I guess this is a spin-off from the other thread on backing up the trailer. My previous parking spots I always could turn from the driver's side and never had a problem backing up long or short trailers.Now I have to store it on a lot and back and turn from the passenger's side. I really don't think I can maneuver around to back from the drivers side. Also my new truck is 6" longer than the old one, and the trailer is only 23 ft long.The first and only time I parked it this way, it was dark (of course) and took us over an hour to park and straighten it out.Any tips for doing it easier? When I leave the spot this weekend, should I mark anything on the ground that will help me re-park it? I have a spotter, but you know what that communication can be like.

Blind side makes spotter more important......Marking where trailer tires need to go helps spotter signal correctionsAlso 'swoop maneuver' helps position trailer rear end.Swoop......Drive towards parking spot close to edge of drive same side spot is onWhen front trailer tire is even with far edge of spot turn truck away (hard left) until truck is 45* then turn it back to right until truck is parallel with drive/road. Rear of trailer should now be 45* to drive/road and combo lined up to start backing into spot.

Bank of Dad wrote:I guess this is a spin-off from the other thread on backing up the trailer. My previous parking spots I always could turn from the driver's side and never had a problem backing up long or short trailers.Now I have to store it on a lot and back and turn from the passenger's side. I really don't think I can maneuver around to back from the drivers side. Also my new truck is 6" longer than the old one, and the trailer is only 23 ft long.The first and only time I parked it this way, it was dark (of course) and took us over an hour to park and straighten it out.Any tips for doing it easier? When I leave the spot this weekend, should I mark anything on the ground that will help me re-park it? I have a spotter, but you know what that communication can be like.Blind side??I have mirrors on both sides of my TV. In my many years of driving I have drive many Vans and trucks with solid sides and no back windows. I have learned to use my mirrors. I also judge distance from the easy to see side.If I have a question, I get out and look, DW's job is to keep the dogs under control, and kids out of the way.

We use two radios to communicate which solves some of the problem. It also helps if the spotter has experience in backing which few do.

Having a spotter that does not understand the truck and trailer movement, will only take longer, and make the process more difficult. This would be my situation.In this case, have this spotter watch for trees and tables, etc. You will have to use your mirrors (helps to have good ones), and back slowly, as well as get out often to look.Jerry

I find electric mirror a big help. I can tilt it outward and see objects easier.

Tips needed-backing up on the passenger's side.

rhagfo
Explorer III
Feb 13, 2014
Bank of Dad wrote:
I guess this is a spin-off from the other thread on backing up the trailer. My previous parking spots I always could turn from the driver's side and never had a problem backing up long or short trailers.

Now I have to store it on a lot and back and turn from the passenger's side. I really don't think I can maneuver around to back from the drivers side. Also my new truck is 6" longer than the old one, and the trailer is only 23 ft long.

The first and only time I parked it this way, it was dark (of course) and took us over an hour to park and straighten it out.

Any tips for doing it easier? When I leave the spot this weekend, should I mark anything on the ground that will help me re-park it? I have a spotter, but you know what that communication can be like.

Blind side??

I have mirrors on both sides of my TV. In my many years of driving I have drive many Vans and trucks with solid sides and no back windows. I have learned to use my mirrors. I also judge distance from the easy to see side.
If I have a question, I get out and look, DW's job is to keep the dogs under control, and kids out of the way.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Feb 13, 2014
Blind side makes spotter more important......
Marking where trailer tires need to go helps spotter signal corrections

Also 'swoop maneuver' helps position trailer rear end.

Swoop......
Drive towards parking spot close to edge of drive same side spot is on
When front trailer tire is even with far edge of spot turn truck away (hard left) until truck is 45* then turn it back to right until truck is parallel with drive/road.
Rear of trailer should now be 45* to drive/road and combo lined up to start backing into spot.

Forum Discussion

Tips needed-backing up on the passenger's side.

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