Autobacking Trailer?

[Andrew Gibbens]

I'm not suggesting this for real, but it's a neat idea:
Autobacking Trailer Company

It looks expensive with new trailer axle and some elctro-mechanical control gear.

But there are not many ways to steer twin trailers in reverse:
H1 - Two Trailers - YouTube

[Bob Miller]

Hmmmm.... I already own two autobacking trailers and I am very happy with both.

The way they work, is when I am hitched up, I put the TV in reverse, apply gas, and the trailer automatically backs up.

Backing a trailer is a bit like learning how to ride a bicycle; as soon as you get it right the first time you are good for life. Doing it the wrong way for 10 years will never get any better.

Two tiny tips I always share:

1. Move the bottom of the steering wheel in the direction you want the back of the trailer to move, move a little bit and then bring it back to center.

2. You can't back up in a curve, it's lots of little moves, not one big one.
(5th wheels are partially exempt from the above)

[Steve L.]

Ford will be there later this year (2015 MY)

Ford Trucks - Trailer Backup Assist - YouTube

Plus, it will zero in on the hitch for hooking up.

[Gina D.]

thats for sissies! LOL!

[Bob Miller]

Hmmmm.... sounds like a $1500 option to not have to learn how to drive.

"Honest Officer, my FORD told me to keep backing my trailer up, I didn't know that there was a child/car/cliff/little old lady, back there, my FORD must have malfunctioned."

[Steve L.]

If the automakers had to make idiot proof vehicles they couldn't make or sell anything.

I mean, hoo boy, have you seen the nimrods backingup their quadruple slide 30+ footers? For every one you see with the skills, how many are clueless? Just for the gee-whiz factor there'll be takers.

Ahem, I of course wouldn't need it, nor I'm sure, would anyone reading this forum....

[Darwin Maring]

Not required at my house because my wife says what's behind her doesn't matter.

[Andrew Gibbens]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

Hmmmm.... sounds like a $1500 option to not have to learn how to drive.

But then I can remember my dad said that if you needed anti-lock brakes, you weren't a competent driver.

And my grandad said that if you couldn't control the ignition timing advance/retard yourself, you weren't really suitable to have a license.

Heck, I can remember when cars had these things called 'chokes' - a knob in the dashboard that you had to pull to get the engine started...... (Except in my grandad's Rover, which had 'Cold Start' engraved on the knob, since 'choke' would be too vulgar for a Rover owner.)

[Steve L.]

Originally Posted by Darwin Maring

Not required at my house because my wife says what's behind her doesn't matter.

Sounds like she might agree with Satchel Paige; "Don't look back...They might be gaining on you!"

[frank_a]

You folks want to have some fun on a nice summer day, bring some drinks and lawn chairs down to the nearest boat ramp...

Frank

[Bob Miller]

Actually that's how I learned to back up a trailer. If you didn't do it right on the boat ramp there were lots of critics to remind you of your ineptitude.

It was do it right or pay the price in ridicule.

[frank_a]

I suppose it's as good a way to learn as any Bob. I've been backing boats up about as long as I've been driving (40+ years), and still get a kick out of people's ineptitude at a boat launch. Sheesh!

Frank

[Bob Miller]

The real reason was that there was always a waiting line to use the ramp and you got pummeled if you took to long for your launching. Peer pressure goes a long way.

You pulled up to the top of the ramp and backed down in one move, otherwise you were dead meat to the cheering section, namely everyone in line.

[carlkeigley]

LOOKS like a good idea.
I could use that backing up in my obstacle course
back yard. I don't have any problems, but it would
be nice to make it in one shot.

[Ray N]

Difficulty in backing up is directly proportional to the number of people watching.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Ray N

Difficulty in backing up is directly proportional to the number of people watching.

LOL so true as well as the length of the trailer - shorter trailers vs longer are actually harder to back up.

[Andrew Gibbens]

Originally Posted by Ray N

Difficulty in backing up is directly proportional to the number of people watching.

That's so true - but it's also getting dangerously close to: "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"