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Sep 01, 2023

How to Backup a Trailer

Jackknives are cool in the pool, not when pulling trailers. T_Marko t_marko/ We

Jackknives are cool in the pool, not when pulling trailers.

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So you want to back up a trailer? Whether that be taking the jet ski to the lake or snaking a trailer full of paver bricks to the backyard for landscaping, you’re gearing up for an adventure that’ll put your driving skills to the test.

The know-how needed to back up a trailer uses the same simple techniques despite vehicle size, steering ratios, and the size of the trailer. Ultimately, the goal is to prevent hitting anything with the trailer or the vehicle and to avoid jackknifing, when the trailer and vehicle end up in a v-shaped position that could result in damage. That said, the task at hand will also present different challenges based on the space and surroundings.

Regardless of the mission, having the dexterity to place a trailer while in reverse is useful knowledge that can be tackled with a little guidance and a pocket full of patience. To aid in getting you backing up a trailer like a pro, The Drive's crack How-To team is here to help. Ready?

Estimated Time Needed: Less than a half-hour

Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate

Vehicle System: Dynamics

Although a trailer will be pulled forward for 90 percent of its life, it's the 10 percent when it's pushed back that causes issues and frustration for inexperienced towers. This skill becomes valuable when launching a watercraft, stowing something away in a barn or garage, delivering supplies for a house remodel, or placing a pop-up camper at a state park. Even when you pull forward into a driveway, somebody's gotta back it out!

Trailers operate somewhat counterintuitively as turning the steering wheel left will push the trailer right. Turning the wheel right will kick the truck's rear end right and push the trailer left. Essentially, the direction the wheel is turned will be the opposite of the direction the trailer will go.

One major factor in backing up a trailer is speed. Take it slow. The quicker you drive, the quicker something can go wrong, and you’ll have to correct it by starting over.

A trailer's hitch is where it and the vehicle towing it couple together and commonly features a ball-in-socket design, along with chains and an adapter for brake and indicator lights. However, there is a variety of hitches available. Here's a rundown of the most common trailer hitches.

Overstressing any component involved in towing, whether that's the vehicle, the trailer or the hitch, could be disastrous, so it's important to know the differences between hitch classes.

Backing up a trailer could quickly go south, so preparation is paramount. Here's what you’ll need to do to ensure you don't destroy property, injure yourself and others or crumple your trailer and vehicle.

Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. (You still won't need a blowtorch for this job. Please don't have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.)

You’ll also need a wide, flat piece of pavement, such as a parking lot or nice quiet street. A parking lot is a great place to start, as there is more open area and the parking spaces can be used as guidelines. Once comfortable in a lot, try backing up into your driveway. This will allow you to practice backing into a spot at a 90-degree angle.

If you have a stylish speckled-floor garage that has wrenches, hammers, saws, nuts, and bolts neatly organized in black and red Craftsmen chests, nice work. That's beautiful, but you won't need any of it, save for a couple things. The items below will prove useful in preparing for towing, forward or reverse.

Tool List

Let's do this!

You did it, congratulations!

It's important to understand that there is a point where the backup is a failed mission and will need to be reset. If you notice your steering is a Mortal Kombat combo of left-right-left-right-left-right, it might be worth driving forward, returning to the starting point and trying again (there's no shame in that!). The goal is to steer the trailer with a few smooth, continuous inputs.

Here are The Drive's pro tips for how to backup a trailer.

Even with the right tools, the proper equipment and a high-tech truck, backing up a trailer can be a frustrating process. Take some of the guesswork out of the process with this simple and cheap hack.

Featured Trailer Products

Tow Tuff Adjustable Trailer Dolly with Caster

Reese 7031400 Tri-Ball Mount with Hook

CURT 56070 7-Foot Vehicle-Side Truck Bed 7-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness Extension

Got a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note: [email protected]