How to Back Up Your Travel Trailer

Learning how to back up a travel trailer can often be intimidating, and sometimes even lead to minor disasters. However, the truth is that almost anyone can master this skill. And once you do, you will have your pick of the trailer sites with no pull-through required! The first step to successfully backing up your trailer is understanding how to approach the learning process.

Here are a few best practices for backing up your travel trailer! 

Watch Instructional Videos

Find instructional videos on how to back up travel trailers. For best results, make sure you are watching videos with a trailer similar to yours, regarding how it’s hitched and the number of axles it has. 

One important point to remember is that the back end of your trailer will move in the opposite direction of your vehicle. For example, if you want to move it to the right, back your vehicle’s rear to the left. In addition to videos, there are also backup simulators available online or in the app store! 

Practice in a Safe Spot

Search for a large, vacant parking lot to practice in, to reduce any pressure. Work on building good safety habits, such as checking your mirrors regularly. In terms of safety accessories, you might consider adding a fish-eye mirror for a wide-angle view or getting a backup camera. While a backup camera is not an altogether solution for mastering the backup, it will still help minimize any mishaps!

Get Help From A Travel Partner 

Try to bring on a traveling companion to help you! It can be beneficial to make an agreement about a basic set of hand instructions and to consider using cell phones to communicate instead of shouting. Also, if you often travel with extra passengers, you can ask them to help guide you as well. For example, they can keep an eye on trees and branches, and let you know if you are too close to them.

Now that you know the basics of how to properly back up your trailer, try it for yourself! Buy your travel trailer at Pete’s RV PA, located in Mountville, Pennsylvania. We also proudly serve Hershey, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, York, and surrounding areas.