How to back a trailer

Driving schools may teach truck drivers how to deal with reversing large trailers, but the everyday art of backing a car and trailer is usually picked up on the hop.

Reversing with a trailer attached means making some adjustments to your driving.

A trailer that's even slightly angled won't back up straight.

Begin by backing the trailer with the vehicle and trailer in line. Practise making small turns in reverse until you learn how the vehicle and trailer work together.

Backing a trailer is awkward. No question about it, it's a tough job when you don't do it all the time.

Straighten the steering wheel as soon as the trailer begins to turn in the desired direction.

Remember that it's usually easier to start over than it is to correct a mistake.

The trailer and vehicle will turn in opposite directions. Turn the vehicle's steering wheel in the direction opposite where you want the trailer to go.

If you put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and use your mirrors, all you have to do is move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go. Practise this in the driveway a few times and you'll get the hang of it.

A word of warning: continuing your turn if the vehicle and trailer start to jack-knife could cause severe damage. Straighten out and try again if this threatens to happen.

Get some help if you're backing down ramps or parking. An extra pair of eyes can help to avert catastrophe.

There are things to consider when going forward as well. Be aware of your additional length as soon as you begin driving.

Begin sharp turns by driving forward a little later to allow the trailer to turn within the available space. In other words, take wide turns.

Safety reminders from Land Transport New Zealand:

* Drive at the correct speed and remember to take longer stopping distances into account.

* Increase following distances to compensate.

* Trailers have a lower open road speed limit than other vehicles. It's 80km/h at the moment but will be increase to 90km/h in late February.

* Other drivers should exercise patience when following a slower moving vehicle and trailer.

* Be aware of limitations and legal requirements.

* Check that the trailer's tyres are adequately inflated, have sufficient tread, that the brake lights work and that towing connections are fastened correctly.