Backing up a TT

This is a great thread,I'm glad you asked OP, I like the videos. My 1st year I didn't practice and when I had to back into this site I almost shat in my pants, see the big rock across from site? I missed it by 1/4", thank goodness that site across from us was empty at the time! This year I'll be driving a truck that's 4' longer but with some additional knowledge and practice I'll feel a bit more confident. A good spotter helps too! 'Honey, if you can't see my face in the mirror, that means I can't see you waving your arms' :B

I would only add one thing to this - don't overcorrect - make small changes with the steering wheel as you back in, don't jack the wheel all the way every time. Slow and small.

BTW: I've never heard of the "scoop" maneuver, I just thought that was common sense.

Practice backing up without the trailer just using your outside mirrors. To back a trailer you need to be comfortable with your mirrors. Cover or tilt your inside mirror so you can't cheat.

Backing up!
Before you start to back up into a site, look for a land mark on the right and on the left i.e. fence, tree, picnic table etc etc. Now when your friend is behind your trailer giving you verbal directions to back into a site, tell him NOT to give commands of "turn to the right" or "turn to left" instead " move the trailer to the house or move it towards the tree or move it towards the picnic bench". Makes a world of difference because your spotters right is your brains left!!!! Sounds dumb but it works!!!!!

Johno02 wrote:
OTR drivers rule! But a city driver can put anything anywhere in any direction!

X2 including blind siding up hill into alleys. :B Then retire after 30 years no accidents and back into your own house your RV:)

Practice with a shorter trailer. Shorter trailers are usually harder for most people because they react quicker to your steering input.
If you can back up a 10ft lawn mower trailer, you can back up anything.

oh and use your mirrors. And get used to using your mirrors.

downtheroad wrote:
>Practice

>Put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and turn that hand the way you want your trailer to go.

>back slowly

Thats the way to do it. Find an empty parking lot and try to park between the strips and stay between the road and the opposing strips, kinda like a wall. Do it both on the driving side and the passenger side, and then when you know that try it in the dark, and have the other half flag you in with a flashlight. It just takes practice.

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you are only 21 ft. it will be easier than you think.
go to a parking lot and practice, you will have it down in no time.
you will learn the term follow it in.
also do not Over correct.
to me the most important is to have a good spotter, my wife always looks up for tree clearance also.
you will get it down, promise

OTR drivers rule! But a city driver can put anything anywhere in any direction!