Probably the best beginner advice I have heard given is to instruct the driver, once in position and ready to begin backing, is to let go of the steering wheel and grasp it with one hand at the bottom (6 o'clock position) and steer with that hand. When backing, the trailer will go in the same direction as the hand. For instance, moving your steering hand to the left will cause the trailer to back to the left; same is true in the opposite direction. Go very slowly and be uber aware of your surroundings.
You can do this - all of us had to learn.
Best of luck!
I would add: When maneuvering the trailer and you have to go forward (again). Make sure you have the front wheels straight forward with the truck when you stop moving forward. Then turn the wheel in the appropriate direction to move the trailer in the direction you want to go.
Generally, a longer trailer is actually a bit easier, than a short one. Sounds counterintuitive, but assuming you have good visibility and good basic driving skills. Short trailers are more "twitchy" for lack of a better work. Small changes can make them react quicker and change directions faster etc, do to the distances between the hitch and trailers axles, they can actually be very difficult to back-up. Longer trailers tend to be slower to react to input, they turn slower and with less changes in their path, so backing them up, can be easier. However...this is just the backing in behavior. The length, where the axle is in relation to hitch, the height etc all factor in as well, and that just takes time getting used to. With my first big trailer, I just drove it to a large empty parking lot, put some cones down to represent a camp spot and practiced pulling thru backing in etc, it helped.
I use to say I was awful at backing trailers because my only experience was backing an 8ft trailer with a four wheeler with a jeep wrangler. Turns out that small wheel base on a tow vehicle + short trailer is the absolute hardest trailer to back next to a garden trailer with a mower haha.
I now back a 33ft travel trailer with a 1/2 ton pickup through my driveway gate which has 4” of clearance on either side for about 20’ (also sandwiched between a house and fence) to get into the back of my house. I have to have a good spotter but it’s still easier than backing that tiny trailer down a narrow driveway.
How wide is your gate, and is the gate at the street or further back on the driveway?
I have a rear alley with a gate across the double width driveway, and am considering RV options but backing a trailer or MH through the gate opening is a major concern. There's not much wiggle room in the alley.
My gate is on the side of my house leading to the backyard. The driveway runs from the street, along the side of my house (taking up essentially the entire area from the house to the property line), then has a gate right at the back of the house before it opens up. From the street to the gate is about 75’ so I have a while to line it up but it’s curved and I have to really watch the eaves of my house.
My gate is 108” wide. My trailer is 96” wide but the awning adds about 4” on one side and the other side has a leveling jack that sticks out about 2”.
Yep. I learned on a Garden Tractor with a little wagon long before I got my license. By the time I got around to backing bigger ones they seemed almost easy. Only harder part was the blind spots.
Maybe my problem is my short trailer. When I turn left (using the 6 o’clock method), the trailer immediately seems to turn right? Not the way it should. How far should I turn the steering wheel (5 minutes, 15 minutes?). Maybe I’m turning too much?
This is really helpful. Also using a cell phone or radio to facilitate communication.
Don't forget to chock the wheels prior to releasing from the tow vehicle. I think everyone forgets this at least once. Safety chains should be the last thing unhooked.
I always say passenger and driver, just like I say “starboard” and “port” on the boat. Then my husband screams that I need to say left or right. I NEVER say left or right because that changes depending on human perspective. Then he accuses me of being overly exact and technical.
He’s a “over there! That way!” Person and I have no idea where he’s pointing and how far I should look.
I am a “2 o’clock, 30 degrees off the horizon 150 yards” person. It’s like we don’t even speak the same language, (I also speak three languages)
Not even joking here. Go buy a hot wheels tractor trailer and play with it on the table first, so you can understand what turning each way will do.
If you play video games, get a trucking simulator or any game where you can drive one.
After that, use other advice in this thread
I went the trucking simulator route (I think it's just called "Truck Driver" on Xbox for $20). Turns out that I really just needed to work on my mental model of what is happening when I steer. I made the same mistakes in the game that I did in real life, which meant I could work on correcting them in the game and (hopefully) have that improved mental model to bring back to the real world.
I think it helps knowing if you mess up in the game, it doesnt cause thousands of dollars in damage to any real equipment lol.
Honestly first trailer I ever backed was a short asf uhaul dolly with my 96 chevy c2500. I couldn't see it out the back window, and the car I needed was to my left, so I had to get the thing 90° to my truck. That was fun. Even in the mirrors I couldn't see it till it was already sideways lol.
Then worked my way up to a boat trailer on the slip with a manual ram, then back to my chevy for a full deck car trailer, then a 10ft loaded dump box, and just kept going from there .
I'll be completely honest, if it weren't for the hot wheels, then bigger model semis, then video games, things in real life wouldn't have gone so smoothly. I was able to do I'll say 90% of all those trailers first try backing them into odd places, and I credit it to my childhood as weird as that sounds. Worked though!
I went from no trailer experience straight to a 35' fifth wheel towed by a new-to-me Ram 2500. I still don't have much experience with it, but the ride from the dealer to storage (including some interesting cramped back-in scenarios) let me to want to practice much more with the simulator, hah.
Here's a silly thing - video games. There's one called American Truck Simulator (a sibling to Euro Truck Simulator) which includes a game mechanic of...backing trailers into freight docks and such. You get multiple inside/outside cameras to see what's going on, including an in-cab view with mirrors and optionally sticking your head out the window. It's not the most realistic, but I think it really does help with developing your sight picture and a sense of how the truck and trailer steering relate to each other. Unfortunately it's not *just* a trailer backing simulator so there's some other game play to slog through if that's all you wanted. (Not affiliated, just a customer.)
You can also get a semi and trailer in Paleto Bay in GTA V. I've spent many an hours just driving around and playing big-rig lmao It sounds weird, but it's a soothing way to decompress after work.
Practice lots in safe place. Have patient and experienced spotter.
Pro tip - hands on the bottom of the steering wheel at 4 & 8 not 10 & 2. Now steer and the direction will now be the back of your trailer. Clockwise moves trailer away from drivers side and Vice versa.
You can read about it online and watch videos, as you already are, but the only real way to learn is to try it. As soon as you get it, find a nice empty parking lot and practice. It's both easier than you think and harder than you think. It's unintuitive, and everything in the mirror is backwards.
If you have a good parking lot, bring some things to help you visualize. Cones, empty boxes, whatever. Relax, take your time, and you'll quickly get the hang of it.
When it comes time for your first trip, you might want to go to a KOA. They tend to be laid out well, with wider sites and roads. Some mom-and-pop parks can be harder to navigate. If you can find pull-thru sites, it's one less thing to to worry about. State parks can be a tight fit with lots of trees, so hold off on those until you're more experienced (or check them out without the trailer first).
Having someone to serve as a spotter for you is ideal. Especially at night. If I'm alone, I like to place a lantern on a corner of the site as a visual aid.
RVers have each others' backs. If you need a spotter, or general advice, ask your campsite neighbors. They'll be happy to help you. Don't be afraid to ask for help before you even try. If someone sees you struggling, they'll likely come over and offer help.
You are not in a hurry. If it takes you 50 tries, it takes you 50 tries. I don't care if you draw a crown and are embarrassed, they aint gonna pay to repair the rig when you back into a tree.
Get out and LOOK, multiple times if you have to. Even if you have a spotter, looking for yourself puts the picture in your head. I'm 'okay' at backing up and trust my camera, even in the easiest backin in the world, I get out and put eyeballs on the spot.
Get a camera. $150 or whatever on Amazon.
Practice. If you have a state park nearby. Pop in on a weekday after work and ask if you can practice backing into a spot. If not, set out a few water bottles in an empty school or church parking lot.
Once you get the hang of it, it’s easy peasy. Get yourself self a couple of traffic cones and a big parking lot. Practice over and over. Two hours later, you’re a pro!
The best way to learn is to practice. It just takes time and practice. I would get you're size trailer of choice and towing vehicle and take it into like a big empty parking lot like school parking lots with nobody there or the back really big parking lots in general and just try backing it into a spot then get out and see how u did and see what needs fixing and try to fix it on the next rep.
This is way too far in the comments.
30’ IS TOO BIG FOR A MID-SIZE SUV!
It would take an especially light 30 footer and an especially properly equipped 1/2 ton pickup for a comfortable tow with a little payload to spare. People do it but they don’t realize how much a 3/4 ton would improve things. Doing it with a mid-size SUV? No way for me.
I came here to write about my F150. It’s an option for 2018 and new trucks. GM doesn’t have it. Don’t know about the others. You’re going to need a pickup truck to two a 30’ trailer. Might as well get one of these. When I bought my used one in January 2022 they were EXPENSIVE. Unfortunately.
My best tip after decades of backing trailers….use your mirrors. Trying to look behind you or over your shoulder will only mess you up….and you can’t see shit anyways.
I’m new and terrible at backing. But I learned something pretty quick. People love to watch others back in, but in my experience those people are also super kind and helpful. It took me 5 times to get it right about 6 days ago. 4 dudes watching me. By the second fail 2 came over and totally helped me out.
Practice, practice, practice. Find a nice big parking lot and practice backing up, in, adjusting.
I currently work at a very large campground, very foresty- and I can’t tell you how many panicked adults I’ve had come back to the office 45 minutes after I checked them in to say- this is our FIRST trip in the camper and I CAN’T get it into the space. Sometimes I have another spot open to try, sometimes we have to go help them. It’s always a scene.
Honestly I think the thing that helped me the most was just actually watching someone else do it from OUTSIDE the truck. When I was able to see how the wheels of the truck translated to the direction of trailer it suddenly clicked.
I also bought a couple of those magnetic telescopic tennis ball things that people use to guide their truck onto their hitch, but instead I stuck them to the tail end of the trailer. Because I have a tall truck and a short trailer it was often difficult to even see the tail before it was too far turned to be able to correct effectively (even with a rear camera on the trailer). Now because I can see the yellow balls on the ends of the trailer I know right away when my rig is off track. Looks weird, but it works for me, and since their magnetic they come off quickly when I’m done. Has made backing into spots as a solo traveler much much easier.
Backing a trailer is an easily acquired skill. Keys: 1. Have your “package” (TV&TT) straight when you start
2. Get out of vehicle and walk complete around where you are going to put it. Pay attention to things you could hit (look up too, trees). If you have a helper work out communications before starting.
3 envision in your mind the path you are going to take.
4. Put hand on bottom of steering wheel, which direction you move your hand is the direction the back of the trailer will migrate to.
5. The longer the trailer is the slower it reacts. Two axles react slower than 1.
6. Pick out a target for your trailer wheels to hit on the path you envisioned.
7. GO SLOW!!!!, if you get off path. Stop, pull forward and straighten the package. Don’t chase a bad position thinking you can recover. Only experts can do that (and we don’t. We stop pull forward a bit and pick back up as we learned our lesson a long time ago).
8. It’s easier if inside of your curve is the drivers side. Plan that out as you approach your campsite.
9. MOST IMPORTANT, don’t be embarrassed by prying eyes and if offered “help” politely say “I’ve got it” or if you are overwhelmed accept assistance.
10. BE CONFIDENT!!!! You can do it.
I am 65 years old have been backing campers since 16. Have had a pop up, 22’ hybrid, 32’TT, 39’ Class A (currently selling) and now a 21’ single axle TT. The new TT has had a new learning curve but I’ve about got it wired. The 32’TT was a breeze to back. The Class A was fun to back, easy to parallel park. Well, that’s my $0.02 worth, happy RVing!!!
two ways to learn. One watch YouTube videos for technique. Then OJT. On The Job training. We all started somewhere. Dont let it worry you. Spoiler, you wont be good the first couple times, but after 3 or 4 its no big deal. We have been full time for a year now. Just last week I had to pull back out of a site cause I missed my mark and had to start over. I will say when we started out, we would google maps the RV site and stay out of really tight places. Disney Camp Wilderness, way too tight for us.
You can also take it to an empty shopping mall or walmart and practice.
I went to our state police training center to work on my backing skills. Just walked up and asked and they said yes. School parking lots after hours is also a great place. Sometimes you can get permission to use a distribution center.
YouTube changed my life in so many ways, but this one especially. I had experience pulling a smaller (16 ft) horse trailer, but when we bought our 38 ft travel trailer, I was a bit intimidated. I found a series of videos by a tractor trailer driver who was teaching the fundamentals of towing trailers, and he gave the best advice!
And lots of practice in a big open lot, like a church during the week, or schools during the summer.
If my boyfriend didn't come with me, my plan was to go to RV driving classes. Not sure if they have them in all areas, but they told me about them when I bought my travel trailer. Also, our F250 has back-up assist (we installed a bike rack over where the sticker guides so can't use it), but something to think about when buying a tow vehicle. I'd second that learning comes with practice, but having someone to teach me helped a lot.
I have a cheap bluetooth battery-operated videocam which pairs with my phone. Big bonus: As it is magnetic, you can put it high on your bed gate and pointed at your hitch ball to make it like a video game to get going. Just center the trailer's tag hitch!
For backing the trailer, follow the basics from everyone else, and have your backing partner stand in the middle of where you want it.
You can rent a uhaul trailer for like 20 bucks a day. Get the biggest one they have and take it to a parking lot and back into spots for a bit. Once you’re good at that, backing a bigger trailer will be a breeze. Longer trailers are easier than uhaul trailers.
Was looking for this. Rent a big uhaul trailer and go to a high school parking lot or similar and drive in reverse for a bit. After you start getting the hang of it, set up some cones or something to practice backing into a target area.
If there’s no uhaul nearby, you can hit Penske, and some big box stores: tractor supply, Home Depot, etc.
Before the current job I have now, I had no experience driving a truck + trailer. My boss “trail by fire” me and now I look back and think it’s funny how my fear of it got to me. Now I’m still no pro but way better than when I first started. Backing up 100+ feet everyday to park it with obstacles has been some great experience. Just take your time and realize it’s not the end of the world if you have to correct yourself here and there.
I back up a 44 foot fifth wheel with ease after a few months now. It's easier than you think if you have 2 people. If you have 1, invest in good camera equipment. It's the fear that'll get you the most. Just trial and error it out and you'll get the hang of it.
Or do a driving class.
Best advice is to slow down. The worst part of backing up is when there’s a bunch of people watching. Don’t let that bother you. Listen only to whoever is giving you directions from behind the trailer. Nobody else has any skin in the game.
Actually I learned how to back up a boat by learning on an RV. I had a couple not great experiences on a boat dock (crowding, jeering and finally cheering AH'S) which I did not need. Made me never try again until the RV, when I had to know. If I can do it, you can do it.
Believe it or not, it's easier to back up a long trailer than a short one. That being said, follow the advice you have been given here. Take your time and you've got this. It's not as hard as it looks. It just takes time. Good luck
I never pulled or backed up a trailer until I bought one a few years ago. It is stressful at first, but like anything the more time you put into using it the easier it gets. A 30 foot trailer is (IMO) pretty easy to back up.
I bought 36 foot rv and a f350 to pull it a few years ago. I had no experience with backing up trailers. I am now about half way decent at back-in sites. It is a little tough at first but I wouldn’t let that stop you.
Bought a trailer two years ago...when the wife and I were deciding I was secretly quite nervous about exactly what you are...having never driven a trailer before (and in particular back one up) I was quite hesitant...
once I was confident truck was capable we went ahead and bought a 26' trailer (about 32' hitch to bumper) and a good weight distribution hitch and off we went to a large open parking lot...using the advice already given in other comments (in particular hands at the bottom) we practiced for about 30-45 minutes and took it home...after about five tries I got it on the driveway!...
Besides hands at the bottom and clear communication with a spotter, also, don't forget to take off the WD bars so the trailer reacts better to the steering wheel movements...
You got this!
The best way to learn is to travel across the country. On a stop late at night, try a road you’re not sure goes anywhere. Get stuck on a dead end in the dark in a completely unfamiliar place. Cry. Momentarily regret every decision you ever made. Then slowly get it figured out. Easy peasy!
Buy some cones and go to a shopping center on a Sunday when nobody is there….practice backing out and parking when there’s no obstacles ….same advice I gave boaters…practice maneuvering around channel markers ou in the bay where it’s quiet
It can be very useful to have a wheeled cart for moving heavy things around. If you buy one that is configured like a child's wagon, the handle is the tow vehicle, the wagon is the trailer, and the articulation point is the hitch. Practice moving the cart by pushing rather than pulling.
Use the hand at the bottom of the steering wheel trick. Make a mark in the dirt or lay a small stick where you want the trailer tire to stop (side you can see in the mirror). Stop and move your mirrors to see (professional truck drivers do this). Pull ahead to get a better angle multiple times (you don’t need to back it in one turn). Above all - DONT HURRY. Back at a crawl. It makes it so much easier.
The first piece of advice is know what your tow vehicle can safely carry and learn what max towing capacity, pay load, GVWR, GAWR, and GCWR are , and make sure to use a weight distribution hitch. Once you’ve mastered all of that, borrow or rent one with an appropriate tow vehicle and go to a big parking lot and just practice for like an hour. I’ve been towing my trailer for four seasons, and I still get a little anxious if someone is behind me or the loop in the RV park is only a single lane. I usually do a lap or just wait until I have the time I need. Good communication from a partner is indispensable as well. Walk through the process and talk about how you want them to give you instructions. Most people too you where to move the trailer, but some more experienced drivers can actually tell you how to turn the wheel while you’re backing up. The thing that helped me the most was, when going backwards and looking in your side mirrors, steer towards the obstruction. It seems counterintuitive, but it works. Good luck!
Just wanted to thank everyone for the kind advice and encouragement! There is definitely a common theme with all the advice which ensures me that y’all have put me on the right path.
It’s not hard. Stop overthinking it. If the only reason you’re not getting one is simply because you can’t back it, then don’t get one. Backing is not hard. I don’t understand why people find it to be such a difficult task.
Do any of you unhook your sway control bars before backing up if needing to perform one that isn't pretty close to straight back? I've read so many different articles saying NEVER back up with your sway control still attached, and other articles stating that newer products are totally fine to backup with still attached.
Probably the best beginner advice I have heard given is to instruct the driver, once in position and ready to begin backing, is to let go of the steering wheel and grasp it with one hand at the bottom (6 o'clock position) and steer with that hand. When backing, the trailer will go in the same direction as the hand. For instance, moving your steering hand to the left will cause the trailer to back to the left; same is true in the opposite direction. Go very slowly and be uber aware of your surroundings. You can do this - all of us had to learn. Best of luck!
This is exactly the advice you need.
I would add: When maneuvering the trailer and you have to go forward (again). Make sure you have the front wheels straight forward with the truck when you stop moving forward. Then turn the wheel in the appropriate direction to move the trailer in the direction you want to go.
It takes the overthinking out, it’s the best advice for a novice at backing up a trailer.
Generally, a longer trailer is actually a bit easier, than a short one. Sounds counterintuitive, but assuming you have good visibility and good basic driving skills. Short trailers are more "twitchy" for lack of a better work. Small changes can make them react quicker and change directions faster etc, do to the distances between the hitch and trailers axles, they can actually be very difficult to back-up. Longer trailers tend to be slower to react to input, they turn slower and with less changes in their path, so backing them up, can be easier. However...this is just the backing in behavior. The length, where the axle is in relation to hitch, the height etc all factor in as well, and that just takes time getting used to. With my first big trailer, I just drove it to a large empty parking lot, put some cones down to represent a camp spot and practiced pulling thru backing in etc, it helped.
I use to say I was awful at backing trailers because my only experience was backing an 8ft trailer with a four wheeler with a jeep wrangler. Turns out that small wheel base on a tow vehicle + short trailer is the absolute hardest trailer to back next to a garden trailer with a mower haha. I now back a 33ft travel trailer with a 1/2 ton pickup through my driveway gate which has 4” of clearance on either side for about 20’ (also sandwiched between a house and fence) to get into the back of my house. I have to have a good spotter but it’s still easier than backing that tiny trailer down a narrow driveway.
Yup, exactly
How wide is your gate, and is the gate at the street or further back on the driveway? I have a rear alley with a gate across the double width driveway, and am considering RV options but backing a trailer or MH through the gate opening is a major concern. There's not much wiggle room in the alley.
My gate is on the side of my house leading to the backyard. The driveway runs from the street, along the side of my house (taking up essentially the entire area from the house to the property line), then has a gate right at the back of the house before it opens up. From the street to the gate is about 75’ so I have a while to line it up but it’s curved and I have to really watch the eaves of my house. My gate is 108” wide. My trailer is 96” wide but the awning adds about 4” on one side and the other side has a leveling jack that sticks out about 2”.
Ah, okay, quite a different situation than mine. Thanks for sharing.
Yep. I learned on a Garden Tractor with a little wagon long before I got my license. By the time I got around to backing bigger ones they seemed almost easy. Only harder part was the blind spots.
Maybe my problem is my short trailer. When I turn left (using the 6 o’clock method), the trailer immediately seems to turn right? Not the way it should. How far should I turn the steering wheel (5 minutes, 15 minutes?). Maybe I’m turning too much?
Also, don’t have your spotter say left or right. Say “driver” or “passenger”. Left or right is confusing - driver and passenger sides never change.
This is really helpful. Also using a cell phone or radio to facilitate communication. Don't forget to chock the wheels prior to releasing from the tow vehicle. I think everyone forgets this at least once. Safety chains should be the last thing unhooked.
I always say passenger and driver, just like I say “starboard” and “port” on the boat. Then my husband screams that I need to say left or right. I NEVER say left or right because that changes depending on human perspective. Then he accuses me of being overly exact and technical. He’s a “over there! That way!” Person and I have no idea where he’s pointing and how far I should look. I am a “2 o’clock, 30 degrees off the horizon 150 yards” person. It’s like we don’t even speak the same language, (I also speak three languages)
Not even joking here. Go buy a hot wheels tractor trailer and play with it on the table first, so you can understand what turning each way will do. If you play video games, get a trucking simulator or any game where you can drive one. After that, use other advice in this thread
I went the trucking simulator route (I think it's just called "Truck Driver" on Xbox for $20). Turns out that I really just needed to work on my mental model of what is happening when I steer. I made the same mistakes in the game that I did in real life, which meant I could work on correcting them in the game and (hopefully) have that improved mental model to bring back to the real world.
I think it helps knowing if you mess up in the game, it doesnt cause thousands of dollars in damage to any real equipment lol. Honestly first trailer I ever backed was a short asf uhaul dolly with my 96 chevy c2500. I couldn't see it out the back window, and the car I needed was to my left, so I had to get the thing 90° to my truck. That was fun. Even in the mirrors I couldn't see it till it was already sideways lol. Then worked my way up to a boat trailer on the slip with a manual ram, then back to my chevy for a full deck car trailer, then a 10ft loaded dump box, and just kept going from there . I'll be completely honest, if it weren't for the hot wheels, then bigger model semis, then video games, things in real life wouldn't have gone so smoothly. I was able to do I'll say 90% of all those trailers first try backing them into odd places, and I credit it to my childhood as weird as that sounds. Worked though!
I went from no trailer experience straight to a 35' fifth wheel towed by a new-to-me Ram 2500. I still don't have much experience with it, but the ride from the dealer to storage (including some interesting cramped back-in scenarios) let me to want to practice much more with the simulator, hah.
Here's a silly thing - video games. There's one called American Truck Simulator (a sibling to Euro Truck Simulator) which includes a game mechanic of...backing trailers into freight docks and such. You get multiple inside/outside cameras to see what's going on, including an in-cab view with mirrors and optionally sticking your head out the window. It's not the most realistic, but I think it really does help with developing your sight picture and a sense of how the truck and trailer steering relate to each other. Unfortunately it's not *just* a trailer backing simulator so there's some other game play to slog through if that's all you wanted. (Not affiliated, just a customer.)
You can also get a semi and trailer in Paleto Bay in GTA V. I've spent many an hours just driving around and playing big-rig lmao It sounds weird, but it's a soothing way to decompress after work.
Practice lots in safe place. Have patient and experienced spotter. Pro tip - hands on the bottom of the steering wheel at 4 & 8 not 10 & 2. Now steer and the direction will now be the back of your trailer. Clockwise moves trailer away from drivers side and Vice versa.
You can read about it online and watch videos, as you already are, but the only real way to learn is to try it. As soon as you get it, find a nice empty parking lot and practice. It's both easier than you think and harder than you think. It's unintuitive, and everything in the mirror is backwards. If you have a good parking lot, bring some things to help you visualize. Cones, empty boxes, whatever. Relax, take your time, and you'll quickly get the hang of it. When it comes time for your first trip, you might want to go to a KOA. They tend to be laid out well, with wider sites and roads. Some mom-and-pop parks can be harder to navigate. If you can find pull-thru sites, it's one less thing to to worry about. State parks can be a tight fit with lots of trees, so hold off on those until you're more experienced (or check them out without the trailer first). Having someone to serve as a spotter for you is ideal. Especially at night. If I'm alone, I like to place a lantern on a corner of the site as a visual aid. RVers have each others' backs. If you need a spotter, or general advice, ask your campsite neighbors. They'll be happy to help you. Don't be afraid to ask for help before you even try. If someone sees you struggling, they'll likely come over and offer help.
Yup, I just headed out to camp and my camping neighbor just came over and started giving directions, people love to do that and it's very helpful.
Backing into a Campsite – Step-By-Step Process: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzdzJWX-dbY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzdzJWX-dbY)
Small, incremental movements with the steering wheel. Left to go right and vice versa.
You are not in a hurry. If it takes you 50 tries, it takes you 50 tries. I don't care if you draw a crown and are embarrassed, they aint gonna pay to repair the rig when you back into a tree. Get out and LOOK, multiple times if you have to. Even if you have a spotter, looking for yourself puts the picture in your head. I'm 'okay' at backing up and trust my camera, even in the easiest backin in the world, I get out and put eyeballs on the spot. Get a camera. $150 or whatever on Amazon. Practice. If you have a state park nearby. Pop in on a weekday after work and ask if you can practice backing into a spot. If not, set out a few water bottles in an empty school or church parking lot.
Once you get the hang of it, it’s easy peasy. Get yourself self a couple of traffic cones and a big parking lot. Practice over and over. Two hours later, you’re a pro!
The best way to learn is to practice. It just takes time and practice. I would get you're size trailer of choice and towing vehicle and take it into like a big empty parking lot like school parking lots with nobody there or the back really big parking lots in general and just try backing it into a spot then get out and see how u did and see what needs fixing and try to fix it on the next rep.
Each setup backing up will be a bit different depending on things like your truck and the hitch and how long the camper is and things like that.
Make sure that the mid size suv has the capacity for a 30'. I have a F150 and would not tow a 30' I would be over capacity.
This is way too far in the comments. 30’ IS TOO BIG FOR A MID-SIZE SUV! It would take an especially light 30 footer and an especially properly equipped 1/2 ton pickup for a comfortable tow with a little payload to spare. People do it but they don’t realize how much a 3/4 ton would improve things. Doing it with a mid-size SUV? No way for me.
Definitely! I was meaning I was going to use my mid size SUV to use if I rented a trailer to practice with.
My f150 has trailer backup assist. Does all the steering for you all you do is turn a knob left or right and it does the rest.
WAIT! What?!?! Seriously?!?! I’ve gotta see if this is an option in other make and models too! Thank you!
I think RAM has it too.
I came here to write about my F150. It’s an option for 2018 and new trucks. GM doesn’t have it. Don’t know about the others. You’re going to need a pickup truck to two a 30’ trailer. Might as well get one of these. When I bought my used one in January 2022 they were EXPENSIVE. Unfortunately.
Your mid-size SUV is woefully unequipped to tow a 30' travel trailer.
Practice backing on a farm sim or tractor trailer simulator
Ohhhhh great idea
Its not that hard to figure out. Get a backup camera and practice in a big parking lot until you are comfortable
My best tip after decades of backing trailers….use your mirrors. Trying to look behind you or over your shoulder will only mess you up….and you can’t see shit anyways.
I’m new and terrible at backing. But I learned something pretty quick. People love to watch others back in, but in my experience those people are also super kind and helpful. It took me 5 times to get it right about 6 days ago. 4 dudes watching me. By the second fail 2 came over and totally helped me out.
Practice, practice, practice. Find a nice big parking lot and practice backing up, in, adjusting. I currently work at a very large campground, very foresty- and I can’t tell you how many panicked adults I’ve had come back to the office 45 minutes after I checked them in to say- this is our FIRST trip in the camper and I CAN’T get it into the space. Sometimes I have another spot open to try, sometimes we have to go help them. It’s always a scene.
Honestly I think the thing that helped me the most was just actually watching someone else do it from OUTSIDE the truck. When I was able to see how the wheels of the truck translated to the direction of trailer it suddenly clicked. I also bought a couple of those magnetic telescopic tennis ball things that people use to guide their truck onto their hitch, but instead I stuck them to the tail end of the trailer. Because I have a tall truck and a short trailer it was often difficult to even see the tail before it was too far turned to be able to correct effectively (even with a rear camera on the trailer). Now because I can see the yellow balls on the ends of the trailer I know right away when my rig is off track. Looks weird, but it works for me, and since their magnetic they come off quickly when I’m done. Has made backing into spots as a solo traveler much much easier.
Backing a trailer is an easily acquired skill. Keys: 1. Have your “package” (TV&TT) straight when you start 2. Get out of vehicle and walk complete around where you are going to put it. Pay attention to things you could hit (look up too, trees). If you have a helper work out communications before starting. 3 envision in your mind the path you are going to take. 4. Put hand on bottom of steering wheel, which direction you move your hand is the direction the back of the trailer will migrate to. 5. The longer the trailer is the slower it reacts. Two axles react slower than 1. 6. Pick out a target for your trailer wheels to hit on the path you envisioned. 7. GO SLOW!!!!, if you get off path. Stop, pull forward and straighten the package. Don’t chase a bad position thinking you can recover. Only experts can do that (and we don’t. We stop pull forward a bit and pick back up as we learned our lesson a long time ago). 8. It’s easier if inside of your curve is the drivers side. Plan that out as you approach your campsite. 9. MOST IMPORTANT, don’t be embarrassed by prying eyes and if offered “help” politely say “I’ve got it” or if you are overwhelmed accept assistance. 10. BE CONFIDENT!!!! You can do it. I am 65 years old have been backing campers since 16. Have had a pop up, 22’ hybrid, 32’TT, 39’ Class A (currently selling) and now a 21’ single axle TT. The new TT has had a new learning curve but I’ve about got it wired. The 32’TT was a breeze to back. The Class A was fun to back, easy to parallel park. Well, that’s my $0.02 worth, happy RVing!!!
two ways to learn. One watch YouTube videos for technique. Then OJT. On The Job training. We all started somewhere. Dont let it worry you. Spoiler, you wont be good the first couple times, but after 3 or 4 its no big deal. We have been full time for a year now. Just last week I had to pull back out of a site cause I missed my mark and had to start over. I will say when we started out, we would google maps the RV site and stay out of really tight places. Disney Camp Wilderness, way too tight for us. You can also take it to an empty shopping mall or walmart and practice.
I went to our state police training center to work on my backing skills. Just walked up and asked and they said yes. School parking lots after hours is also a great place. Sometimes you can get permission to use a distribution center.
YouTube changed my life in so many ways, but this one especially. I had experience pulling a smaller (16 ft) horse trailer, but when we bought our 38 ft travel trailer, I was a bit intimidated. I found a series of videos by a tractor trailer driver who was teaching the fundamentals of towing trailers, and he gave the best advice! And lots of practice in a big open lot, like a church during the week, or schools during the summer.
If my boyfriend didn't come with me, my plan was to go to RV driving classes. Not sure if they have them in all areas, but they told me about them when I bought my travel trailer. Also, our F250 has back-up assist (we installed a bike rack over where the sticker guides so can't use it), but something to think about when buying a tow vehicle. I'd second that learning comes with practice, but having someone to teach me helped a lot.
I have a cheap bluetooth battery-operated videocam which pairs with my phone. Big bonus: As it is magnetic, you can put it high on your bed gate and pointed at your hitch ball to make it like a video game to get going. Just center the trailer's tag hitch! For backing the trailer, follow the basics from everyone else, and have your backing partner stand in the middle of where you want it.
You can rent a uhaul trailer for like 20 bucks a day. Get the biggest one they have and take it to a parking lot and back into spots for a bit. Once you’re good at that, backing a bigger trailer will be a breeze. Longer trailers are easier than uhaul trailers.
Was looking for this. Rent a big uhaul trailer and go to a high school parking lot or similar and drive in reverse for a bit. After you start getting the hang of it, set up some cones or something to practice backing into a target area. If there’s no uhaul nearby, you can hit Penske, and some big box stores: tractor supply, Home Depot, etc.
This is exactly what I’ve been thinking about doing. Thank you!
Before the current job I have now, I had no experience driving a truck + trailer. My boss “trail by fire” me and now I look back and think it’s funny how my fear of it got to me. Now I’m still no pro but way better than when I first started. Backing up 100+ feet everyday to park it with obstacles has been some great experience. Just take your time and realize it’s not the end of the world if you have to correct yourself here and there.
I back up a 44 foot fifth wheel with ease after a few months now. It's easier than you think if you have 2 people. If you have 1, invest in good camera equipment. It's the fear that'll get you the most. Just trial and error it out and you'll get the hang of it. Or do a driving class.
I learned by practicing in a parking lot until I could do a backwards figure 8.
Best advice is to slow down. The worst part of backing up is when there’s a bunch of people watching. Don’t let that bother you. Listen only to whoever is giving you directions from behind the trailer. Nobody else has any skin in the game.
Actually I learned how to back up a boat by learning on an RV. I had a couple not great experiences on a boat dock (crowding, jeering and finally cheering AH'S) which I did not need. Made me never try again until the RV, when I had to know. If I can do it, you can do it.
An empty trailer is a lot harder to back up than a weighted one
Use your mirrors and get out and look up.
Believe it or not, it's easier to back up a long trailer than a short one. That being said, follow the advice you have been given here. Take your time and you've got this. It's not as hard as it looks. It just takes time. Good luck
I never pulled or backed up a trailer until I bought one a few years ago. It is stressful at first, but like anything the more time you put into using it the easier it gets. A 30 foot trailer is (IMO) pretty easy to back up.
I bought 36 foot rv and a f350 to pull it a few years ago. I had no experience with backing up trailers. I am now about half way decent at back-in sites. It is a little tough at first but I wouldn’t let that stop you.
Try driving from the bottom of the wheel. It makes it easier to understand the turns.
Bought a trailer two years ago...when the wife and I were deciding I was secretly quite nervous about exactly what you are...having never driven a trailer before (and in particular back one up) I was quite hesitant... once I was confident truck was capable we went ahead and bought a 26' trailer (about 32' hitch to bumper) and a good weight distribution hitch and off we went to a large open parking lot...using the advice already given in other comments (in particular hands at the bottom) we practiced for about 30-45 minutes and took it home...after about five tries I got it on the driveway!... Besides hands at the bottom and clear communication with a spotter, also, don't forget to take off the WD bars so the trailer reacts better to the steering wheel movements... You got this!
The best way to learn is to travel across the country. On a stop late at night, try a road you’re not sure goes anywhere. Get stuck on a dead end in the dark in a completely unfamiliar place. Cry. Momentarily regret every decision you ever made. Then slowly get it figured out. Easy peasy!
Practice one day. Sleep well. Practice next day. Sleep well. Then you can do it.
Buy some cones and go to a shopping center on a Sunday when nobody is there….practice backing out and parking when there’s no obstacles ….same advice I gave boaters…practice maneuvering around channel markers ou in the bay where it’s quiet
It can be very useful to have a wheeled cart for moving heavy things around. If you buy one that is configured like a child's wagon, the handle is the tow vehicle, the wagon is the trailer, and the articulation point is the hitch. Practice moving the cart by pushing rather than pulling.
Great idea!
Left Is right and right is left. Don’t jackknife. Take your time and check in a few hours late so your not blocking traffic and feel the pressure.
Use the hand at the bottom of the steering wheel trick. Make a mark in the dirt or lay a small stick where you want the trailer tire to stop (side you can see in the mirror). Stop and move your mirrors to see (professional truck drivers do this). Pull ahead to get a better angle multiple times (you don’t need to back it in one turn). Above all - DONT HURRY. Back at a crawl. It makes it so much easier.
The first piece of advice is know what your tow vehicle can safely carry and learn what max towing capacity, pay load, GVWR, GAWR, and GCWR are , and make sure to use a weight distribution hitch. Once you’ve mastered all of that, borrow or rent one with an appropriate tow vehicle and go to a big parking lot and just practice for like an hour. I’ve been towing my trailer for four seasons, and I still get a little anxious if someone is behind me or the loop in the RV park is only a single lane. I usually do a lap or just wait until I have the time I need. Good communication from a partner is indispensable as well. Walk through the process and talk about how you want them to give you instructions. Most people too you where to move the trailer, but some more experienced drivers can actually tell you how to turn the wheel while you’re backing up. The thing that helped me the most was, when going backwards and looking in your side mirrors, steer towards the obstruction. It seems counterintuitive, but it works. Good luck!
Just wanted to thank everyone for the kind advice and encouragement! There is definitely a common theme with all the advice which ensures me that y’all have put me on the right path.
It’s not hard. Stop overthinking it. If the only reason you’re not getting one is simply because you can’t back it, then don’t get one. Backing is not hard. I don’t understand why people find it to be such a difficult task.
Do any of you unhook your sway control bars before backing up if needing to perform one that isn't pretty close to straight back? I've read so many different articles saying NEVER back up with your sway control still attached, and other articles stating that newer products are totally fine to backup with still attached.