I've just booked some towing lessons before I take the plunge and buy a tow bar and trailer!
I don't actually need any lessons or tests because I passed my test so long ago, but I thought it would be a good idea so that I know what I'm doing, and I can decide if I like it or hate it before I spend a fortune on a tow bar and trailer. And most importantly, so that I'm safe once I do start out on the road!!
The instructor is convinced that her can teach me to reverse. I struggle enough just reversing my car without extra bits attached, so I'm not convinced, but I'll do my best!
Reversing a small trailer is difficult because often you can't see it. Reversing technique is to turn steering wheel in opposite direction to nudge trailer back end round. Ie left hand down to back trailer into a turn on your right as you sit in car. You take it off almost as soon as you have turned & then apply a bit more left to gradually push back end around. Its easier with a long caravan than a short trailer.
Once your instructor has taught you the basics you just need to practise. All anybody can teach you about reversing a trailer is the principle, ie how it actually works but its up to you to practise to get it right.
Tbf, plenty can't reverse a trailer & with a small one it might be easier to detach it & push it in place by hand.
Quote: Originally posted by Billy x on 12/4/2015
Tbf, plenty can't reverse a trailer & with a small one it might be easier to detach it & push it in place by hand.
Not just small ones. Once saw a car and caravan overshot a right turn where they close the road on market days in Sommieres.
He'd only over shot by the length of car and 'van and it was a straight reverse. But the family got out, unhitched, pushed back and then car reversed, rehitched and drover right. All while the traffic queued up behind.
If you are not sure it is best to have lessons and practise in an empty car park. I think the best advice is not to rush, take your time and get someone to be a banksman.
------------- Ollie
2016
Monplaisir - Provence
Camping Les Gorges du Loup
Quote: Originally posted by RachlN76 on 12/4/2015
Thanks guys, I have heard this about the small trailers.
I'm sure I'll have to find and empty car park and practice a lot!
I think I've also heard people mention putting flags in the bag corner of the trailer so they can see it? Is that a good idea, or fairly pointless?
If it's a small trailer then it will jack-knife very quickly and very difficult to rectify the manouvre.
The smaller the trailer the more difficult it is to reverse which is down to the distance between the towball to the trailer axle. The longer that distance is the easier it is to reverse so it would be better to start off with a longer unit first and then gradually change down to a smaller trailer as you need to understand exactly how to make the turns at the steering wheel by direction and over-steering.
However, if you can't reverse a car on it's own then I guarantee that you won't be able to reverse a trailer until you master the art of solo reversing first.
Wait till you put it all into practice and you will understand fully what I am saying.
I started off with a small caravan which was 13 feet long and reversing was a nightmare but after 3 years of practice I started to get the hang of it. When I changed my caravan 4 years ago it was 18 feet long (another 5 feet longer) and when it came to reversing it was a piece of cake merely because I mastered the art of reversing with a shorter caravan first without even realising.
People have been towing trailers for years and still can't reverse and their answer is always...."I can't do it".
The answer is...."Yes you can, depending on how determined you are as practice makes perfect".
I know artic drivers who can park their lorry trailers cm perfect but cant reverse trailer tents so dont beat yourself up if u cant do it,
as everyone above said, small trailers turn so quickly its vv difficult try with a long one and come down.
------------- 2022
North and West wales grand tour (in T5)
Matlock (in T5)
New forest and IOW (in T5)
New Forest
La tranche sur mer
jevea (Valencia)
2023
Cotswolds
Tenby
(added a Compass Rallye to crew)
Royan
La tranche Sur Mer
2024
royan
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You could also fit a reversing camera , then you can actually see what way the trailer is turning.
either one for in dash or even the rear view mirror, there are even sat navs that can accept them.
SWMBO, has one on her Superb, she can single handed revers right up to the tow ball no problem, for hitching as well
Small trailer - we (wife and I) learnt by taking it to an industrial estate on a Sunday and just practice until you get comfortable. Rather sad pastime I know but only way to gain confidence.
small steering wheel movements are key with smaller trailers (not as easy as pushing though!!)
No to get too disheartened as we all need to practice when changing trailer, caravan etc (we're on our 3rd caravan and it behaves differently because of weight and length).
Don't worry too much if you have to unhitch to push onto drive as even now, some days I simply get flustered and can't reverse the caravan at all despite having reversed it easily the week before.
lesson are the best way to not get bad habits. I have towed most things, from small medium item ie horse boxes with horses. If you take a recognised course it get 10% discount on the insurance for, the tents folding campers and caravans
hope this confirms you are on the right track, hope you have many happy holidays
Went to Bridgewater services on the M5 yesterday, big mistake. Had to reverse into or out of space to get out. But I used a tip I learned on here - if you want to go straight, turn into whichever wing mirror you see it appearing in. Bit of a zig-zag, but got out first time!
------------- 2019: Hurn Lane CAMC, Cirencester Park CAMC & Lytton Lawn
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Topic: Towing lessons
