Trailer hire is easy, but using a trailer efficiently, when you don’t have the skills or the experience to safely tow a trailer, can be a little daunting. But from getting things hitched up and learning the basics, to getting on the road, all you really need is some time and a few tips.
Reversing your vehicle with your trailer attached is without a doubt one of the more complicated aspects of using a trailer. Reversing is not exactly straight forward, no pun intended, and while you think you might be steering in the right direction, you could be horrified to learn that you have gone completely the opposite way.
It is important to know that when reversing it is not a quick action. Instead you should take your time and go really slowly. It also helps to have a spotter, someone who can help guide your vehicle and your trailer from the outside.
Our trailer reversing tips
Once you get the hang of reversing, you will wonder why you were ever worried about it. These are our two very simple tips to help you out.
Reversing to the right
Your left hand is going to be pulling the wheel down and to the left while the right hand is pushing the wheel up and anti-clockwise. This movement is going to move the vehicle to the left and in doing so, will move the trailer to the right.
Reversing to the left
Should you need to move you trailer to the left, you are going to place your left hand at the bottom of the wheel and push it up to the left while your right hand will be pulling the wheel down and in a clockwise direction.
Don’t be alarmed when your vehicle moves to the right because this motion will ensure that the trailer ends up moving to the left.
In a nutshell, to avoid confusion, you will be moving your vehicle in the direction opposite of where you actually want to put your trailer.
Practice makes perfect
As with anything, it is important that if you have not yet tried towing or reversing a trailer, that you get some practice in. Before you take it out on the road for the real thing, you need to make sure that this theoretical advice is actually used. Find an open space, or an empty parking lot, and just take your time getting it right. Remember that if this is your first time, you are going to be making a few mistakes, so be patient, take a deep breath and keep trying until you get it right.
If you don’t get things right the first time, you can just drive forward again and start over.
Should you still be looking to hire a trailer, Newlands Trailers can assist you. We stock some of the best quality trailers, made by reputable brands, and we hire them out at really affordable prices. Contact us today to book your trailer, or to get more information.
