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

[JiminDenver]

Being a boater I'm sure you've noticed that the boat ramp can be cheap entertainment on a busy weekend. The longer the ramp, the better the entertainment. Some take so many attempts that the ranger finally tells them they have to wait at the top until the people they are holding up have a chance.

Why say all of that? Well next weekend YOU can be the entertainment at the campground OR you can go to a big empty parking lot and practice. Not only practice getting it into spots from different angles but also backing all the way around the lot first one way and then the other. By the time you make it all the way around a few times you should have a pretty good feel for your rig.

[69_Avion]

As stated above, the longer the trailer the easier it is to back up. My 34' Avion is easier to back up than my 19' Camper/Trailer.
Also, the advive of having a spotter is always a good idea, especially if the spotter can actually signal properly.

[2oldman]

TecheMan wrote:
Quick question how do you guys Quote just part of another post?

Quote the whole thing (you must) then delete the part you don't want - just like you're editing your own post- just like I did with yours.

Leave the " {quote} " stuff tho so we know whom you quoted.

[DE88ROX]

Had a PUP for 20 years that I could back in anywhere. Now that its into the 2nd year with the TT, I must say that Ive become quite proficient in using my mirrors. It will come to you and next thing you know you're an old pro!

[MamaLisa]

I agree the longer the easier it is. From a pop-up to a 20' and now 31 it got easier every time. My husband still has trouble so I do most of the parking.

[rjf7g]

I would rather back up my 23' boat than my 8' utility trailer.

[TecheMan]

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. Techeman
Quick question how do you guys Quote just part of another post?

[SprinklerMan]

Ignore the sign that says dead end road while pulling your trailer , Its done on my street 3 times a week at least , over a 2 mile streach to back up . Many a rv and tractor trailer have done it. Practice makes perfect

[6dot6]

everyone pretty much summed it up already but...
spotters only work if you have a game plan. take a second and work out some signals and things to look for bud. often, people who dont tow have no idea what they are doing backing someone up. i drive a tractor for a living and i will tell you, there is no rush to backing up. take all the time you need. also remember you cant jackknife the trailer too far or your bumpers will be angry at you.(you probably know that already)

[mosseater]

I still find myself giving too much steering input and too early, but using the mirrors is a must. The hard part is to not be able to see the blind side when backing. A good spotter is worth their weight in gold. Go slow and don't be afraid to get out and look. After while you will visualize it in your head before you do it and it becomes much easier.

[limbery]

AaronV wrote:
The TT will be much easier, the longer the trailer the easier. The longer they are the slower they turn.

Now I hear this! I would have bought a 36' instead of my 19'!

[AaronV]

The TT will be much easier, the longer the trailer the easier. The longer they are the slower they turn.

[bmupton]

I was surprised at how easy my 31' Mallard was to back up. Prior to it, the only thing I'd ever backed up was a Boler that was basically a bed on wheels (Maybe 10' long) and a truck box mounted to a hitch used as a utility trailer. Both those things were a PAIN to reverse. As soon as they started to turn they'd be jack-knifed.

First time I ever reversed my 31' I didn't even have to pull forward, I was bloody surprised with myself. Having the wheels that far back I find makes it a lot easier.

[DocnAK]

Campfire Time wrote:
It doesn't hurt to have a spotter in back with a radio either.

+1
We are in our first year of camping and not experienced by any stretch of the imagination with backing up. My wife and I each have a cheap two way radio and communicate with that and can get into most any spot without too much trouble 😉