I can't discuss it now...

[Kevin A]

All I use is the outside mirrors as well, one big advantage is that you can sight down the entire side of the trailer. This is something that is much harder to do when turned around, looking out the back window.

[doug hodder]

some of the best entertainment you can get for free is to sit on a boat ramp and watch the action!!! I build with a 4' tongue, it isn't as "fast" as a shorter one, 1 foot does make a difference on a short trailer, at least it does to me, but on a factory frame like Ira's that's what you have to work with...Doug

[asianflava]

You can explain all you want and read all you can but it's hard to comprehend unless you've done it a few times. If I haven't backed the trailer in a few months, I forget how. After 1 or 2 times straightening myself out, it all comes right back.

The trick is to get the tow vehicle and trailer to stay turning on the same arc, turning without the trailer angle changing. Seems like once I get this figured out, backing comes easier. Oh, and I don't look at my mirrors much.

[sjptak]

I agree with using the mirrors. I can't seem to get the hang of turning around and looking while I'm backing. I guess its all in how you learned. Couple of years ago, I put a ball on my front bumper. You'd think that would make it easy, it took me a lot of getting used to. But, I'm wierd.

[cracker39]

I use my mirrors most of the time backing up both with and without the trailer. I drove a work van for 4 years and I had a pickup with a camper on it and had to rely on the outside mirrors with both. You get used to it. And, a foot or two extra length between the ball and the axle make a lot of difference. I have at least 9' between mine on the TTT, where the stock 4'x8' utility trailer probably has 7' give or take a few inches. My utility trailer is SOOOOOO much more difficult to back up than my TTT or my boat trailer. That extra couple of feet gives you a lot more wiggle room and more time to change the trailer's direction.

[Ira]

My problem with using the side mirrors is that you can hardly see the TD behind the truck.

Photos of the crushed box can be found in Construction, in my Rebuilding A Tongue Box thread.

[cracker39]

Ira, as long as you can't see it, it's going fairly straight. You should have named the TD David and the truck Goliath.

[Joseph]

WHADDYAMEAN??? Can't back a trailer. You should see where I have to back mine. But, I've had about 40 years of practice.

I know a gent with a similar amount of practice. He backed his teardrop uphill around a sharp bend and between several rocks and trees. I was slack-jawed in amazement. "40 years a truckdriver," was all he said.

My problem with using the side mirrors is that you can hardly see the TD behind the truck.

I have that same problem. It tows so easy driving down the highway I keep checking the rearview to make sure it's still there!

Joseph

[Dave Bob]

Hell Ira, a little duct tape and the old one will be as good as new!!

Dave

[asianflava]

Wait till you pull into the campsite when it is dark. Not only will you have to back in, but you have to back into the darkness. You can't see anything except the tow vehicle's taillights reflecting back from the trailer.

[cracker39]

Wait till you pull into the campsite when it is dark. Not only will you have to back in, but you have to back into the darkness. You can't see anything except the tow vehicle's taillights reflecting back from the trailer.

That's why I considered puttting backup lights on my TTT, but in the end, I didn't. Someday I may wish I had.