How to back up a trailer and NOT get divorced!

[Kmikesell]

Originally Posted by Larryjb

True. I figure one simple word won't hurt, and the TM is a short trailer. If I surveyed the site correctly, the only word I should hear is GOOD, and then we're done. If there is any further discussion beyond STOP or GOOD, I get out so we can talk. In fact, I don't even usually need the "GOOD" because I can see how far back I'm going. My spotter is mainly for anything that wanders into the site while I'm backing up.

I only had trouble backing into one spot, and there was no real communication necessary because I was not in danger of obstructions. What got me was I was trying to shift the trailer over by a couple of feet because I had it parked too close to one side. I gave up trying to shift it over and pulled out and re-backed in properly.

My Dad had a neat trick to put a few cones on the ground and follow the inside trailer wheel along the cones. While I never used cones, having a target for the inside turning wheel on the trailer helps a lot.

It sounds like you are an experienced "Backer-Inner". My OP was for the newbs! LOL

[JimLilly]

A 'little bit' is not a unit of measure. A little bit might mean 6" to me, might mean 6' to my helper. Just call out (no yelling needed) 6'. 3'. 1'. Good. Easy Peasey.

[Larryjb]

Originally Posted by Kmikesell

It sounds like you are an experienced "Backer-Inner". My OP was for the newbs! LOL

Coming back to this....
When we first purchased the trailer, we towed it from WA to our home in Vancouver. We got it home about 3AM and had to back it into our driveway at night. Maybe it was luck, but I got it very close to where I wanted it first try. I think you'd have to call me a lucky newbie. But definitely not an experienced "Backer-Inner! But honestly, to have a "target" for the inside wheel helps a ton! (tonne for us Canadians).

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by Kmikesell

It sounds like you are an experienced "Backer-Inner". My OP was for the newbs! LOL

You're right. Yelling is not the best way to co=navigate.

Work out a set of hand signals (stop, forward, right, left and go) to show distance, spread your hands apart and bring them closer together as the distance shortens. Write them down and practice. No talking. If you are the signaler, be sure that you can see the driver's face in the mirror. If you can see the driver's eye's, the driver can see your hand signals. Be sure to signal the driver, not the trailer hitch of the tree. If your hands go out of site, the driver can't see the signal. Keep your hands in front of your body.

[Kmikesell]

Originally Posted by Wavery

You're right. Yelling is not the best way to co=navigate.

Work out a set of hand signals (stop, forward, right, left and go) to show distance, spread your hands apart and bring them closer together as the distance shortens. Write them down and practice. No talking. If you are the signaler, be sure that you can see the driver's face in the mirror. If you can see the driver's eye's, the driver can see your hand signals. Be sure to signal the driver, not the trailer hitch of the tree. If your hands go out of site, the driver can't see the signal. Keep your hands in front of your body.

I prefer GMRS radios for the driver and navigator. No yelling and makes sure directions are clear, and there's no worry about site lines or darkness.