Backing up trailer tips

[Wind dog]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Try to position the vehicle and trailer so you are backing in a slight arc on the drivers side. 30+ years of backing trailers, stump grinders and chippers in the tree biz. Don't be in a hurry. If you get disoriented get out and take a look at where you are. If possible have a spotter.

Also a good tactic.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Practice while moving slowly in an empty parking lot is how our children learned (and myself many years ago) Mrs ken to this date has never either towed or reversed a trailer of any sort. Still hopeful she will one day though

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

You don't need to see the trailer. You know it's back there. When it starts out of alignment you will see the rear end of it.

Yes, but at that point, on the ramp I use, it's too late. I don't have one of those big fancy multi lane ramps, or a way to start down the ramp with the truck and trailer in a nice straight line. I have to start on a narrow 2 lane road with a rock wall on one side of it, and and kick the trailer 90 degrees onto the narrow, very steep, 1 lane ramp that has trees on both sides of it.

The not being able to see the empty trailer comes into play when the trailer is on the ramp and the truck is still on the road. The trailer drops below the view in the mirrors. By the time I can see it, it's going to be either hitting a tree or dropping off the side of the ramp. Once the truck is on the ramp I can see the trailer in the mirrors and everything is fine.

It's not a matter of practicing. I've been towing and backing trailers for over 40 years. My forum name may be The_Kid, but I'm not one. Here's an overhead shot of the ramp.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

If u have a tonneau cover drop it inside the truck bed & open the tailgate.

That would work if you had a fabric tonneau... won't work so well with a rigid tonneau.

Frankly, I don't understand all the opposition to having some sort of visual guides on your trailer to help locate it as you back it in. If using the mirrors works for you, great. If you need telescoping yellow balls or flags to help you, great. (Except for those Green Bay Packer flags; those are an abomination! )

The point is to get the trailer into the water quickly, isn't it? So we don't get scowled at by those who came out of the womb backing down ramps and retrieving boats in 30 seconds flat....

 

[bassman284]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Actually I think the OP has already decided to go with visual aids, but that needn't stop the rest of us from arguing about it. Carry on.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Well, for many of us it's too cold to go boating. So what else is there to do other than argue about backing up trailers or whether one should use antifreeze when winterizing?

:lol:

Jim

 

[roscoe]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Well, for many of us it's too cold to go boating. So what else is there to do other than argue about backing up trailers or whether one should use antifreeze when winterizing?

:lol:

Jim

Well, there is always what you call the part of the boat you stand on.

Or if or how much steel must be added to the thing that connects the boat to the anchor.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

or what's the best OIL? or does gas go bad? or is it ok to exceed rated HP and is it ok to pull a 26' boat with a jeep because your grandpa's neighbor's son's uncle did it for years.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

crimp solder twist tape shrink tube

gonna be a long winter

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Delete

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Ok back to the argument at hand, if your a real man, you won't use assisted flag thingamagiggys on your boat!!! Haha, jkg. Do what ever makes it easy for you, but I don't know how you can't see the trailer with the type of mirrors that are on the fords. I drive a f350. We might have to put a lift kit on your trailer. :laugh:

 

[boarhog]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

The best thing to do is, get your wifes mother to teach you. But seriously, practice backing up in your driveway. There's nothing worse than sitting in line at the ramp waiting for someone trying to learn how to back down the ramp. :facepalm:

 

[banshee owner]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

if you just want to see the trailer as your backing down the ramp one could always invest in a back up camera you can reverse the image so its not backwards plus the newer ones these days will double as a gps as well

 

[izoomie]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Those flags are a great idea. I like that.

 

[Travis91]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Everyone is missing the obvious answer here.. You need a BIGGER BOAT!!!..... Try backing a jon boat with a crew cab long bed dually F350..

 

[bonapetit2]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Add the pvc guides...makes it super easy.

 

[limitout]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Everyone is missing

what everyone is missing is the OP left this thread over 30 posts ago and it no longer matters.

and telling someone there boat isn't big enough is not nice lol

 

[little.boat]

Re: Backing up trailer tips

Dude I have a broken drivers side mirror and I still only use the passenger side mirror to back my trailer down the ramp with my 2500 HD. You just gotta be a man. My grandad always said if you can't back it up don't hook to it!