Backing up

ken56 wrote:
I have seen some people that shouldn't even be driving forward let alone backing up. I agree that the trick is to go slow and watch the very beck of the trailer for the proper movement AND understand which way to turn the steering. Stop and get out and look if you have to. My wife used to try to tell me which way to turn when backing into a site. After a few impatient moments I had to tell her to just tell me if I am going to hit something.... otherwise be quiet please. Things have been fine ever since.

X2!

Best to learn to back up WITHOUT a spotter, DW will watch for kids in the parks, or to be sure not to hit a tree or rock. I am about a 90% backer, 90% of the time I look great, the other 10% not so good!

In my experience, the tendency with a TT is to oversteer that first turn, and then you spend a lot of time and back and forth getting the TT straightened back out again. It only takes a little turn to get it started, then crank back straight or the opposite way to keep from going into a jackknife angle.

It mostly takes practice and some common sense. My Dad hated it, always stressed himself out backing the little 15 footer they had back in the 60's. When I was 17 I took the wheel from him to try it for the first time and slid straight into the campsite. I had sort of figured out what NOT to do by watching him. :h

A TT is MUCH faster to respond than a 5er. Also they can be maneuvered in small spaces more easily.

The pivot point is over the trucks rear axle with a 5er and on the ball with a TT.

Been backing trailers of all sorts for 45 years. My dad wouldn't let me get my drivers license until I could back the boat down the alley only using the mirrors without stopping to pull forward to straighten out. Now when I back my 5er it took a great deal of practice to get it to turn when I wanted and to stop turning when I wanted. Usually go low and slow, as I call it, and get out many times to check. Don't have a DW or spotter. Backing is half the fun of Rving.

There is a leaning curve to backing a RV trailer, but in the end they are both equal. Neither is easier or harder they just have different pivot points to deal with

Backing any type trailer, is a learning process. IMO, after owning many types of trailers, a bumper pull is quicker to learn, than a over the axle hitch.

A good (knowledgeable) spotter is invaluable, when backing from the blind side. On the other hand, as mentioned above, a spotter that has no clue, is much worse than no help. In this case, you will have to get out several times to look, and adjust.

Jerry

I have seen some people that shouldn't even be driving forward let alone backing up. I agree that the trick is to go slow and watch the very beck of the trailer for the proper movement AND understand which way to turn the steering. Stop and get out and look if you have to. My wife used to try to tell me which way to turn when backing into a site. After a few impatient moments I had to tell her to just tell me if I am going to hit something.... otherwise be quiet please. Things have been fine ever since.

I have been driving a class c toyhauler for 3 years. I want to downsize to a travel trailer. I assume the overhang on a travel trailer causes the same problems as the overhang on a motorhome. Correct? I assume a TT with wheels more towards the back would be easier to park. Correct?

Also, as you go up in size, are they significantly harder to park?

Thank you.

some it comes easy.. others never get it.

and most are somewhere in between.

this past spring.. I had to backup my 30 foot travel trailer uphill for more then a 1,000 feet on gravel. with drainage ditches 18 inches on each side.. did it on the first try. go SLOW and catch it early. and keep your eyes on the rear most vertical edge of trailer. as soon as you loose sight of it.. correct.

but then I have pulled/backup almost everything possible with a tow truck. when you learn to backup a dead truck into a service bay and onto a LIFT........

retired auto mechanic.

coolbreeze01 wrote:
I find them all easy. I teach backing to those smart enough to listen.

Me too, it's a natural skill set so it comes easy.