How to Back a Trailer Using a Front Hitch

Backing up a trailer can be tricky at best. You need three sets of eyes and a keen sense of left and right, in reverse. But, usually, you can do quite well if you practice, a lot.

One way to cut down the learning curve for backing a trailer is to attach your trailer to a hitch in the front. That way you will be able to see which way your trailer is turning in relation to the way you turn you tow vehicle without going cross-eyed with confusion and getting a kink in your neck.

One important fact to remember is that if your turn your tow vehicle left, the trailer is going to go right, whether it is on the front or back. This is true for every trailer from a jet ski to a travel trailer.

You will need:

Tow ball attached to the front bumper

Two people to help you

The first thing you will need to do is unhook your trailer from the rear of the tow vehicle. Make sure it is supported properly with bricks or wood, so that it won't fall or roll. Make sure the lights and safety chains are disconnected; then move the tow vehicle. You will want position it such that the ball in the front is lined up under the hitch on the trailer.

Next you should slide the hitch over the ball and clamp it down. You will not need to connect the safety chains or the lights, so make sure the connectors are out of the way. Put them up so that they don't drag.

Now, this is where your helpers come in. Make sure they understand their job, to get the trailer into the spot, or down the boat ramp. Also make sure that they understand that they must pay attention to what is happening. Many trailers have gone astray because the helpers were pre-occupied with something else. It is okay to use children, but they must be old enough to understand what is going on.

Your helpers should be instructed to shout if you are off track. Hand signals are confusing, for this reason your helpers should shout their instructions. Keep your windows rolled down so you can hear them.

You will want to position the helpers, one on either side of your intended objective. If this is a boat ramp, they should be on the pavement, but just barely, so as to give you enough room to back the boat up. If you are backing a travel trailer into a space at a campground, be sure that your helpers are positioned in front or any trees or other obstacles. Make sure they don't get behind the trailer, you will want to keep them in your sight at all times. Make sure they realize they should shout if the trailer is headed for them, to allow you time to correct and not run them down.

Now, get into the tow vehicle. If you are backing a small trailer, like a tent-trailer or a small boat, you should be able to see not only the trailer, but the space you want to put it in, and of course your helpers. If you are backing up a travel trailer, you will only be able to see the trailer and whatever is to the left or right of where you want to put it; this is what makes your helpers invaluable.

Gently push the trailer backward, move slowly. Every move you make with your tow vehicle should be very slow and deliberate. This is not a race, if you move too fast you will have to start over; if you are pushing your trailer up hill, try to do so as slowly as possible.

One important fact to remember is that if your turn your tow vehicle left, the trailer is going to go right. This is true for every trailer from a jet ski to a travel trailer. Thus, slow and steady is the key. Keep moving the trailer backward, looking left and right, keep your ears open for directions from your helpers.

If you don't get it the first time, don't worry; just pull forward and try it again. Soon, with practice, you will be able to park your trailer anywhere.