How To Back A Trailer
Learning how to back a trailer can be a tough situation. Boat2Trailer has come up with a Trailer Assistant to help you back a trailer like a pro. You can simply place the Trailer Assistant around your steering wheel and follow the diagrams.
Here are a few helpful tips and tricks you can use when backing a trailer properly. We have listed a few of the diagrams below to give you a better understanding of how easy it is to use.
- Make sure to relax and stay calm when backing a trailer. Stressing out about a busy landing or a guy honking a horn will only make things worse. Take your time and it will save you time in the long run.
- Be completely aware of your entire surroundings. Look around to see any light poles, other vehicles, garbage cans, curbs etc. before reversing the trailer.
- Start by straightening your steering wheel. This is a good starting point.
- Look at your trailer and your vehicle positions. Match up your situation with the diagrams on the Trailer Assist. By doing this you know which way to turn your steering wheel. Start with a quarter steering wheel turn and begin reversing the vehicle. Try and take wide turns and avoid sharp turns.
- Do NOT Jacknife the trailer. Avoid sharp turns. Try and take a wider angle for lessening the chance of a jacknife. This can cause damage to your trailer and your vehicle.
- Try and look through the rear window to see how the trailer is reacting. If you can not see over your shoulder then use the side mirrors on the vehicle to watch the trailer.
- Once the trailer is close to pointing at the X or spot you want to finish, start straightening the wheel. The trailer will then start to straighten.
- If you have any issues, simply stop and re-evaluate your vehicle and trailer position. Then look at the Trailer Assistant diagram and begin the process again. If you just need to start from scratch simply stop and pull forward till the trailer and vehicle are inline and start over.
