Backing up a trailer

[Johndeere3720]

I had to learn how to back up a trailer of similar size. It takes some time but now i can back up strait for quite some distance. practice makes perfect. But in my case, the trailer is hitched to the draw bar, not the 3 point.

 

[RadarTech]

I have a 4 door long bed tacoma...
and backing up my 5x8 trailer is tough too... but as everyone says practice makes perfect!!!


J

 

[Chilly807]

Short trailers are a PITA, as are higher-sped transmissions that don't let you go slow in reverse without slipping the clutch. Slow speed is the best bet, make minor corrections. Oversteering and going too fast are the two most common pitfalls of trailer backing.

To answer your original question, no. Check chains would only drag the trailer sideways.

Sean

 

[NOTV8]

I feel your pain.... especially backing up when empty . It is a little easier if I use my ZTR...

 

[ShenandoahJoe]

Just takes time and patience and a few kind words.

Now I see the problem. I didn't use any kind words.

 

[Airedale]

You are not alone LOL! practice, practice, practice with more practice.

Al

 

[weedpharma]

Use this old trick: Steer from the bottom of your steering wheel. IE, you want the trailer to go left, move the bottom of the steering wheel to the left. Our brains don't work well having to reverse think!!

Weedpharma

 

[Army grunt]

I drove size means nothing big rigs, dirt haulers, all types of const stuff. the size of the tr. is not the important thing, its all in the length of the draw bar to the tires. the longer the better. with a short cupped tr. i look like rookie, backing his frist. above is good advice learn to back up, maybe lengthen the draw bar.your chane idea wont work
Army Grunt
ab

 

[clemsonfor]

Buy like 6 feet of square tube and extend the tounge that much it will make it noticibally easier.

The check chains will stress the mounting points a lot and keep it from jscknifing but will drag the tires backwards and to the side diagonally as you force the trailer where you want it to go, as it wants to jack nife, and you may break something on it or the chain in the process or bend your tractor arms.

 

[chipsndust]

Use this old trick: Steer from the bottom of your steering wheel. IE, you want the trailer to go left, move the bottom of the steering wheel to the left. Our brains don't work well having to reverse think!!

Weedpharma

+1 on this idea, and go twice as slow as you think you should.

I have also laid a 6' rod across the back of the trailer so I could see the ends in the truck mirrors.

Putting a ball on the front of your tow vehicle is the ultimate "cheat". You can see the trailer, and where you're going, and can immediately correct oversteer. (Of course, if you do this, you'll never learn to back the trailer!)