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Left is Right & Right is Left - How to reverse a trailer
Kate Franklin Willson • February 7, 2020
So, you're moving into your new self storage unit and you've rented a trailer. . . Piece of cake or potential disaster?
For some people, reversing a car can sometimes be a stressful experience. So when you have something attached to the back of it, it can get even more confusing and frustrating. We often see people moving into their new storage units and running into some trouble so we thought we would bring you a top tips guide to backing up your trailer!
1 : Have a strategy!
It's important to understand that backing up a trailer requires preemptive motion of the towing vehicle to move the trailer in the correct direction.
Pre -plan your your route, keeping in mind the direction of the trailer, the direction of the towing vehicle, Be aware or any obstacles that may be in the path that your car or trailer will take.
2 : Practice makes perfect
If you have the opportunity and the space to do so then practice in an empty space such as a parking lot. Mark out where you want the trailer to end up (you could use orange cones, rope or existing road markings). Shorter/smaller trailers are a lot trickier to manoeuvre so try learning with a long trailer first, and then attempt a small trailer. Longer trailers are more forgiving of mistakes, but will take more work to get around a corner. And while you are learning, take it slow.
3 : Get a spotter
Having another pair of eyes at the back of the trailer can be a huge advantage as they will see things that the driver cant. With the right communication between you the spotter can stop any bumps or crashes while your reversing. 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.
Depending on the size of your trailer 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.
4 : Set yourself up for the big finale!
Maker sure to adjust your wing mirrors so that you can see the trailer behind you.
Set yourself up so that you're backing up towards the drivers side of the vehicle. You will be able to see the trailer much better in your side mirrors and can also when you look over your shoulder. If you have to loop around the car lot or your self storage unit to approach the spot on your left side then do it!
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. Turn your body and head to look behind you and at your trailer.
3 : Its go time
When you are reversing a trailer or boat or caravan, there's one important rule of thumb: left is always right and right is always left. So, if you are looking toward the front of the vehicle turn the wheel to the right to make the trailer go left or turn left to make the trailer go right.
If however you have set yourself up properly, have your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and are looking behind you then you'll have a much easier time!
The bottom of the steering wheel directs the trailer so depending on which way you want to reverse the trailer, bring that hand up. Facing backwards tends to help the backwards feel of steering the trailer.
If you have a spotter then make sure they are clear on what instructions you want. Be careful of using "left" and "right", as the spotter's left and right will vary depending on which way he's facing. Distinct directions such as "Towards me" and "Away from me", with hand gestures, are useful.
The most important rule: Keep calm and take it easy!
The guys at Supercheap Auto put together this quick and easy video tutorial for anyone new to the world of trailers.
Whether you're moving, downsizing or just need a place to put some boxes, we look at how to find a storage facility that's right for you. We offer great value, secure storage units in Christchurch with flexible agreements which can dove-tail with your personal requirements. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your storage needs,
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