Teaching Your Spouse How to Pull a Trailer
First let me say that this is really intended to find out your teaching methods for anyone, not just a spouse. Problem is there is a bit of sensitivity issues that get in the way with a spouse. I have...
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Not sure why a car with a CVT would have paddle shifters...but don't mess around with trying to override the car when teaching with a small trailer where she doesn't need to. Later after she is comfortable towing in easy conditions, you can look at mountain driving where you want to use engine braking (do CVTs even do that?).
If you can't see the trailer, get some mirror extensions, so you can see it. Especially backing up, trying to do it blind will only make learning 10 times harder as she can't see the effects of her steering input until it's already out of control.
Backing up a small single axle trailer is actually harder than a large dual axle trailer, so go slow and don't have her over correct. Do the practice somewhere without pressure.
A good idea is to use hand signals that you agree on before you start. She always has the option to hit the brakes if she is uncomfortable (or can't see you in the mirrors) but she follows the hand signals (and you are responsible if there is any damage...agree to that up front). The advantage of hand signals, is you never resort to yelling.
It's mostly practice. If you want a challenge, teach her how to dock a boat where there is no such thing as brakes.
If you can't see the trailer, get some mirror extensions, so you can see it. Especially backing up, trying to do it blind will only make learning 10 times harder as she can't see the effects of her steering input until it's already out of control.
Backing up a small single axle trailer is actually harder than a large dual axle trailer, so go slow and don't have her over correct. Do the practice somewhere without pressure.
A good idea is to use hand signals that you agree on before you start. She always has the option to hit the brakes if she is uncomfortable (or can't see you in the mirrors) but she follows the hand signals (and you are responsible if there is any damage...agree to that up front). The advantage of hand signals, is you never resort to yelling.
It's mostly practice. If you want a challenge, teach her how to dock a boat where there is no such thing as brakes.
