Backing the TT into the Space
Well, today we took our TT to the empty college parking lot to practice backing into a "campsite". John took first at the wheel and I spotted, then we switched and I took the wheel and he spotted. T...
Forum Discussion
First of all know that a short trailer is a challenge to backup. But you will get it. There will come a point when it just happens.
SECOND: I disagree with those that tell you to put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel...get used to backing with your hand in the natural position. This is the right way to do it and you might as well learn from there.
THIRD; Start by learning to back it up in a STRAIGHT LINE. use a long painted line on a parking lot. not a parking space line. or a straight grassy edge.
once you have learned to back it up in a straight line for at least 100 feet, many times and reliably, you will find that turning it into a space will come more naturally.
DONT USE THE SPOTTER! While learning and ONLY in a clear parking lot where you cannot hit anything forget the spotter. They are a needless distraction at this point.
NOW LET ME BE CLEAR. ALWAYS USE YOUR SPOTTER WHEN BACKING FOR REAL IN A PARK OR OTHER PLACE TO INSURE YOU DO NOT HIT ANYTHING.
FOURTH; Try always to back to your DRIVERS side especially when learning
FIFTH: use small corrections on the wheel and HOLD it until you see the reaction. Try not to over correct. Correct with a SMALL wheel correction and wait to see the reaction.
Jack-knifing means you are using TOO MUCH wheel and holding TOO LONG.
Use your drivers side mirror primarily...checking the other mirror to double check and get in the habit of making sure that side is clear. Use ONLY your mirrors...DO NOT STICK YOUR HEAD OUT THE WINDOW.
BACK SLOOOOOWLY. You will get it. If you get frustrated go away for an hour and come back to it.
I hope some of this helps.
I learned to back up when I was 13, just big enough to reach the pedals of my dads big GMC cabover with a 45 ft trailer. He'd say to me "Junior..back it up to that dock for me" The first time I did it my foot was on the clutch so long my leg was shaking and like jelly. And I was scared sh*&less.I often felt that more than anything I was just the entertainment for all the men standing around laughing. But it was a great lesson.
SECOND: I disagree with those that tell you to put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel...get used to backing with your hand in the natural position. This is the right way to do it and you might as well learn from there.
THIRD; Start by learning to back it up in a STRAIGHT LINE. use a long painted line on a parking lot. not a parking space line. or a straight grassy edge.
once you have learned to back it up in a straight line for at least 100 feet, many times and reliably, you will find that turning it into a space will come more naturally.
DONT USE THE SPOTTER! While learning and ONLY in a clear parking lot where you cannot hit anything forget the spotter. They are a needless distraction at this point.
NOW LET ME BE CLEAR. ALWAYS USE YOUR SPOTTER WHEN BACKING FOR REAL IN A PARK OR OTHER PLACE TO INSURE YOU DO NOT HIT ANYTHING.
FOURTH; Try always to back to your DRIVERS side especially when learning
FIFTH: use small corrections on the wheel and HOLD it until you see the reaction. Try not to over correct. Correct with a SMALL wheel correction and wait to see the reaction.
Jack-knifing means you are using TOO MUCH wheel and holding TOO LONG.
Use your drivers side mirror primarily...checking the other mirror to double check and get in the habit of making sure that side is clear. Use ONLY your mirrors...DO NOT STICK YOUR HEAD OUT THE WINDOW.
BACK SLOOOOOWLY. You will get it. If you get frustrated go away for an hour and come back to it.
I hope some of this helps.
I learned to back up when I was 13, just big enough to reach the pedals of my dads big GMC cabover with a 45 ft trailer. He'd say to me "Junior..back it up to that dock for me" The first time I did it my foot was on the clutch so long my leg was shaking and like jelly. And I was scared sh*&less.I often felt that more than anything I was just the entertainment for all the men standing around laughing. But it was a great lesson.
