How to Back up a Trailer Like a Pro

Backing up a trailer can be annoying and time-consuming when you’re ready and focused on getting ready to go and having some fun. It is sometimes one of the worst parts of unloading and loading up but it doesn’t have to be anymore. We’ll give you some tips and pointers on what to do to make your “backing up” experience so easy that it will make you seem like a pro!

Torque/Tow Capacity:

Before you decide to tow a trailer, make sure your vehicle is capable of pulling it first. Drivers who tow a boat, camper or other trailers need to have excellent torque and towing capacity. A vehicle with higher torque plays a greater role in towing because it allows the engine to easily carry heavy loads. Whether you’re towing a lightweight utility trailer or a massive fifth-wheel trailer, matching your vehicle to the load you’re pulling is important for your safety and the safety of others on the road. It is important to look at what you want to pull and match your vehicle capacity to what you need. A vehicle with great torque and towing capacity is the perfect towing vehicle.

How Do I Hook Up a Trailer?

To hook up your trailer you’ll want to line your vehicle up in a straight line to your trailer. Begin to reverse your trailer in a straight line with the trailer and you may also want a spotter for this process and beyond. Next, you’ll position the trailer coupler above the hitch ball and back up your vehicle until it is directly under the ball. You’ll then unlock the trailer coupler hatch and lower it onto the hitch ball. Now you’re ready, lock the latch, insert the pin and attach your safety chains in a cross pattern to the back of your vehicle. Don’t forget to connect your lights!

Have a Spotter:

A spotter is meant to be your eyes behind the trailer and see the places that you cannot. Spotters should check for debris in the area where you will be backing into to avoid running it over or hitting it. Also, they should look for what is above your trailer to avoid roof damage. They should notify you if they begin to see your trailer is coming in at the wrong angle or potentially beginning to jackknife. To easily communicate you could use a cell phone and stay on the phone with each other, or the traditional way—yell!

Extra Tip: Rear cameras really help you align the hitch on the vehicle and help prevent jack-knifing. However, spotters are still good to have to give you the best possible overall view.

Adjust Your Mirrors:

Just as important as it is to adjust your mirrors while driving it can be equally as important and beneficial to do so when backing in a trailer. Adjusting your mirrors will give you a clearer view of what is behind you and what angle your trailer is at. Mirrors also help the driver understand what is going on when the spotter says there is a problem.

Back-Up Towards the Drivers Side:

Setting your vehicle up so that you are backing up towards the driver’s side will allow you to see the trailer. You can also open your window and glance back over your shoulder and see exactly where and what direction your trailer is going. (If you don’t happen to have a spotter) If you back up towards the passenger side more you may find trouble trying to look over the passenger seats.

Put the Trailer in its Place:

Before completely stopping and shutting off your engine you want to make sure you are happy with where and how you placed. If you are not satisfied with the results of the placement, get back in your truck and make the proper adjustments. Turn your wheel in whichever direction your trailer is going in and you’ll be set!

Conclusion:

The thought of backing in a trailer may be frightening or nerve-wracking but there is no need to feel this way anymore. With patience and focus you are sure to have your trailer backed in with no problem. Everyone will ask you for help. And if you’re still fairly new at backing in trailers, don’t worry as you practice more and more you’ll soon know the tips and tricks to avoid something going in the wrong direction or place.

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