I’ve always backed in my trailers just like you said. Only problem, my wife who has NEVER backed ina trailer thinks it’s wrong and the stress of her yelling at me is way too much! So one other tip I recommend, drop her off at the office while you go back in the trailer.

From an ex-farm boy, who routinely backs in a 23' construction trailer, sometimes into really tight spots and has a 35' travel trailer, I could not agree more. Very good advice that will make backing up much easier for a lot of people. Thanks for taking the time to share this.

As a former truck driver myself,you are 100 percent correct

Unfortunately a lot of campgrounds have a single lane road which by and large prevents this, although you can do a little S curve it isn't much. For the most part, getting that initial turn is the most important. I see where most people wait too late to cut the wheel and the trailer is only barely starting to turn when it really needs to be at full crank. But the single most difficult part of backing an RV into a spot, bar none, is the 4 or 5 old geezers that instantly come out and start trying to give advice as I'm backing up. Dude! I've already got my wife trained, let her give me directions cause we know what we're doing.

Very good advice! I'm retired after 50 yrs of driving truck and always use that method. One more thing I would say is whenever possible try to back in on the driver's side instead of blind side. Makes it easier yet 👍👍! Thank you for a great video!

In theory this is great advice. I'm also a retired truck driver and I've backed into a lot of campsites. Most campground roads are at best barely wider than one lane. When you do the S maneuver you're going to be up against other tow vehicles on the opposite sites. This makes for some close maneuvering. Many State Park campgrounds sites aren't long enough for the rig and the truck, so trucks are sticking out into the road. Just some food for thought.

That idea works great if no one is parked across from your site. So many times, people back into their site and park sideways as close to the road a possible. This blocks you from having the swing room, and room to pull up and straighten if needed.

My life has new meaning and less stress, at 75, I now feel 13 again. Tanks

That is exactly how I back my trailer into my driveway at the end of a camping trip. I have better visual sight of the end of the trailer and able to line it up easier in the drive.

I am not a professional driver however with 42+ years driving and towing, I agree with you and this is my usual go to method, so long as I do not obscure traffic. great vid showing those who need to with simple animation.

I took a truck driving course many years ago so as to make me a better RVer (still have a CDL!). The way you showed here, using the S pattern, is the way they taught us to do it. Been doing it that way ever since. Thanks for the refresher!

I've been backing in my trailer like that for years. It's works great.

I agree! We use this method when backing our RV into our RV Lot @ our house! Thanks for sharing!

I've been doing your method for years and totally agree... Thanks, RT

One challenge I have is knowing when to start straightening out my truck once I'm in the site. I sometimes do it too early, and the trailer doesn't come around enough or too late, and it comes around too much. I'm pretty picky about getting my truck and trailer parallel in the site. But the s-turn definitely helps a lot, as it aims the trailer right at the target.

Your s method has always been my preferred method if the area is suitable

For anyone that has a little experience towing any kind of a trailer, the info in this video is pretty much common knowledge and common sense.

Great video. Short and to the point with demonstration. Nicely done

30 years and 3 million miles, I was watching a couple trying to back in blind side into a 45 space right as it was getting dark yesterday. It took them a while even with spotters helping them.

This is exactly what I do for every campsite and my wife can hit the campsite every time with one try. In a close campsite hug the side of the road closer giving you more room to swing your tow vehicle around.

Makes sense to me. This is what we try to do.

Yes, I've been doing this for years. Get the trailer as straight a shot at the campsite as possible. Same thing with I put into my driveway at home. The second part of the "S" turn is where all the magic happens.

I've been backing up trailers for years, but don't think I've ever done it this way....I'll give this a try next time! Thanks for the tip!

I like your Tip it speaks volumes for experience

Wow!!! Genius and such a good way of doing things!!! Totally trying this next time!!!!!

I agree with the s turn approach......set yourself up. So many times I have seen people get jacked beyond the point of no return and then pull up 5 ft. and repeat. 😊😊

Great video! It definitely helps to line up the trailer!

Very good advice. I use this method when conditions allow. I will also add…be sure to use ALL the space you have available! Pull forward a little more, pull into an empty campsite across from yours, etc.

Yes the swoop is the way to go. I also use it when I’m backing up 90 degree on driver side.

Figured this one out 20 years ago in high school.

Our fun is we stay at a lot of state campgrounds with narrow one way roads and trees! When we had a pop up I could drive pulling it and could back it up if no one other than hubby was watching me. Could cheat and look over shoulder to see where it was going when backing up. Our first big camper was a 25 foot one that I could drive the campground loop with and kind of back up if there was a lot of room. Current camper is 30 feet and I have backed it up once with a lot of back and forth guess I need to get brave (or hubby does) and get behind the wheel.

Thats good advice. I actually split the difference and don't go all the way in the other lane.

Finally someone who agrees with my sentiments entirely when it comes to backing in a trailer. I too have driven many commercial vehicles with a trailer and into some very tight spots. It’s all about what I call the set up angle before starting to back up. Great video Sir, well done.

Thank You. That helps.

Yup after a couple of years struggling with a 5th wheel 90 back into me driveway with a short bed I found this method last year now it is just so simple . I too was worried about lack of room but you start chasing the rv right away which means you don't need as much room to swing out as the rv is half way there already and pointed into the driveway when you begin backing.

My Hubs showed me your way on paper & I just found it. Screenshots taken for our RV binder!

And your have better mirror angle as well, good job

Good info. Thanks!

Great advice. Another thing that'll help. Once you've positioned yourself straighten out your steer tires before backing(parallel with the tow vehicle) then make small adjustments as you reverse.

I want to hitch up the trailer and try it right now!

I’ve tried this and it works real good if you have space on the driver’s side. I mostly do the straight away but I need to remember to do the “s” more!

Great information. Since we started RVing occasionallyast year, my husband has been doing all the driving and backing up. He's also been doing the leveling, hooking up, etc. That was a good thing in the beginning, as he learned to do it correctly, and then could show me how to do these things. On our last thing, he let me hitch the trailer, drive it to the dump station, and do all the dumping. I think it's important that we can both do these things, in case he is not able to. Backing up seems to me like the hardest part, so your video is super helpful. Of course, I have seen the other method, but it's good to know that there are options.

Use the length available to you in front, it's key. The downside you point out about being tight on one side if you use the S-Turn doesn't matter as much if you use the length of the road to make the turn more gentle. It also gives you a better view in your mirrors if you can keep the trailer from jackknifing to get into site. Not always possible, but where it is, it's a massive benefit.

I'm going to give this a try!

Great tip!

Makes perfect sense to me! Not that I back our trailer up... but I am the eyes & director of it.

Always used to do it this way.

Lol! I had to think for a minute. I already do this.

Nice…Direct, simple, easy to understand, to the point! Suggestion for a topic: how best to move the trailer that 45 degrees you mention.

Agree with Wit's End below, most campground road are not wide enough for the the "S" turn maneuver. That said, if the road is wide enough this would make things easier.

I drove tow trucks for many years and found this method early in my career. It still works even if you only have 1 lane. I think it takes less room to have your trailer "aimed" toward the drive before moving backwards than to have the truck and trailer in a straight line. I learned to use my mirrors when backing at all times. You have better view with the mirrors than looking out rear window. Another tip for newbies....hold the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go. Good video and explanation.

I haven't backed too many trailers up, but when I did, that's basically how I would do it...as long as there's space to do so. It's like I was removing part of problem right off the bat.

Great advice from real experience! Another thing, I’ve heard soooo many people say turn your wheel in the opposite way that you want your trailer to go. I don’t know about anybody else, but that makes my lightening fast mind go tilt. Turning the bottom of your steering wheel in the SAME direction you want to go, sounds too simple to be useful, but really helps clear the direction thing up for me.

Former CDL (A w/ Hazmat), now pull a 31.5 ft travel trailer as a weekend warrior, I agree & don't rush it. Don't forget G.O.A.L. Get Out And Look when unsure! - One thing I have learned was to turn off the trailer brakes (have a manual controller and not a factory controller) when backing, especially if parking on grass, Boondocking or Mouchdocking at the relatives farm. Best Wishes and happy travels!

Fit an offset front tow hitch. It makes putting a caravan/trailer anywhere you like a lot easier.

I agree & add keep hand at bottom of the wheel! Then move hand the direction you need the trailer to go! And always remember the longer the trailer, Slower reaction time. Blind side can be tuff! If, using helpers, remind them, if you can’t see a mirror, I can’t see you! As a truck driver 18 years, always be under weight for the max of your tow vehicle! I learned that the hard way prior to trucking!

Split the difference when you can! I've found it's a good compromise especially with older tow vehicles with less turning radius. Get the trailer angled a little more to the site up front and you have a little more room for the nose of the truck to swing.

The swoop, it get’s the trailer turned a bit initially, and it will turn much faster for you that if starting straight

Great tip! But I wonder where were you yesterday when I was "trying" to back our trailer into our driveway? Lol Cheers!

I have a narrow driveway with a rear entry garage. I use the s-turn to get th trailer pointed the correct way for backing in.

Agree 100% drove truck for 20 years.

Cool. I will give it a try. The difficulty backing into some sites is not being able to see where the trailer needs to go and I have a particular site in mind. A ditch on one side and sturdy tree on the other and backing uphill on the road into the site. I get it done, but maybe this tip will make it a bit easier. Thanks.

Really well made video, simple and to the point. As many commenters have noted, a lot of campsites are only single or maybe 1.5 lane wide. Do you recommend a scaled down version of the S cut or back to keeping it as close to the site as possible? Maybe an idea for a future video

As a former driver myself, I learned this on the road. But now I work for an RV company and am moving trailers in and out of bays and spots on the lot. We don't have a lot of room to work with and the S approach works wonders. I try to explain it to my backup driver and he's not grasping the concept.

Yes , I do it that way too. and then the other way too. Sometimes 5 or 6 times. And then a few more. And my wife and kids are giving me directions and I get out and look where I'm going a few times. I believe I heard applause from the neighbor camper once.

I was a truck driver too , a long time ago..and I am backing in my RV tomorrow doing a blind side backup similiar to your graphic. I just have a smaller lane and two trees to go between..but very small trailer..it will be ok....

I agree with you. I use the S turn whenever possible unless there is an obstacle I need to avoid to the front of my truck. Practice makes perfect and pull ups are always free. If you aren't sure Get Out and Look! I don't understand why most campgrounds design the sites for a blind side back. This is the hardest scenario even for the most experienced.

I always tell everyone, you want to make sure that when you start backing your trailer, you are starting from a position that has your trailer as close to the desired final resting spot as possible. I drove semi trucks coast to coast, and your method is the CORRECT WAY to back any size trailer

I do not have an RV, but I do have a trailer that I tow frequently, and my driveway is at a 45 degree angle. Everyday when I go home, the second way (the S curve approach) is my preferred way, being doing it for years. But I'm familiar too with the the first way (the straight-to-90 degree approach). Sometimes my front neighbor parks his truck in the street, so the S curve approach is off the table. I guess it's a good idea to practice with both in case you have to adapt to the situation

A great tip; that's how I used back into a space when I drove school buses.

Thanks for sharing. My biggest challenge has been straight sites where RV Park management has you doing a left-hand backup. They all seem to go good at first, but trying to be lined up with the parking pad results in ending up with the truck at weird angles which results in continuously readjusting to get the trailer into the correct place after minor adjustments, not to mention conflicting advice from the three neighbors watching you, LOL. -Davey

That is the better way for sure. The more you can start off in line with you're site the better off you'll be and the less you'll have to turn. I try to book my sites so I can back as straight back as possible. I know some folks who just want to prove that they're the backing master.. I figure work smarter not harder.

Discovered your method the hard way a couple of years ago. Pennsylvania State Park campsites were not designed by campers (Ohio and W. Va. also!). The posts that number the campsites are put in the most awful places, ruining a good shot into the site. I was forced to get into the position you recommend staying off of the posts on my camp side. It made things tighter on the driver's side, but you had that straight shot into the site. Your video puts the move into better clarity! Thanks!!

it's the same thing you do driving a tractor trailer, and yes it works much better even on 90 degree sight, most people that have never pulled a trailer before or have never driven a tractor trailer wouldn't know this so it's good to put that information out there to help more people become better and backing tearing up less camp sights...lol

I also drive semi's. First hint. Don't back in on the blind side. Second, If you're going to pull a fifth wheel and hitch a second trailer behind it, practice backing them up before you go anywhere.

Yes, that is the way I’ve done it for 45+ years.

I’ve back into many sites but never though about a method prior to doing so? This does make a lot of sense to me so I will make a Conscience decision to try this method out going forward. If I think someone has a better way than mines I have no problem doing it there way.

S-turn setup for the win...

lol and that's how I back my semi ;)

Good advice, however the majority of the campgrounds I have visited have one lane roads

Don’t have a trailer yet & haven’t back one in, but I think your directions will be easiest for me.

I call it the 'swoop' and yes it's a lot easier having the back of the trailer pointed into the site!

Never been in a campground with 2 wide lanes like that. It would be nice.

I was taught to always get the straightest possible approach from the start.

Class A CDL here, what I do! Got to set that baby up!

Can you let me know where these campgrounds are that have a full two lane road to be able to achieve that s turn?

Instantly had flashbacks of backing in my landscaping trailer many years ago. Right.

Working in campgrounds helping people I don’t disagree with your technique, however with narrow lanes and a full campground it doesn’t/won’t work. I see too many try the technique only to get upset as they don’t have the swing /radius to make the turn. Staying close to the side you are backing works almost everything time. Those that don’t practice this technique struggle. My radar goes on full alert when I here “ I’ve been driving commercial trucks for years! 90% of the time it ends in failure. I just had one the other day who wanted to do it himself, so as I made sure he didn’t run over our utilities, he proceed to ram right into a tree.

I think I did something kinda like that on my last back in and it went pretty well. But I do have to ask: I’ve got a 5th wheel trailer that is 50 feet long (yes, seriously), triple axle and it’s got about 18 foot of trailer behind my axles. Would to make any changes to your advice considering my situation?

Generally, there aren’t two lanes as your example illustrates. Plus, there are generally trees or worse yet, those creosote soaked 6X6” pilings sunk at just the right height to destroy your quarter panel on the tow vehicle. Good advise, but always do a 360 degree walk around. There’s 2000+ ways to ruin your day when it comes to RV’s.

Swoop there it is, Only way I have done it since I was 16. 37 yrs later it still works, huh.

Never back in from the blind side in if you can help it. Back in from the drivers side. Been trucking for over 40 years and most of us know this.

It is called "set up". I am also retired OTR commercial driver. The biggest mistake drivers make is starting the backing procedure with the trailer tandem too far from the hole. Setup for a 90 degree back in: position your truck 90 degrees, appx. 1 to 2 feet in front of the other trucks already parked. Drive slowly until your left arm is inline with left edge of the hole and drop a glove on the ground. Pull forward until your trailer king pin passes the hole and turn sharp right and pull up appx. 20 to 30 feet. Turn sharp left until you see your trailer tandem pass the hole. You are now setup and ready to back. Aim your trailer tandem at the glove. If you get close to but miss the glove you will not hit the trucks parked to either side.

I love it when KZfaqrs say everyone is doing it WRONG! If the method you use to back your RV into a site works for you, it is the RIGHT way.

I totally agree - but I would have prefaced this advice: When you get a travel trailer - LEARN HOW TO NAVIGATE IT!!!!! Having driven everything from a 3/4 ton dump truck with a hot-tar cooker to a small SUV with a nearly-mismatched travel trailer, the over-riding advice I would have is to practice pulling the RV in and out of your 90° driveway, practice backing it up so you and your trailer are lined up between spaces, etc. The end result is a lot fewer annoyed people around you, and you having the skills you need to drive with a trailer. You should be able to very easily swing your RV into a 45° or 90° spot with a minimum of fuss and muss. I'm not saying "perfectly", but you should be able to bring it in quickly enough to not be a nuisance AND fast enough to make those fellow RV'ers look at you like an experienced person!

Interesting idea with the s turn, but dude that background music was way too loud. Keep the good tips coming. Larry

Can’t say as I’ve ever been in a campground with a wide enough road to do this. Usually you only have maybe 6 feet to play with and that’s not going to preposition your trailer at a 45 degree angle like you’ve shown. Now if we’re talking about backing your trailer into your driveway when you get home then this technique works.

S turn is the way to go for both angle and strait backings half the work is already done

A friend of mine mounted a trainer hitch onto the front of his truck, so there is no backing up. He detaches his trailer, turns his truck around, and drives the trailer to its designated spot.

What about when the road is narrow?