If you are new to driving a trailer or fifth wheel it can be quite daunting learning how to backup into a campsite. Backing up a trailer can bend your mind, break your nerve, and leave you sweating bullets. It is not the least bit intuitive until you have done it enough times that it becomes second nature. That doesn’t come quickly for most people. Believe me, we’ve sweat a lot of bullets.
Firstly, you should know your trailer size and height and the size of the space you are backing into before starting. Unless the campsite is fully open and there are no obstructions, we will always get out and survey the site before attempting to backup.
Look for tight curves, low obstructions like low-set walls, rocks, water pipes and electrical boxes, trees or other objects overhead. We always walk the area before proceeding to ensure there are no objects on the ground we could possibly hit like picnic tables, plants or even animals. I like to identify various aiming points and small ‘landmarks’ like a post or rock on the ground. Often times, I put a marker on the ground to use as an aiming point. Something like a piece of wood that you can also see in your reversing mirror and you can run your trailer’s wheel right over is a great aiming point.
To give you a little preview of what’s to come, here are a few basic tips:
Before getting behind the wheel, understand the theory behind backing up a trailer.
- Start with your vehicle and camper lined up straight.
- Put your hands on the bottom of the steering wheel.
- Have a co-pilot or passenger get out and scan the campsite or area before backing up to ensure that you don’t run over or hit anything.
- Adjust your mirrors so they tilt down to see the lower rear corner of your trailer, and have another mirror pointing upwards to where there may be trees overhanging, or have your spotter watch the top of the camper as well as the surroundings.
- Have your co-pilot to the back slightly to the side of your vehicle to help back up the unit.
- Make sure that you can see the co-pilot in your side mirror. Your helper may have to watch you in the reflection of the mirror. If they can see you, you can see them.
- Have your co-pilot use hand signals and roll down the windows to make sure you can hear them for verbal cues. In some cases, we use our mobile phones and call each other while giving directions.
- Watch all around the trailer as you back up slowly. This is sometimes a hectic moment as you scan all your mirrors, watch the front of your vehicle as you swing left and right, taking note of your helper as you go. Take your time.
- To move the rear corner of the camper to the right, move the bottom of the steering wheel to the right.
- To move the rear corner of the camper to the left, move the bottom of the steering wheel to the left.
Go slow and don’t panic: Quick reactions in moments of panic can lead to disaster. Stay calm and make a plan if you find yourself in a pickle. After a while you learn that very small movements, at timely moments, will make for an accurate back-in.
Sometimes, you have to make several attempts. If you need to straighten out, the best way to do that is to go forward, not backward. It is sometimes difficult to straighten-out going backward. Don’t try that until you are expert, just pull forward, then start backing up after you are straight. Ideally, aim your wheels at the axis you want the trailer on, and go that way until you are lined up. Also, any time you feel stuck, going forward and trying again is always your best move.
Practice makes perfect: Don’t wait until you’re at a busy campground to learn your skills. Practice in an empty area before you leave home.
Sometimes you need to wiggle the car side to side as you back up to see what’s behind in both mirrors. If you get off track, pull forward as much as you need.
Invest in a backup camera: It can be hard to see behind your rig. Having a backup camera will help you understand your angle and where obstacles are in relation to your trailer.
The AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera is our absolute favorite!
AUTO-VOX Backup Camera: Quick & Effortless Installation
The true-wireless design makes the installation easy. There is no wire from the monitor to the camera anymore. No need for wiring to the marker lights!
Appropriate 110° viewing angle for a better view presentation
110-degree covers around 3 lanes behind your car, which helps you see all obstacles when reversing or parking. The appropriate viewing angle of the camera can be worked perfectly with the 5-in HD monitor.
The rear view function is excellent for the tailgaters. Those drivers that are so close behind that you cannot seem them in your side mirrors. What about a truck stop? Sometimes you need to manoeuvre back a little before you can pull forward, the Auto-Vox is perfect because it saves you having to get out and physically look behind your rig in many circumstances.
Durable & Waterproof Backup Camera
The camera is IP68 waterproof standard, therefore you don’t need to worry about the car wash or the rain.
I’m sure you will LOVE using this backup camera as much as we do.
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