Backing up training for newbie TT

Go to a big, preferred closed or vacant parking lot with some traffic cones. Place your cones, then figure it how it works for you and your rig. Just be careful, and if in doubt, get out and look, then try again till you get it.

donn0128 wrote:
Take your wife ...

OP said they don't have a partner. However, the parking lot suggestion is good. Even by yourself the practice will help. Learn to back in using the mirrors and no aide.

I had to learn to back without a spotter, too. Not all of us have partners who can help.

Go to a school when it's closed. Or a church. You need a big, empty parking lot. Find the stall you want to back into. Pull forward so that the back of the trailer is past the stall. Now, put your hand on the BOTTOM of the steering wheel. Move that hand the direction you want the BACK of the trailer to go. Go slow. Pull forward, straighten out, then continue backing. Use the white paint marking the stall as a guide while you back.

The first time takes a bit. Then you'll get the hang of it.

In the real world, backing one of these bricks without a spotter involves physically walking the site and picking out landmarks for myself. Trees or boulders I'll use to line myself up in the site. I carry a bamboo wand to tie to the hookups so I can see them in my mirror. Then, go slow and get out to look when you need to. There's no shame in pulling forward and taking another shot at it.

Take your wife and a pair of walkie talkies to an empty parking lot and start practicing. When backing, place your hand at the bottom of the wheel. Turn the wheel in the direction you want to trailer to go. Explain to your wife that if you do not see her in the mirrors you do not move. And mean it! She becomes your spotter, looking for branches, obsticles etc. It is her job to park you where you need to be.
It all takes time and lots of prectice.