Learn how to reverse a trailer with this step-by-step guide

In this instalment of our ultimate guide to towing series, Robert Pepper discusses learning how to reverse a trailer step-by-step, as well as tips for reversing like a pro.

Question: What’s the quickest way to get a couple yelling at each other? Answer: Get them to work together reversing a trailer. In the interest of harmonious relationships, here is your guide on how to reverse a trailer.

Setup to reverse your trailer

Trailer reversing is done slowly.  If you have a 4WD that can engage low range and not lock the centre diff, for example most Land Rovers, then get into low range.  Part-time 4WDs can set their hubs to free and engage low range which is actually 2WD low.  Otherwise, just go slow. No, REALLY slow. Really, really slow! To manoeuvre a manual transmission vehicle, you’ll find that simply lifting the clutch without touching the accelerator will be enough to move it.  The right foot can then cover the brake for maximum control.

Next, make sure your mirrors are clean and add some blind-spot sub-mirrors.  You won’t be looking back over the window to reverse your trailer as in real situations, the window will be dirty or obscured with gear, and the blind-spot mirrors widen your field of view.  

Large trailers are easier to reverse than smaller ones. If you can reverse a small box trailer, you can certainly reverse a big caravan. If you can, learn with something the size of a camper trailer.

Finally, get a pair of cheap UHF radios as it’s much easier than yelling or hand signals. Then find a wide open area, push your friend outside the vehicle with a radio to warn if you approach obstructions, and you’re ready to start learning how to reverse a trailer.

Step 1 of learning how to reverse a trailer: Straight back

All you’re going to do here is go straight back.  Not between cones, just generally backwards.

First, drive forward in a dead straight line for 30 metres to line the van up directly behind the towcar, then stop. Look at the mirrors. Notice how equal amounts of the trailer are visible in each mirror. Your goal is to keep it that way. Place your right hand on top of the steering wheel, keep looking in both mirrors and then, very slowly, start to reverse straight back.

You’ll notice that the trailer will start to swing one way – more trailer will appear in one mirror and less in the other.  If more of the trailer appears in the driver’s mirror, then turn the steering wheel to the right.  Just a little, maybe 1/4 turn, then wait to see what happens.  You can also put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and just move your hand towards the mirror with more trailer in it. Now you’re reversed a trailer! When the trailer is equal in both mirrors again, straighten the wheel.

A big problem for novices when learning how to reverse a trailer is massive overcorrections.  Because the effect of steering input takes a while to come through, they feed more and more steering lock on and end up jackknifed. So did I mention slow?  Try that.  Practice this till you can confidently keep the trailer going backwards straight-ish for at least 50 metres.

Step 2 of learning how to reverse a trailer: Cornering

To turn the trailer clockwise; while going straight back, turn the steering wheel a little clockwise.  You’ll see the trailer get out of line in your mirrors. 

Then, turn the steering wheel anticlockwise, but not enough to straighten up.   You’ll now have more of the trailer in the passenger mirror than the driver’s mirror.  Keep that picture the same by making small corrections and waiting to see the result. 

Practice until you can confidently reverse the trailer in a whole circle.  To straighten the trailer, temporarily tighten the car’s turn, and as equal amounts of trailer appear in the mirrors, straighten the car.

Step 3 of learning how to reverse a trailer: Backing into a defined area

So far we’ve just gone backwards and in a circle.  If you have that mastered, you’re ready to back into a defined area.  Set up some cones or even just jackets on the ground, and give it a try.

The first step of learning how to reverse a trailer into a defined area (like a campsite) is planning.  When experienced trailer drivers are faced with these situations, they begin planning the whole manoeuvre before they have even entered the area. You’ll see them start to set up the manoeuvre well before they actually start backing the trailer.  The knowledge to do this takes experience, so just give it a try but remember planning is the key.

You can expect your attempts to go to pot when you first try to reverse your trailer.  That’s normal, and it’s because you’re doing something new.  Keep trying and it’ll come together.  The techniques are the same as before.

It may be easier first to reverse in a slight anticlockwise circle.  That’s because in right-hand-drive vehicles you can look out the driver’s window and see the trailer easily.

Turning around

Often, you need to execute a U-turn, and often the road isn’t wide enough.  Note that when going forwards a trailer does not reduce a vehicle’s turning circle.

If the road is not quite wide enough for a 180 turn then you can try a 180 anyway, and when you run out of room ,spin the wheels on opposite lock, reverse back slightly which will jacknife the trailer, and that may give you enough room to turn.  This is risky because once you’ve reversed to jacknife, if you can’t make the turn, you cannot back the trailer.  Again, planning is important.

If the road is too narrow you’ll need to reverse the trailer off the road.  Swing out to the side, hard into the turn.  Important; before you run out of room, straighten the rig.  Then apply opposite lock and back the trailer.

Hitching up

Before you unhitch, place a mark on the ground so you can line up the rear wheels when you return. 

Tips

• Avoid turning the steering wheel when the car is not moving, as this stresses the power steering
• Plan your manoeuvre well in advance
• Make small corrections and wait
• Trailers take more room!
• Don’t get stressed!
• GO SLOW! VERY VERY SLOW!
• Pull forward and try again if it goes wrong.
• Make sure your camper trailer insurance is up to date in case mistakes happen.

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