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Categories
Cars & Other Vehicles
Trailers
How to Back a Trailer Download Article Co-authored by Bruce Storrs
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked
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Preparing to Back Up Your Trailer
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Backing Up Your Trailer
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This article was co-authored by Bruce Storrs. Bruce Storrs is a Driving Instructor and the President & CEO of North County School of Driving in San Marcos, California. With more than 31 years of experience, he specializes in teaching teens and adults safe driving behaviors in the classroom, online, and behind the wheel. Bruce earned a BA and MA from San Diego State University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 878,435 times.
Backing up a car can sometimes be a stressful experience. When you have something attached to your car, it gets even more nerve wracking. However, backing (reversing) a trailer is relatively simple, especially with a little practice. As long as you understand the concept of what you're going to do ahead of time, the process is easy.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Preparing to Back Up Your Trailer
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1 Devise a strategy. Recognize that backing up a trailer requires preemptive motion of the towing vehicle to move the trailer in the correct direction. A pre-planned route is required, keeping in mind the direction of the trailer, the direction of the towing vehicle, any object in the immediate vicinity of the driving path, and the relative motion between all involved objects.[1]XResearch source
2 Practice in an empty space such as a parking lot. Buy some small orange cones to help spot you. Try learning with a long trailer, and then attempt a small trailer. Whenever you are learning be sure to take it slow.[2]XResearch source Short trailers are more maneuverable and responsive, thus more difficult to reverse. Longer trailers are more forgiving of mistakes, but will take more work to get around a corner. Advertisement
3 Get a spotter. A spotter may be helpful as another pair of eyes behind the trailer will be able to see things you (as the driver) cannot.[3]X Expert Source Bruce StorrsDriving InstructorExpert Interview You can even invest in a set of short-range 2-way radios. This will make communications a lot easier than yelling and/or trying to watch a spotter.
The spotter needs to remember to look up! It's easy to become so preoccupied with obstacles on the ground that you forget to check overhead for tree limbs and wires. Always watch for leaning trees: you may miss the base of the trunk just fine, but if that tree is leaning toward your trailer, it will take a bite out of your rig high up on the roofline!
Having a spotter is especially useful if backing up in the dark, as the lack of lighting will make seeing things behind the trailer (as the driver) even more difficult.
4 Adjust your mirrors. It’s going to be very important that you can see behind you, since you’re going backwards with a big rig attached to your truck. Make sure that the mirrors are adjusted so that you can clearly see the rear of the trailer.[4]X Expert Source Bruce StorrsDriving InstructorExpert Interview
5 Try to set yourself up so that you’re backing up towards the driver's side of your vehicle. You will be able to see the rig and the site much better in your driver's side mirrors and can also glance back over your shoulder and see the rear of the rig. If you need to drive a loop around the campground to be able to approach the spot on your left side, then do so![5]XResearch source
6 Place one hand on the steering wheel and turn your body and head to look behind you and at your trailer. Put place your right hand on the bottom of the steering wheel (6 O-Clock position). That way when you’re ready to move you’ll simply move your hand in the direction that you want the rear of the trailer to go! Try it! If you use this hand position, it will all but eliminate turning the wheels the wrong way while backing up.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Backing Up Your Trailer
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1 Turn the wheel to the right to make the trailer go left (as you are looking toward the front of the vehicle). Another way to look at it is, the bottom of the steering wheel directs the trailer. Facing backwards tends to help the backwards feel of steering the trailer.[6]XResearch source
If you need to turn the trailer around a corner, steer the trailer toward the corner. Then you must steer slightly in the opposite direction to maintain the turning angle.
Get out and make sure that you are in the proper position before continuing.[7]X Expert Source Bruce StorrsDriving InstructorExpert Interview
2 Back the trailer to the driver's side (e.g. to the left in a left-hand drive car) not the passenger side, which is harder to see. The most common backup is a right angle.
3 Pull past as you approach the space and turn right to the middle of the road. This is assuming that you are attempting a left-hand drive. Now turn the vehicle sharply left, so that you are positioned at an angle. You should be at less that 180 degrees on the left hand side as if you have been driving forwards around a left hand bend.[8]XResearch source
4 Place your hands at the bottom of the wheel. As you reverse adjust the steering wheel to keep the trailer traveling in the right direction. Remember to go slow.[9]X Expert Source Bruce StorrsDriving InstructorExpert Interview Don't be afraid to step out of the vehicle and check out the progress you've made. There's not use trying to do it in one try to keep your pride if you end up wrecking your trailer.
It is important not to get the truck and trailer jackknifed, so do not let the turn go too far. Ideally, you can back into the space in one smooth motion. You almost always will have to stop, pull forward to achieve a more straight reverse.
5 Back up and pull forward as often as necessary until your trailer is in place. Sometimes the hardest part of the process is having many people watch you. Try not to stress out if there are a lot of people checking out your progress. They aren’t invested in the outcome, and you are. Keep your focus.[10]XResearch source
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Community Q&A
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Question Is it easier to back up with a rear camera? Community Answer It definitely helps align the tow hitch on the vehicle with the trailer and is another piece of information to help prevent jack-knifing, but it doesn't help much with the overall view. You'll still want a spotter or two to help out there. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 30
Question How do I learn to back a triple axle trailer? Paul Sowa Community Answer It would be the same as a two-wheeled trailer. Just remember that it's probably longer, and heavier. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 19
Question Can a hard turn of the tractor move the trailer when doing the alley docking? Paul Sowa Community Answer Yes; however, radical moves of the truck creates radical moves of the trailer. Slow and easy is your best bet. Don't be in a hurry, and don't worry about other trucks or traffic. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 10
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Don't be afraid to stop, get out, and look to see where you are. It's better to stop numerous times to check where you are than to pay to fix damage to your trailer/truck/someone else's stuff. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
If the trailer starts to jackknife (rotate at an extreme angle) stop the vehicle immediately. Pull forward, and try again. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 3
Don't turn the wheel too fast in any direction. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 2
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
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Co-authored by: Bruce Storrs Driving Instructor This article was co-authored by Bruce Storrs. Bruce Storrs is a Driving Instructor and the President & CEO of North County School of Driving in San Marcos, California. With more than 31 years of experience, he specializes in teaching teens and adults safe driving behaviors in the classroom, online, and behind the wheel. Bruce earned a BA and MA from San Diego State University. This article has been viewed 878,435 times. 22 votes - 90% Co-authors: 18Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 878,435 Categories: TrailersArticle SummaryX
To back up a trailer, place one hand on the steering wheel and turn your body and head to look behind you. Next, turn the wheel to the right to make the trailer go left so you can back the trailer to the driver's side. Pull past the parking space, turn right, and then turn left sharply so that you're positioned at an angle. Finally, shift into reverse and back slowly into the space, adjusting the wheel as needed to keep the trailer traveling in the right direction. For tips on making final adjustments before parking, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Robin Wheeler
May 11, 2016
"Once I understood the back wheels of my truck functioned as the front wheels of my trailer, I was better able to manage backing the trailer. I bought it Saturday with a zero turn 61 inch lawn mower. Both proved challenging initially. As a female, I was determined to follow your directions and do it on my own. It took about 20 minutes. Patience was the primary reason I was able to park the trailer perfectly in my turn-around. I also know not having an audience helped. It's 2 a.m."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Bruce Storrs Driving Instructor Co-authors: 18Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 878,43590% of readers found this article helpful. 22 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote
Robin Wheeler
May 11, 2016
"Once I understood the back wheels of my truck functioned as the front wheels of my trailer, I was better able to manage backing the trailer. I bought it Saturday with a zero turn 61 inch lawn mower. Both proved challenging initially. As a female, I was determined to follow your directions and do it on my own. It took about 20 minutes. Patience was the primary reason I was able to park the trailer perfectly in my turn-around. I also know not having an audience helped. It's 2 a.m."..." more
Jan Dunwoodie
Jan 31, 2017
"I have tried a few times to back a trailer without success. It is helpful to know the theory behind what to do rather than grabbing the steering wheel and turning it hopefully one way and another and ending up with a jack-knife. Now I have some idea I can practice and 'get the feel' before I actually need to put the trailer away in the garage myself."..." more
Anonymous
Jul 28, 2016
"The points that helped me were 1. putting your hand at 6 o'clock on the steering wheel and moving your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go. 2. The video with the wheel barrel metaphor - to move the trailer, move the body the opposite."..." more
Anonymous
Nov 16, 2017
"The information was really simple and easy to understand. I like that it had diagrams as well. Would help to make it more concrete for others if the diagrams also showed wheel positioning. Loved the reminder tips as well. Well put together."..." more
Anonymous
Nov 9, 2016
"Having jack-knifed (twice), a heavy off-road camper trailer, resulting in damage, I needed some guidance to avoid further such catastrophes. With an ounce of luck and a good reread of this informative article, I might avoid another."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Bruce Storrs Driving Instructor This article was co-authored by Bruce Storrs. Bruce Storrs is a Driving Instructor and the President & CEO of North County School of Driving in San Marcos, California. With more than 31 years of experience, he specializes in teaching teens and adults safe driving behaviors in the classroom, online, and behind the wheel. Bruce earned a BA and MA from San Diego State University. This article has been viewed 878,435 times. 22 votes - 90% Co-authors: 18 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 878,435 Categories: Trailers Article SummaryX
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462 
1 Devise a strategy. Recognize that backing up a trailer requires preemptive motion of the towing vehicle to move the trailer in the correct direction. A pre-planned route is required, keeping in mind the direction of the trailer, the direction of the towing vehicle, any object in the immediate vicinity of the driving path, and the relative motion between all involved objects.[1] 
2 Practice in an empty space such as a parking lot. Buy some small orange cones to help spot you. Try learning with a long trailer, and then attempt a small trailer. Whenever you are learning be sure to take it slow.[2] Short trailers are more maneuverable and responsive, thus more difficult to reverse. Longer trailers are more forgiving of mistakes, but will take more work to get around a corner. Advertisement 
3 Get a spotter. A spotter may be helpful as another pair of eyes behind the trailer will be able to see things you (as the driver) cannot.[3] You can even invest in a set of short-range 2-way radios. This will make communications a lot easier than yelling and/or trying to watch a spotter. 
4 Adjust your mirrors. It’s going to be very important that you can see behind you, since you’re going backwards with a big rig attached to your truck. Make sure that the mirrors are adjusted so that you can clearly see the rear of the trailer.[4] 
5 Try to set yourself up so that you’re backing up towards the driver's side of your vehicle. You will be able to see the rig and the site much better in your driver's side mirrors and can also glance back over your shoulder and see the rear of the rig. If you need to drive a loop around the campground to be able to approach the spot on your left side, then do so![5] 
6 Place one hand on the steering wheel and turn your body and head to look behind you and at your trailer. Put place your right hand on the bottom of the steering wheel (6 O-Clock position). That way when you’re ready to move you’ll simply move your hand in the direction that you want the rear of the trailer to go! Try it! If you use this hand position, it will all but eliminate turning the wheels the wrong way while backing up. Advertisement 
1 Turn the wheel to the right to make the trailer go left (as you are looking toward the front of the vehicle). Another way to look at it is, the bottom of the steering wheel directs the trailer. Facing backwards tends to help the backwards feel of steering the trailer.[6] 
2 Back the trailer to the driver's side (e.g. to the left in a left-hand drive car) not the passenger side, which is harder to see. The most common backup is a right angle. 
3 Pull past as you approach the space and turn right to the middle of the road. This is assuming that you are attempting a left-hand drive. Now turn the vehicle sharply left, so that you are positioned at an angle. You should be at less that 180 degrees on the left hand side as if you have been driving forwards around a left hand bend.[8] 
4 Place your hands at the bottom of the wheel. As you reverse adjust the steering wheel to keep the trailer traveling in the right direction. Remember to go slow.[9] Don't be afraid to step out of the vehicle and check out the progress you've made. There's not use trying to do it in one try to keep your pride if you end up wrecking your trailer. 
5 Back up and pull forward as often as necessary until your trailer is in place. Sometimes the hardest part of the process is having many people watch you. Try not to stress out if there are a lot of people checking out your progress. They aren’t invested in the outcome, and you are. Keep your focus.[10] Advertisement 
Community Answer It definitely helps align the tow hitch on the vehicle with the trailer and is another piece of information to help prevent jack-knifing, but it doesn't help much with the overall view. You'll still want a spotter or two to help out there. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 30 
Paul Sowa Community Answer It would be the same as a two-wheeled trailer. Just remember that it's probably longer, and heavier. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 19