How to Reverse with Your Trailer

Reversing with a trailer is no easy task, so we here at Paradise Recreation have compiled a few helpful tips! Once you’ve read our guide, we encourage you to practice in a wide open space and take it slow. If you still need a trailer, or have a model that needs to be serviced, stop by our dealership in Kitchener, Ontario.

Use a Guide

If you’re reversing into a parking spot or narrow area, we advise using a guide of some sort. While a spotter can make reversing much easier, one isn’t always available. Instead, you might invest in a few small traffic cones as you learn how to reverse with your trailer. You’ll also want to keep your windows rolled down so you can turn to look behind you and keep a careful eye on blindspots. As you improve, you might trade out the traffic cones for tow mirrors. These mirrors extend farther out from your vehicle to give you a better view of your surroundings. As you reverse, try to keep an eye on natural guides that may also be present. For example, reversing into a driveway is much easier if you keep an eye on the edge of the pavement. 

Steer Carefully

The smaller your trailer is, the more sensitive it will be to steering. If your trailer is smaller, try not to make large adjustments as you reverse. If your trailer is larger, you’ll still want to watch your movements carefully, but you can move the wheel a bit more freely. Remember that your vehicle and your trailer are not one unit. Sharp movements to the left or right will result in your trailer turning in the opposite direction. To keep yourself from over maneuvering and aware of which way your trailer will go, try driving with your hand at the bottom of your steering wheel. When you pull your wheel to the left, your trailer will also go left, and vice versa.

Turn Carefully

Regardless of the size of your trailer, as you reverse you’ll want to make relatively wide turns. Most importantly, you’ll want to avoid jack-knifing at all costs, as you could damage both your trailer and your vehicle. Jack-knifing occurs when a tow vehicle turns too sharply and is pushed forward or to the side by the trailer. To avoid this, do your best to move slowly and carefully as you reverse. Once again, take wide turns and try not to oversteer as you maneuver backwards. 

We’re sure that these tips will prove helpful to you as you practice reversing, but encourage you to look up instructional videos or examples if you’re a more visual learner. If you’re in need of a new trailer or are interested in trading in your old one, we hope you’ll stop by our dealership. We proudly serve the cities of Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario and offer great prices on all our inventory!