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

JiminDenver
Explorer II
May 12, 2013
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
Explorer
May 12, 2013
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
Explorer II
May 12, 2013
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
Explorer
May 11, 2013
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
Explorer
May 11, 2013
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
Explorer
May 11, 2013
I would rather back up my 23' boat than my 8' utility trailer.
TecheMan
Explorer
May 11, 2013
Thanks everyone for all the great advice. Techeman
Quick question how do you guys Quote just part of another post?
SprinklerMan
Explorer
May 11, 2013
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
Explorer
May 11, 2013
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
Explorer II
May 11, 2013
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.

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