I've been backing boats since age 15 now 47 also backed my pop-up for years with that short wheel base. Fished local tournaments often had to back the boat a 1/4 mile down the center of the road because cars parked on both sides. I got that down pact. But am buying a TT soon and never towed anything that large and blinding 31' all together. Do I have to learn how to back up using mirrors only? I always turn around and watch the trailer when backing and that has become second nature for me. I do it almost as we'll as forward. Any advice would be appreciated.Thanks TecheMan

Yes you will have to learn to watch the mirrors. Not a big deal. You can watch the TT after you have turned it sharp enough. But once it starts straightening. Mirrors again.Other than that no difference. Line the rear of the trailer up with the hole as best you can, and hands at the bottom of the wheel, push the way you want the trailer to go.

You have to use the mirrors. If you turn around, all you see is the front of the trailer.I live at the end of a small cul-de-sac. My truck has a hard time making the 180* turn to back in to my driveway (trash trucks have a hell of a time in there!). Instead of tight turning my trailer, I just back up the road directly into my drive. As soon as I get straight, all I can see is down each side. I will slightly zig-zag as I back up the road so that I can see 'behind' the trailer better. Been working for years. No little kids on my street except for mine so it's a win!

LONG trailers are much easier to control in reverse then short ones. Ever try backing a lawn tractor with one of those 4' trailers on the back :) Using mirrors is only rational way to back a trailer that blocks your vision. Having electric mirrors that allow you to change the view is also very helpful. With your experience you should get the hang of it very quickly.Good luck / Skip

In my opinion, backing up a longer travel trailer is far easier than a small boat trailer so I don't think you'll have any trouble.That said, you do need to get comfortable with your mirrors. I do turn around and look sometimes as it helps me better judge distances but you need to be able to primarily use the mirrors (especially the passenger side) to avoid taking out trees, posts, etc. that may not be visible otherwise.

All true...backing larger trailer is easier....and, mirrors are key. Even when not towing, i back out of my drive (200 ft) with MIRRORS only. No need to strain my neck!I'd suggest finding a country lane somewhere and practive backing up (TV only) with mirrors. get used to the feel. You can do the same with a trailer.

Backing up | Good Sam Community

28 Replies

MitchF150
Nomad
May 10, 2013
I've found that if you can see the trailer tires, that's where the trailer is going to go... Sure, you have to make sure the rest of it is not going to hit anything, but if you watch the tires, that's the track it's going to follow..

Do this by looking out the window or the mirrors..

Practice is the main thing. Sounds like you have the backing down, just need to learn a new perspective..

Good luck!

Mitch
AYRTIME
Explorer
May 10, 2013
You must get comfortable with the mirrors. An dmirrors must be wide enough for you to see down the sides of the trailer.
When backing place you hand at the bottom of the steering wheel! Try it and you'll see what we mean!...the trailer will follow!
What the trailer wheels if you can as this is the actual turning point of the trailer.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
May 10, 2013
I don't think you will have a problem. Tow mirrors are a good thing to have. Enjoy your new TT.
mleekamp
Explorer
May 10, 2013
All true...backing larger trailer is easier....and, mirrors are key. Even when not towing, i back out of my drive (200 ft) with MIRRORS only. No need to strain my neck!

I'd suggest finding a country lane somewhere and practive backing up (TV only) with mirrors. get used to the feel. You can do the same with a trailer.
Tallboy
Explorer
May 10, 2013
In my opinion, backing up a longer travel trailer is far easier than a small boat trailer so I don't think you'll have any trouble.

That said, you do need to get comfortable with your mirrors. I do turn around and look sometimes as it helps me better judge distances but you need to be able to primarily use the mirrors (especially the passenger side) to avoid taking out trees, posts, etc. that may not be visible otherwise.
skipnchar
Explorer
May 10, 2013
LONG trailers are much easier to control in reverse then short ones. Ever try backing a lawn tractor with one of those 4' trailers on the back :) Using mirrors is only rational way to back a trailer that blocks your vision. Having electric mirrors that allow you to change the view is also very helpful. With your experience you should get the hang of it very quickly.
Good luck / Skip
boogie_4wheel
Explorer
May 10, 2013
You have to use the mirrors. If you turn around, all you see is the front of the trailer.

I live at the end of a small cul-de-sac. My truck has a hard time making the 180* turn to back in to my driveway (trash trucks have a hell of a time in there!). Instead of tight turning my trailer, I just back up the road directly into my drive. As soon as I get straight, all I can see is down each side. I will slightly zig-zag as I back up the road so that I can see 'behind' the trailer better. Been working for years. No little kids on my street except for mine so it's a win!
Terryallan
Explorer II
May 10, 2013
Yes you will have to learn to watch the mirrors. Not a big deal. You can watch the TT after you have turned it sharp enough. But once it starts straightening. Mirrors again.

Other than that no difference. Line the rear of the trailer up with the hole as best you can, and hands at the bottom of the wheel, push the way you want the trailer to go.

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Backing up

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