Reversing a boat trailer

[aaronseasear]

Ok, I hate to admit it, but i am just useless at reversing a trailer with a boat on by a car down a slope so i can launch the damm thing!!. Why is it that it just confuses the hell out of me and whatever i do it ends up sideways or at a stupid angle? Any tips help or advice pleaseeeeeeeeeeee.. sensible only!!

[sddsddean]

1 Find somewhere nice and open to practice

2 The top tip is take your time and think about what you are doing.

3 Lets assume you want to reverse the trailer to your right. Put a bit of left lock on and start reversing. As soon as the trailer starts moving to the right, straighten up and then control the turn with small inputs of left and right lock as necessary. Remember, its opposite lock to get it turning, same lock to keep it turning.

4 If it all starts to go pear shaped STOP! Pull forwards a bit to straighten up and start again.

5 Practice, practice, practice!

[Rod Mac]

1. Start with vehicle and trailer as straight as possible and about

a trailers length from the place into which you are reversing.

2. Watching the trailer out of the driver�s window, reverse slowly

and start turning the steering to the right.

It is easier to add more steering than to correct to much.

3. As soon as the trailers starts to turn, you begin straightening

up whilst still reversing.

If you leave it too late the trailer will jack-knife.

4. Eventually you start steering the other way whilst still reversing.

Bring the vehicle�s nose round to follow the trailer.

Keep an eye on where the trailer is in case it needs correction.

5. Reverse in a straight line using the door mirrors.

Reverse slowly and carefully.

When more of the trailer appears in one mirror, steer towards that

mirror to start the trailer going the other way.

Corrections only require small steering movements.

6. Pulling forward to straighten the trailer is sometimes an easier

option before continuing your reverse.

This site shows photos :-)

http://www.trojantrailers.co.uk/store.php?towi ng=2

[Panic Button]

If you start getting confused which way to turn the wheel, put both hands on the wheel.

Take one hand off to point the direction that you want the trailer to go.

Pull down on the hand that remains on the wheel.

[aaronseasear]

many thanks guys, il give them all a go.....

[almcd007]

I wouldn't reverse at all. I'd drive into the sea turn in a big semi circle and back out with the trailer just at the seas edge, it takes all the guess work out and enables you to get off in your boat quicker - but I have a habit of getting stuck on the sand - I can't resist it Corfu 96, France 2006 etc !!

Seriously though you can by a device - I've seen caravans with them, that enable you to remote control steer your trailer, unhitched. I'd buy one of those.

Click below
Powerwheel

Scroll to the bottom and it shows it on a boat trailer.

[marcus5771]

Turn the steering wheel only in small parts as if the steering wheel was a large 20p coin. Turn the to the right to get the trailer push to the left. Turn it to the left to push to the right. THE MOST IMPORTANT IF YOU WANT TO STRAIGHTEN UP LOOK IN THE MIRROR THE MORE YOU SEE IN THE MIRROR TURN TOO IT. THEN TURN LESS AS IT STRAIGHTENS UP. AFTER A LITTLE PRACTICE YOU WILL WONDER WHAT THE FUSS IS ALL ABOUT. GOOD LUCK

[coopergordon]

Another thought, it is actually easier to control a longer trailer.

Borrow a really big one to practice with!

The short ones "jacknife" far more quickly in reverse

[RATTER15]

Just remember, Once the trailer is going in the right direction, adjust vehicle to follow it, it sounds obvious but just think about it as you reverse, most people want to carry on turning even though the vehicle is going in the right direction, just straighten the vehicle and follow your trailer!!

[flump1]

hi, just read your question ( I am Mr Flump) I agree with all the answers given and have an idea you may find handy. If you were still struggling after practising all the above, you could always have a tow-ball fitted to the front of the vehicle so that you pushed it into the water so you would have more control and be able to see it better. Now while I agree this may be unconventional. it may just work and start a new trend ! Otherwise practice ,practice, practice. !! Good Luck.

[Pete,A]

One simple rule that may help. To bring the trailer to the right, right hand up. To bring the trailer to the left, left hand up.

[anderson1293]

put a towball on front bumber you find it dead easy