When Lorraine Vaught posted a question in a vintage trailer Facebook group, she was feeling frustrated. She had a charming 15-foot 1957 Shasta and a 1994 Ford F-150, but backing it up was giving her trouble. She reached out for advice—and got a whole lot more than she expected.
Over 170 comments rolled in from fellow vintage trailer owners, filled with advice, encouragement, and tried-and-true techniques. The outpouring of support was a perfect snapshot of what makes the vintage trailering community so special: kind, helpful, and always ready to lend a hand (or a backing tip).
Lorraine later posted an update, sharing how much the feedback had helped and how grateful she was. And really, her experience serves as a great reminder: if you’re having a hard time backing up your trailer, you’re not alone. And there are ways to get better. Here’s a roundup of the best tips that came from the community—along with a few basics to help you feel more confident behind the wheel.
Backing Up Is a Skill—Not a Talent
First thing’s first: backing up a trailer isn’t something you’re born knowing how to do. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. The steering feels backward, and the shorter the trailer, the trickier it can be. If you’ve ever struggled to keep a tiny vintage camper straight, you’re not imagining things. Smaller trailers like Lorraine’s Shasta respond quickly to small steering inputs, which means overcorrection happens easily.
That’s why many people actually find it easier to back up longer, dual-axle trailers—they’re slower to react and more forgiving. But no matter what you’re towing, there are tricks that can make it easier.
Top Community Tips That Work
1. The Bottom-Hand Rule
A favorite among experienced campers: place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Want the back of your trailer to go left? Move your hand left. Want it to go right? Move your hand right. It’s a simple way to make sense of the otherwise confusing steering.
2. Slow Down and Breathe
There’s no award for getting it right on the first try. Take your time, make small adjustments, and don’t be afraid to pull forward and correct your angle. Confidence builds with calm, steady movements—not rushing.
3. Practice in a Low-Pressure Environment
Before your next rally or road trip, find an empty parking lot or a quiet back road and practice backing straight for a block or two. The more you do it, the more natural it feels.
4. Set Yourself Up for Success
Whenever possible, back in from the driver’s side where you have more visibility. Pull forward far enough to get your trailer and tow vehicle in a straight line before starting your turn. Line up your tires close to the space. The better your setup, the easier the job.
Modern Tech Can Help
A backup camera isn’t cheating—it’s just smart. Many newer trucks are equipped with one, and it can be a game changer. Just remember: no matter how good the camera is, nothing beats getting out and checking your clearance. Take your time and get eyes on the situation as often as needed.
A Bit of Encouragement Goes a Long Way
The community didn’t just share techniques—they shared encouragement too. And for many, that’s just as important.
- “There’s no prize for doing it in one shot or penalty for pull-ups.”
- “You can back up slow many times—but too fast only once.”
- “Gas stations scared me at first, but I found many offer plenty of room to maneuver.”
And one of our favorite pieces of advice? Practice until it becomes second nature—and don’t be afraid to ask for help at rallies. Vintage trailer folks are some of the most helpful people you’ll meet on the road.
Bonus Hack: Mark Your Spot
One creative tip that stood out: use a permanent marker to put a small visible dot on the center of your camper and the center of your tailgate. When hitching up, line the marks up and you’re good to go. Simple, but brilliant.
You’ve Got This
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed every time you shift into reverse, just remember: everyone starts somewhere. With a little practice, some patience, and support from a community that truly gets it, you can master the art of the backup.
And hey, we’ve all been there—pulling forward five times to correct our angle, or hopping out to check for the tenth time. It’s all part of the journey.
Need help? Just ask. At a rally, in the comments below, or in a parking lot—chances are someone will be happy to guide you. That’s the magic of the vintage trailer life.
