Trailer backing for couples

Moments that test relationships are aplenty. Wedding planning, wrangling toddlers, figuring out what to eat for dinner, and backing a trailer together can all be tense situations. Don’t ruin your evening or, worse, your marriage, over RV trailer backing.

Backing a trailer is no easy task. After a few roadtrips most people likely have a backing story to share. I’ll never forget backing a half mile in freezing temperatures at night in Las Vegas, New Mexico. In a failed attempt to reach a campground we were stuck at a dead end with no possibility to turn around. It had been a long of day of driving, racing out of Colorado ahead of a winter storm. Our young boys were tired and hungry. We were all ready to reach our destination for the night. Out of options John backed our trailer a half mile down a dirt road while Whitney guided with flashlights. It was cold and windy, and we were thankful once we could finally back into a side road and get turned around. The boys fell asleep in the process, and we were amped to have gotten out of that pickle.

Scenarios like this aren’t always avoidable but hopefully these tips and tools can help improve your trailer backing experience together.

“A couple that can back a trailer together can stay together.”

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

Two-Way Radios
Walkie talkies are as fun to play with as they were when you were in middle school, keep them charged. We use these Motorola T605 Talkabout Radios (waterproof, flashlight, rechargeable, iVox “baby monitor” setting). Don’t forget to assign each other handles!

LED Camping Lanterns
You can’t see well trailer backing in daylight. At night give yourself a target to back to with LED camping lanterns. We use these lanterns and set-up two to back trailer to at night.

Back-up Camera
We aren’t familiar with this luxury, but they sure do exist. If a back-up camera will make you more comfortable adventuring and keep everyone happy make the investment!

SPEAK THE SAME LANGUAGE

Communication is the key to good relationships according to every couples counseling book ever. It’s also the key to trailer backing for couples. Before backing communicate a plan. Even if you are in an easy backing situation make it habit to review:

  • hookups location
  • hang out spot and the view – where will your door open?
  • how level is the ground (plan for leveling boards/blocks)
  • potential hiccups (soft dirt or sand, vegetation, drop offs, etc)
  • backing path – duh!

Agree on verbal terminology for trailer backing together. Figure out what makes sense for both of you when directing the tow vehicle. It doesn’t have to work for anyone else, but you need something for kind communication. Some examples:

  • turn the wheel clockwise/counter-clockwise
  • move trailer toward driver side or passenger side
  • move away from me or toward me
  • left/right
  • cardinal directions (north, east, south, west)

Don’t forget your hand signals. Let the driver know to keep coming, which direction to swing, how far they have to go, and, most important, when to STOP. When it comes to hand signals, the bigger the better. Get your whole body into it. You’ve likely been sitting on the road for hours anyway, right?! Bonus points if you make each other smile! Remember, if you can’t see your partner in a mirror they can’t see you.

TRAILER BACKING TIPS

  • Backup 6” at a time: Stop-correct-go
  • Start your turn hard and then ease up
  • Try backing with your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Whichever you move your hand is the direction the back end of the trailer will go.
  • Don’t allow tow vehicle and trailer to get perpendicular
  • All trailers will back differently, and with different tow vehicles so get a feel for your setup specifically
  • Don’t hit anything! (We usually keep our kids in the truck until we’re parked so we don’t have to stress about where they are too.)

Trailer backing for couples is important if you are planning to travel together. The necessary cooperation is a good test for most relationships. Hopefully The Whit Way tips and tools help make getting parked (or getting out of a tricky situation) smooth and maybe even enjoyable. Good luck and farewell! 👋