Good Day, Big Strappers. Thanks for checking out today's upload. If you've tried this trick, do you find it works for you? You have any little tricks that help with the backing up process? Love to hear from you.
No matter how it is done, the secret is making small corrections. Large wheel turns (over-correcting) are the single biggest cause of screwing this up. I have always used the bottom of the wheel method and have taught several people about this as they were struggling at boat ramps. This is a task worthy of practice! Too many people fail to practice until they are at the location (camp ground, boat ramp, storage area, etc.). Go to a local school or shopping center or business lot and practice backing your rig into a parking spot. This will save you a lot of embarrassment later!
Awesome directions 💕 One more trick, is what ever mirror your trailer shows up in, that’s the direction to turn the steering to help keep your trailer straight. Super helpful with shorter trailers. Former Class 1A trainer
For me, the key to backing in a trailer was to shift my paradigms from a mindset of "backing up", to using the tractor to push the trailer into position. Once I learned to do that, my backing improved dramatically.
With my camping trailer I always do a full walk around and double check before I get in the truck. I check all access doors, make sure no wheel chocks are still in place and check my lights before I go... all of this was great advice, thanks !!
D.O... As a past trucker, I agree with you.. Years ago, I brought a mobile radio with me.. The 2nd time the boss backed up, into a blind area, he asked if I would sell it to him, now we have cell phones.. We were trained to keep your hand in the 12 o'clock position..
A ttuck in my country had a sloppy dtivet eho did NOT do a walkround. His wagon hit a bump and his spare tyre rolled the full length of the road! How he didnt KILL someone I do not know! Pros take time. Amateurs7 dont and pay for it. Good points and high numbers to ya! ''Johnny the Fox" 1993-2008
When I was a kid mowing grass on the riding mower, Dad would always put the yard trailer on it and he said that the top of the steering wheel was for going forward and the bottom was for going backwards. All of my siblings (ten kids) can back a trailer like it's second nature 👍
When I was a kid riding with my dad, he always said steer toward trouble. In other words, no matter where your hands are positioned on the wheel, turn in the direction of what or where you DON'T want to hit or go. Another tip I learned on my own is when backing into a a dark area, lay 2 flashlights on the ground where you want to put your trailer.
OMG. This is the clearest, most complete and informative instruction I have ever had! And by the three minute mark. I am 60 year old, female, and I never got the hang of backing up a trailer. This was so simple! Thank you sir. 💜
I'm 67 years old and have been towing trailers since I was 16 years old of different sizes. I have to agree the shorter the trailer, the harder it is is to back up! It just reacts far faster to any input. Anyone I know that's trying to pull a trailer the first time I make the same suggestion. Find an open empty lot and practise with no one around to judge you.
I agree with you 100%. I think people get a little nervous if they think someone is watching them! Ya know I think that's good advise coming from a youngster like you. Hey I'm 70, and of course just kidding! Take care!
@@jeff7461 90% of the people had the same problem when they were learning. I'm getting ready for a very long RV trip, and some sites I could only get back-in. If people laugh at me, I'll figure they're just remembering how hard it was for them and the laughter is all in good fun. Of course, I'm going to spend a few hours practicing before hitting the road, and I'll practice along the way when I can at big empty parking lots. I'm sure I'll look like an amateur anyway, but what the heck.
I've been out here over 20yrs, and that's exactly the way I do an teach it. Another thing to remember is to don't over steer, a little bit goes a long way.
Another tip for those that do not feel comfortable steering from the bottom of the wheel, just put some white tap on the bottom of the steering wheel and use that to tell which way to turn the wheel. Turn the tape to the left, the trailer will go to the left, turn the tape to the right and the trailer will go to the right. It's also easier to keep an eye on the trailer tires when backing up to guide you, the trailer will always follow the tires. Another tip is to cross the safety chains, in other words form an X, that will keep the trailer straight if it breaks loose.
Haha, I wish I had watched this video earlier. Thank you very much. Many years ago, I tried to put a little trailer in my garage for the night. After an hour of struggle, with the noisy car going back and forth, I still couldn't get it in. The whole street of neighbors was laughing at the home, peeking out of their windows to see what was happening. Since then, backing a trailer has been an impossible task and a mystery to me. Now I have the confidence to do the backing of a trailer. Thank you very much once again.
I remember when I first got my CDL, backing was a real problem for me, then this older trucker said let me show you how to snake a trailer, he did the exact thing you did by placing my hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, I instantly got it! Thank you for teaching the walk around, and remember to BACK SLOW, STOP, AND GET OUT, AND LOOK! SUPER TEACHING!
Thank you for sharing. Someone taught my dad the same trick in a hotel parking lot in the year of 2000 as we were driving a Uhaul and a car from North Carolina to California. The wonderful thing is you make it more clear when holding the bottom of the steering wheel. I never thought i’d be a trucker and oh boy i use this method all the time because it was what i knew first. My lesson is, you will never know how you’d impact a kid when doing something good in front of him. Again thank you!
Bottom-of-wheel steering is HUGE, and it was an absolute gamechanger when I figured it out, completely against my training, years ago. And I’ve been looked at like I was insane every time I’ve bothered to explain it to anyone.
Thanks for the instructions. I have always held respect and admiration for skilled truckers who can maneuver an 18 wheel rig into and out of tight spaces without hitting or damaging vehicles or buildings.
Excellent tip, this makes backing up so easy you don't have to remember which way to turn, the trailer will always follow the bottom of the wheel. I've been doing this my whole life my father was a life long truck driver & taught me this when he taught me to drive a truck when I was 15. Whenever I see someone having trouble backing up I tell them to try this and it's amazing how fast they can back up without constantly pulling up to correct. Most people are amazed at how easy they can back up all the sudden.
Okay this is just plain brilliant. I can go a year sometimes without having to pull a trailer. So when I do end up pulling a trailer and I go to back it in I end up looking a bit foolish for a few min until I get the feel for it. I've never been told to keep my hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. I love this method and can't wait to give it a try. Thanks Dave for the quick no-nonsense explanation 🙂
This is the way- I taught this to myself many years ago when driving a tow truck for my father's garage. Another trick to keep in mind- the shorter the trailer with respect to the length of the vehicle, the more careful you have to be with small steering adjustments. Backing a long trailer is much more forgiving.
It's crazy how a small thing like hand placement on the steering wheel can make backing my boat so much easier. Thank you so much for the tips sir. It's much appreciated and oh so useful.
One tip a trainer taught us was to understand where the trailer pivots, the axles. and coupler. That tip immediately improved our trailer backing skills. We would always watch the tail and not the pivot point and tail... Once we understood the pivot point everything else fell in place, we were able to put the trailer into tighter spots too... Hopefully this trick helps people as well.
My dad passed away when I was younger and I never got to learn this from him. I just bought a camper trailer and pick it up tomorrow, and this is super helpful and makes me feel more confident! Thank you so much 😊
This is the very technique that I was taught when I took my class one driver training in the late 1980’s. One additional thing, I was taught to lower my window so that I could hear if anyone was trying to get my attention.
Very well explained, and a Great Video for those who aren't Professional Driver's. Everyone has to learn and I still have memories of that challenge being 18 years old. It's now been 43 years ago and eventually it will become second nature to ya! Just a word of encouragement to ALL the rookies! 😉
FINALLY!!! The only thing that could enhance this video would've been to include a picture in the picture. As the vehicle is turning, we see a small picture at the same time as your hand turning the steering wheel to reinforce the mental image and to see just how much you're turning the wheel. Thank you for uploading this video.
This is definitely great advice! When I was an MP in the Army, we had a need to move trucks with trailers when doing field exercises. They always taught us to turn the opposite direction you want the trailer to go in. Which if your hand is at the top of the wheel is what you would do. The problem, you can forget and end up going the wrong way. With the way explained on this video, you cannot forget or mess up. Right is right, and left is left. Great advice! I wish they would have taught it this way back then. Thanks for this video!!
That's exactly the issue I had. Every time I reversed with a trailer, I would start as if I didn't have one, just out of habit. It's not that I didn't know to go the opposite. It's that it can be difficult to consciously override muscle memory.
I haven't driven trailers in years, but in the service I picked up a very similar trick. Watch your mirrors. When you see the trailer show up in either mirror, turn the wheel TOWARDS that visual clue, The trailer will head the other direction and leave the mirror. When it shows up in the other mirror, Turn TOWARDS that mirror with the visual cue. The trailer will go back the other way. Small corrections also help a lot. This keeps the yelling "Your other left!" down. Great tip!
That's how my dad taught me and it was a game changer. On those off days and when I'm tired I still use this technique to get it to the dock. You should of seen me going down the boat ramp before I knew this trick, I was a twisted up mess holding everyone up and being way to hard on my self. Now I've taught all my kids this trick and in general to stay in their mirrors rather than breaking their necks looking over the shoulder. I've put blind spot mirrors on all our vehicles and wouldn't leave home without them. Also when in doubt, get out, and take a look. Never be in to much of a hurry or back faster than you can correct. Thanks for the great video
Yep!! When I first started driving, the HR guy, a former driver gave me that advice of putting your hand on the Bottom of the steering wheel. Best Advice I got out of ALL my training.👍
Thank you for this video. I've driven buses and large box trucks but have never been good backing up with a trailer. Steering from the bottom of the steering wheel is genius yet so simple. 1 year later and your video is still helping people :)
I was taught this trick back in 1972. Being a young first timer on a semi rig I was doing a terrible job backing in to the dock between two trailers. An old timer saw my pain and jumped on my running board and yelled STOP ! He said to pull this truck forward and listen to me. You’ll never have this problem again. He sure was right ! Probably saved my job and tons of damage. 😅😂. That was many moons ago at the Metro Glass company in Dalton, IL.
Oh, around, less see, 1979 or so I was working at the Coke company when I got graduated to unloading semi's full of coke bottles. Part of it was backing the trailers to the dock. Well, they put me in the truck and never even showed me how to crank the thing. I asked for some pointers and the boss just laughed. I spent more time creeping back and forth lining up the trailers than actually unloading them. Thankfully it was at night, pitch dark, and no one to there to have a heart attack laffing so hard watching me. Coulda used that trick back then! Darn!
The trick is to position the truck and trailer an a manner where you can see one rear corner of the trailer. As you gently move backwards, point that corner where you want it to go and “follow it back”. The initial positioning is critical.
The shorter the wheelbase on the trailer the faster it reacts. I've got 25 years CDL experience and it can be really difficult to push a small U-haul type trailer around.
Not necessarily. It also just takes practice. But I agree, the longer the trailer, the easier to reverse. I drove big rigs for many years, and then a small pickup truck with a diesel bowser trailer that was very short. One gets the hang of them quickly enough. 😊👍
Drove a truck with a 53 ft trailer for years and could back it into tight spots without much problem. Retired and bought an 18 ft trailer and find it more difficult to back. I have to concentrate on NOT over steering. It’s all a matter of what you get used to backing. Always used the bottom of the wheel when backing.
Sir, I would really like to express my admiration to the neatness of your simple, wonderful and magic trick & advice that is worth thousands of dollars in my personal opinion. I am still taking my classes at the school yard and I have never ever had that feeling of being stupid and not good at anything but your video has landed from heaven to me. Thanks again 🙏🙏🙏.
Man I am so glad I came across this video, I just got my cdl and while I could pass the test I still felt I was struggling with the backing. Greatly appreciated this.
Good advice, one thing to remember is not to worry about where your car/truck is heading, it will always follow the trailer so focus on where the trailer is going. Obviously you don't want to side swipe anything with your vehicle but once I learned to focuse on the direction the trailer was heading more than the truck it made it easier.
Started hauling 20 ft trailers in 1974 worked my way up to 53 ft trailers. I learned ur backing up secret by an old driver who taught me to drive in San Francisco. His remark was I am going to teach the old school way of backing up. I have been using this method to train new drivers up to my retirement in Oct.2020
That is so funny ... Out of all the mentors I've had, you're the first to point out that putting your hand on the bottom of the wheel let's you turn right to turn right, and vice versa. I've been getting used to grabbing the top of the wheel and turning left to turn right. I love this, thank you lol
I've been backing up trailers for years without issue, but struggled teaching my wife and kids. Thank you so much for giving such an easy straight forward way of describing it!!!
Thank you so much! That simple hand placement is a game-changer!!! My father is a retired trucker and never taught me this trick. Haha. I appreciate you!!!
This is the greatest trailer-backing-up-tip I've ever heard of, and I've used this technique for decades! I don't even think about it any more, it's just natural for me to steer the trailer from the bottom of the steering wheel. I first learned this technique from Desi Arnaz in the movie "The Long Long Trailer", just at the time I was learning to pull a trailer as a teen. Thanks!
One of the biggest mistakes people make when backing a trailer is the setup to back in. Probably 2/3’s of backing a trailer in a spot is done while still going forward so that the units are properly place for the remainder of the task.
I’m going to use these tips for backing up my utility trailer with my Jeep. It’s difficult backing up a small trailer with a vehicle with a short wheel base. Thanks for this straight to the point and well explained video!
Oh my goodness thank you so much. I tried backing up our boat trailer and camper trailer so many times almost to tears without success. Had so much determination but couldn't to crying. I can see how easy it is now. Can't wait to try it now.
After 44 years experience I've never heard of that tip of the bottom of the steering wheel makes perfect sense fortunately I don't have any problem backing into tight places but this tip will surely help the new drivers understand reversing skills better, good tip Dave
I’ve been backing trailers since I was a teenager and never really had a problem. I’ve never heard this before and I’m really glad I watched this video. I’m going to tell everyone I know about this and hopefully it’ll help them. Thanks.
Great day for this video. I was delivering parts for a storage facility. I got ahead of myself and didn't walk to yard to see how much room I had to turn around when u pulled to the unloading area I thought I was in trouble. But my trusty 389 performed beautifully, w my 48 ft Conestoga, took my time and successfully made it out. I'm not new at this but have no problem admitting I was a little stressed.
After about 55 years of backing a trailer down, I have it down pat. But I sure wish I had this advice when I first started. One other thing I do as a pre-check is grabbing each trailer tire and pull to the side to make sure there is no wobble in the bearings/ hubs. There's nothing worse than blowing out bearings and hubs and being stuck on the side of the road. A shot of grease regularly makes a big difference along with annual maintenance. You've got some sage advice here. Thank you!
I'm here in Orlando about to drive a trailer for the first time to help with debris removal you're the second video I watched but so much detail I really appreciate this right now I drive professionally for Paratransit and wheelchair lift but I've never attained to CDL hopefully in the future loving your Channel right now!! Thank you
Thats a great tip! I was taught if you are trying to back your trailer straight, having your hand on the top of the steering wheel, just remember whatever side mirror your trailer starts appearing in, slightly turn the steering wheel towards that mirror until you see that it starts to straighten up again. If it then appears in the opposite mirror, just turn your steering wheel towards that mirror. Keep watching and alternating between both mirrors, slightly turning the steering wheel towards each of the mirrors you see your trailer coming more into view. If it starts turning too far just pull forward to straighten up and start again.
Exactly! And a lot of people don't pull forward far enough to get a good site picture of their destination in their mirrors before they start backing. I told my boys they should be able to drive as fast backwards as forward.
I learned that back in the 90s from another driver. To this day, I'm surprised how many can't understand this concept. I'm even more surprised they don't teach it in school. After a while you can just think which way is the bottom of the steering wheel going. Good video and keep up the good work.
That trick was absolutely genius. I learned how to back a trailer as a young kid and being self taught I went out to a flat area and figured things out. Had I of known what you just taught I would have learned much faster.
That is the way I learned! But it was when I was young, from a movie I saw and fell in love with! Lucille Ball & Desi Arnez in the movie “The Long Long Trailer”. That is how he was taught to back up in the movie. When in College and backing up our friend’s boat trailers, that simple trick came back to me. When hubby and I got our 36’ TT camper in 2000 I made the family watch that movie! I taught that backing trick to the hubby, and many friends. Now with our 26’ TT that trick is still the best one, just wish my hubby would understand the “over steer” part.🤷♀️ Not sure how this video popped into my feed this morning, glad it did. Have a great day!
I can hear that trailer creaking up the mountain! Such a great movie. Best tip, don't have all the in laws and neighbor instruct you from the sidelines on backing the trailer.
Very good comments here! Only thing I would like to mention in addition is... When you arrive at at a customer that is is tight or difficult try your best to set up or position the truck to have the trailer pointed in the right direction before you start to back up. Make use of all the space you have.
Not sure if anyone ever told me that when I was learning. I do remember being told the back tires do the steering, that's about it. Truthfully after forty some years, I'm not even sure where I grab the wheel when I back up. It's all just reaction, it's not like I think about it when I'm doing it. The best thing I can tell a beginner is, plan out your backup. It's much easier to plan them out then to try to correct them once you've gone wrong
I literally watched this video before my training and I can't thank you enough. Very well explained and I finally mastered backing up 53 foot trailers at work. Thank you so much
We taught an elderly lady how to back her ridding lawn mower with trailer on behind how to back out of her barn after the rain was over. A year later we met up again and she made sure to thank us. It really works!
When you about to turn fifty and find out you have been doing it wrong for all this time. I always have placed my hand on top of the wheel and to consistently think left is right Right is left. I just hope I can untrain myself. Great tip. Thank you !!!
What a great Help here to back up any Trailers!! I am a CDL Holder and I remember everything, but never these Guys told us this easy Trick when you do your Test !!.. I remember only that it was always the opposite Site you had to steer if you want it left or right going , which honestly was more confusing than anything else !! The way you do show it here have helped me back then with all these Guys , who never accepted a woman on a Semi Trailer, but gladly I had a Testing Person from Puerto Rico and he gave me some Xtra Tips to pass my Class A Test.. Thanks for that reminder here.. 😂 how awfully my entire schooling of 3 weeks was !!! 👍✌️😆😃😂😂😂
Something that has helped me a great deal is after getting a real good setup for backing, once backing I usually concentrate on the driver side mirror, especially if there's a painted line to guide me. It's a lot less overwhelming for newbies or those who only occasionally pull a trailer.
Thank you for the video. I can easily back up a trailer if I stand up in the seat and turn around because I could never get using the mirrors. Hard on my bad back too. I'll definitely use these tips to learn how to use the mirrors. The poles on the trailer is a good trick too. A previous post said that when it's dark to put a couple of flashlights where you want the trailer to go. That is brilliant.
I'm planning on buying a camper/trailer soon but I have no experience towing trailers and quite honestly the thought of it has been stressful. This video just took a lot of anxiety out of my plans. I'm sure I can become proficient in moving a trailer around with the tips here. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this information!!! When my husband and I take the boat out, many times, this is my job....I do ok, but always feel I'm holding everyone up, from my sometimes several attempts!! Haha I think this will make me confident and alot more at ease! Thanks again, you rock!
Sir. Great video and you are my new hero. I can’t back a trailer to save my life but tried it today using your instructions and it was perfect! Thanks again and safe trucking!
Thank you.. That's the way my father taught me about 48 years ago -- before power steering and auto transmissions he had backing a 40 foot flatbed.. And I have taught my son's and daughters the same way..
The shorter the trailer the harder it is to back up. When towing my 12 foot jon boat I back down the ramp with tailgate down. Makes a big difference. Doing the walk around is a pro move. I did that for years driving school bus and a straight back.
Great video. Well done and excellent tips. One thing; however, the safety chains should be crossed to look like an “X”. This forms a cradle and in the event that your sage advice about using a coupler pin or lock goes unheeded, and the coupler comes of the hitch ball, the cradle will catch the trailer tongue. Thank you for the video. Those of us in the recreational towing industry love to see well done videos. I also compliment you on the walk around inspection. It’s an excellent thing to do before towing, each and every time.
My god, 27 years of backing shit up has just been justified. I discovered the magic of holding the bottom of the steering wheel on my own while in the Army back in the 90s. It's always been the first thing I tell people when explaining how to back a trailer. Thank you mysterious youtube recommended video algorithm.
Great advice. I've been backing trailers for over 15 years, and never knew about to bottom steering wheel grab! With to top grab you go the opposite direction for those that don't know.
Honestly, I've never approached it this way. Cant wait to try it and pass this along to my wife as well since she has trouble backing our utility trailer. Thank you sir!!!
I lived on the road for 10 years in my trailer and hauled them all my life. BUT this is the simplest and best answer ive seen for trailer backing! THANK YOU👍🏻
Great suggestions! I’ve never thought of hand placement on the steering wheel affecting the direction, but that would definitely help my brain focus better. Thanks!
I've backed boat trailers, utility trailers and travel trailers for years and got pretty good at making small, quick corrections, but never really got it down. One day my brother-in-law told me this technique and it changed my world. It changed my small, quick corrections into smooth, precise corrections!
Been driving for 30 years and never used the hand at the bottom of the wheel. Never has a problem putting a trailer where I wanted it. To be fair I learned backing 4 wheel hay wagons on the farm at the age of 10 That's a little tougher than a trailer
One thing I would I add to this excellent video: Once you begin connecting your trailer to a vehicle- do not let anything or anyone interrupt you until you are completely finished: With the the ball latch safety pinned, the safety chains attached and lighting plugged in. One additional thought if your trailer is being connected on a downgrade once you are aligned with the ball, please, please chock the trailer wheels! I know cases were the person has had their leg completely severed from the ball of the tongue of the trailer when it rolled down.
Good Day, Big Strappers. Thanks for checking out today's upload. If you've tried this trick, do you find it works for you? You have any little tricks that help with the backing up process? Love to hear from you.
Always avoid blind spot backing if possible.
I have a trainee who is struggling with backing I am goin to try this with them in am to see if it helps
Thank you #SmartTrucking for posting yet another excellent video
I hope that you get a lot of views from THOSE that don't understand how to use their steering wheel.🤭
@@johnfunk6343 Your training someone to back and needed this video for pointers??😬
This has to be one of the most useful, uncluttered and clear instructional videos I have ever seen in TH-cam. Kudos to you Sir.
Glad it was helpful!
I can't wait to try this, I recently had to back a trailer in front of people and couldn't do it. It's time to take back my manhood!
No matter how it is done, the secret is making small corrections. Large wheel turns (over-correcting) are the single biggest cause of screwing this up. I have always used the bottom of the wheel method and have taught several people about this as they were struggling at boat ramps. This is a task worthy of practice! Too many people fail to practice until they are at the location (camp ground, boat ramp, storage area, etc.). Go to a local school or shopping center or business lot and practice backing your rig into a parking spot. This will save you a lot of embarrassment later!
Awesome directions 💕
One more trick, is what ever mirror your trailer shows up in, that’s the direction to turn the steering to help keep your trailer straight. Super helpful with shorter trailers. Former Class 1A trainer
For me, the key to backing in a trailer was to shift my paradigms from a mindset of "backing up", to using the tractor to push the trailer into position. Once I learned to do that, my backing improved dramatically.
As a fellow CDL holder, I like that you first taught the "walk-around."
With my camping trailer I always do a full walk around and double check before I get in the truck. I check all access doors, make sure no wheel chocks are still in place and check my lights before I go... all of this was great advice, thanks !!
great video
D.O... As a past trucker, I agree with you.. Years ago, I brought a mobile radio with me.. The 2nd time the boss backed up, into a blind area, he asked if I would sell it to him, now we have cell phones.. We were trained to keep your hand in the 12 o'clock position..
A ttuck in my country had a sloppy dtivet eho did NOT do a walkround. His wagon hit a bump and his spare tyre rolled the full length of the road! How he didnt KILL someone I do not know! Pros take time. Amateurs7 dont and pay for it. Good points and high numbers to ya! ''Johnny the Fox" 1993-2008
Yes sir pre trip inspection.👍👍
When I was a kid mowing grass on the riding mower, Dad would always put the yard trailer on it and he said that the top of the steering wheel was for going forward and the bottom was for going backwards. All of my siblings (ten kids) can back a trailer like it's second nature 👍
Don’t quite get the part where you said the top of the steering wheel was going forward..
🤣that is awesome,I will remember this!
The top is 'for' going forward.
Dammit, why am I learning this at 64?
@@jalik4148 😂😂😂
When I was a kid riding with my dad, he always said steer toward trouble. In other words, no matter where your hands are positioned on the wheel, turn in the direction of what or where you DON'T want to hit or go.
Another tip I learned on my own is when backing into a a dark area, lay 2 flashlights on the ground where you want to put your trailer.
Life is like trucking. Turn toward the problem.
that's the saying that made everything click for me. It was like magic 😅
Reversing in the dark ? Turn on the Hazard Lights .
A trainer also told me the same... Steer toward your trouble
You’re doing this unselfishly to help others, with no expectation of return. What a wonderful human being!!!
OMG. This is the clearest, most complete and informative instruction I have ever had! And by the three minute mark. I am 60 year old, female, and I never got the hang of backing up a trailer. This was so simple! Thank you sir. 💜
I'm 67 years old and have been towing trailers since I was 16 years old of different sizes. I have to agree the shorter the trailer, the harder it is is to back up! It just reacts far faster to any input. Anyone I know that's trying to pull a trailer the first time I make the same suggestion. Find an open empty lot and practise with no one around to judge you.
bingo
I agree with you 100%. I think people get a little nervous if they think someone is watching them!
Ya know I think that's good advise coming from a youngster like you. Hey I'm 70, and of course just kidding!
Take care!
90% of the people watching probably don’t know any better.
So, if you're backing up a small trailer (say a 4'x6') your steering wheel input should be in small increments and back up slowly?
@@jeff7461 90% of the people had the same problem when they were learning. I'm getting ready for a very long RV trip, and some sites I could only get back-in. If people laugh at me, I'll figure they're just remembering how hard it was for them and the laughter is all in good fun. Of course, I'm going to spend a few hours practicing before hitting the road, and I'll practice along the way when I can at big empty parking lots. I'm sure I'll look like an amateur anyway, but what the heck.
The little trailer is more difficult than a 29' r.v.. The longer the wheelbase the easier it is. Trust me I know. Great helpful video.
My nemesis is the wood splitter. Completely invisible behind a pickup.
Can confirm.
Now try that with the 53' trailer
You are correct. There was a time in my stupid youth that I would back my 21 ft boat trailer at 30 mph just to show off.
because u cannot see it
I've been out here over 20yrs, and that's exactly the way I do an teach it. Another thing to remember is to don't over steer, a little bit goes a long way.
Another tip for those that do not feel comfortable steering from the bottom of the wheel, just put some white tap on the bottom of the steering wheel and use that to tell which way to turn the wheel. Turn the tape to the left, the trailer will go to the left, turn the tape to the right and the trailer will go to the right.
It's also easier to keep an eye on the trailer tires when backing up to guide you, the trailer will always follow the tires.
Another tip is to cross the safety chains, in other words form an X, that will keep the trailer straight if it breaks loose.
Haha, I wish I had watched this video earlier. Thank you very much.
Many years ago, I tried to put a little trailer in my garage for the night. After an hour of struggle, with the noisy car going back and forth, I still couldn't get it in. The whole street of neighbors was laughing at the home, peeking out of their windows to see what was happening. Since then, backing a trailer has been an impossible task and a mystery to me.
Now I have the confidence to do the backing of a trailer. Thank you very much once again.
I remember when I first got my CDL, backing was a real problem for me, then this older trucker said let me show you how to snake a trailer, he did the exact thing you did by placing my hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, I instantly got it! Thank you for teaching the walk around, and remember to BACK SLOW, STOP, AND GET OUT, AND LOOK! SUPER TEACHING!
Thank you for sharing. Someone taught my dad the same trick in a hotel parking lot in the year of 2000 as we were driving a Uhaul and a car from North Carolina to California. The wonderful thing is you make it more clear when holding the bottom of the steering wheel. I never thought i’d be a trucker and oh boy i use this method all the time because it was what i knew first. My lesson is, you will never know how you’d impact a kid when doing something good in front of him. Again thank you!
Bottom-of-wheel steering is HUGE, and it was an absolute gamechanger when I figured it out, completely against my training, years ago. And I’ve been looked at like I was insane every time I’ve bothered to explain it to anyone.
Thanks for the instructions. I have always held respect and admiration for skilled truckers who can maneuver an 18 wheel rig into and out of tight spaces without hitting or damaging vehicles or buildings.
Excellent tip, this makes backing up so easy you don't have to remember which way to turn, the trailer will always follow the bottom of the wheel. I've been doing this my whole life my father was a life long truck driver & taught me this when he taught me to drive a truck when I was 15. Whenever I see someone having trouble backing up I tell them to try this and it's amazing how fast they can back up without constantly pulling up to correct. Most people are amazed at how easy they can back up all the sudden.
Okay this is just plain brilliant. I can go a year sometimes without having to pull a trailer. So when I do end up pulling a trailer and I go to back it in I end up looking a bit foolish for a few min until I get the feel for it. I've never been told to keep my hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. I love this method and can't wait to give it a try. Thanks Dave for the quick no-nonsense explanation 🙂
The problem is people tend to overcomplicate the explanation. This way is simple, that's why it's so brilliant.
@@DkSchadow I love your handle (Bababla ) My kid brothers name is Robert. He wants to be call Rob and never Bob because of his last name.
This is the way- I taught this to myself many years ago when driving a tow truck for my father's garage. Another trick to keep in mind- the shorter the trailer with respect to the length of the vehicle, the more careful you have to be with small steering adjustments. Backing a long trailer is much more forgiving.
My late husband (trucker) had taught me this years ago but I had forgotten all about it. Thank you for the refresher lesson.
It's crazy how a small thing like hand placement on the steering wheel can make backing my boat so much easier. Thank you so much for the tips sir. It's much appreciated and oh so useful.
Love when these older drivers give Pro tips!
Thank you sir.
One tip a trainer taught us was to understand where the trailer pivots, the axles. and coupler. That tip immediately improved our trailer backing skills. We would always watch the tail and not the pivot point and tail... Once we understood the pivot point everything else fell in place, we were able to put the trailer into tighter spots too... Hopefully this trick helps people as well.
My dad passed away when I was younger and I never got to learn this from him. I just bought a camper trailer and pick it up tomorrow, and this is super helpful and makes me feel more confident! Thank you so much 😊
This is the very technique that I was taught when I took my class one driver training in the late 1980’s. One additional thing, I was taught to lower my window so that I could hear if anyone was trying to get my attention.
lol great, thanks!
ALWAYS do that! And stop when it sounds expensive!
Very well explained, and a Great Video for those who aren't Professional Driver's.
Everyone has to learn and I still have memories of that challenge being 18 years old. It's now been 43 years ago and eventually it will become second nature to ya! Just a word of encouragement to ALL the rookies! 😉
FINALLY!!!
The only thing that could enhance this video would've been to include a picture in the picture.
As the vehicle is turning, we see a small picture at the same time as your hand turning the steering wheel to reinforce the mental image and to see just how much you're turning the wheel.
Thank you for uploading this video.
Good point!!!
This is definitely great advice! When I was an MP in the Army, we had a need to move trucks with trailers when doing field exercises. They always taught us to turn the opposite direction you want the trailer to go in. Which if your hand is at the top of the wheel is what you would do. The problem, you can forget and end up going the wrong way.
With the way explained on this video, you cannot forget or mess up. Right is right, and left is left. Great advice! I wish they would have taught it this way back then. Thanks for this video!!
That's exactly the issue I had. Every time I reversed with a trailer, I would start as if I didn't have one, just out of habit. It's not that I didn't know to go the opposite. It's that it can be difficult to consciously override muscle memory.
I haven't driven trailers in years, but in the service I picked up a very similar trick. Watch your mirrors. When you see the trailer show up in either mirror, turn the wheel TOWARDS that visual clue, The trailer will head the other direction and leave the mirror. When it shows up in the other mirror, Turn TOWARDS that mirror with the visual cue. The trailer will go back the other way. Small corrections also help a lot. This keeps the yelling "Your other left!" down. Great tip!
That's how my dad taught me and it was a game changer. On those off days and when I'm tired I still use this technique to get it to the dock.
You should of seen me going down the boat ramp before I knew this trick, I was a twisted up mess holding everyone up and being way to hard on my self.
Now I've taught all my kids this trick and in general to stay in their mirrors rather than breaking their necks looking over the shoulder. I've put blind spot mirrors on all our vehicles and wouldn't leave home without them. Also when in doubt, get out, and take a look. Never be in to much of a hurry or back faster than you can correct.
Thanks for the great video
Tip for backing boat down a ramp....simply put the truck in neutral and let the trailer pull you down. Goes pretty smooth.
Yep!!
When I first started driving, the HR guy, a former driver gave me that advice of putting your hand on the Bottom of the steering wheel.
Best Advice I got out of ALL my training.👍
Thank you for this video. I've driven buses and large box trucks but have never been good backing up with a trailer. Steering from the bottom of the steering wheel is genius yet so simple. 1 year later and your video is still helping people :)
I was taught this trick back in 1972. Being a young first timer on a semi rig I was doing a terrible job backing in to the dock between two trailers. An old timer saw my pain and jumped on my running board and yelled STOP ! He said to pull this truck forward and listen to me. You’ll never have this problem again. He sure was right ! Probably saved my job and tons of damage. 😅😂. That was many moons ago at the Metro Glass company in Dalton, IL.
Oh, around, less see, 1979 or so I was working at the Coke company when I got graduated to unloading semi's full of coke bottles. Part of it was backing the trailers to the dock. Well, they put me in the truck and never even showed me how to crank the thing. I asked for some pointers and the boss just laughed. I spent more time creeping back and forth lining up the trailers than actually unloading them. Thankfully it was at night, pitch dark, and no one to there to have a heart attack laffing so hard watching me. Coulda used that trick back then! Darn!
The trick is to position the truck and trailer an a manner where you can see one rear corner of the trailer. As you gently move backwards, point that corner where you want it to go and “follow it back”. The initial positioning is critical.
The shorter the wheelbase on the trailer the faster it reacts. I've got 25 years CDL experience and it can be really difficult to push a small U-haul type trailer around.
Not necessarily. It also just takes practice. But I agree, the longer the trailer, the easier to reverse. I drove big rigs for many years, and then a small pickup truck with a diesel bowser trailer that was very short. One gets the hang of them quickly enough. 😊👍
You think those U-Haul trailers are fun, take a converter dolly for a spin sometime.
Drove a truck with a 53 ft trailer for years and could back it into tight spots without much problem. Retired and bought an 18 ft trailer and find it more difficult to back. I have to concentrate on NOT over steering. It’s all a matter of what you get used to backing. Always used the bottom of the wheel when backing.
@@themanthemyththebanger -Is that more fun than a log-splitter?
THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO ON BACKING UP YOUR TRAILER!!!!!!! EVERYONE SHOULD. WATCH IT.
Yep It Is!!!!!! 😎😉👍
Glad you got some value from it!
Sir,
I would really like to express my admiration to the neatness of your simple, wonderful and magic trick & advice that is worth thousands of dollars in my personal opinion.
I am still taking my classes at the school yard and I have never ever had that feeling of being stupid and not good at anything but your video has landed from heaven to me.
Thanks again 🙏🙏🙏.
Man I am so glad I came across this video, I just got my cdl and while I could pass the test I still felt I was struggling with the backing. Greatly appreciated this.
This is me rn, I just started trucking and I struggle with backing up, even tho I did great with that portion of my test.
@@viridianachavez471 congrats on your cdl. How did you train for it?
Good advice, one thing to remember is not to worry about where your car/truck is heading, it will always follow the trailer so focus on where the trailer is going. Obviously you don't want to side swipe anything with your vehicle but once I learned to focuse on the direction the trailer was heading more than the truck it made it easier.
Started hauling 20 ft trailers in 1974 worked my way up to 53 ft trailers. I learned ur backing up secret by an old driver who taught me to drive in San Francisco. His remark was I am going to teach the old school way of backing up. I have been using this method to train new drivers up to my retirement in Oct.2020
That is so funny ... Out of all the mentors I've had, you're the first to point out that putting your hand on the bottom of the wheel let's you turn right to turn right, and vice versa. I've been getting used to grabbing the top of the wheel and turning left to turn right. I love this, thank you lol
Wow… I can’t believe how simple that makes it. I feel a bit embarrassed that I’ve never figured that out. Thank you!
And thank you to all truckers!!!
I've been backing up trailers for years without issue, but struggled teaching my wife and kids. Thank you so much for giving such an easy straight forward way of describing it!!!
The antenna on the rear of the trailer is a great idea.
My cdl instructor taught us this truck on day one. Ive never, not once, had a problem backing. Awesome backing technique!
Thank you so much! That simple hand placement is a game-changer!!! My father is a retired trucker and never taught me this trick. Haha. I appreciate you!!!
This is the greatest trailer-backing-up-tip I've ever heard of, and I've used this technique for decades! I don't even think about it any more, it's just natural for me to steer the trailer from the bottom of the steering wheel. I first learned this technique from Desi Arnaz in the movie "The Long Long Trailer", just at the time I was learning to pull a trailer as a teen. Thanks!
One of the biggest mistakes people make when backing a trailer is the setup to back in. Probably 2/3’s of backing a trailer in a spot is done while still going forward so that the units are properly place for the remainder of the task.
Spot on
Set up is 90% of the game 🎯
Can't always go forward...
That’s right always drive for your trailer that’s what the old man taught me !! R I P wild Bill !!!!!
Even with a poor setup with the right technique and skill you can still back a trailer without any issues
I’m going to use these tips for backing up my utility trailer with my Jeep. It’s difficult backing up a small trailer with a vehicle with a short wheel base. Thanks for this straight to the point and well explained video!
Oh my goodness thank you so much. I tried backing up our boat trailer and camper trailer so many times almost to tears without success. Had so much determination but couldn't to crying. I can see how easy it is now. Can't wait to try it now.
After 44 years experience I've never heard of that tip of the bottom of the steering wheel makes perfect sense fortunately I don't have any problem backing into tight places but this tip will surely help the new drivers understand reversing skills better, good tip Dave
Amazing tips. I worked in trucking my whole life (in the office...not driving) but have never had this explained so simply.
Just found out today that backing up a pup trailer is harder than a 53 foot trailer.
I’ve been backing trailers since I was a teenager and never really had a problem. I’ve never heard this before and I’m really glad I watched this video. I’m going to tell everyone I know about this and hopefully it’ll help them. Thanks.
Great day for this video. I was delivering parts for a storage facility. I got ahead of myself and didn't walk to yard to see how much room I had to turn around when u pulled to the unloading area I thought I was in trouble. But my trusty 389 performed beautifully, w my 48 ft Conestoga, took my time and successfully made it out. I'm not new at this but have no problem admitting I was a little stressed.
After about 55 years of backing a trailer down, I have it down pat. But I sure wish I had this advice when I first started. One other thing I do as a pre-check is grabbing each trailer tire and pull to the side to make sure there is no wobble in the bearings/ hubs. There's nothing worse than blowing out bearings and hubs and being stuck on the side of the road. A shot of grease regularly makes a big difference along with annual maintenance. You've got some sage advice here. Thank you!
I'm here in Orlando about to drive a trailer for the first time to help with debris removal you're the second video I watched but so much detail I really appreciate this right now I drive professionally for Paratransit and wheelchair lift but I've never attained to CDL hopefully in the future loving your Channel right now!! Thank you
Thank you for explaining it that easily. In all my years I struggled, now I know a simple trick to make it easier. Thanks you so much.
Thats a great tip! I was taught if you are trying to back your trailer straight, having your hand on the top of the steering wheel, just remember whatever side mirror your trailer starts appearing in, slightly turn the steering wheel towards that mirror until you see that it starts to straighten up again. If it then appears in the opposite mirror, just turn your steering wheel towards that mirror. Keep watching and alternating between both mirrors, slightly turning the steering wheel towards each of the mirrors you see your trailer coming more into view. If it starts turning too far just pull forward to straighten up and start again.
Exactly! And a lot of people don't pull forward far enough to get a good site picture of their destination in their mirrors before they start backing. I told my boys they should be able to drive as fast backwards as forward.
I learned that back in the 90s from another driver. To this day, I'm surprised how many can't understand this concept. I'm even more surprised they don't teach it in school. After a while you can just think which way is the bottom of the steering wheel going. Good video and keep up the good work.
That trick was absolutely genius. I learned how to back a trailer as a young kid and being self taught I went out to a flat area and figured things out. Had I of known what you just taught I would have learned much faster.
My dad taught me this way over 40 years ago and I've passed it on to tons of people struggling to back up trailers.
That is the way I learned!
But it was when I was young, from a movie I saw and fell in love with!
Lucille Ball & Desi Arnez in the movie “The Long Long Trailer”. That is how he was taught to back up in the movie.
When in College and backing up our friend’s boat trailers, that simple trick came back to me.
When hubby and I got our 36’ TT camper in 2000 I made the family watch that movie!
I taught that backing trick to the hubby, and many friends.
Now with our 26’ TT that trick is still the best one, just wish my hubby would understand the “over steer” part.🤷♀️
Not sure how this video popped into my feed this morning, glad it did.
Have a great day!
I can hear that trailer creaking up the mountain! Such a great movie. Best tip, don't have all the in laws and neighbor instruct you from the sidelines on backing the trailer.
Very good comments here! Only thing I would like to mention in addition is... When you arrive at at a customer that is is tight or difficult try your best to set up or position the truck to have the trailer pointed in the right direction before you start to back up. Make use of all the space you have.
Not sure if anyone ever told me that when I was learning. I do remember being told the back tires do the steering, that's about it. Truthfully after forty some years, I'm not even sure where I grab the wheel when I back up. It's all just reaction, it's not like I think about it when I'm doing it. The best thing I can tell a beginner is, plan out your backup. It's much easier to plan them out then to try to correct them once you've gone wrong
I pull a 16ft trailer everyday and this is excellent information. So many people have a hard time with trailers.
I literally watched this video before my training and I can't thank you enough. Very well explained and I finally mastered backing up 53 foot trailers at work. Thank you so much
I’ve used driveway markers with reflectors on the back of my utility and open car trailers for a visual aid.
Extremely well explained and demonstrated. This was exactly the way my Dad taught me in the 60's and I've never had issues with it. Cheers!!
We taught an elderly lady how to back her ridding lawn mower with trailer on behind how to back out of her barn after
the rain was over. A year later we met up again and she made sure to thank us. It really works!
When you about to turn fifty and find out you have been doing it wrong for all this time. I always have placed my hand on top of the wheel and to consistently think left is right Right is left. I just hope I can untrain myself. Great tip. Thank you !!!
What a great Help here to back up any Trailers!! I am a CDL Holder and I remember everything, but never these Guys told us this easy Trick when you do your Test !!.. I remember only that it was always the opposite Site you had to steer if you want it left or right going , which honestly was more confusing than anything else !! The way you do show it here have helped me back then with all these Guys , who never accepted a woman on a Semi Trailer, but gladly I had a Testing Person from Puerto Rico and he gave me some Xtra Tips to pass my Class A Test.. Thanks for that reminder here.. 😂 how awfully my entire schooling of 3 weeks was !!! 👍✌️😆😃😂😂😂
Something that has helped me a great deal is after getting a real good setup for backing, once backing I usually concentrate on the driver side mirror, especially if there's a painted line to guide me. It's a lot less overwhelming for newbies or those who only occasionally pull a trailer.
Thank you for the video.
I can easily back up a trailer if I stand up in the seat and turn around because I could never get using the mirrors. Hard on my bad back too.
I'll definitely use these tips to learn how to use the mirrors. The poles on the trailer is a good trick too.
A previous post said that when it's dark to put a couple of flashlights where you want the trailer to go. That is brilliant.
This works well for trailers that don't have a front axle that turns. Then it becomes a different ball game. Ask any farmer with a hay wagon!😊
I'm planning on buying a camper/trailer soon but I have no experience towing trailers and quite honestly the thought of it has been stressful. This video just took a lot of anxiety out of my plans. I'm sure I can become proficient in moving a trailer around with the tips here. Thank you.
This is possibly the best tutorial I've seen on YT! Thank you🙏
When I was training at Swift years ago, they got mad at me for bringing up this technique in the classroom, saying it was "too complicated".
Thank you so much for this information!!!
When my husband and I take the boat out, many times, this is my job....I do ok, but always feel I'm holding everyone up, from my sometimes several attempts!! Haha
I think this will make me confident and alot more at ease! Thanks again, you rock!
Sir. Great video and you are my new hero. I can’t back a trailer to save my life but tried it today using your instructions and it was perfect! Thanks again and safe trucking!
It's so simple that it's beautiful. Thanks man, buying a travel trailer soon and glad I watched this.
Thank you.. That's the way my father taught me about 48 years ago -- before power steering and auto transmissions he had backing a 40 foot flatbed.. And I have taught my son's and daughters the same way..
The shorter the trailer the harder it is to back up. When towing my 12 foot jon boat I back down the ramp with tailgate down. Makes a big difference. Doing the walk around is a pro move. I did that for years driving school bus and a straight back.
This was the same tip I received when starting out 10 years in trucking. It comes to mind every time I’m backing. Invaluable.
Great video. Well done and excellent tips. One thing; however, the safety chains should be crossed to look like an “X”. This forms a cradle and in the event that your sage advice about using a coupler pin or lock goes unheeded, and the coupler comes of the hitch ball, the cradle will catch the trailer tongue. Thank you for the video. Those of us in the recreational towing industry love to see well done videos. I also compliment you on the walk around inspection. It’s an excellent thing to do before towing, each and every time.
It sure looks like he crossed the chains to me......
Ys sir thats so overlooked .I believe it is a fine in my state 500 bucks .He did do a great overview like safety pin .
@@arthouston7361 . No . Look again . He didn't .
Yes he did you should check again in slow motion the cross is close to where the chains start but they are crossed
@@TAGGdinc no you look again. In the shot where hes showing the lock pin you can see there not Not that it makes any difference
My god, 27 years of backing shit up has just been justified. I discovered the magic of holding the bottom of the steering wheel on my own while in the Army back in the 90s. It's always been the first thing I tell people when explaining how to back a trailer. Thank you mysterious youtube recommended video algorithm.
Bro.... I CANNOT thank you enough....So quick, So smart, So cool, So efficient... Thank YOu SOOO much
Great advice. I've been backing trailers for over 15 years, and never knew about to bottom steering wheel grab! With to top grab you go the opposite direction for those that don't know.
Honestly, I've never approached it this way. Cant wait to try it and pass this along to my wife as well since she has trouble backing our utility trailer. Thank you sir!!!
I lived on the road for 10 years in my trailer and hauled them all my life. BUT this is the simplest and best answer ive seen for trailer backing! THANK YOU👍🏻
Great suggestions! I’ve never thought of hand placement on the steering wheel affecting the direction, but that would definitely help my brain focus better. Thanks!
Great video. I’m not a trucker, but I admire expertise. Well done.
I've backed boat trailers, utility trailers and travel trailers for years and got pretty good at making small, quick corrections, but never really got it down. One day my brother-in-law told me this technique and it changed my world. It changed my small, quick corrections into smooth, precise corrections!
Been driving for 30 years and never used the hand at the bottom of the wheel.
Never has a problem putting a trailer where I wanted it.
To be fair I learned backing 4 wheel hay wagons on the farm at the age of 10
That's a little tougher than a trailer
One thing I would I add to this excellent video: Once you begin connecting your trailer to a vehicle- do not let anything or anyone interrupt you until you are completely finished: With the the ball latch safety pinned, the safety chains attached and lighting plugged in. One additional thought if your trailer is being connected on a downgrade once you are aligned with the ball, please, please chock the trailer wheels! I know cases were the person has had their leg completely severed from the ball of the tongue of the trailer when it rolled down.
You, Sir…are a genius! I used your tutorial last week. I was able to back up my camper easier. 👍🏻