Advice for backing up a gooseneck horse trailer

[ustmd]

I did a quick search on this topic and did not ind any threads on this topic (only went back 3 years), so I am looking for advice from the brain trust. I have been avoiding tackling this issue on general principle--my wife has horses, I do not.

The wife has a F350 with a 2 horse (+tack room) horse trailer, so we are right 40 ft of truck and trailer. For its current parking spot, she has to back up approximately 400-500 ft. Every time she has to park the trailer, it is a comedy of errors punctuated by language from my wife that would make a drunk sailor blush (I usually try to hide in the house).

I now realize that if I wish the 22 years of martial "bliss" to continue, I will need to start assisting in parking the trailer (at least until I build a more convenient parking pad).


Any advice/tips for effective backing up? I would like to at least look like I kinda know what I am doing. After 22 years, I do try to maintain some level of dignity with the wife.

 

[brin]

One trick is to put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel ...then you can turn the wheel in the direction you really want to go, whereas if you steered on the top of the wheel you would turn it in the opposite direction...

Just like going forward, once you get going backing the trailer in the right direction, you turn the wheel very ..very little....take is easy and go slow...with practice it gets easier...

 

[hosspuller]

With any trailer, ( have a 25' flatbed & 3 horse slant) the spotter is only allowed to say "STOP" if damage is imminent. This policy prevents much unhelpful advice... And preserves family harmony even when tired and hungry !

 

[dmccarty]

The old auto trannys in the Fords with the 7.3L diesel were notorious for failing due to overheating. Overheating was being reported when backing up. I have not kept up with the new trucks so I don't know if that is still a concern or not.

One trick people mentioned when backup up a trailer was to turn on 4x4 if you have it on the truck. Especially 4x4 low since it made you go real slow.

Good Luck,
Dan

 

[Baby Grand]

One trick is to put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel ...then you can turn the wheel in the direction you really want to go, whereas if you steered on the top of the wheel you would turn it in the opposite direction...

<snip>

I use this trick, too - one hand at six o'clock; the other one on the shifter. Works great.
Another thing I learned - the longer the trailer, the easier it is to back up.
Having good mirrors on both sides that are correctly adjusted (so you can see the vehicle's rear tire) also helps a lot.
We have a shorty 6' trailer that I regularly use with the tractors & cars and you have to constantly correct where it's going.
I plan to extend the tongue on it by a few feet to make it easier to back up and to allow me to carry longer steel and wood sections.

 

[brin]

I use this trick, too - one hand at six o'clock; the other one on the shifter. Works great.
Another thing I learned - the longer the trailer, the easier it is to back up.
Having good mirrors on both sides that are correctly adjusted (so you can see the vehicle's rear tire) also helps a lot.
We have a shorty 6' trailer that I regularly use with the tractors & cars and you have to constantly correct where it's going.
I plan to extend the tongue on it by a few feet to make it easier to back up and to allow me to carry longer steel and wood sections.

Yep - 6 o'clock and slow - I also have a 5'x8' landscape trailer with the short tongue triangle set up...that bugger is ridiculous to back up...and it is all due to the short tongue...add another 2 feet even and it gets much easier....I should add on to mine as well....good idea.

 

[Xfaxman]

There some good videos on YouTube, here is part one of a series for semi's, but works the same for goosenecks. How to back up a tractor trailer - YouTube

 

[grsthegreat]

Hmm, personally i find backing up goosenecks is 1000 x easier (or so) than backing up a bumper mount.

the way i start someone out is by taking the truck and trailer to a large, empty parking lot and clear of light standards. Then set up traffic cones to practice backing up. This removes the mental issues associated with close quarters.

I did this with the wife, and it really helps.

I have a f350 4 door with 30' gooseneck trailer, and she has gotten to be quite a good backer upper.

I park my trailer in the shop with the help of my DK45 as its way to difficult to do off of a truck. Im not sure if your CK would have the ability to lift your gooseneck or not. Moving the trailer with the tractor is very sweet if it can be done.

 

[tcartwri]

Surprisingly backing a gooseneck is harder to learn than a bumper hitch. You're not alone.

My tips;

Always try to hook the trailer on the drivers side, even if you have to go around the block.
Always plan your attack before you commit to the situation, particularly in traffic.
Beat it into your spotter that they have to stay in your mirror at all times.
Know your destination before you get there. I often use google maps to look at the dock or parking area I will be negotiating.
Keeping a fifth wheel straight, requires looking down the trailer sides at a target in the distance and using small corrections.





Build a turn around at the end of your laneway..... lol.

 

[Ken45101]

Wide mirrors help, ones that allow you to see down the side of the trailer and beyond.

SLOW, very slow. With an auto tranny I don't need it, but with a manual tranny I shifted to 4wd-low to get slow speed as mentioned above.