Towed for my first time yesterday

[darkspork]

I pulled a 5x9 utility trailer with a riding mower in it. It was actually really easy with the Ranger. Now I just need for figure out the whole backing thing.

 

[strvger]

backing is simple enough AFTER you're sure nothing (kids, pets, etc.) is behind you:

1. go very slowly
2. turn the steering wheel the opposite direction you want the trailer to go.
3. practice, practice, practice.

have fun and be safe.

 

[Will]

My backing technique consists of 2 simple steps. Don't listen to the put your hand on the bottom of the wheel crap or anything else. These two ridiculously simple steps, which you repeat to yourself while backing up, will make a lot of sense immediately--and reduce tummy wrinkles after childbirth, plus build muscle mass.

1--get the trailer going the direction you want it to go

2--chase the trailer with the truck

Once you figure this out you will learn to stop watching the trailer and will instead watch where the trailer is going and will drive the trailer instead of the truck.

 

[martin]

If you find you cannot sort out the backing up thing just get yourself a front receiver. Makes putting the trailer exactly where you want it dead easy.

 

[02RangerXLT]

Another tip for when you're backing up, don't use your mirrors... I NEVER use my mirrors for backing up, never with any of the goosenecks we have, never. I find it to be more of a pain in the ass to use the mirrors than to just turn around. The mirrors are good for checking to see if there's stuff behind you, but otherwise its easiest to just turn around.

Good luck, once you get used to it, you really don't need to pay attention to how you turn your wheels, it will all become instinct.

 

[dixie_boysles]

^^^agree! I can back a trailer like a beast, but tell me to use mirrors only, and i cant. I HAVE to turn around! You will also find that the bigger the trailer, the easier it is to manuever. The little ones like to turn too fast and are harder to steer backwards

 

[02RangerXLT]

^^^agree! I can back a trailer like a beast, but tell me to use mirrors only, and i cant. I HAVE to turn around! You will also find that the bigger the trailer, the easier it is to manuever. The little ones like to turn too fast and are harder to steer backwards

Yep, and also trailers with a longer tongue are easier to maneuver, and so are goosenecks.

Even with tall livestock trailers, I just make sure there ain't nothing on the one side, open the door and backup looking back like that, just easier that way because you can line up the small door on the trailer better.

 

[stimmie78]

I use mirrors... and I use the hands at the bottom of the steering wheel... but driving a semi will get you used to using mirrors. I'm so used to not being able to see out the back that mirrors are a must in my book.

 

[strvger]

i use mirrors on larger trailers and turn my head for the smaller ones that don't show up well in my mirrors. seems like everyone has their own way of backing up trailers. again, the key is: practice, practice, practice. you'll find what works best for you quickly enough.

 

[martin]

One thing that might make things a little easier is drop the tailgate or if you have an exploder, open the hatch. It gives you a better view of the trailer.

 

[02RangerXLT]

One thing that might make things a little easier is drop the tailgate or if you have an exploder, open the hatch. It gives you a better view of the trailer.

With a tailgate down, you may need to watch out depending on what type of jack the trailer has. If its one that goes in the A-frame and is almost right up by the hitch, you run the risk of running your tailgate into it.

 

[Will]

I use mirrors... and I use the hands at the bottom of the steering wheel... but driving a semi will get you used to using mirrors. I'm so used to not being able to see out the back that mirrors are a must in my book.

That's what I was thinking--about the mirrors.

 

[feellnfroggy]

I dont know why everyone knocks the bottom ofthe wheel stuff, I started out that way and after a while, I just got comfortable to where I can back any way I want without even thinkin about it. Its simple and it works. Its just like typing, I could always type very fast but it was always finger pecking and watching the keyboard, But after a few years of typing I realized I wasnt watching the keyboard anymore.

 

[tlandreth]

I started off using a small utility trailer behind the back of a lawn tractor, and now I can back almost anything! From our 35' travel trailer to my 5x8' utility trailer, it just comes natural.

 

[4.0B2]

find a field and some boxes, make a "spot" for the trailer, and go for it.... just don't jackknife it and you're golden. find out what works for you, listen to the tips above, but find the one that works for you..
i personally don't use mirrors and don't grab the bottom of the wheel. only time i use mirror is when i am backing the semi's in the shop, when i don't have a choice