Forum Discussion

Texmac1011's avatar
Texmac1011
Explorer
Apr 02, 2016

Backing My Trailer. Is This Doable?

Here's what I have. Travel trailer is 35' and truck is 15'. The road is 20' wide (including the shoulders) with ditches on both sides. The property is fenced with a 20' wide gate and driveway. Is backing in doable and how should I approach it? I have some experience backing the trailer, but not in this tight of quarters. Thanks for any advice.

39 Replies

  • Totally do-able.

    You need to learn the continue on the road you're on but pull into the turn slightly and then turn away moving forward until the end of the trailer is mostly perpendicular to the road you are backing on to. Then reverse and crank around backing into the new road. It becomes very easy once done a few times as it is something I have to do when backing into my driveway and have done it a lot now. Practice makes perfect... since no one was born with the knowledge.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    The longer trailers have better control when going backwards then the 6-foot util trailers for sure... I would jack-knife my util trailer in a heart beat haha... You probably have seen truckers back their 54-foot trailers rather fast haha...

    Just take it easy and not get in any hurry...

    They always say hold the bottom of your steering wheel which allows you to move in the same direction as if you were going forward...

    If you want to make some practice runs go to a Walmart parking lot that has stripes on the parking lots. Then you can follow one rather easy...

    Roy Ken
  • About what I deal with with my drive.I have a 4 ft drop off next to my drive on on side a boat on the other side a tree and a house.No shoulders just a two lane subdivision rd.and a neighbors yard.
    Just takes patience and someone usually helps if around.
    I am 60 ft long all together.I just hug my passenger side until my trailer rear end is close where the drive is swing left and back her in
  • Just don't plan on doing it quickly - should be doable. When it gets out of whack pull forward and try again.
  • every situation is different. Doesn't seem out of the realm of possibilities. I have done some crazy backing up personally not quite as long of trailer. As already said take your time and don't rush it. Also get a good spotter to help you, my DW isn't very helpful when backing so I just tell to tell me if I am going to hit something but otherwise stay out of the way.
  • Not the best answer maybe, but I've seen people install a hitch on the front of their tow vehicle for cases like this. That way you can see where you're backing it to.