Tutoring Lesson pt 1

[Uncle]

I need some help Backing my trailer. I have bumper pulled all my life and I would say I am very good at it. I now have a 30ft 5th wheel equipment trailer and I look like an idiot trying to back it.
Most truck drivers I've seen have no problem at all.
It took me 30 minutes to back into my driveway and had to stop to let the air build up several times.
It seems like I'm all over the place.
What am I doing wrong? What do you look for as your starting point etc.
Please don't bash me too bad for asking for help.
Brian

[Uturn2001]

For started be sure to back towards the drivers side if at all possible.

Next take it slow and easy. If I had to take a guess you turn the wheel and the trailer is not responding fast enough for you so you turn it more and maybe even a little more and boom all of a sudden you are in trouble.

Also if at all possible start at a 45 degree angle to where you want to back into with your trailer several feet from the hole and at the left edge or slightly past the left side of the hole. It is a lot easier than being 90 degrees.

The longer the trailer the more time it take to react to what you do up front.

The reason many truckers make it look easy is because of practice, practice, practice.

[Mackman]

People are here to help we would never bash ya. We all had to start somewhere. Just try to take it slow and easy. If you can get in a parking lot or something try to practice in the open with road cones or something.

[Malaki86]

Yup - practice practice practice...

I still remember when I first started driving - my gawd I looked like a moron out there. Even now after 7 years, if I'm tired I have a lot of trouble backing in without taking up half the lot and way too much time.

[repete]

yep, slow n easy, keep trying and make small changes till ya got it. And remember it's the big wide open hole that so hard to get stright in

[Jimbpard]

Try to back to the drivers side and watch that back corner of the trailer as your backing. Make slow changes.
Also, I know this isnt the "textbook way" of doing it, but alot of times, I only use one hand on the steering wheel and keep it in the same spot of the wheel. Sometimes 2 hands will confuse you a bit and leave you wondering what way you just turned the wheel.
Also, picture the set up, and vision it "sliding right in" before you actually even set up.

Hope I helped.

[Sealord]

It's harder to back a 30' trailer than a 48 or 53. A U-haul behind a pick-up is even harder. Just take it easy, and practice every chance you get. BOL