Back-in from which direction?

It is entirely dependent on the campgrounds road system, angle of camp sites, location of site to road and a bunch of other factors.

In the end that is why we have spouses right?

Proficiency in both directions is what is needed. There are some sites that have taken a few attempts to get the perfect position.

One time another camper came over and thanked me for the show. He was 100% sure there was no way we would have gotten our trailer in between 2 large rocks and 2 trees that were each just over 9' apart on an angle....

You should always try to back to your drivers side. This is one of the primary things taught when getting a Class A CDL. The other side is known as your BLIND SIDE and for good reason. You should avoid backing to that side. This is simple common sense.

However you should be proficient at both. Just in case. And there are cases where it can't be avoided.

The easiest way to spot an amateur driver/backer is to watch which side they choose to back to and how they "set up".

In most of the campgrounds I go to, the road is one way, and the campsites can be on both sides of the road. Depending on which site you pick, you may be backing into a site on the driver's side or the passenger side. It pays to become proficient doing both. If you are by yourself, it pays to become proficient in doing it without a spotter.
It just takes practice.

The outside of the turn is always blind, driver's side or passenger side. I can see my trailer wheels in the mirrors for whichever is inside the turn. If given a choice, I prefer to have the inside of the turn the one with objects I want to avoid. But most campgrounds I've stay at have one-way streets and I just deal with whatever challenge is presented. And that's where the recommendation of getting proficient at both is valuable. You rarely get a choice on approach angle/side.

I get it that drivers side is preferred because you can see more of the trailer. However in reality you don't always have the luxury of backing to the drivers side.
In the end you must become proficient at backing in either direction.

Spotters are very helpful,, but you have to have ground rules set forth prior,,,And you have to trust and get along with the spotter!! Who has NOT sat back and sipped a cold one watching that special family or couple back into a spot and it is a HORROR show?? Funny for us,, but just sets the tone fore the rest of their stay!!

Old-Biscuit wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Diver's side is preferred because you can see trailer tires and back them right in to where you want to be

Passenger's side has the handle of 'blindside' for a reason....


Practice and in time it won't matter
If you are fortunate to have a great spotter....it REALLY doesn't matter :B

Should be able to do both without a spotter!!

If you can back-in blindside w/o getting out of truck and w/o a spotter in the various places we have encountered across the USA.....you the man!!

But I doubt it!!

Good spotter makes driver look like an expert vs internet chest puffing

Never said without getting out and looking!!:)

That said I have done some nice placements without a spotter!

rhagfo wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Diver's side is preferred because you can see trailer tires and back them right in to where you want to be

Passenger's side has the handle of 'blindside' for a reason....


Practice and in time it won't matter
If you are fortunate to have a great spotter....it REALLY doesn't matter :B

Should be able to do both without a spotter!!

It is much safer to back up with a spotter. At my place of work most trucks over one ton, even body job tank trucks, are not allowed to back up at all without a spotter. It is safety rules like that that ensures that everybody goes home to there family every night and property is not damaged.

rhagfo wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Diver's side is preferred because you can see trailer tires and back them right in to where you want to be

Passenger's side has the handle of 'blindside' for a reason....


Practice and in time it won't matter
If you are fortunate to have a great spotter....it REALLY doesn't matter :B

Should be able to do both without a spotter!!

If you can back-in blindside w/o getting out of truck and w/o a spotter in the various places we have encountered across the USA.....you the man!!

But I doubt it!!

Good spotter makes driver look like an expert vs internet chest puffing

As stated earlier, Drivers side is preferred,,Passenger side is called "Off Side Backing" I am a truck driving instructor (Class A) and we practice both drivers and off side backing to be proficient.. All of our literature states that Drivers side backing is the safest and preferred because you have better visibility.
With that being said you should be proficient with spacial awareness to be able to back off side. In order to be proficient you need to practice!! Its allot of fun!! Take your trailer, spouse and friends to an open parking lot,,,free of light poles. Borrow or rent 10 or more Four Foot tall delineators. and set up a few camp ground back ins!! Practice drivers side and off side!!
Truck schools spend up to three weeks of closed course driving before they head out on the road!! Parallel parking a tractor trailer is a requirement in most states,,, It is fun to do,, and I have done it only to slip a trailer in between two other parked trailers,, it takes practice,, but is allot of fun to do!! Have fun with your trailer and be proficient at backing!! It makes you a more confident driver and makes the trip allot more fun!!
Do Not Forget,,, Always "GOAL" if you cannot see,, Get Out And Look!!