Watch it again, slowly... With his hand on the bottom of the wheel He moved his had to his left The trailer moved to the left ( from the perspective of the driver ) Once his hand reaches the top of the wheel then it looks like he is doing it backwards from his instructions.
Lol don’t listen to this, when I learned my dad just said “if it ain’t going where you want it to go, just turn the wheel the other way, only 2 ways you can turn the wheel”
Mint advice. Go slow, don't be scared to stop and crank 'er the other way, and pull forward and try again. Your only doing it wrong if you hit something.
@@charlesstephens6496 Yup. That definitely works. I know because I've spent plenty of time over the years not moving my steering wheel while somebody else keeps yanking theirs back and forth while trying to get a trailer out of the road.
The biggest mistake people make is they keep turning the wheel. Once the trailer starts to turn it will continue to turn on its own so turn your wheel back to straighten out the truck.
When I was 12, I asked my dad if I could use the flat bottom boat to go fishing. He said yes if I could get it in the water. He handed me the keys to his truck and then went to sit on the back porch. It took me hours, I got so frustrated I just wanted to give up. I even got mad at him just sitting there, not saying a word. But somehow, after 3 hours, something happened in my perspective. It all just fell into place. But instead of going fishing, I pulled the boat back out. And started the process all over again. I was so excited that I figured it out by myself. When I went back to the house, my dad said I had no doubt you could do it once you put emotions aside and thought about it logically. Then it all made sense that my emotions were clouding my vision. This day changed my life.
@RealWorldShorts He was such a wonderful dad. I'm still today finding situations he prepared me for when I was a kid. I had no clue at the time and sometimes thought be was just being mean to me. It was only years decades later I realized he was giving me tools to overcome future problems. I just hope I can be as good of a dad to my children.
@@jonathangodbout6645my Dad drove a semi and taught me to turn the steering wheel the opposite of the way you want your trailer to go. So I am thankful for your comment because I thought I was wrong for a minute until I checked out the comments! 😂
u turn the wheel in the opposite direction that u want the trailer to go. Adjust your outside mirrors to keep trailer in sight. Just watch your sped. If the trailer turns too far just stop, pull ahead and readjust the steering wheel. Takes a bit of practice. Just don't let ego get in the way. Personally I start with my hand at the top.
It's really not that hard to back up a trailer. I learned when I was 12. Dad would let me go put the John boat in the water using the 4wheeler. By the time I was 15 and had my own truck I was a pro with trailers.
I already received accolades for my trailer backing skills, but this was a serious game changer for me when I first heard about it a few years ago. Great advice thank you.
This advice would’ve saved me many tears that were shed years ago when I learned how to tow a trailer. Thank you sir, for making and sharing this video!
Greatest advice that got me to be able to back a single axle into a tiny parking spot that was located in a bend… small corrections only. No big turns.
They’ll never learn like that lol my father forced me to back up trailers when I was 11 or 12 no matter how long it took for me to get it right I wasn’t done and he wouldn’t help until I got it now I can back up any trailer in any spot in one shot it’s that mindset why people don’t know how to do anything you strike me as the guy who won’t challenge himself to learn new shit so you stay confined to the knowledge that you do have and just stick with that me personally I want to soak up as much skills and knowledge I can while I’m Here
This is sorta true. It's actually fine if I stand there and tell my husband loudly when he's too close, turn more, etc. When I'm driving and he's giving me directions we both end up mad because his hand signals are not universal, they only make sense to him. There's a lot of fast finger spinning and it just looks random. I prefer to point, like go that way. No twirling an invisible baton. lol.
I think I commented when this was originally posted but I only needed to do this once - BOOM!! Travel trailer is IN the driveway & my first ever backing any trailer. THANK YOU!! Ps - I will add that it may not click for everybody and that’s fine. We have to find what works with our brains. This didn’t work for my husband, but it works for me. 👍🏻♥️
For those that don't know. This guy started this channel to help raise money to help his daughter with a brain injury get medical care. Great guy and story. And YES, he did it correctly. The BOTTOM of the wheel turned to the same direction as the back of the trailer.
I wish him well. But the trailer is going to his left. The opposite for the way he turned the wheel. He is sitting on the left side of the truck. Which way is the trailer pointing?
@@kevinfleming9919 --- the wheel is turning clockwise, which is always to the RIGHT. At best, it's incomplete or ambiguous advice. No one thinks about where the bottom of the wheel is going, no matter where their hand is. I learned the exact opposite, 45 years ago.
@@gogucci5836 so, you put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and then move it to the right when you want to go left. See how that works for you.
@@Mike-yc7jcNo he saying doesn't matter where your hand is on the steering wheel, you turn the steering wheel opposite direction that you want the trailer to go. Turn the steering left it goes right, turn the steering wheel right it goes left. That's what the commenter above you means. Because a trailer pivots.
@@jonathan3982 I know what he was trying to say. And that is something that doesn't work easily for most people. It works for some, but it seems like they just can't get their heads around the idea that it doesn't work that way for everyone.
It doesn't matter where your hand is cut the wheel towards your trouble to correct if it's drifting left turn the wheel left and vice versa try it it makes it so easy I'm an old school truck driver
You actually turn the direction you don't want to go this guy did it wrong because he turned to the right and the trailer went left. You turn towards danger
I built a 6x20 trailer for my sign business. The first time you back up a trailer that long (or any trailer for that matter), you quickly realize the direction you steer is the opposite of how the trailer actually goes, because of the ball pivot. So it does kind of make sense to steer from the bottom of the wheel, in a way. But as many other comments have noted, practice is the only real way to figure it out.
When trailer is in the middle of a turn, keeping it going where you want it that’s frustrating. Over steering or under steering and then having to stop and make a correction in a tight spot sucks. Practice is only way cuz trailering can be dangerous and stressful.
The best advice is to turn the wheel towards your trouble if it drifting left turn the wheel left to correct the problem and vice versa put your hand wherever you want it don't matter my dad and me are semi drivers best advice he ever gave me
22 yr semi driver and yes that's exactly what to do turn the wheel towards the side giving you trouble to correct it doesn't matter where your hand is I prefer mine on top
I'm a very experienced driver but have almost no experience backing up trailers. I always admire people who do it well. Especially in the big rigs! TY!
That works when learning, but once you use both hands at top your brain has truly mastered the backing and you can put any trailer , both commercial and non-commercial anywhere
My dad simply told me take your time and back up slowly and you will be fine. I'd be able to correct the direction of the trailer if it's wrong by not rushing and going to fast and panicing.. worked for me everytime. Just relax and slow down, take your time. Going to fast will cause mistakes then over correcting and panicking.
Best way is simply go practice until it comes natural to you. I’ve never done the hand on the bottom of the steering wheel but if that works for the person backing the trailer than do it that way.
@@tracyspohn3977 I agree lol. I use all my mirrors n if its a short trailer I put tailgate down and just look out back window and never have a problem. Some people just can't back up, period let alone with a trailer on
I used to drive fuel tankers and could reverse like a boss, the best thing to do is just try reverse as straight as possible. Also, you turn the opposite way the want to go.
I'm 67 and have backed a lot of trailers in my life . never used this technique and never had a problem. I guess some of us are just naturally talented. 🤣
Practice in a parking lot when there’s no pressure to get it right the first time. Know that you can start over when it’s going wrong. Have someone who knows help you, never learn with friends who cannot do this.
Its more fun to learn when you're holding up 20 cars and everyones honking at you, and your plates are dead, no license, and then the truck shuts off, then a cop shows up.
I learned when I was alone. But no pressure, no time limit, no one waiting. Make mistake, correct them, and keep learning. I'm not a pro but I bet I'm better at backing up a trailer then some people who use them frequently.
I watch my mirrors. If I see more trailer in one mirror, I turn the top of the wheel that way. I learned that backing up a deuce and half with a short trailer in the dark, on black-out drive with chemlights on the trailer fenders to see where it was. Fun night!
My dad taught me that trick when I was like 12 and has been the easiest way to back up a trailer. The other good piece of advice dad gave was don't be afraid to straighten out if you get jack knifed or loose sight of the trailer and try again.
I would only add- when backing straight, keep your hand at the bottom of the wheel, and make constant, tiny wiggles. You'll be amazed how straight she backs!
Well... honestly, there's a hell of a lot of people who have zero business pulling a trailer, let alone backing one. Same with parallel parking. I don't know how people can get a license, if they can't parallel park.
i learned this a few years back. start straight if you can and then use this technique. i choose the direction you want the rear of the trailer to go. for some reason that small clarification seems to make more sense to me anyway. same difference. great advice and it works. go sloooow.
My dad baught a used U Haul trailer when I was about 12. He had trouble backing, and his best friend taught him this trick. We headed across country. When we got to my grandparents, he couldnt back the trailer up beside the house. He kept nearly Jack knifing. He'd put his hand on the bottom then turn his head and get all confused. He started getting mad. He had me spot for him. I eventually got frustrated too, and just started telling him which way to turn the wheel. He'd start to do it right then would stop listening to me. I finally let out a long groan, then he yelled at me to do better if I could. Id never driven before, but I got in, pulled up a little, then backed slowly into the spot almost perfectly. My family started laughing and giving my dad hell. He stormed off into the house. Later, he told me I did good, though. Dad wanted me to be a lawyer or dictor or soldier or preacher. Im a trucker. 😂 Even in CDL school, I was a natural at backing.
😊 My elderly neighbour use to help with directions as I fumbled backing up my trailer in the driveway. She has since passed. I stopped pulling trailers.
So, he turns the steering wheel clockwise, and the trailer goes...clockwise! He's absolutely correct. If the trailer's hitch is the 12, and the trailer ramp is 6, and I was looking down from the sky, the trailer does rotate clockwise. I don't understand how that would ever be useful, but he's spot on.
I tried to do that when I was first learning. And after many many hours of practice I still couldn't back it in a straight line. It wasn't until someone told me about putting my hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and turning the way that you want to that I was able to get it. After that, I was able to practice and get it to do what I wanted with no problem.
@@owemylife Maybe it is from your perspective but people think differently so it's important to have multiple ways of teaching them. I've trained many drivers and the hand on the bottom works for most but some people don't get it that way. I had to let those people teach themselves since I don't get it any other way.
I back semi trailers all day long for my job and honestly I would have to really think hard on how to describe how to back to someone. I have been doing it daily for almost 8 years
So what he's saying is do the opposite. 😂 That's like a really complicated way of telling you to learn from your mistakes. Don't worry dad, we understood what you really meant.
@@kevinfleming9919😂😂.... No The BOTTOM of the steering wheel turned the opposite direction then the trailer was going. He turned the steering wheel to the right for the trailer to go left, turn steering wheel left for trailer to go right. Rookies.
@@jonathan3982 the bottom of the wheel went towards the drivers door, THE LEFT, the back of the trailer went TO THE LEFT! Just because his hand continues to the right as it follows the circle around DOESN'T mean he's turning the BOTTOM to the right. Get a clue.
@@kevinfleming9919 Yeah but that's not what he said in the video. I'm just saying no matter where your hand is on the steering wheel turning the steering wheel right the trailer goes left, turn the steering wheel left the trailer goes right. I've got a clue bub.
Reading these comments, shows y’all need this man. He literally turned the opposite way, but the steering wheel still went in the direction the trailer was going. It was a smart tip!
I dont recall doing this during my long career as a haulage driver. If you steer in the direction you want the trailer to go it will go the other way. DOH!
He’s pointing out where to put your hand for perspective. If your hand moves left, trailer goes left, hand moves right, trailer goes right. It’s not advice for professional trailer backer uppers it’s for people that maybe it’s the first time they’ve backed up a trailer.
I think he should be saying, "Move your hand towards the direction you want your trailer to go." He is clearly turning the wheel to the right, but the trailer is going left. Whilst he is clearly moving his hand to the left and the trailer is indeed going left. Alternatively, he could just say, turn the wheel in the opposite direction to the direction you wish your trailer to go.
But you turned it right and it went left…. Great advice
But it turned right if you're facing the trailer from the back of the truck. But I do see it your way, too. He's not a very good teacher.
I’ve heard the exact same thing but it only makes sense when you are told to turn the wheel the opposite way you want it to go
Watch it again, slowly...
With his hand on the bottom of the wheel
He moved his had to his left
The trailer moved to the left ( from the perspective of the driver )
Once his hand reaches the top of the wheel then it looks like he is doing it backwards from his instructions.
He moved his hand to the left
This is why you put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel
@@TheRealTommieBoy Which way did the bottom of the steering wheel go? right or left?
Lol don’t listen to this, when I learned my dad just said “if it ain’t going where you want it to go, just turn the wheel the other way, only 2 ways you can turn the wheel”
Mint advice. Go slow, don't be scared to stop and crank 'er the other way, and pull forward and try again. Your only doing it wrong if you hit something.
@@charlesstephens6496 Yup. That definitely works. I know because I've spent plenty of time over the years not moving my steering wheel while somebody else keeps yanking theirs back and forth while trying to get a trailer out of the road.
I'm going to use this thank you bro well said.
4. Left, right, too much, too little
Lol
The trailer usually decides where it wants to go 😂
😂😂😂
The trailer decides where it wants to go because it knows where it is at all times because it knows where it isn't
Especially short wheel base trailers! They have a mind of their own.
Hahaha. Classic.
Especially the little ones. 😂
The biggest mistake people make is they keep turning the wheel. Once the trailer starts to turn it will continue to turn on its own so turn your wheel back to straighten out the truck.
Yup, I was looking for this comment. Along the same lines…short trailers will turn sharper faster. (JACKKNIFE)
When I was 12, I asked my dad if I could use the flat bottom boat to go fishing. He said yes if I could get it in the water. He handed me the keys to his truck and then went to sit on the back porch. It took me hours, I got so frustrated I just wanted to give up. I even got mad at him just sitting there, not saying a word. But somehow, after 3 hours, something happened in my perspective. It all just fell into place. But instead of going fishing, I pulled the boat back out. And started the process all over again.
I was so excited that I figured it out by myself. When I went back to the house, my dad said I had no doubt you could do it once you put emotions aside and thought about it logically.
Then it all made sense that my emotions were clouding my vision. This day changed my life.
Your pops seems like a wise dude
God bless fathers and their wisdom.
@RealWorldShorts He was such a wonderful dad. I'm still today finding situations he prepared me for when I was a kid. I had no clue at the time and sometimes thought be was just being mean to me. It was only years decades later I realized he was giving me tools to overcome future problems.
I just hope I can be as good of a dad to my children.
@@jamesmcd71 I feel you brother, ive came to that realization as well. Good fathers are a blessing
You have a good Dad but you already knew that.
As a semi truck driver, he confused me😂
I guess I've been doing it wrong for 32 yrs driving a semi
This applies for when you have a gear behind your trailer and trying to hook a set.
It works,
@@jonathangodbout6645my Dad drove a semi and taught me to turn the steering wheel the opposite of the way you want your trailer to go. So I am thankful for your comment because I thought I was wrong for a minute until I checked out the comments! 😂
There's no hope then 😂 how do we do it? How the heck do you do it? Lol
I admire anyone who can back a damn trailer. It is so counterintuitive!
I was always brought up with "If you are backing up a trailer, make sure you are 7 beers down. Then you don't care what you hit"
Its 7? Shit i have been doing it wrong my whole life . Thought it was a 6 beer minimum.
I guess this guy is on his first so this dont count
😅
Exactly, that's why backing up is difficult. But driving forward this advice is of great value.
u turn the wheel in the opposite direction that u want the trailer to go. Adjust your outside mirrors to keep trailer in sight. Just watch your sped. If the trailer turns too far just stop, pull ahead and readjust the steering wheel. Takes a bit of practice. Just don't let ego get in the way. Personally I start with my hand at the top.
It's really not that hard to back up a trailer. I learned when I was 12. Dad would let me go put the John boat in the water using the 4wheeler. By the time I was 15 and had my own truck I was a pro with trailers.
I already received accolades for my trailer backing skills, but this was a serious game changer for me when I first heard about it a few years ago. Great advice thank you.
This advice would’ve saved me many tears that were shed years ago when I learned how to tow a trailer.
Thank you sir, for making and sharing this video!
Greatest advice that got me to be able to back a single axle into a tiny parking spot that was located in a bend… small corrections only. No big turns.
Here's a better rule. If you don't intuitively know which way the trailer is gonna go when you turn the wheel, let somebody else drive.
Oh hush. How would anyone learn if they listen to you?
Ooo, the trailer expert. All bow down.
They’ll never learn like that lol my father forced me to back up trailers when I was 11 or 12 no matter how long it took for me to get it right I wasn’t done and he wouldn’t help until I got it now I can back up any trailer in any spot in one shot it’s that mindset why people don’t know how to do anything you strike me as the guy who won’t challenge himself to learn new shit so you stay confined to the knowledge that you do have and just stick with that me personally I want to soak up as much skills and knowledge I can while I’m
Here
He is turning his hand to the right and the trailer is turning right
Amen! 😅 Ole timers always have tricks but it's just like you got your way I got mine now move over not making a career out of moving trailers
One simple rule: don’t have your wife help you back it up
This is sorta true. It's actually fine if I stand there and tell my husband loudly when he's too close, turn more, etc. When I'm driving and he's giving me directions we both end up mad because his hand signals are not universal, they only make sense to him. There's a lot of fast finger spinning and it just looks random. I prefer to point, like go that way. No twirling an invisible baton. lol.
This helped me learn how to back up a little lawn mower with a trailer. I am confident I can backup anything now 😊
I think I commented when this was originally posted but I only needed to do this once - BOOM!! Travel trailer is IN the driveway & my first ever backing any trailer. THANK YOU!!
Ps - I will add that it may not click for everybody and that’s fine. We have to find what works with our brains. This didn’t work for my husband, but it works for me. 👍🏻♥️
For those that don't know. This guy started this channel to help raise money to help his daughter with a brain injury get medical care. Great guy and story.
And YES, he did it correctly. The BOTTOM of the wheel turned to the same direction as the back of the trailer.
That’s great to hear
I had to learn how to backup a trailer for work and watched a few TH-cam videos and this technique helped me so much. I still do it to this day.
I wish him well. But the trailer is going to his left. The opposite for the way he turned the wheel. He is sitting on the left side of the truck. Which way is the trailer pointing?
@@trumplosthahaha the bottom of the wheel went to the left the same as the back of the trailer went to the left.
@@kevinfleming9919 --- the wheel is turning clockwise, which is always to the RIGHT. At best, it's incomplete or ambiguous advice. No one thinks about where the bottom of the wheel is going, no matter where their hand is. I learned the exact opposite, 45 years ago.
I just got a trailer for my lawn care business and it's helped so much. Thank you dad.
LIES u tell... U turn opposite of the way u want trailer to go
@@gogucci5836 so, you put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and then move it to the right when you want to go left. See how that works for you.
@@Mike-yc7jcNo he saying doesn't matter where your hand is on the steering wheel, you turn the steering wheel opposite direction that you want the trailer to go. Turn the steering left it goes right, turn the steering wheel right it goes left. That's what the commenter above you means. Because a trailer pivots.
@@jonathan3982 I know what he was trying to say. And that is something that doesn't work easily for most people. It works for some, but it seems like they just can't get their heads around the idea that it doesn't work that way for everyone.
It doesn't matter where your hand is cut the wheel towards your trouble to correct if it's drifting left turn the wheel left and vice versa try it it makes it so easy I'm an old school truck driver
ALWAYS tell my self turn the way you wanna go if I ever manage to forget lol very helpful great someone spreading the wisdom 😊
You actually turn the direction you don't want to go this guy did it wrong because he turned to the right and the trailer went left. You turn towards danger
@@bretk7916 what if he wanted to go left? 🤔
@@bretk7916and danger of what? 😂
This is how I learned. And I still do it to this day.
Proceeds to cave his bumper in
Runs over his wife
😂😂
😂
New bedside in 3... 2... 1...
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Been teaching it to everybody for years even did a class at the DOT. They appreciated it.
If you been teaching this method then your one of our problems. 20 yrs otr
Obviously, I’ve backed up more miles than you’ve ever drove forward
Cut the wheel towards the side that's giving you trouble and it corrects it it's that simple it don't matter where your hand is
I miss my dad! 😢 We had horse trailers so this reminds me of him.
Awwww, how cute. He can back up a little trailer.
If only it were that easy in reality. 😂
It's is easy
I built a 6x20 trailer for my sign business. The first time you back up a trailer that long (or any trailer for that matter), you quickly realize the direction you steer is the opposite of how the trailer actually goes, because of the ball pivot. So it does kind of make sense to steer from the bottom of the wheel, in a way.
But as many other comments have noted, practice is the only real way to figure it out.
When trailer is in the middle of a turn, keeping it going where you want it that’s frustrating. Over steering or under steering and then having to stop and make a correction in a tight spot sucks. Practice is only way cuz trailering can be dangerous and stressful.
@@georgiafan6618 you are right big time
The best advice is to turn the wheel towards your trouble if it drifting left turn the wheel left to correct the problem and vice versa put your hand wherever you want it don't matter my dad and me are semi drivers best advice he ever gave me
@@georgiafan6618its easy as hell. slow and steady my man
I learned this 20 years ago by a friend. Great advice.
Except it's woefully inadequate
This guy is awesome something I've been trying to learn for years I just learned in thirty seconds
from one dad to another, thanks pop.
Dad's been hitting the sauce again little Johnny.
Lol
Lol
Bottom of the wheel went the same direction as the back of the trailer. Guess you've been hitting the sauce.
Wrong he turned it to the left and the trailer went to the left it would seem you’re the one on some sauce
Paul u r hitting the sauce,
I always used the “steer towards the problem” method
That's a good way of putting it.
Good way to jacknife your trailer
22 yr semi driver and yes that's exactly what to do turn the wheel towards the side giving you trouble to correct it doesn't matter where your hand is I prefer mine on top
I'm a very experienced driver but have almost no experience backing up trailers. I always admire people who do it well. Especially in the big rigs!
TY!
That works when learning, but once you use both hands at top your brain has truly mastered the backing and you can put any trailer , both commercial and non-commercial anywhere
‼️‼️‼️
My dad simply told me take your time and back up slowly and you will be fine. I'd be able to correct the direction of the trailer if it's wrong by not rushing and going to fast and panicing.. worked for me everytime. Just relax and slow down, take your time. Going to fast will cause mistakes then over correcting and panicking.
That’s my problem , rushing and panicking and the truck and trailer was going too fast for me. It made me nerves
Best way is simply go practice until it comes natural to you. I’ve never done the hand on the bottom of the steering wheel but if that works for the person backing the trailer than do it that way.
I'm with you. It's second nature for me now. If I start thinking about it, I'll mess it up every time.
#1 Way. PRACTICE MAKES PERRFECT!
EXACTLY what my dad taught me... Now I can back any trailer in your pocket..
My tip - if you can straighten your whole rig out first then straight back, do so
Hell yea. Work smarter not harder lol
Quit giving advice that is ass backwards
Use the mirrors and learn to drive
@@tracyspohn3977 I agree lol. I use all my mirrors n if its a short trailer I put tailgate down and just look out back window and never have a problem. Some people just can't back up, period let alone with a trailer on
You don’t always have the room for that. Like if you have to back into a driveway on a narrow street.
Hahah you would think. I saw a lady at the boat ramp do that and then over correct at least 50 times
I used to drive fuel tankers and could reverse like a boss, the best thing to do is just try reverse as straight as possible. Also, you turn the opposite way the want to go.
Thanks for the advice. Now the trailer is in my living room. Nice one, Pops!
I'm 67 and have backed a lot of trailers in my life .
never used this technique and never had a problem.
I guess some of us are just naturally talented.
🤣
Practice in a parking lot when there’s no pressure to get it right the first time. Know that you can start over when it’s going wrong. Have someone who knows help you, never learn with friends who cannot do this.
Its more fun to learn when you're holding up 20 cars and everyones honking at you, and your plates are dead, no license, and then the truck shuts off, then a cop shows up.
I learned when I was alone. But no pressure, no time limit, no one waiting. Make mistake, correct them, and keep learning. I'm not a pro but I bet I'm better at backing up a trailer then some people who use them frequently.
I watch my mirrors. If I see more trailer in one mirror, I turn the top of the wheel that way.
I learned that backing up a deuce and half with a short trailer in the dark, on black-out drive with chemlights on the trailer fenders to see where it was. Fun night!
This is the way I learned. 👍🏻
BEST DAD ADVICE EVER! my dad taught me the same way, then I drove my pop up across country flawlessly!
I always remember it like this,
"When going backwards,
The steering is backwards,
Turning left, makes it go right,
Turning right, makes it go left"
My dad taught me that trick when I was like 12 and has been the easiest way to back up a trailer. The other good piece of advice dad gave was don't be afraid to straighten out if you get jack knifed or loose sight of the trailer and try again.
Dads are great
I would only add- when backing straight, keep your hand at the bottom of the wheel, and make constant, tiny wiggles. You'll be amazed how straight she backs!
So you assumed the direction I'm turning?
-the trailer
I've always been told "turn into trouble "...
Lol
Number one best rule to follow. Especially if using your mirrors.
That makes WAY more sense…. I think…?
The crazy thing is that in this instant, the car is the trailer
I think that works, after 30 years of backing trailers I finally learned
My dad told me to follow the trailer. Best advice I ever got
This one comment stuck out to me because it was the same advice my dad gave me
What if the trailer is going the wrong way?
I find it crazy there’s a lot of people that will never learn how to reverse a trailer
Well... honestly, there's a hell of a lot of people who have zero business pulling a trailer, let alone backing one.
Same with parallel parking.
I don't know how people can get a license, if they can't parallel park.
@@willhorting5317 yeah but it’s always a good thing to know
@@AngelRamirez-du3qq definitely.
😢.. that's me
i learned this a few years back. start straight if you can and then use this technique. i choose the direction you want the rear of the trailer to go. for some reason that small clarification seems to make more sense to me anyway. same difference. great advice and it works. go sloooow.
Thanks Dad. You also taught me that water was wet. Couldn't have navigated life without your sage advice.
Double trailers, hand is up top, and same rule applies. Thank you, thank you, ill be here all week. 👏 👏
Been backing trailers 40 years, my only advice, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE
And even after all that time, there's sometimes you just can't get the damn thing to go where you want!
My dad baught a used U Haul trailer when I was about 12. He had trouble backing, and his best friend taught him this trick. We headed across country. When we got to my grandparents, he couldnt back the trailer up beside the house. He kept nearly Jack knifing. He'd put his hand on the bottom then turn his head and get all confused. He started getting mad. He had me spot for him. I eventually got frustrated too, and just started telling him which way to turn the wheel. He'd start to do it right then would stop listening to me. I finally let out a long groan, then he yelled at me to do better if I could.
Id never driven before, but I got in, pulled up a little, then backed slowly into the spot almost perfectly. My family started laughing and giving my dad hell. He stormed off into the house. Later, he told me I did good, though.
Dad wanted me to be a lawyer or dictor or soldier or preacher.
Im a trucker. 😂
Even in CDL school, I was a natural at backing.
That’s the simplest explanation for the hardest thing to do
I think that day was worlds opposite day
Wrong!! Turn the when in opposite direction you want trailer to go
@@luciusmccowan8951 yea i see u need to start over with your life
My old man gave me the same advice! Still use it today!
Well then he had it ass backwards too
I feel like that's the easy part it's knowing how long or hard you steer and then the catch. It's a delicate dance sometimes
“If it ain’t going Right,”
“Go Left!”
Better then a swift driving school
Thanks Dad…I’ve been backing up trailers wrong my entire life
I never got good at backing a trailer until I used this method. Don't even have to think about it. Just move wheel a little so you don't oversteer
😊 My elderly neighbour use to help with directions as I fumbled backing up my trailer in the driveway. She has since passed. I stopped pulling trailers.
Thanks Dad!
Wise advice dad
That makes the most sense to me out of anyone who tried to tell me in the fewest words.
Exactly lol
So, he turns the steering wheel clockwise, and the trailer goes...clockwise! He's absolutely correct. If the trailer's hitch is the 12, and the trailer ramp is 6, and I was looking down from the sky, the trailer does rotate clockwise. I don't understand how that would ever be useful, but he's spot on.
Forget the bottom. Turn the wheel the opposite direction, then follow the trailer.
Yep, in trucking they call it getting up under it.
Yes!
I tried to do that when I was first learning. And after many many hours of practice I still couldn't back it in a straight line. It wasn't until someone told me about putting my hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and turning the way that you want to that I was able to get it. After that, I was able to practice and get it to do what I wanted with no problem.
@Mike interesting. I stand corrected. I just thought it looked dumb.
@@owemylife Maybe it is from your perspective but people think differently so it's important to have multiple ways of teaching them. I've trained many drivers and the hand on the bottom works for most but some people don't get it that way. I had to let those people teach themselves since I don't get it any other way.
Thanks Dad !!!
Lol, turns right and trailer goes left, best advice ever! 😂😂
I back semi trailers all day long for my job and honestly I would have to really think hard on how to describe how to back to someone. I have been doing it daily for almost 8 years
Yes, you're a truck driver.
That advice made it so easy for me to learn how to back when I first started 😊😊
I needed a dad like you😊
Thanks for the advice. I’ve been doing it that way for years and it works.
So what he's saying is do the opposite. 😂 That's like a really complicated way of telling you to learn from your mistakes. Don't worry dad, we understood what you really meant.
then turn the steering wheel in OPPOSITE direction you want the trailer to go
The opposite direction****
Opposite direction for TOP of the wheel. BOTTOM of the wheel turned to the same direction as the back of the trailer.
@@kevinfleming9919😂😂.... No The BOTTOM of the steering wheel turned the opposite direction then the trailer was going. He turned the steering wheel to the right for the trailer to go left, turn steering wheel left for trailer to go right. Rookies.
@@kevinfleming9919Doesn't matter where your hand is on the steering wheel. Turn left to go right, right to go left.
@@jonathan3982 the bottom of the wheel went towards the drivers door, THE LEFT, the back of the trailer went TO THE LEFT! Just because his hand continues to the right as it follows the circle around DOESN'T mean he's turning the BOTTOM to the right. Get a clue.
@@kevinfleming9919 Yeah but that's not what he said in the video. I'm just saying no matter where your hand is on the steering wheel turning the steering wheel right the trailer goes left, turn the steering wheel left the trailer goes right. I've got a clue bub.
I am OK at maneuvering my 1/2ton utility trailer. Backing in through my gate and parking it in one shot is really satisfying.
I found it was easy to learn just by understanding the physics.
Dude…it is the other way around….turn the wheel left
…trailer goes right…keep on with the advices.👌
Hand on bottom
No! He needs to stop! He’s giving bad advice. He literally turned right and went left and that is not what he said out loud in the vid
@@Retarded_Cat I know…I was just ironic.😳
@@Retarded_Cat his hand was on the bottom so it went left first
@@danieladrian8354 You don't know what ironic means.
Excellent advice dad. These are great videos
They taught this type of stuff in school I think a lot of these young men would turn out a bit better ! DAD CLASSES !
I love it when civilians try to back up trailers
Where do we sign you up for Father of the Year. You’re so amazing. Such a great dad.
If people need this video, they have no business backing up a trailer
So you think no one should ever be allowed to learn to back up a trailer?
@@Mike-yc7jc only if they learn how to drive a manual first!
@@davidmueller2780 what is the point of that when no company will be making manual transmissions within the next decade?
BEST ADVICE EVER!! THANK YOU!😊
Thanks for not calling me "Beloved", like that other guy.
Reading these comments, shows y’all need this man. He literally turned the opposite way, but the steering wheel still went in the direction the trailer was going. It was a smart tip!
I dont recall doing this during my long career as a haulage driver. If you steer in the direction you want the trailer to go it will go the other way. DOH!
Nothing stresses me out more than backing up my trailer at the boat ramp.
When you’re backing up the empty trailer, leave the tailgate down so you can see it.
Watching dudes back up 18 wheeler trucks into tight parking spots is amazing
I learned this from a fishing magazine years ago. Works great!
He’s pointing out where to put your hand for perspective. If your hand moves left, trailer goes left, hand moves right, trailer goes right. It’s not advice for professional trailer backer uppers it’s for people that maybe it’s the first time they’ve backed up a trailer.
This is how I learned and always have done it. Never had an issue. I don't hold the wheel on the inside like him but same difference.
I think he should be saying,
"Move your hand towards the direction you want your trailer to go."
He is clearly turning the wheel to the right, but the trailer is going left.
Whilst he is clearly moving his hand to the left and the trailer is indeed going left.
Alternatively, he could just say, turn the wheel in the opposite direction to the direction you wish your trailer to go.
The advice is actually about how to seem confident.