Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

[neumanns]

Be Honest!!!<br />I can back with mirrors and am actually more accurate with mirrors just slower so I usally hang the head out the window.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

Usually over the left shoulder-out the back window to get it close(I can see over my boat, kind of). Then I use the drivers mirror and watch the trailer tire/bearing buddy cover to get final position. I use right side convex mirror only to check for pedestrians and light poles. I have to get that bearing buddy cover within 3 inches of the trash bin when I back into the garage.<br /><br />Tip for backing: If there are any marks on the pavement such as expansion cracks, stripes, or even wet tire tracks from the last guy pulling his boat out, you can use it as a guide. Put your trailer tire on it, or parallel to it, and just keep the trailer running along side of your mark.

 

[mbhenry]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

I never look over my shoulder. Always use the mirrors only.<br />Mike

 

[L Christopher]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

With the mirrors. I drove a gas tanker when I was in college and could only back to the left looking out the door. I would circle a gas station untill I could put myself into position to back in to the left (tractor had a sleeper). I had to make a deliver one night late and could only back in to the right which resulted in the destruction of a chainlink fence. I received backing instruction from one of the old timers the next day. Within an hour of practice I could put that rig anywhere I wanted. Caution to all: you can back a trailer and truck into a spot that you can not drive out of (trust me).

 

[ooootis]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

ROFLMAO!!!!!! Storm i have backed in and not been able to get out before no matter what I tried. I had to roll my front wheels on the neighbors grass. I hate doing that.

 

[Larry Carnahan]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

Always mirrors - can't move my head like I used to - arthritis.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

Learned to back (self taught) looking over right shoulder and out rear window. This was OK until we got the Glastron last year. Now, all I see out window is a big bow. So, slowly learning to use mirrors. Problem is wife or buddy usually back down ramp while I'm in boat. I bet my wife backs better than I do now (don't let her hear that though).

 

[KNOTTY THOTS]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

I found one of the best ways to back up the trailer using your mirrors is to steer with your hand on the bottom of the wheel and do not look at the wheel. I also find it better from the left side.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

Little of both... Whatever gets the job done..

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

Both!<br /><br />Started putting boats in the water when I was 13. Now I am 41 and never have had any problems at the ramp, driveway or garage. Big boats, little boats, gooseneck trailer, and stumpy trailers.<br /><br />No Step for a Stepper as my dad used to say!<br /><br />I did watch as my dad peeled the driver door back on his blazer in 1975 as it came in contact with a large Oak tree next to a boat ramp. I was in the boat ready to drive it on the trailer! It was kinda funny! Glad he did it and not me!

 

[chris in va]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

Over the shoulder. I tried doing the mirror thing, but dang that's tough!

 

[Lark40]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

Been doing the look-over-the-right-shoulder-out-the-rear-window routine for over 40 years.<br /><br />But, I may not always be as flexible in contorting my body to do this, so I plan to buy extension mirrors and learn to use them.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

Mirrors. Got used to it having to back a dump truck with trailer at work.

 

[bubbaboater]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

Mirrors. It is the only way to see down the sides of the trailer. Got to know where the dock, wheels, etc. are.

 

[ALG]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

Over the shoulder.When I first got my boat I was pretty worried about backing down.Now a year later I almost broke my arm patting myself on the back im that good at it.

 

[neumanns]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

I am surprised that the majority of responses are mirrors, and even more surprised that the rubbernecks seem to mainly use the right sholder.<br /><br />Keep them coming I find the responses interesting and promise to improve my mirror work.

 

[suzuki40]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

I have an orange safety flag on a 2 foot fiberglass pole that I put in a slot right in the middle of the back of the boat. I use my rear view mirror and have no problems backing it in anywhere.

 

[jrc27]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

mirrors! like stated earlier hand on bottom of steering wheel. that way just turn your hand the way you want the trailer to go..

 

[horndog]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

i use mirrors OR turning head. I cannot do both it screws me up! My mirrors are not big enough so if the trailer is going to the right and I am looking out the driver mirror I have no idea if I am going to hit something on the right side.

 

[fsds123]

Re: Mirrors or Turning head; Backing Trailer Poll

I look over the right shoulder. Gives me a view of both sides of the trailer at the same time as well as behind the trailer. Wouldn't work if I had a taller boat though, then it would be mirrors. Another question might be how many people back up their cars (no trailer)by using their mirrors and not looking over shoulder. I bet people used to doing it one way with their car will do the same with trailer, unless the boat is too tall.