As a truck driver i can tell you setup is everything. What you do before you put it in reverse will make or breaks your attempt and if its not working go around and try the setup again because forcing a bad situation is a recipe for disaster.
Thanks for your non judgemental tone and delivery of the steps. Everyone begins as a beginner and I think some people forget that they didn’t come out of the womb knowing how to back up a rig🤣
What’s helpful to me backing up is that I place one hand on the very bottom of the steering wheel at 6:00. Now which ever way I want my camper to turn, I turn that hand in that direction. It makes it so you don’t have to think backwards which takes time to get used to. Very simple but effective. Great video. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thanks for that info I just started training as a truck driver and I have gotten the double clutching down and coupling and even down shifting sort of but the backing is still a struggle
Great video! I learned my lesson to take your time backing in. We bought a brand new Coachmen Catalina. Made one payment. I sideswiped a tree and took out the awning and damaged some of the side. It was in the shop the entire summer getting repaired. Now if it takes me 15 minutes to slowly back into a site, no problem. I start backing up a few feet, get out and look. I get back in and repeat the process 5 or 6 times until I'm in. Moral of the story: Take your time!
I grew up on a farm and I am so glad I was fortunate to have learned to back a trailer. I can put a trailer in some extremely tight spots with very little effort. Backing into a site is actually my favorite part of setting up. I get to show off a little when my wife has her doubts.
I was just thinking that in spite of growing up on a farm, I didn't learn to back up a trailer. My dad would have been an excellent teacher, but I was always just involved in driving while the men were loading a wagon. Only slowly, and in a forward direction.. My sister was bold and would try things on her own, but I just did what I was told! (Sigh. File this under: things I wish I had asked my dad when I had the chance.)
And after showing off, the 2nd best part is the wife saying something like "I can't believe you did that." THE BEST PART is when a fellow camper stops what they are doing, watches you do this, and then come over and say "Nice job. I really thought that was going to take you longer than it did." Chest out, yes, "I AM a bad ass" moment there.... 🙂
This is a great video. I've been backing trailers for years and I learned a few new tricks (the collapsible cones are stupendous)! One thing that I've noticed is that the length of the tow vehicle compared to the trailer changes the back-in dynamics quite a bit. I have found that the shorter the wheelbase of the tow vehicle relative to the length of the trailer, the easier the back-in process. It take practice but only perfect practice will make perfect. My new truck (a 2500HD) longer than my old 1500 LTZ and is only slightly shorter than our trailer; I'm still working out the dynamics of backing with this. A backup camera is extremely helpful; mine has a microphone and I can hear my wife giving me directions clearly in a speaker in the monitor. Very handy for tight spots. Otherwise, I use the mirrors primarily. Another tip I was taught by an old-timer 45 years ago was to use the BOTTOM of the steering wheel to steer the trailer. The trailer will turn in the direction you move the bottom of the steering wheel. I've used this since then and it works like a charm. It is sensitive, though, and requires a light touch and patience or you will oversteer and jack knife the truck and trailer.
John, I love your videos. I am a older woman who bought her r-pod 179 in 2019. Your videos have helped me in making my camping experiences a real success as well as spring start up and winterization. I've still have some trouble with backing up. I'm looking forward to using these pointers when I get back on the road. Thank you for all your videos. They're not too long and give all the right info!
Having hauled a trailer from New England to Florida two years in a row without hitting anything in backing up and staying at numerous camp sites. Well on my return trip after my second trip I was backing into my driveway and hit my oil fill pipe. I just scratched the paint off the pipe so I was lucky. Remember when backing up an inch on the steering wheel is a foot of turn on the trailer.
Thank you so much for this tip about an inch on the steering wheel being a foot on the turn. That is my biggest learning curve at the moment is knowing how much to turn my steering wheel when backing in. I have figured out that when I have to make a 90 degree turn after pulling past my site, I have to turn that steering wheel until it can’t turn no more. What I am still learning is at what point in the turn do I start to turn my steering wheel in the opposite direction and by how much. Is it one complete rotation? Is it a half rotation? Is it just a quarter rotation?
Great video! Backing in solo is scary. Glad my wife and I work together well. Our biggest problem is 'helpful' neighbors at the campground who feel the need to offer advice! I've learned to ignore them and just follow the system my wife and I have worked out.
Thank you for the wonderful video! I have been solo camping with my girls, and backing the trailer up by myself has been quite the challenge. Usually, someone is nice enough to help, but I hope to get to the point where I don't need it! Your video was very helpful!
Great video with clear explanations. One thing I might add is that when you are pulling past the site turn the wheel in the direction of the site right before coming to a stop. It sets the trailer at an angle towards the site and I think makes it easier to back it in.
Great video. The number one tip should be, go slow! This can fix a lot of problems before they happen. Slow and safe with a perfect outcome is way better than fast with multiple corrections or actually hitting something. Be prepared to make mistakes, everyone does it. Have a calm, relaxed mindset going in. It's no big deal as long as you take it slow and safe.
My first time backing my camper was in the dark on my blind side. All my neighbors were out at their tables. Thankfully I just took it slow and was able to do it with one or two adjustments.
They Key word is SLOOOOW. Seems everything bad happens when people rush! Also, the bottom of the wheel steering method works real well too for beginners who might get confused with the countersteering direction method. Helpful points especially the cones when going solo.
John, I enjoy your videos and as a recent RV owner I’ve practiced backing the RV in both parking lots and RV sites. I am still unpacking the “mysteries” of the art/science. I know that putting my hand at the bottom of the wheel allow me to move my hand in the direction I want to RV to go. However, I think there are two caveats (still not 100% sure) but your video almost shows them. First, the tow vehicle and RV need to be inline when you start the turn. That is almost intuitive. Second, and this is where I get messed up - when the trailer begins the turn you need to reverse the direction of the tow vehicle’s front wheels so you don’t jackknife the trailer. I’d love to see another video that shows both the truck and trailer backing into a site while simultaneously showing what you’re doing in the truck. I’ve watched several backing a trailer videos and no one seems to cover this clearly. You clearly have great teaching skills and I’d enjoy a follow-up video….it would sure help this student of yours.
The unwind is a bit difficult to master. You basically get the back of the trailer pointing to where it needs to go, then counter steer to keep that angle of turn in. Unfortunately, I can't get to a second video in the near future explaining this more adequately.
Glad to hear that the video was helpful. I have taught at the university level on occasion, although it was not my profession. For whatever reason, breaking down processes into understandable steps, comes naturally to me. All the best!
Very good video. Thank you for breaking it down into all the parts of the process. Made it really easy for me to comprehend and I’m looking forward to practicing this process and hope to get comfortable 😅 Many thanks!
Great video, John! I appreciate how you used your larger travel trailer for this video as well. We purchased a back up camera for our 31 foot travel trailer last year, and it was one of the best purchases we’ve ever made for our rig. That said, a back-up camera is in no way a replacement for tow mirrors. When used with tow mirrors and cones, a back-up camera just makes the backing in process go just that much more smoothly.
Some fantastic tips, John; espec, love the cone idea and "scoping" the site. Have seen a couple of vids using the "scoop" method of preparing to back in (not always usable, though). Keep these vids coming to help "newbies" or "relative newbies" -- your teaching techniques are great! Y'all Be Safe!!
We are new R-pod owners and recently did our first outing in an unimproved Forest Service dispersed camping site . The biggest lessons came from the very rough, nonlevel terrain that couldn't be mitigated with corner jacks alone. Lesson 1 was to orient the trailer's midline parallel to the "fall line" so that major leveling could be done with just the tongue jack. Lesson 2 was that in really tight quarters it might be necessary to unhitch, reposition the tow vehicle, and then rehitch to maneuver to correct slope alignment while avoiding obstacles. Lesson 3 was to bring along a car repair ramp next time to facilitate final side to side leveling.
This was awesome. I’ve found so many videos that tell me to “work with my partner in backing the trailer”. But what do I do if I’m solo? So, this was much needed. Love using cones. Hadn’t heard of that but it’s perfect. 👍🏻
Thank you! I'm picking up my travel trailer today and this was a great video. I've towed and backed boats, many times, but never an RV. We'll see how it goes.
Thank you John, for this video. A lot of very useful tips, especially since I'll be backing into a campsite for the first time this weekend. We have a pop up tent camper. I'm looking forward to it now. I've heard smaller rigs turn quicker, but I'm going to take my time and use the cones I bought aalready.
Those collapsible cones are amazing and I ordered them after watching this video. I have used them often while camping but especially backing into my storage spot which I do alone. The backup camera is also immensely helpful.
Thank you. Finally a detailed video. Also the tip of using cones was much needed. Ima woman whos never driven a truck before this lifestyle and backing in has been my bigggest issue
Another way to figure what way your trailer will turn backing up. Place your hands at the bottom the steering wheel at 8 & 4 o’clock positions. If you want the trailer back left use your left hand to turn the wheel. For trailer backing right use your right hand. Good for beginners.
I knew this would be a great video. You have been subscribed with all notifications and liked for this video. Oh yeah, I saved you in my playlist! ***** Thank you.
We finally picked up our new AF 22G trailer last week. I was not able to drive to to back problems, so my wife drove the trailer home and did a great job of backing it into our drive. She was proud of her achievement, but she still wants to watch your video to pick up some pointers!
GREAT VIDEO! For me, I always feel so RUSHED trying to back in my travel trailer. It's the major reason I hate drive-thrus at fast food joints. I am actually going to be doing this exact kind of perpendicular backing this afternoon at a local campsite with my new (to me) 2018 Wildwood I purchased a week ago.
Blind-side perpendicular campsites are especially difficult, espeically with a narrow campground loop road. At times, I've even have to ask people to move cars that are parked across the road so I can maneuver. All the best!
Oh my gosh - the campground that had no clear boundaries and cars everywhere! Yikes - worst nightmare to have to park in that 😂😂🤣 John - this was the BEST video on backing ever! You explained & showed it perfectly. Now I just need to go do it 🙄
I use cones for two reasons. #1) backing. #2) extra safety with my reflective triangles when alongside the road. Great VLOG. So cones pay for themselves.
My brother doesn't go anywhere without pull through. Thus he absorbs the extra cost. Fair is fair. Great tips, I know a few people I will share this with. 😀
Well explained. Here in Australia, Travel Trailers are Caravans (car-a-vans). Pull-through sites are drive-through sites and are same cost as back-in sites. (you may pay more for premium waterside sites at times). My weakpoint is in positioning the caravan in the right spot to execute the initial "cut-back" turn from, especially in tight situations. It's a single axel 15'5" body van and tends to cut in sharply very quickly. I tend to need to do a few pull forwards to get lined up right.
The R-Pod I owned was also single axle and turned very quickly, making it difficult to back up. Agreed that the starting point just isn't easy to get sometimes. Thanks for sharing!
If you have received help from this video, please consider showing your support financially. Just click the word THANKS and the heart symbol with a $ below the video to help out! Free downloadable process document: johnmarucci.com/docs-downloads/
Thank you, as a newbe learning now how to tow/back in, this is very helpful. My problem was I was trying to get the tow vehicle back in front of the TT too late and couldn't never back in where I wanted it to end up because of that. I will try this method next time I go to the parking lot with my orange cones.
I accidentally cut to tight a literally snapped off a bolt holding my anti sway bar - the one thing I forgot to do was remover the anti sway bar before packing up. ..my bad. .. I have a 15’ Nucamp TAb 320 so once I get on the pad I can literally move it by hand. But I need to back in better.
I prefer not to have anyone help unless they know what they are doing. It is not the safest practice to have someone behind the trailer who is unskilled. I have heard plenty of people yelling at each other while one of them is trying to back in. I have seen people still hit things in the campsite with someone helping. Best practice is to master the skill alone and/or have someone who knows how to communicate well usually via phone or walkie-talkie.
I found a large unused parking lot here at home. I brought my safety cones to learn my backing into. I find backing in with a single axle much easier to steerbackwards than a tandem axle.
great video.. going slow and taking your time always helsp.. I always learned if you place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel.. move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to turn and it will turn that way..
All the best on your first trip! I have a bunch of videos for those just getting started if interested: johnmarucci.com/getting-started-with-rving-16-videos/
Yesterday I had to back our travel trailer into our new indoor storage unit. That was fun. First, I had to back into the lot so I could back on the drivers side so I could see. Next, the lot in front of the door isn’t wide enough to get the unit straight out in front of the door. Lastly, the storage unit is only a few feet wider than the trailer so you have to be spot on as the trailer turns to line up with the door. There’s no way I could pull that off without my wife spotting for me.
One thing more that might help is to go to a big empty parking lot and back around. Once you gain some control you can try to place the trailer in a parking spot. This skill will lessen the stress of towing a trailer because you will become confident that you can turn around in many places. The other thing that helps me is to just use the mirrors and try to avoid looking over my shoulder.
I'm a pretty experienced trailer-backer (not that I don't sometimes make a terrible first attempt at backing). I watched your video out of curiosity. I thought that it was good. One comment, regarding which way to turn the steering wheel, is to move the bottom of the steering wheel in the direction that you want to the rear of the trailer to move. That way, you're not doing mental geometry of "if I move my front wheels at this angle, which way will the rear of my trailer go?" To me, the hardest part of backing a long rig is knowing when to start the cut back. If you wait too long, you'll never get the trailer to reverse its direction of rotation. The cutback usually needs to happen before your trailer wheels get to the point that they need to be turning. When my wife is helping be back in, she'll often say, "start cutting back now." And, I'll usually respond, ""I've been cutting back for 10 or 15 feet already." The longer the rig (total length of truck and trailer), the harder it is to back.
Good basic backing skills video but like all the other video's I've seen, nobody ever shows backing into difficult campsites. Ones with very narrow campground roads, trees on both sides of the entrance to the site, neighbors with their vehicles parked in the way that won't move them or aren't there to move them. Also something not included in many, if any videos is where the camper wheels should be to start making the turn into the campsite and which direction to turn the steering wheel and how much. A video showing these topics would be most appreciated. Let's see "the real world" scenarios please.
I'd love to show a video like you have described. There are a few very tight spots I've had to back into over the years. The problem is the workout of setting up of camera equipment, shots, etc. I think we used 4 or 5 camera on this video and it took days to pre-plan the shoot. Most of the time when I get to these campgrounds with tight spots, it is usually after a long day's drive with no intention of cutting a video. I'll keep this in mind going forward as I travel to see if we can do something. Thanks!
I think it would be too difficult to make your "wish list" video as the length of the trailer, number of axles, and your truck are all variables that affect where to start, when to cut and when to release. Also, travel trailer vs 5th wheel will make a difference.
@@JohnMarucciYES, Yes, yes. Please do make a plan to do a video like this. I didn’t realize how much planning is involved in making such a video. Plus, considering how much time you have to park your camper before someone comes along may not afford you the opportunity to make such a true life video. But, what if when making another backing in video you cover how to do so in different scenarios. You could use props to simulate the different scenarios. Explaining how much you have to turn your steering wheel when making that initial 90° turn in, and are you turning clockwise or counter clockwise? I’ve learned in case, but if I am backing in from the passenger side, I have to turn. My wheel counterclockwise until it won’t turn anymore before I can start moving the vehicle and the camper. I’ve never done it from the driver’s side. Would it be the exact same only turning the wheel clockwise until it stops?
Yep, Sean Michaels of LOLOHO channel calls it the scoop. I did't show this but it is a good tip. Here is a link to their video: ruclips.net/video/lzlOfBGr1i4/видео.htmlsi=MxmvrtGBcVJnHkR3
An excellent video: clearly explained and illustrated. One tip I might add is, if you use sway control bars, remove them before starting to back in. My equalizing hitch bars sit below my bumper, but the tightening handles on the sway bars sits at the perfect height to damage my bumper. I just find it easier backing in this way, especially in tight spaces.
I own a single axle camper. Do you find those harder to back up compared to double axle campers? Seems like single axle campers make quicker adjustments and therefore quicker mistakes.
Thank you for these ideas. This week I will be trying to get my new-to-me R-POD into the side of my house. It's a 90 degree turn at the end of a fairly narrow street. What I'm not sure about is the best starting position (which I'll have to back into), then not really sure about when I am at risk for jack knifing... and how to get out of it if it gets too tight. Is there a place where I can compute the best angles, given my space and size of vehicles?
I would recommend getting some cones and practicing at a local school when no one is there. Try to set up the cones as the home driveway would be to simulate the process. If possible, back in from the driver’s side. All the best!
It's unnecessary to remove the bars for the Blue Ox Sway Pro I am using. As far as putting that crease in the bumper it was the hitch saddles not the bars that caused the crease. Thanks!
I'd been backing my boat and utility trailer for years with a lot of stretching of my neck. When I bought my first travel trailer my truck driver brother-in-law gave me a tip that absolutely changed my backing trepidation and added precision to my backing of my trailer. I'm sure this is basic to all the truck drivers on here. My brother-in-law told me to simply place my hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and to push the wheel toward the direction I want the back end of the trailer to move. It was brilliant, to me anyway. I can back into any spot or back straight as far as I need. I'm not disparaging this video by any means as the other aspects are important, but I found your description of the reaction of the truck, the front of the trailer and the back of the trailer to steering inputs somewhat confusing. Turning the bottom of the steering wheel in the direction I want the back of the trailer to move is much more intuitive.
The worst I’ve had was a blindside back in at O’Leno State Park in Florida. Super tight. Perpendicular site with trees all around. I should have filmed it.
What topper is that on your truck.? I am looking for one just like that due to my tool box. I know it odes not have to do with the video, but I have been looking for one like that for a while.
Let me tell you this is so useful as a fifth wheel owner in the UK that has stupidly small sites that everyone has to back into between two white posts for fire regulations and each pitch is straight off a narrow road. British campsites are stupid for USA fifth wheels. See photos on my channel we had hedges and a high curb opposite our pitch it was ridiculous. Thank you 🙏🏼
I was going to ask if you disconnected the weight distribution bars in order to pivot the trailer into it's resting spot but I see in the video you leave your bars on. Thanks for sharing.
My WDH documents state to remove before backing up. It is rigid and greatly affects the pivot point of the TV-TT connection. When the WDH is removed the TT will respond readily to the backward forces of the TV. When WDH is left on, it is difficult to get the TT to pivot in a timely manner. I learned from experience 😮.
This is awesome help for solo backers! I’ve gotten mixed feedback on the first backing step, though. Some say to pull close to the side of the site before backing while others say to pull up on the opposite side before starting the initial backing. Any thoughts on that?
The RUclips site LoLoHo has a good video on establishing a starting position. I’m indifferent, but their proposal of doing a scoop at the site entrance can put you in a good starting position. Time stamp 4:55 on this link: ruclips.net/video/lzlOfBGr1i4/видео.htmlsi=1p9EzH6GyNKEHGWq
John-once again a great tutorial video. I ordered collapsible cones today and I am sure they will come in handy. The “unwind” seems to be where I have the most issues. I end up in almost a jackknife position 🤷♀️🤷♀️ Will definitely try your tips. Thanks again.
Blind sided backing is all I ever do. Most campgrounds are layed out that way. It's easy for me because my first full time job was spotting Semi Trailers into the loading dock and they were all blind side back ins. I like it better because it's how I have always done it. Even when I get homr it's a blind side back in to my driveway. Truth be told, I don't care one way or another how I back in.
Yep, I also usually do blind side back-ins and am fairly used to it at this point. Lots of campgrounds have one way roads that force the issue. Thanks for sharing your experience.
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As a truck driver i can tell you setup is everything. What you do before you put it in reverse will make or breaks your attempt and if its not working go around and try the setup again because forcing a bad situation is a recipe for disaster.
Josh, excellent point. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your non judgemental tone and delivery of the steps. Everyone begins as a beginner and I think some people forget that they didn’t come out of the womb knowing how to back up a rig🤣
Glad the video was helpful. Great to hear you enjoyed it!
On my first trailer.
What’s helpful to me backing up is that I place one hand on the very bottom of the steering wheel at 6:00. Now which ever way I want my camper to turn, I turn that hand in that direction. It makes it so you don’t have to think backwards which takes time to get used to. Very simple but effective. Great video. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Yep, great tip. Thanks!
I drive a semi and that's what I do!
That’s my default when backing a trailer! Such a good trick. Then I talk to myself out loud constantly
Thanks for that info I just started training as a truck driver and I have gotten the double clutching down and coupling and even down shifting sort of but the backing is still a struggle
Great video! I learned my lesson to take your time backing in. We bought a brand new Coachmen Catalina. Made one payment. I sideswiped a tree and took out the awning and damaged some of the side. It was in the shop the entire summer getting repaired. Now if it takes me 15 minutes to slowly back into a site, no problem. I start backing up a few feet, get out and look. I get back in and repeat the process 5 or 6 times until I'm in. Moral of the story: Take your time!
Thanks for sharing your experience. Good advice to take it slow!
I grew up on a farm and I am so glad I was fortunate to have learned to back a trailer. I can put a trailer in some extremely tight spots with very little effort. Backing into a site is actually my favorite part of setting up. I get to show off a little when my wife has her doubts.
Sounds like you have it down. Thanks for commenting!
I’ve heard about you. They talk about you all over the Midwest. They call you, “The Babe Ruth” of backing in trailers
I was just thinking that in spite of growing up on a farm, I didn't learn to back up a trailer. My dad would have been an excellent teacher, but I was always just involved in driving while the men were loading a wagon. Only slowly, and in a forward direction.. My sister was bold and would try things on her own, but I just did what I was told! (Sigh. File this under: things I wish I had asked my dad when I had the chance.)
And after showing off, the 2nd best part is the wife saying something like "I can't believe you did that."
THE BEST PART is when a fellow camper stops what they are doing, watches you do this, and then come over and say "Nice job. I really thought that was going to take you longer than it did." Chest out, yes, "I AM a bad ass" moment there.... 🙂
This is a great video. I've been backing trailers for years and I learned a few new tricks (the collapsible cones are stupendous)! One thing that I've noticed is that the length of the tow vehicle compared to the trailer changes the back-in dynamics quite a bit. I have found that the shorter the wheelbase of the tow vehicle relative to the length of the trailer, the easier the back-in process. It take practice but only perfect practice will make perfect. My new truck (a 2500HD) longer than my old 1500 LTZ and is only slightly shorter than our trailer; I'm still working out the dynamics of backing with this. A backup camera is extremely helpful; mine has a microphone and I can hear my wife giving me directions clearly in a speaker in the monitor. Very handy for tight spots. Otherwise, I use the mirrors primarily.
Another tip I was taught by an old-timer 45 years ago was to use the BOTTOM of the steering wheel to steer the trailer. The trailer will turn in the direction you move the bottom of the steering wheel. I've used this since then and it works like a charm. It is sensitive, though, and requires a light touch and patience or you will oversteer and jack knife the truck and trailer.
Robert, thanks for the excellent tips!
John, I love your videos. I am a older woman who bought her r-pod 179 in 2019. Your videos have helped me in making my camping experiences a real success as well as spring start up and winterization. I've still have some trouble with backing up. I'm looking forward to using these pointers when I get back on the road. Thank you for all your videos. They're not too long and give all the right info!
This is really great to hear. Thanks for the encouragement! All the best in your future camping adventures!
Having hauled a trailer from New England to Florida two years in a row without hitting anything in backing up and staying at numerous camp sites. Well on my return trip after my second trip I was backing into my driveway and hit my oil fill pipe. I just scratched the paint off the pipe so I was lucky. Remember when backing up an inch on the steering wheel is a foot of turn on the trailer.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you so much for this tip about an inch on the steering wheel being a foot on the turn. That is my biggest learning curve at the moment is knowing how much to turn my steering wheel when backing in. I have figured out that when I have to make a 90 degree turn after pulling past my site, I have to turn that steering wheel until it can’t turn no more. What I am still learning is at what point in the turn do I start to turn my steering wheel in the opposite direction and by how much. Is it one complete rotation? Is it a half rotation? Is it just a quarter rotation?
Great video! Backing in solo is scary. Glad my wife and I work together well. Our biggest problem is 'helpful' neighbors at the campground who feel the need to offer advice! I've learned to ignore them and just follow the system my wife and I have worked out.
Yep, I’ve had neighbors come by trying to help as well!
How exactly do you "ignore" them?
Thank you for the wonderful video! I have been solo camping with my girls, and backing the trailer up by myself has been quite the challenge. Usually, someone is nice enough to help, but I hope to get to the point where I don't need it! Your video was very helpful!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the kind words!
Great video with clear explanations. One thing I might add is that when you are pulling past the site turn the wheel in the direction of the site right before coming to a stop. It sets the trailer at an angle towards the site and I think makes it easier to back it in.
Great tip. Thanks for sharing!
This was absolutely fantastic. Simple and effective!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. The number one tip should be, go slow! This can fix a lot of problems before they happen. Slow and safe with a perfect outcome is way better than fast with multiple corrections or actually hitting something. Be prepared to make mistakes, everyone does it. Have a calm, relaxed mindset going in. It's no big deal as long as you take it slow and safe.
Great tip, thanks for sharing!
A very helpful tip/video to all beginners in towing a trailer camper, fifth-wheel or any other RV's.
Glad it was helpful!
I don’t own an RV or even a tow vehicle but I’m in for this video. Well done
Great to hear!
Hands down, best video on the subject!
Many thanks!
Thanks for putting this out there! Go Blue!
I also use the swoop technique on the approach to the site. This sets up both the TV and trailer for backing better than a standard parallel approach.
My first time backing my camper was in the dark on my blind side. All my neighbors were out at their tables. Thankfully I just took it slow and was able to do it with one or two adjustments.
Great to hear!
They Key word is SLOOOOW. Seems everything bad happens when people rush! Also, the bottom of the wheel steering method works real well too for beginners who might get confused with the countersteering direction method. Helpful points especially the cones when going solo.
Thanks for the comment and tips!
John, I enjoy your videos and as a recent RV owner I’ve practiced backing the RV in both parking lots and RV sites. I am still unpacking the “mysteries” of the art/science. I know that putting my hand at the bottom of the wheel allow me to move my hand in the direction I want to RV to go. However, I think there are two caveats (still not 100% sure) but your video almost shows them. First, the tow vehicle and RV need to be inline when you start the turn. That is almost intuitive. Second, and this is where I get messed up - when the trailer begins the turn you need to reverse the direction of the tow vehicle’s front wheels so you don’t jackknife the trailer. I’d love to see another video that shows both the truck and trailer backing into a site while simultaneously showing what you’re doing in the truck. I’ve watched several backing a trailer videos and no one seems to cover this clearly. You clearly have great teaching skills and I’d enjoy a follow-up video….it would sure help this student of yours.
The unwind is a bit difficult to master. You basically get the back of the trailer pointing to where it needs to go, then counter steer to keep that angle of turn in. Unfortunately, I can't get to a second video in the near future explaining this more adequately.
John
Your a great teacher!…. Thanks for your time and craftsmanship in pulling this video together.
Thanks for the encouragement. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I can tell you were a teacher. I was too. Your video is much more helpful than most of them out there.
Glad to hear that the video was helpful. I have taught at the university level on occasion, although it was not my profession. For whatever reason, breaking down processes into understandable steps, comes naturally to me. All the best!
Very good video. Thank you for breaking it down into all the parts of the process. Made it really easy for me to comprehend and I’m looking forward to practicing this process and hope to get comfortable 😅 Many thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, John! I appreciate how you used your larger travel trailer for this video as well. We purchased a back up camera for our 31 foot travel trailer last year, and it was one of the best purchases we’ve ever made for our rig. That said, a back-up camera is in no way a replacement for tow mirrors. When used with tow mirrors and cones, a back-up camera just makes the backing in process go just that much more smoothly.
Thanks for sharing, glad the video was helpful!
Some fantastic tips, John; espec, love the cone idea and "scoping" the site. Have seen a couple of vids using the "scoop" method of preparing to back in (not always usable, though). Keep these vids coming to help "newbies" or "relative newbies" -- your teaching techniques are great!
Y'all Be Safe!!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting!
We are new R-pod owners and recently did our first outing in an unimproved Forest Service dispersed camping site . The biggest lessons came from the very rough, nonlevel terrain that couldn't be mitigated with corner jacks alone. Lesson 1 was to orient the trailer's midline parallel to the "fall line" so that major leveling could be done with just the tongue jack. Lesson 2 was that in really tight quarters it might be necessary to unhitch, reposition the tow vehicle, and then rehitch to maneuver to correct slope alignment while avoiding obstacles. Lesson 3 was to bring along a car repair ramp next time to facilitate final side to side leveling.
Thanks for sharing your tips!
Good advice, only I don’t know what a trailer’s midline and fall line are. Can you please elaborate some more?
This was awesome. I’ve found so many videos that tell me to “work with my partner in backing the trailer”. But what do I do if I’m solo? So, this was much needed. Love using cones. Hadn’t heard of that but it’s perfect. 👍🏻
Glad the video was helpful. All the best!
Thank you John for the Backing In Video. I will be riding Solo this Summer and this is great information to review before I try it out.
Great! Glad the video was helpful!
Thank you! I'm picking up my travel trailer today and this was a great video. I've towed and backed boats, many times, but never an RV. We'll see how it goes.
Thank you John, for this video. A lot of very useful tips, especially since I'll be backing into a campsite for the first time this weekend. We have a pop up tent camper. I'm looking forward to it now. I've heard smaller rigs turn quicker, but I'm going to take my time and use the cones I bought aalready.
Glad the video was helpful. All the best on your upcoming trip!
Those collapsible cones are amazing and I ordered them after watching this video. I have used them often while camping but especially backing into my storage spot which I do alone. The backup camera is also immensely helpful.
Agreed on the collapsable cones, a great addition for various uses! All the best!
Thank you. Finally a detailed video. Also the tip of using cones was much needed. Ima woman whos never driven a truck before this lifestyle and backing in has been my bigggest issue
Glad the video was helpful!
So helpful, thank you! I watch it every time before heading out!
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome tips and strategy. Love the cone idea, pure gold 😎
Thanks for the comment. The collapsing cones work great for this and other uses. All the best!
Extremely helpful video breaking down the process of backing into a site. Thank you, John!
Glad it was helpful!
Another way to figure what way your trailer will turn backing up. Place your hands at the bottom the steering wheel at 8 & 4 o’clock positions. If you want the trailer back left use your left hand to turn the wheel. For trailer backing right use your right hand. Good for beginners.
Yep, thanks for the tip!
Thanks! This is the second time watching this and I more information out of it.
Glad it was helpful!
I knew this would be a great video. You have been subscribed with all notifications and liked for this video. Oh yeah, I saved you in my playlist! ***** Thank you.
Glad the video was helpful. Thanks for the feedback!
I found your video to be a big help, thanks.
Great to hear!
We finally picked up our new AF 22G trailer last week. I was not able to drive to to back problems, so my wife drove the trailer home and did a great job of backing it into our drive. She was proud of her achievement, but she still wants to watch your video to pick up some pointers!
Please congratulate your wife on her success! Hope you are feeling better soon!
GREAT VIDEO! For me, I always feel so RUSHED trying to back in my travel trailer. It's the major reason I hate drive-thrus at fast food joints. I am actually going to be doing this exact kind of perpendicular backing this afternoon at a local campsite with my new (to me) 2018 Wildwood I purchased a week ago.
Blind-side perpendicular campsites are especially difficult, espeically with a narrow campground loop road. At times, I've even have to ask people to move cars that are parked across the road so I can maneuver. All the best!
Oh my gosh - the campground that had no clear boundaries and cars everywhere! Yikes - worst nightmare to have to park in that 😂😂🤣 John - this was the BEST video on backing ever! You explained & showed it perfectly. Now I just need to go do it 🙄
Thanks for the encouragement!
I use cones for two reasons. #1) backing. #2) extra safety with my reflective triangles when alongside the road. Great VLOG. So cones pay for themselves.
Exactly. Cones are great to have when traveling. Thanks for your input!
My brother doesn't go anywhere without pull through. Thus he absorbs the extra cost. Fair is fair. Great tips, I know a few people I will share this with. 😀
Makes sense to get pull through sites if you can. So much easier to deal with. Thanks for sharing!
Just watched your video. The cones are a great idea.
Thanks! It’s a good idea if you are solo.
I sent this to my sister who just bought her first camper, an R-Pod 178! Your video is excellent!
Glad it was helpful! Great to hear!
Well explained.
Here in Australia, Travel Trailers are Caravans (car-a-vans).
Pull-through sites are drive-through sites and are same cost as back-in sites. (you may pay more for premium waterside sites at times).
My weakpoint is in positioning the caravan in the right spot to execute the initial "cut-back" turn from, especially in tight situations. It's a single axel 15'5" body van and tends to cut in sharply very quickly. I tend to need to do a few pull forwards to get lined up right.
The R-Pod I owned was also single axle and turned very quickly, making it difficult to back up. Agreed that the starting point just isn't easy to get sometimes. Thanks for sharing!
John, that was the best tutorial on backing in that i've seen. Thanks !
Thanks! Glad the video was helpful!
Thanks for a great video.
Glad the video was helpful!
Thanks John. I'm building my own camper and this will be helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
If you have received help from this video, please consider showing your support financially. Just click the word THANKS and the heart symbol with a $ below the video to help out!
Free downloadable process document: johnmarucci.com/docs-downloads/
Thank you, as a newbe learning now how to tow/back in, this is very helpful. My problem was I was trying to get the tow vehicle back in front of the TT too late and couldn't never back in where I wanted it to end up because of that. I will try this method next time I go to the parking lot with my orange cones.
Glad the video was helpful. All the best as you learn how to do this. It isn't easy to learn. Thanks!
I accidentally cut to tight a literally snapped off a bolt holding my anti sway bar - the one thing I forgot to do was remover the anti sway bar before packing up. ..my bad. ..
I have a 15’ Nucamp TAb 320 so once I get on the pad I can literally move it by hand. But I need to back in better.
Great and most helpful video. So appreciated.
Glad it was helpful!
4:27 of courwe the upside is you can ask for help, tell them you are learning solo back in, and only shout out if you're about to hit something.
I prefer not to have anyone help unless they know what they are doing. It is not the safest practice to have someone behind the trailer who is unskilled. I have heard plenty of people yelling at each other while one of them is trying to back in. I have seen people still hit things in the campsite with someone helping. Best practice is to master the skill alone and/or have someone who knows how to communicate well usually via phone or walkie-talkie.
I found a large unused parking lot here at home. I brought my safety cones to learn my backing into. I find backing in with a single axle much easier to steerbackwards than a tandem axle.
I agree on backing up single axle trailers. Thanks for commenting!
It is a great idea to find a big parking lot to practice in. My wife and I did it the first day we had our TT 2 years ago.
great video.. going slow and taking your time always helsp.. I always learned if you place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel.. move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to turn and it will turn that way..
Yep, good tip. Thanks for sharing!
Great shirt Grand Rapids marathon!!
Yep, I ran it in 2017 and ran the 1/2 a few times as well.
thanks you for the tips for removing some of the stress in camping, do have a bless day.
Glad the video was helpful!
Thank you. I like the cones that you use as markers/ guide’s.
Yep, those collapsable cones are a great thing to have with you. I think I have them on my store if interested: amzn.to/40m4nYV
today will be our first time camping with our travel trailer, bit nervous but i will 100% surely use your tips.
All the best on your first trip! I have a bunch of videos for those just getting started if interested: johnmarucci.com/getting-started-with-rving-16-videos/
Great video! I drive tractor trailer and find those eisier than a camper! The longer the trailer the eisier the back up!
Thanks for commenting!
Really great advice. Awesome video.
Glad the video was helpful!
Such an important point to say do it again if you need too.
Yep, I've had to circle around many times to retry the back in. Nothing to be ashamed of. Thanks!
Great idea the cones! I will do in my next trip. Grettings from Spain
Great to hear. Thanks for the greeting!
Thanks so much. The video is a great help!
Glad it helped!
John - great video! I am writing an article about backing up a camper (hopefully for print in a magazine), and will add a link to your video!
Thanks for the comment. All the best!
Great insights and we have the same problems. Thanks for the tips
Glad the video was helpful!
Thank you, this video is very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
This was excellent! 🎉🎉
Glad you enjoyed it!
Steering wheel direction is simple when backing into a site; turn left to go right; turn right to go left. Left is right; right is left.
Yep, thanks for sharing!
Thanks!
Thanks Greg, much appreciated!
Yesterday I had to back our travel trailer into our new indoor storage unit. That was fun. First, I had to back into the lot so I could back on the drivers side so I could see. Next, the lot in front of the door isn’t wide enough to get the unit straight out in front of the door. Lastly, the storage unit is only a few feet wider than the trailer so you have to be spot on as the trailer turns to line up with the door. There’s no way I could pull that off without my wife spotting for me.
Sounds like a tight back in. I do plan to put a video out on backing in with a spotter, but it may be a while. All the best!
One thing more that might help is to go to a big empty parking lot and back around. Once you gain some control you can try to place the trailer in a parking spot. This skill will lessen the stress of towing a trailer because you will become confident that you can turn around in many places. The other thing that helps me is to just use the mirrors and try to avoid looking over my shoulder.
Thanks for sharing!
I'm a pretty experienced trailer-backer (not that I don't sometimes make a terrible first attempt at backing). I watched your video out of curiosity. I thought that it was good. One comment, regarding which way to turn the steering wheel, is to move the bottom of the steering wheel in the direction that you want to the rear of the trailer to move. That way, you're not doing mental geometry of "if I move my front wheels at this angle, which way will the rear of my trailer go?" To me, the hardest part of backing a long rig is knowing when to start the cut back. If you wait too long, you'll never get the trailer to reverse its direction of rotation. The cutback usually needs to happen before your trailer wheels get to the point that they need to be turning. When my wife is helping be back in, she'll often say, "start cutting back now." And, I'll usually respond, ""I've been cutting back for 10 or 15 feet already." The longer the rig (total length of truck and trailer), the harder it is to back.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks , John.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, John. My Ford has a backup assist which is great but it loses the sticker 90% off the time. Good explanation. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing. All the best!
Good basic backing skills video but like all the other video's I've seen, nobody ever shows backing into difficult campsites. Ones with very narrow campground roads, trees on both sides of the entrance to the site, neighbors with their vehicles parked in the way that won't move them or aren't there to move them. Also something not included in many, if any videos is where the camper wheels should be to start making the turn into the campsite and which direction to turn the steering wheel and how much. A video showing these topics would be most appreciated. Let's see "the real world" scenarios please.
I'd love to show a video like you have described. There are a few very tight spots I've had to back into over the years. The problem is the workout of setting up of camera equipment, shots, etc. I think we used 4 or 5 camera on this video and it took days to pre-plan the shoot. Most of the time when I get to these campgrounds with tight spots, it is usually after a long day's drive with no intention of cutting a video. I'll keep this in mind going forward as I travel to see if we can do something. Thanks!
I think it would be too difficult to make your "wish list" video as the length of the trailer, number of axles, and your truck are all variables that affect where to start, when to cut and when to release. Also, travel trailer vs 5th wheel will make a difference.
@@JohnMarucciYES, Yes, yes. Please do make a plan to do a video like this. I didn’t realize how much planning is involved in making such a video. Plus, considering how much time you have to park your camper before someone comes along may not afford you the opportunity to make such a true life video. But, what if when making another backing in video you cover how to do so in different scenarios. You could use props to simulate the different scenarios. Explaining how much you have to turn your steering wheel when making that initial 90° turn in, and are you turning clockwise or counter clockwise? I’ve learned in case, but if I am backing in from the passenger side, I have to turn. My wheel counterclockwise until it won’t turn anymore before I can start moving the vehicle and the camper. I’ve never done it from the driver’s side. Would it be the exact same only turning the wheel clockwise until it stops?
Another informative video! Thanks John!
Glad you liked it!
I would also like to add a piece of advise. so you don't have to cut the trailer in as much try to angle the trailer as you pull past the lot
Yep, Sean Michaels of LOLOHO channel calls it the scoop. I did't show this but it is a good tip. Here is a link to their video: ruclips.net/video/lzlOfBGr1i4/видео.htmlsi=MxmvrtGBcVJnHkR3
An excellent video: clearly explained and illustrated. One tip I might add is, if you use sway control bars, remove them before starting to back in. My equalizing hitch bars sit below my bumper, but the tightening handles on the sway bars sits at the perfect height to damage my bumper. I just find it easier backing in this way, especially in tight spaces.
Yep, not a bad idea, especially for tight spaces or when you know you have a very tight 90 degree turn. I have bumper crease to show for this!
You should know to remove weight, distribution bars. Also sway bars before trying to back a trailer up.
Sway bars yes. Not necessarily so for WDH. Done it for years with a Blue Ox no problem.
No need for the Anderson WDH with anti sway built in
I love your videos.
Many thanks for the encouragement!
I own a single axle camper. Do you find those harder to back up compared to double axle campers? Seems like single axle campers make quicker adjustments and therefore quicker mistakes.
Yep, single axle trailers seem to be more sensitive to inputs so you have to go slower and make smaller adjustments.
great vid thanks. I have a Tundra as well and was wondering how heavy your camper is.
My 2020 Keystone Bullet is 5,000 lbs. unloaded.
Thank you for these ideas. This week I will be trying to get my new-to-me R-POD into the side of my house. It's a 90 degree turn at the end of a fairly narrow street. What I'm not sure about is the best starting position (which I'll have to back into), then not really sure about when I am at risk for jack knifing... and how to get out of it if it gets too tight. Is there a place where I can compute the best angles, given my space and size of vehicles?
I would recommend getting some cones and practicing at a local school when no one is there. Try to set up the cones as the home driveway would be to simulate the process. If possible, back in from the driver’s side. All the best!
I learned a trick from a trucker. Put your hand on the bottom of your steering wheel and you turn in the same direction as you want to turn.
Yep, it's a good tip. Thanks for sharing!
Why not remove the bars for the weight distribution hitch prior to making that sharp turn backing in?
It's unnecessary to remove the bars for the Blue Ox Sway Pro I am using. As far as putting that crease in the bumper it was the hitch saddles not the bars that caused the crease. Thanks!
I had more trouble with a jetski or small trailer is alot tougher to back.
Agreed!
I'd been backing my boat and utility trailer for years with a lot of stretching of my neck. When I bought my first travel trailer my truck driver brother-in-law gave me a tip that absolutely changed my backing trepidation and added precision to my backing of my trailer. I'm sure this is basic to all the truck drivers on here.
My brother-in-law told me to simply place my hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and to push the wheel toward the direction I want the back end of the trailer to move. It was brilliant, to me anyway. I can back into any spot or back straight as far as I need.
I'm not disparaging this video by any means as the other aspects are important, but I found your description of the reaction of the truck, the front of the trailer and the back of the trailer to steering inputs somewhat confusing.
Turning the bottom of the steering wheel in the direction I want the back of the trailer to move is much more intuitive.
Thanks for sharing!
As tight as that campground is, go do a video from Anastasia 😂. Great work
The worst I’ve had was a blindside back in at O’Leno State Park in Florida. Super tight. Perpendicular site with trees all around. I should have filmed it.
Thank you! Please tell me how to get the process document you mentioned.
It is on this page with the same title as the video: johnmarucci.com/docs-downloads/
What topper is that on your truck.? I am looking for one just like that due to my tool box. I know it odes not have to do with the video, but I have been looking for one like that for a while.
The bed cover (tonneau cover) is an Extang Encore model. The company is still in business but not sure my model is still being made.
Let me tell you this is so useful as a fifth wheel owner in the UK that has stupidly small sites that everyone has to back into between two white posts for fire regulations and each pitch is straight off a narrow road. British campsites are stupid for USA fifth wheels. See photos on my channel we had hedges and a high curb opposite our pitch it was ridiculous. Thank you 🙏🏼
Sounds like tough back-ins for sure. Thanks for sharing!
I was going to ask if you disconnected the weight distribution bars in order to pivot the trailer into it's resting spot but I see in the video you leave your bars on. Thanks for sharing.
The WDH I've used you can back up with no problem. Of course it can also be something to ding your bumper if you cut too tight!
My WDH documents state to remove before backing up. It is rigid and greatly affects the pivot point of the TV-TT connection. When the WDH is removed the TT will respond readily to the backward forces of the TV. When WDH is left on, it is difficult to get the TT to pivot in a timely manner. I learned from experience 😮.
This is awesome help for solo backers! I’ve gotten mixed feedback on the first backing step, though. Some say to pull close to the side of the site before backing while others say to pull up on the opposite side before starting the initial backing. Any thoughts on that?
The RUclips site LoLoHo has a good video on establishing a starting position. I’m indifferent, but their proposal of doing a scoop at the site entrance can put you in a good starting position. Time stamp 4:55 on this link: ruclips.net/video/lzlOfBGr1i4/видео.htmlsi=1p9EzH6GyNKEHGWq
John-once again a great tutorial video. I ordered collapsible cones today and I am sure they will come in handy. The “unwind” seems to be where I have the most issues. I end up in almost a jackknife position 🤷♀️🤷♀️ Will definitely try your tips. Thanks again.
Glad the video was helpful. There just isn't any substitute for experience. Hopefully the steps will help the next time you are out. All the best!
Blind sided backing is all I ever do. Most campgrounds are layed out that way. It's easy for me because my first full time job was spotting Semi Trailers into the loading dock and they were all blind side back ins. I like it better because it's how I have always done it. Even when I get homr it's a blind side back in to my driveway. Truth be told, I don't care one way or another how I back in.
Yep, I also usually do blind side back-ins and am fairly used to it at this point. Lots of campgrounds have one way roads that force the issue. Thanks for sharing your experience.