Expert opinions: backing into tight spot

[FlyGuy]

Have a 21SPX with Toyota Sequoia tow vehicle. Measured lengths of 25' from prop to hitch, and 18' of Sequoia. Newly shortened distance of 50 feet from fence to storage unit door, leaving 7' extra. Expert opinions: can this be backed into the storage unit, or am I wasting time trying? I can drive it out in one motion, but have been unskilled enough to put it back w/o unhitching and pushing by hand.

Thanks!

 

[Boater420]

In my opinion, yes it can be done. If you can drive it out you can back it up over the same path.

You have to be skilled at using your mirrors to back up though. I'd set up the same dimensions in a parking lot and practice there. Use two cones for the garage door opening and measure out the 50 feet you have available and practice backing it between the cones.

 

[Mittens]

yes can be will iut be fun? FOR SURE ha.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Yes, it can be done. You didn't mention how wide the door opening is or how wide your trailer is, but if you have some leeway there it shouldn't be a problem.

Like Boater420 said, learn how to back using your mirrors. Also, when backing use a spotter to make sure you don't ding a fender or the corner of your boat. .

 

[NotHerDecision]

I do something similar with my seadoo trailer. I put a mark on the ground so I know where my front tire on my Yukon should stop, this way I don't have to get out 10 times to see how close I am to the back wall.


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[FlyGuy]

Update: Experienced neighbor showed me how. Back up at about 45 degree angle and then pivot to straighten out. Could even knock off another 10 feet. Not the large graceful turn I was attempting, nor hugging the far fence line. I did a lot of measuring, marking, and internet research, but the trick was watching someone else back a much bigger rig into the same spot, followed by his coaching me!

 

[Havana Shamrock]

The larger and longer the trailer the easier it is. I'd rather back a 45' trailer into a garage than my dinghy down the ramp. Take it to a shopping center and pick a parking spot then practice backing into it from a distance away and different directions you'll quickly find out how your trailer reacts to your input.

 

[tdgard]

The larger and longer the trailer the easier it is. I'd rather back a 45' trailer into a garage than my dinghy down the ramp. Take it to a shopping center and pick a parking spot then practice backing into it from a distance away and different directions you'll quickly find out how your trailer reacts to your input.

This. It's also much easier the shorter the wheelbase of the tow vehicle. I used to tow a 4x6 utility trailer with a van that was the equlivant length of a 17 passenger van. It stank. You could barely see the gate of the trailer out the rear window and if you ever saw the trailer in your side mirrors while backing you had already jackknifed it. Made me pretty decent at backing up a trailer though.

In fact, this may be the best way to learn. Go rent a 24' uhaul and the smallest tow behind chipper shredder you can find and practice with that.

 

[carterchapman]

I learned a lesson when I backed my empty waverunner trailer (black) into my dark garage to do the wheel bearings. Thought I could use the side mirrors - black trailer in dark garage, eyes in the bright sun - see where I'm going....ended up with a nice 12" scratch on the door of my XLR from the trailer license plate. Susan now helps me back ANYTHING into the garage!!! LOL!