HAVING TROUBLE MASTERING THE ART OF REVERSING A CAMPER TRAILER? HERE ARE A FEW POINTERS TO GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT

If you’re new to towing a camper trailer, it can be a little daunting when it comes to reversing it into a tight spot. It goes one way while your vehicle goes the other, which can take a little getting used to. But alas, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are a few simple tricks of the trade that can really make the world of difference. 

TOP TIP

ENGAGING LOW RANGE WHEN REVERSING WILL GIVE YOU MORE TIME TO REACT AND STEER YOUR CAMPER PROPERLY

REVERSE TO YOUR RIGHT 

In order to reverse confidently, you need to be able to see what you are doing, right? Well, you can see a whole lot more when the driver’s side of your vehicle is on the inside of the reversing arc. In other words, the trailer is angled to the right as you reverse. This will allow you to see right down the whole length of the camper trailer.  

THE MIRACLE OF MIRRORS

Hanging your head out the window as you reverse is far from practical. Nope, you’re far better off using your side mirrors to guide you back. Now the trick is to keep an eye on both side mirrors, but favour one side instead of switching and changing every two seconds, which will only end up confusing you until you get the hang of it. It’s even more confusing if you try hanging your head out the window as well.    

ARE SOME CAMPERS HARDER TO REVERSE THAN OTHERS?

Well, the short is answer is yes. Smaller trailers or trailers with a shorter drawbar are typically react quicker to a change of direction, which can make them a bit of a hand full. They require a little more finesse, with subtle steering wheel movements to get them to go where you want them to. They’re also a bit less forgiving. So, if the trailer starts to get out of shape, you’re better off cutting your losses early and straightening back up instead of getting right out whack as you try to bring it back into line. 

On the Contrary, a larger camper or one with a longer draw bar will generally react slower to direction changes, making it a little easier to manage.

TURN LEFT TO GO RIGHT?

If you just can’t get your head around which way to turn to make your camper trailer go the direction you want it too, maybe this might help. The trick is to start with the vehicle’s wheels straight and hold your steering wheel from the bottom with your thumbs adjacent to each other. Left hand goes up – trailer goes left. Right hand goes up – trailer goes right. The direction that the wheel is turned now matches the camper’s direction of travel; and once again order is restored!

PARTING WORDS

Practise makes perfect when it comes to reversing a trailer, and it’s definitely not something that you’ll master overnight. The best thing is to take your time and try not to get too flustered. If you’ve got a passenger on board, kick them out and get them to watch your blind side. Other than that, have a little fun with it as you learn a new skill for the road.