If there’s a non-negotiable skill that every RV owner should master, it’s backing up your travel trailer. Despite seeming like a daunting task to beginners, with a little guidance right from where to position to wheel turning nuances, you can become a champion at this vital RV maneuver. So, let’s take you step by step and turn you into a pro in no time!
Step 1: Area Familiarization
Take a quick walk of where you’re about to reverse the trailer into. Spot any low hanging branches, dips in the landscape, obstacles, children’s toys, or any other hazard that may be in the way. This step helps plan your trajectory safely and correctly.
Step 2: Spotters are Always a Good Idea
Whenever possible, use a spotter. This is someone who stands outside and guides you while you’re backing up. They have a better viewpoint and can easily spot any potential obstacles and guide you as you’re backing up. The easiest method to use with a spotter is using mobile phones. Assuming your tow vehicle allows hands free mode, use that to communicate. In the absence of the mobile phone option, good old fashioned hand signals work too. Just make sure you have agreed on clear signals to avoid miscommunication.
Step 3: Pull forward past the destination
Before you put the tow vehicle in reverse, be sure to pull forward, past where you’re trying to back into. If you’re not far enough forward, you won’t be able to make the turn. It’s always better to pull forward too far rather than not enough. In my experience, I almost always underestimate the amount of room I’ll need when backing into somewhere, and I end up having to pull forward and start over after my first attempt.
Step 3: Hands at Six O’clock
Now we get to the fun part. When you start the actual backing up, place your hands at the bottom of your steering wheel (six o’clock position). This orientation ensures that your trailer will go in the direction your wheel is turned. So, if you need the back end of your trailer to go left, then turn your steering wheel left. To move the back end of the trailer to the right, turn your wheel right.
Step 4: Slow and Steady
Remember that backing up a travel trailer is never a race. Go slow! This gives you enough time to make minor corrections and adjustments. It also limits the possible damage if you hit something.
Step 5: Practice Makes Perfect
As with any skill, the best way to become an expert is through practice. If you’re new to this, find an open space like a large parking lot and practice backing into a parking spot. You can also setup some traffic cones to simulate backing into a camping site. This experience will help you become comfortable with knowing where your trailer is going in relation to how you turn the steering wheel.
Conclusion
There’s no secret shortcut to mastering backing up your travel trailer. But follow these steps, keep practicing, and always maintain a safety-first attitude. Before you know it, you’ll be handling your travel trailer like a pro, ready for any RV adventure that comes your way!
Remember, every RV enthusiast started somewhere, and with a few tries, successes, and likely a few failures, you will soon be navigating like a seasoned pro.
Happy RVing!
