Tips for Backing up Your Trailer

You’ve set yourself up with the perfect trailer hitch and trailer combination, but now you actually have to pull it. Pulling a trailer while lacking real-world experience can be intimidating. Even more so if you need to back that trailer into a space or back a boat into the water. That’s why the team at Hitch King has put together some helpful tips to get you started.

Find a Practice Space

There’s really only one way to gain experience, and that’s to practice. So, before you take your trailer out on the road for real, find a big, empty parking lot to practice in. Practice backing your trailer into the parking lines or between two traffic cones if you have them. This will help give you a feel for what it’s like to maneuver your trailer in a low-stress environment. It’s better to make a mistake here when there’s nothing around to accidentally run into.

Use Correct Hand Placement

This tip is so simple and incredibly helpful. When backing your trailer, place one hand at the bottom, or six o’clock position, of the steering wheel. This will give you a lot more control over the direction of your trailer. Moving your hand to the right will direct the rear of the trailer to the right, and moving your hand left will direct the rear of the trailer to the left.

Check Your Mirrors

You may think this is a given, but people often get nervous and only look in one mirror. This is the quickest way to back into something you didn’t intend to. This is especially true when you have access to a backup camera. While helpful, it’s still crucial to be aware of all of your surroundings. Back up slowly, and continually check both side mirrors and the rearview mirror if the vision isn’t blocked.

Located in Floral Park, Hitch King is New York City’s one-stop-shop for all hitching needs. From custom hitches to full-on truck outfitting, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today at (516) 888-3663 and ask about our specials.