the trailer to go left you look at the lowerhalf and turn it left want it to go right you look at lowerhalf and turn it right you are steering with the second axe of your car so if you startted left to get the car back right you look now at the upperhalf and turn it left (the counter) if the trailer is already in the good position so you begins the counter and the trailers goes straight and the car turns if you start backwards ( the beginning) your car goes straight backwards but the trailers turns

[@BleekizKing]

zach klingler I will try this next time

[@Sasquatcho70278]

zach klingler thank you

[@Nels__]

zach klingler mind blown.

[@TralfazConstruction]

I seem to tow every four or five years and need a refresher course. I'm going to practice, for as long as it takes, in U-Haul's big parking lot _before_ attempting to thread it down our long private driveway. I'll get it. I'm envisioning my vehicle cocked sideways coming off the main road in front of the house. Once I was towing my fiancée's vehicle on a dolly and I got into a motel parking lot where it was very tight. I successfully backed up enough and made a tight, difficult turn in the parking lot prior to getting the rig into a more wide-open area where I had ample room to square everything up and park for the night. I came pretty close to putting excess pressure on the tongue backing up in that very tight space. I had a half-inch clearance between the curb and my left front tire. My one tip that I can offer is to _not_ lose yout composure in certain stressful situations.

[@rondavis9918]

thats how we learned when I got my CDL.. great trick, works every time

[@jmbailey1966]

You should always treat the rear tires like they are the steering tires of the trailer. Don't worry about the hitch ball as is stated in this video. At least that is the way I learned from my father and uncles who all drove tractor trailers.

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

Brilliant. Thank you.

[@austinrodriguez6391]

Great tips

[@heroknaderi]

Very informative thanks

[@jamenbrooks4713]

Thanks! I know how to drive with a trailer going forward, but didn't know how to back up now I know

[@UhaulOfficialVideos]

Glad we could help inform and share how it can be done! :) ^AA

[@SillyTubereal]

That wheel Barrow comparison makes it sound easier.

[@Richard-qs8dn]

Side windows are installed for a reason. Also supposed to use them while back up. I have never ever back up a car like in this video. Never ever. For everyone having arguments for backing while turning your head. I wish each and everyone the best of luck to backup a van ore big rig, the same way. The best of luck. Up to the point of back up, this video was actually quite good.

[@068dirtboy]

Lol this guy makes it look so easy. Its no,t its a pain in the ass, if you don't do it all the time. Like backing around a curve, longer than normal , around other vechiles/objects, or in tight spots. Its just one of those things that takes time and practice to master.

[@BM-on9zq]

I feel you Andy

[@mitch5077]

Very helpful

[@JunixKuizon]

Good tips

[@jesseterry11]

Great expaining mate

[@ryanwilliamscomic]

Stumbled upon this video by accident, was looking for the newest movie trailers and ended up here. However, this was a very well made and extremely informative video. I particularly enjoyed the bird's eye view shot of the hitch ball. Next time I have to use a trailer I will defiantly brush up with this video. Heck, I might even give it a watch the next time I have to use a wheel barrel ;) Thumbs up!

[@highonsmog]

Boiledmilksteak You will "defiantly brush up with this video"? Such defiance is definitely note worthy. LOL :)

[@Robert-lg6yx]

whats a "wheel barrel" lol

[@UhaulOfficialVideos]

Boiledmilksteak Appreciate the positive feedback! Glad you found it helpful =) ^TA

[@robertheinkel6225]

In the Air Force, we had to back aircraft into hangers, with limited clearence. The aircraft was 300,000 pounds, and about 150 feet long and wide. Try backing it around a corner and between permanently positioned stands with only 6 inches of clearance at any given point. Add in three pivot points, and let the fun begin. Tow tractor was 50k pounds with coordinated or standard steering.

[@russ3981]

Did that in the Navy.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

Way easier if the Tow vehicle is way shorter than the vehicle being Towed

[@eg3407]

Calm the Fxxk down it's a U haul trailer Video.

[@Frisky6589]

This is really cool. Simple concept - control the hitch ball. I think I can do that. Thanks.

[@DanielSimrak]

I don't envy you driving across the country with a trailer.

[@43462cmt]

thanks

[@alexramirez7380]

Something you could try like me is download a truck simulator game and just practice there. It helped me, I would practice in the afternoon and the following day I would apply what I learned at work.

[@kinzangwangchuk7914]

I got a single axle very short draw bar . And it’s a night mare reversing out of the busy neighbourhood

[@mayconflores2430]

Nice

[@MySamisbest]

You know, I think I'm just gonna have my uncle teach me maybe his dad.... Or I'll take classes....I'm not gonna do it based off these videos..

[@tbone11286]

Nice 4runner.

[@VYqANwd1yHt8kYMQ0vhnPDhHxYblG7]

look easy outside from the vehicle but I'm confused when I do backup inside my vehicle. sigh...

[@tonytorres1624]

Simple but amazing advice, thanks.

[@UhaulOfficialVideos]

You're welcome!!

[@keegancan]

Know that as long as you keep the trailer within 45° when turning, and have enough space you should be able to turn in opposite direction without jacknife.

[@aspiringrunner4796]

wow..i feel like an idiot now, lol. I never even thought of that. Thanks for the tip :)

[@Hreed85]

Nice Video.... Can a 2014 Dodge Avenger 6cyl 3.6 front wheel drive tow the 5x8 trailer or 5x10????

[@RDScompanyw123]

all you have to do is grab the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go.....old trucking trick

[@Ivan32304]

The video cut off before the explanation. The speaker said it was like pushing a wheelbarrow, but instead of pushing.... that's where to message ended. Please post the whole version.

[@Godlywoman88]

I'm kinda scared to do this. I want to grey one for when I relocate, but have never driven with a trailer before.

[@stylin60es]

is that a Chico State sticker on the rear window?

[@ALLYOUWANTREDHOTS]

what size is the trailer in this video??

[@Wc3ProElimZ]

I just remember that whatever way the back of my front tires are facing, is the direction the trailer is going to go.

[@dylanbaker8188]

U would use your mirrors if it is a full trailer or enclosed trailer when u can't see over the trailer

[@okami9634]

Newfoundland represent

[@jaleanmontgomery7312]

who did y get it from

[@cdudemotivation]

Best explanation ever. Makes so much sense now.

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

how do you paralell park a car with a trailer?

[@debbymiller8828]

You missed the best trip for turning a trailer. Just place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel, so you just turn left to go left and vice-versa. Boom!

[@MrSkiparope]

notice that all trucks back to the left? thats so that they can track that trailer rear wheel.

[@hicksalan1]

4Runner GOT me here :-)

[@airjordanian1989]

They should give training courses for this shit. I just rented one and returned it immediately because I couldn't reverse it.

[@chrisbreidenbaugh3697]

And if you’re inexperienced; go SLOW...

[@smithtowing1]

did daddy shoen teach you how to do this?

[@drewthompson7457]

I have an SUV, with very limited rear views. I can back up straight, but getting that 90 degree turn, off the road into my driveway is difficult. I have to park 1 ft away from a fence, on the far side, 1 ft away from the house on the close sidfe.. My mirrors, and windows are useless to see thru that corner. I can see the close side, but interpreting the angles is tough. I'm looking at buying a better tow vehicle. And if anybody has read this far, short tongue trailer are much more difficult to back, as any steering input has large affect.

[@KymTricePhotography]

Is it true that this specific trailer in the video cant be used with a 2005 Ford Explorer? I only need this type of trailer and don't need a 15' truck. Please advise

[@UhaulOfficialVideos]

Please contact one of our Moving Specialists at 800-468-4285 to complete a Hook-Up Validation for your vehicle and trailer combination. ^JM

[@johnlennox5963]

Go Bucks!

[@UhaulOfficialVideos]

We adore you as a U-Haul customer, and will not hold it against you that you're a Buck fan ;D ^MS

[@Bluemoonrealtygroup0617]

I have driven a trailer across the country three times, but have never been able to figure out how to back up. After watching this video, I still do not.

[@tripletvn]

Very hopeful for me haha. My first time driving a longer uhaul (15’) and first time a trailer (with my vehicle). I have always tried loops but yesterday my friend instructed me to park on a dead end road so now I must know how to back out…

[@mycol12]

Bottom line, turn the wheel the opposite direction you want the trailer to go...

[@indodaemdaka]

That's very counter intuitive mate, how about you put your hand on the bottom part of the steering wheel. Using that part, slightly (a quarter of a revolution) turn the steering wheel into where you want the trailer to go to. Back-Up and note how the trailer jacks into where you wanna go to, after you've jacked it counter-steer. Small inputs go a long way when backing up!

[@muhammad8970]

I learnt by parking small plains with a kubota..😬

[@McShizzify]

Haha phoenix. I know exactly where you are.

[@erinsmith9435]

Semantics, I know, but to "lock your wheel out" risks excess pressure on your steering system.

[@tmkirfan]

Do you think can fit my two or three bicycle in it?

[@UhaulOfficialVideos]

Yes, this trailer could fit 2-3 bikes quite easily. ^TA

[@nevaehstarrojas3918]

Editors make it look so easy, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, makes PERFECT...

[@Michael_78]

0 is how much that helped

[@MrSkiparope]

also dont use the mirrors. un less you are looking at right trlr tire. allways plan your turn before you get in a situation.make sure you are going to back up BEING ABLE TO SEE LEFT TRAILER TIRE WITH OUT THE MIRRORS. dont forget the right front fender of your car/truck. .people ask me ""how do you know which way to turn the wheel..." i say that i dont know, i just turn it , and if that is wrong way , then i turn it the other way. daahhh which way did he go""peter rabbit""

[@ais6273]

wish I had seen that video BEFORE I broke, twist my hitch weld@!!!!

[@jodowning1514]

I've never seen any UHaul trailer look as pretty as the one in this video. Why aren't they all like that?!

[@UhaulOfficialVideos]

We wish they would all stay looking brand new. However, as business would have it, these trailers have seen a lot of use. The cosmetics don't matter as much as long as the trailers serve their purpose safely! =) ^DA

[@rogelioestanislaojr3261]

So I'm moving and renting a trailer for the first time. As he said his name, I was like I used to clean this guys pool. Lol. Nice house and pool.

[@marinoarvelo471]

Hello again today 4

[@dankman239]

You cant be looking backwards ,you hav to use mirrors only

[@lastpme]

😳🤯

[@DanielKE7UUM]

dude you are going to confuse MOST people.. As a tow truck drive/ trainer been teaching people for about 20 years..

[@DanielKE7UUM]

***** No I have not.1 Don't have video cam, 2. don't have a vehicle that can tow, 3. don't have a trailer to tow..I spent 10 years driving tow truck and ever since I got my permit 24 years ago I have been towing things.

[@Not00]

It was going all over the place.

[@spookywolf6324]

Dont do what they say and look out your back window, you need to use your side view mirrors so that you can see where the trailer is going, you cant do that looking out your back window, all you will see is the trailer and not what its about to hit

[@bosoxfan2525]

Great video! I don't know why anyone gave you a thumbs down.

[@aracecar4627]

That empty trailer making the 4runner sag that much? That's pretty bad

[@SyracuseIsOranges]

Who tf subscribes to U-Haul?

[@brettduffy1992]

stear from bottom of wheel

[@strato_5459]

i know how to tow and back up and all this idk why im watching this lmao. i think watching people tow a trailer for the first time is the funniest thing when they dont have the best driving either. people that can drive no problem never freaking out about trailers ever

[@lfakerson7703]

I think he is oversteering on the way back

[@Mrr4c00n]

i'm from the UK and here you can only tow up to 750kg or a trailer weighing more than this as long as the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3,500kg, on a normal car license, any trailer weighing above this must have brakes and you need to have a trailer license to tow a trailer up to 3,500kg, anything above this is considered to be a commercial vehicle, its a safe system and the USA needs it

[@hungcali-vn8486]

I have a 2011 Honda Odyssey

[@Mrr4c00n]

what does that have to do with anything?

[@torqueaddict7568]

As soon as you turn around to look out of the rear window you lose

[@andekay]

You don't have a "car". You have an "SUV' vehicle.

[@wendywoo196]

This explanation completely sucked. Watching him spin the steering wheel in a circle, one way and then the other, how tf does that demonstrate anything?

[@eyerock36]

Not to be mean or anything but you should watch the video "Backing up a Horse Trailer: How to get over your T.R.A." on KZbin. You will learn from them a much better way of explaining all this. Then record a new video based on their clearer and more understandable presentation. Upload the new one as the official UHaul How to Back Up a Trailer video, and then delete this one. You will have much more credibility with the public, then. I'm serious! Again, not trying to be mean. But the video, as you now have it, is terrible. Daniel Engstrom (below) is correct.

[@ankhnybayarbattulga9991]

Why "-"?

[@STREETRACEN4U]

shame on uhaul i see yall makin workers lift them heavy ass trailers in 100 degree sun all day long out there sweating

[@deblyons824]

i am deaf , now what,

[@collegeparkrc7267]

😂😂😂😂😂 the worst ever fron uhaulllll

[@19crazydude]

im sorry but this is a terrible demonstration on how to back up a trailer