# How to Reverse a Trailer

- **Published:** 5 April 2023
- **Type:** Both Video
- **Format:** step by step

At Hirepool, we’re the pros when it comes to [trailer hire](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers.md). So, it’s fair to say that we know a thing or two about how to tow a trailer and reverse it. Reversing a trailer has almost turned into a kind of folklore, as something that only the top drivers can do.

In reality, reversing a trailer is easier than you think when you break down the process and practice whether a car trailer, [furniture trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/furniture-trailers.md) or flat deck trailer. Once you get your head around the proper technique, you’ll be a pro in no time. We’ve put together a handy guide and video to help you learn. In both, we go over an easy-to-follow step-by-step set of directions.

## Equipment you'll need

- [Furniture Trailer Single Axle](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/furniture-trailers/613a-furniture-trailer-single-axle.md)
- [Trailer for Scissor Lifts](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/specialised-equipment-trailers/614s-trailer-for-scissor-lifts.md)
- [Chiller Trailer Large](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/chiller-trailers/614g-chiller-trailer-large.md)
- [Trailer Car/Salvage Tandem Axle up to 4.2m x 2.0m](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/transport-trailers/612d-trailer-car-salvage-tandem-axle-up-to-4-2m-x-2-0m.md)
- [Trailer Standard Single Axle up to 2.4m x 1.3m](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/standard-low-side-trailers/611c-trailer-standard-single-axle-up-to-2-4m-x-1-3m.md)
- [Trailer Flatdeck Tandem Axle up to 4.8m x 2.2m](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/transport-trailers/612e-trailer-flatdeck-tandem-axle-up-to-4-8m-x-2-2m.md)
- [Trailer Standard Tandem Axle up to 4.8m x 1.9m](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/standard-low-side-trailers/612f-trailer-standard-tandem-axle-up-to-4-8m-x-1-9m.md)
- [Trailer for Equipment Tandem Axle up to 1.8 Tonne](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/specialised-equipment-trailers/614b-trailer-for-equipment-tandem-axle-up-to-1-8-tonne.md)

## Tools explained

## Practising to reverse a trailer

If you’re new to reversing a trailer, it’s good to get in some practice before you hit the open road. There are many ways you can do this. We think the best option is to take a car trailer into a car park and have a crack until you’ve got a better grip on how things work. Use the white lines as a guide.

Alternatively, if you live rurally, take your car and trailer into a paddock or grassy area and put up some cones for guidance. That way, you can fine-tune your skill using the approach we’re about to cover.

Top tip: Another thing you need to do before hitting the open road with a trailer is to ensure you can legally tow your load. Read our guide on [how to calculate your towing capacity](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/how-to-calculate-your-towing-capacity.md) for pointers.

## Is there a difference between reversing a tandem and single-axle trailer?

Some say, a single-axle trailer is a bit easier to reverse. However, if you’re reversing on an uneven surface, a single-axle trailer may bump around more. Generally, the number of axles your trailer has doesn’t impact how difficult it is to reverse much.

In terms of the [jobs you can do](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/5-jobs-you-can-do-with-a-hire-trailer-this-weekend.md) and the load you can carry, you may need to weigh up between hiring a single or tandem axle trailer. Essentially, a single-axle trailer only has two wheels, whereas a tandem axle has four. So, a tandem may be preferred if you’re carrying a larger or heavier load.

## Can you reverse with trailer brakes?

Yes, you can. If you need to reverse a braked trailer, flick down the reverse latch before attempting. This will stop the trailer from engaging its internal brakes. It’s worth noting that when reversing with the brake disengaged, your tow vehicle must be able to stop both the vehicle and trailer.

A braked trailer means it has brakes that can operate independently from your tow vehicle. Not all trailers are like this, so it’s worth checking when you book with Hirepool.

## The range of trailer options at Hirepool

If you need to tow something from A to B, hire a trailer from us. No matter the job, we’ve got an option. If you’re moving house, check out our range of [furniture trailers for hire](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/furniture-trailers.md). We have [standard, low-side](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/standard-low-side-trailers.md) general-use options, single and tandem trailers. For events, [hire a chiller trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/chiller-trailers.md). Or, a [cage trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/cage-high-side-trailers.md) could be a good option for larger loads. We’ve even got a guide on [what trailer is right for your towing job](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/what-trailer-is-right-for-your-towing-job.md) to point you in the right direction.

## Hiring a vehicle with a tow ball

You won’t be able to tow a trailer anywhere if your vehicle doesn’t have a [tow ball](https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/heavy-vehicles/towing-connections/towbar). Not all vehicles have a tow ball, but those that do, have an attachment our the back of the vehicle that is usually attached to the chassis. In New Zealand, tow vehicles also need to meet [certain regulations](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/roadcode/heavy-vehicle-road-code/road-code/about-driving/key-driving-skills/towing/).

A Hirepool, we have a [range of vehicles for hire](https://vehicles.hirepool.co.nz/). Many of these vehicles have a tow ball, and we assure you that these vehicles meet NZTA regulations. If you have any questions about our range of vehicles, [find out more online](https://vehicles.hirepool.co.nz/about/about-hirepool-vehicle-rentals).

Top tip: If you have a full driver's license, you can tow with a combined weight of no more than 6000kg. If you’re on a restricted license, you can still tow a trailer, but the combined weight of your vehicle, trailer and the load needs to be 14500kg or less.

## Instructions

### Step 1: Be aware of your environment

Before you even hop in your car, the first step is to get a scope of your surroundings. You want to look out for any obstacles that could potentially get in your way. As well as objects like shrubs and large stones, make sure that there are no people or small children running around that could also get in the way of your trailer.

### Step 2: Use a spotter if you can

As with many things in life, it’s good to have help from a friend. When it comes to reversing a trailer, whether a cage trailer or furniture trailer, enlist the support of a spotter if you can. It doesn’t matter how aware you are of your tow vehicle and surroundings; a spotter can help to guide you and help you with spacial awareness. The last thing you want is to cause expensive damage!

### Step 3: Adjust your mirrors

You’ve got adjustable rear-view mirrors. So, it’s time to use them. Before towing your trailer for hire, adjust your mirrors so you can see the rear of your trailer. The last thing you want is your trailer to jackknife. So, visibility, at all times, is crucial.

Top tip: NZTA has some furniture advice on [vehicle stability and dynamics](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/heavy-learner/heavy-combination-vehicles/2.html).

### Step 4: Remember the 6 o'clock position

Now, you’ll want to try to set yourself up so that you’re reversing towards the driver's side of the vehicle. To do this, place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel at the 6 o’clock position. The idea is that when you turn the wheel while reversing your trailer, the direction your hand moves will match up with your trailer's direction.

### Step 5: Avoid Jackknifing

Jackknifing is when you're reversing, and your hire trailer goes on a near 90-degree angle and hits or nearly hits the back of your tow vehicle. As you’d expect, this is less than ideal. If you notice your trailer is beginning to do this, stop right away. Then, it’s just a case of pulling forward and having another crack. Don’t worry; this happens to everyone at least once of twice!

### Step 6: Find the right angle

Once you’ve found your angle and you’re not jackknifing, follow the trailer through with your tow vehicle. As you reverse, take it slow so that you’re always in control. You may need to make adjustments and change your speed or direction as needed. Remember, this isn’t a race!

### Step 7: Park up

Once you have your trailer where you need it to be, put your vehicle in park and the hand brake on. Now that your vehicle is safely stationed, you’re good to go! You may now need to detach your trailer, depending on what you're doing. For a few pointers on how to do this, read our guide on [how to hitch and unhitch a trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-hitch-and-unhitch-a-trailer.md). Another great guide that could help is our guide on [how to tow a trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-tow-a-trailer.md).

## Hire a trailer with Hirepool

If you don’t do it often, the idea of reversing a trailer may seem daunting. However, with a bit of practice and following these simple steps, you’ll be a pro in no time. If you’d like more information, our friendly Hirepool staff will be happy to answer any of your questions. [Visit a branch](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/branches.md) or give us a call 0800 15 15 15.

You can view our [selection of trailers for hire](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers.md) online. Some other guides you may find helpful include:

- [Everything you should know about hiring a trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/everything-you-should-know-about-hiring-a-trailer.md)
- [How to load a trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-load-a-trailer.md)
- [Tips for towing a trailer in New Zealand](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/tips-for-towing-a-trailer-in-new-zealand.md)

* [How to efficiently load a furniture trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-efficiently-load-a-furniture-trailer.md)

Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-reverse-a-trailer