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BellaLynda's avatar
BellaLynda
Explorer
Jan 11, 2015

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. Two hours later neither of us was very successful at getting our little 21' TT into the "campsite" :E I tried the "scoop" several times but just could not get it right. We both continued to jackknife and then couldn't figure out how to get the TT into the site without doing so. Frustrated, but laughing, we agreed it's going to take practice, practice, practice! Without someone to teach us the right way, or to tell us what we're doing wrong, we figure we'll be practicing for a LONG time :R After a bit of discussion on the way home, we concluded that we think we're turning the steering wheel too much. I just finished watching several you tube videos, but bottom line, I believe it's just going to take DOING IT until we get it right. We have reservations next week at a state park not too far from where we are in FL, but John is thinking we should cancel them until we get this backing up thing down. I'm thinking we should go and use that experience as part of our practicing.

We're still working on the best option for easy access into the trailer for John.

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  • RWjSIM2003's avatar
    RWjSIM2003
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2015
    Keep trying even thos of us that have been at it for years sometimes have to try multiple times to back it in straight. One trick I always use was to keep moving even if real slow if you stop turn wheels your trailer will react quickly and cause you to fight backing up. If at first you don't get in pull forward and try again.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2015
    I got my best tips for backing up my 5er from youtube. I was making one basic mistake. I'm not good, but I'm far better now. You do have the key ingredient....LAUGHTER and sticking together. I would imagine that if you wanted help at the campground you will find someone who has been doing it a long time who will give some pointers. You two then need to develop a system of hand or voice signals that you stick with. Be sure the person driving see's the other person in a mirror all the time. Get out and walk ack there to look everything over then get out and look as many times as you need. If you dont want others helping just tell them thanks but no, we want to tough it out and learn it. I open the windows on both sides of my truck and we both know that the ultimate stop signal is for her to scream at me.

    It may help to "master" or maybe not master but get a very good feel for just backing straight first. The wheel is backwards to the motion so it's hard on the brain.
  • tsetsaf's avatar
    tsetsaf
    Explorer III
    Jan 11, 2015
    Practice is the only way... don't cancel the reservations. Just take your time and make minor adjustments. If someone offers to help let them know you are new to this and would appreciate the help as long as they are patient in their guidance.

    Did you try backing down one of the parking lanes in a straight line? Great drill for getting a feel of how just a little turn of the wheel can compound into a whole lot of movement with the trailer.
  • BTPO1's avatar
    BTPO1
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2015
    BurbMan wrote:
    Yes if you are jack knifing you are steering too much. The trick is to start steering back the other way before you think you need to. If you wait until you see that you need to steer the other way, it's too late, you waited too long. Keep practicing, it's not rocket science. Don't cancel your reservations, some good Samaritan will help you get parked if you run into trouble.


    X2, Agree and someone will usually be around to help if needed. JMO
  • mdamerell's avatar
    mdamerell
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2015
    When backing "less, is often more". The shorter the trailer the faster it will respond while backing. Start by backing in a straight line. If you can keep it going straight while backing, then you can start to work on turning it.

    Some people find it's easier to hold the steering wheel on the bottom since the trailer will then go in the direction you move the steering wheel.

    Good luck and have fun while learning.
  • Kennedy64's avatar
    Kennedy64
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2015
    I am AWFUL at backing up a trailer even though my dad was a trucker. If I'm not camping with my dad (he never takes the wheel just gives me direction) or my husband doesn't go, I tend to get extremely nervous but there is always a nice gentleman at the campground to help me. I am getting better but....I completely understand.
    Practice is the key (and finding sites with pull thrun sites :) )
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer III
    Jan 11, 2015
    Yes if you are jack knifing you are steering too much. The trick is to start steering back the other way before you think you need to. If you wait until you see that you need to steer the other way, it's too late, you waited too long. Keep practicing, it's not rocket science. Don't cancel your reservations, some good Samaritan will help you get parked if you run into trouble.
  • rvten's avatar
    rvten
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2015
    Go back to your dealer. Have them show you how. They made enought money off of you.

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