Backing up a trailer?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Windsor, Colorado
Originally Posted by chrono4
then obviously you've never had to back a trailer that required going SLOW, or backed a truck with a numerically low gear set. Even in my f150 in reverse, its too fast to back my car trailer or any trailer for that matter for a long distance and requires slipping the clutch to keep the speed down. slipping clutch, especially when pulling a trailer = BAD
BTW I think your tow vehicle has more effect on needing 4low than anything. When backing up a f150 it requires much more throttle input than my psd. I have towed a ton of miles w/ psd's and 3.73 rearends and just havent had a reason to use 4low.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
I see no need for argument on this subject. I was born and raised on a Ranch. I had to pull and hitch up, and back all kinds of stuff. I pulled, and backed up balers, rakes, plows, seeders, horse trailers, stock trailers, and what have you.
The only way anyone is going to learn to back up any trailer is with practical experience. In other words, hitch up your rig, and practice, until you are bored!
But once you are profecient in the art of backing up a trailer, remember, even the best make mistakes. When backing up a trailer, I put myself into brain surgery mode! This is a mode in which you CANNOT make a mistake.
Go, back up, get into the brain surgery mode!
You will do well
The only way anyone is going to learn to back up any trailer is with practical experience. In other words, hitch up your rig, and practice, until you are bored!
But once you are profecient in the art of backing up a trailer, remember, even the best make mistakes. When backing up a trailer, I put myself into brain surgery mode! This is a mode in which you CANNOT make a mistake.
Go, back up, get into the brain surgery mode!
You will do well
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 1
From: Living under the bosses d
Well, You should feel free to back at any rate you feel safe and controlable. I back at whatever speed is comfortable for the situation. I would never brag about backing fast to anyone... espcially anyone who may watch you smash into something that was in your blindspot or heaven forbid a child that ran beind you while looking in the other mirror.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Elizabethtown, KY
I agree. If backing in 4-low gives you more time to react and adjust, then do it. I think it's a great idea and I'll keep it in mind if I have a particularly touchy area to back into. If that rubs your pride the wrong way, then you may have larger issues than backing a trailer!!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
Practice, practice, practice.
I don't even think about backing up trailers anymore. The whole put your hand on the bottom and turn whatever way confused the hell outta me so I just do it without thinking. After enough practice it becomes second nature and you don't even think about it.
I don't even think about backing up trailers anymore. The whole put your hand on the bottom and turn whatever way confused the hell outta me so I just do it without thinking. After enough practice it becomes second nature and you don't even think about it.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 887
Likes: 0
From: MN
Practice is a must, learn to use your side mirrors and get comfortable with them, learn how much you are turning by how much trailer you can or cannot see in the mirrors.
When backing long trailers, you need to think of where you are going to be in addition to where you are. Long trailers are more forgiving, but the laws of geometry can complicate getting into small spots. Always watch your blind side so you don't swing the pull vehicle into an object.
4 months out of the year I pull 48'-53' trailers in 200"+ wheelbase Kenworths, and 25'-30' pintles behind 350-380" wheelbase 6-7 axle straight trucks. Long trailers and tractors, long trucks and short trailers both unique challenges.
When backing long trailers, you need to think of where you are going to be in addition to where you are. Long trailers are more forgiving, but the laws of geometry can complicate getting into small spots. Always watch your blind side so you don't swing the pull vehicle into an object.
4 months out of the year I pull 48'-53' trailers in 200"+ wheelbase Kenworths, and 25'-30' pintles behind 350-380" wheelbase 6-7 axle straight trucks. Long trailers and tractors, long trucks and short trailers both unique challenges.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
For the altimate challenge, Try backing an aircompressor into a tight spot with a double cab. Or back a 48ft grain trailer out of a field entrance that is as wide as the truck. Talk about fun, that will teach all you need to learn about backing up real quick. The biggest challene is backing tandoms up, that will make sure you have to go church the next day.
As for backing in four low, if you had a maunual why wouldn't you do it. Its easier on your equipment. Backing a heavy trailer is one of the hardest things you can do to a clutch
As for backing in four low, if you had a maunual why wouldn't you do it. Its easier on your equipment. Backing a heavy trailer is one of the hardest things you can do to a clutch
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2
From: Elkhart IN
Originally Posted by jonbass40
As for backing in four low, if you had a maunual why wouldn't you do it. Its easier on your equipment. Backing a heavy trailer is one of the hardest things you can do to a clutch
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
Originally Posted by jonbass40
Or back a 48ft grain trailer out of a field entrance that is as wide as the truck. Talk about fun, that will teach all you need to learn about backing up real quick. The biggest challene is backing tandoms up, that will make sure you have to go church the next day.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Ok kids, some off us got into big rigs, which I have never driven , but been told they are easier to back than a 30' fifth wheel behind a F-350.
I have never done either one. But, the fact is, and I know this from 39 years of experience. If you get a new rig, it will kick your a$$ the first time you try backing it, and I don't care how long you have pulled trailers.
I also have a private pilots license, or certification. Here, when I want to fly a new airplane, that I have never been in, I spend time and money getting certified with that airplane. See here if you mess up, you die.
I believe, that people should take pulling trailer much like airplanes. They must learn how to use their rigs, or they could cause destruction of property, or even perhaps death.
I do not advocate government licenses, or permits. I hate that. But people need to take responsibility for their actions, and learn their needs properly.
It is just a simple thing of practice.
I have never done either one. But, the fact is, and I know this from 39 years of experience. If you get a new rig, it will kick your a$$ the first time you try backing it, and I don't care how long you have pulled trailers.
I also have a private pilots license, or certification. Here, when I want to fly a new airplane, that I have never been in, I spend time and money getting certified with that airplane. See here if you mess up, you die.
I believe, that people should take pulling trailer much like airplanes. They must learn how to use their rigs, or they could cause destruction of property, or even perhaps death.
I do not advocate government licenses, or permits. I hate that. But people need to take responsibility for their actions, and learn their needs properly.
It is just a simple thing of practice.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Alberta, Canada
Originally Posted by smokestone52
But people need to take responsibility for their actions, and learn their needs properly.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by chrono4
glad I'm not the only one seeing it that way.
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