Tip For Those New To Trailer Backing, How To Steer A Trailer.

I have taught a lot of people who have never backed a trailer, how to back up trailers both small and large, and the major dysfunction comes from having your hands in the wrong place on the wheel. If you have your hands on top of the wheel in the standard 10 and 2 o'clock position, it is turn the wheel in the OPPOSITE direction you want the trailer to go, which is of course very confusing for some.

So simply move your hands to the bottom of the steering wheel, at the 8 and 4 o'clock positions or even 7 and 5. Now when turn the wheel you hands move the way you want the trailer to go. The trailer moves the SAME direction as your hands. Push hands left...trailer goes left. Push hands right...trailer goes right. Hope this helps someone learning to back a trailer for the first time.

Phil

If you want to have some fun, try backing a 20' chassis. They turn when they want, and when they do start turning, it goes from not turning to jack Knife in the blink of an eye. Even though I have been backing trailers for most of my life, still have issues with the 20'. I am getting better at anticipating when it is going to turn, but boy is it lots of fun for the other drivers to watch. I am sure they think I am a complete rookie.

I must say I have been watching others try to back them and have the same amount of trouble as I have. And I know some of these guys have years of driving experience and still have issues.

By the way, I tell folks about putting their hands on the bottom of the wheel when trying to back as well. It has helped many folks with their backing issues. Most folks have no idea about what happens when you back and have to turn the wheel opposite of the normal to make the trailer turn in the direction you want it to.

Ernie

Ea Ernie, a tricky one for me was the school bus with rafting trailer, little single axle 16 footer behind a 45 foot bus, made for quite a bit of see-sawing LOL.

The part Celadon,mostly forgot to teach,was when to straighten,your drive tires,and pivot trailer..THANKS KIM! This is the secret,to a good back.

Been a long day..meant steer tires.