Backing up

[TecheMan]

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

[Dtaylor]

Backing the TT is easier than backing a bass boat. The hard part to learn for me was judging distance when backing the TT

[JJBIRISH]

You just have to learn to make the mirrors your new second nature… don’t wait until you get the new trailer, learn now even without a trailer to depend on the mirrors for everything when backing…

[TecheMan]

I remember watching a guy back his big 5er. He had to open the door and lean way out and look back. Not impressive in the campground.. and dangerous if there's any trees around. yeh I was afraid That would be me after all these years of just looking back. Some how I thought that looking in the mirrors would reverse my hand movements.
Thanks TecheMan

[2oldman]

TecheMan wrote:
backing looking through mirrors only will be a challenge but I'm looking forward to the new TT.

Once you get it down it will be second nature. The rear of the trailer goes the way the bottom of the steering wheel goes. To this day I still have to think about that.

I remember watching a guy back his big 5er. He had to open the door and lean way out and look back. Not impressive in the campground.. and dangerous if there's any trees around.

[Campfire_Time]

It doesn't hurt to have a spotter in back with a radio either.

[TecheMan]

Yeh I got that pop up down well its on spot in less than 30 seconds when I hit reverse but it is short and I can see over it when it's down. I figure backing looking through mirrors only will be a challenge but I'm looking forward to the new TT.
Thanks everyone you guy's are great. It is so nice to have place like this where you can learn from the more experienced.
Thanks TecheMan

[MitchF150]

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]

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]

I don't think you will have a problem. Tow mirrors are a good thing to have. Enjoy your new TT.

[mleekamp]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.