Back Up Your Travel Trailer Like a Pro

We all remember the first time we had to back up a trailer. Talk about nerve-wracking! While it's challenging and counter-intuitive at first, there’s no question that you need to master this skill. Nope, you can’t rely on always being able to just drive forward. 

Trust us – with some studying and practicing, you’ll be backing up like a pro in no time. Read our tips for backing up a travel trailer, then come shop our amazing inventory at Sun & Fun RVs. We’re in Tiffin, Iowa, serving the RV communities of Iowa City, Davenport, and beyond. 

Study The Theory

Start by watching some online videos about backing up trailers. Make sure it’s a similar trailer to yours in terms of how many axles and how it’s hitched. The mind-bending truth is that the back end of your trailer moves in the opposite direction of your vehicle. In other words, to move it to the right, you’ve got to back your rear to the left. It takes a while to internalize this funhouse-mirror mentality, but we know you can do it! 

Another fun tool: backup simulators on the internet and on apps.

Practice and Practice Some More

Take the time to practice when the pressure is off. Find a large, vacant parking lot and just keep practicing. Don’t forget to rely on your mirrors. Adjust them to perfection, and consider adding an extra fish-eye mirror for a wide-angle view. Another trick: borrow your kids’ toy semi-truck and practice on the floor. Maybe it’ll help turn your kid into a trailer-backing prodigy!

Partner With a Helper

If you usually travel with your spouse or another person, practice together. Make agreements and standardized directions to ensure you can communicate clearly. Try using cell phones to communicate instead of shouting. 

Get a Backup Camera

A backup camera won’t turn you into a skilled backer-upper, but it will help you keep your rig safe and minimize mishaps. 

Give these tips a try, and reach out to the team with your questions. We are Sun & Fun RVs in Tiffin, Iowa, and we’re excited to help you master the art of maneuvering your RV!