Just simple towing question...any tips for backing up a trailer for the CT?

[7racer]

I have a normal ICE truck and the extended side mirrors and ability to adjust them to see the trailer really helps.

I was towing with the CT yesterday which towed great. But backing up the view was a struggle. I thought the side cameras would help but the view gets too far.
I used the side mirrors but when you have the mirror on the adjustment mode, the camera goes away. LOL

simple problems but wanted to see if anyone had any tips.
I still suck at backing up a trailer but better than when I first started.

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[NiceCybertruck]

Yes, you can back all the way into my driveway. ? But seriously, I know how you feel, backing up just takes practice and patience.

 

[Celiboy]

I recommend going into an empty parking lot with lots of room and practicing. I’ve been towing boats for 25 years and I still went out and practiced before heading to a lake so I wouldn’t look like a fool and holding everyone up. Like with your setup, using the tailgate camera with my boat is not an option.

The benefit is learning how much the rear wheel steering effects the trailer and also learning how to use your side mirrors. I wouldn’t recommend using the side cameras because the don’t give the right perspective. The down the line view can be helpful in some situations but not generally.

You need to learn how to quickly locate what your trailer is doing from whatever source you have available whether it’s mirrors or cameras and how your steering input with the 4 wheel steering effects the trailer while backing up. The best way to learn that is by practicing. Also, learn how to quickly toggle your side mirrors to not adjust when in reverse lol.

 

[Jack27]

I have a normal ICE truck and the extended side mirrors and ability to adjust them to see the trailer really helps.

I was towing with the CT yesterday which towed great. But backing up the view was a struggle. I thought the side cameras would help but the view gets too far.
I used the side mirrors but when you have the mirror on the adjustment mode, the camera goes away. LOL

simple problems but wanted to see if anyone had any tips.
I still suck at backing up a trailer but better than when I first started.

They have allot of those airless trailer cameras for less then 200 if it really is annoying for you

 

[SentinelOne]

Shocked no one has released towing mirrors for the CT...it's 3 bolt disconnect for the OEM Mirror (and 1 wire). I still suck at towing a trailer (Toy hauler, boat, etc)...practice, practice.

 

[Korben Dallas]

The best advice I ever got was from my dad on this subject & who drove 18-wheelers most of his life was:

1. Before starting to back maneuver your truck so the rear of the trailer is already pointing in the general direction where you want to park it. Doing so makes backing up a lot easier.

2. Avoid backing up on the blind, passenger side, whenever possible unless you have someone spotting for you.

3. Take it slow & easy. Don’t be in a hurry to park it, especially if the trailer is short. They can get you in a pickle in a heartbeat.

And like others have already said, find a big empty parking lot and practice. Going straight is easy, backing up is where you show off your trailering skills.

 

[Ivessm]

Use ONE HAND STEERING. And put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and make gentle turns.

Hand to the right will steer your trailer to the right.

Hand to the left will streer your trailer to the left.

Don't be afraid to pull forward to straighten your self out and get a better position to back up.

Good luck. Practice helps

 

[CyberCatnip]

I have a normal ICE truck and the extended side mirrors and ability to adjust them to see the trailer really helps.

I was towing with the CT yesterday which towed great. But backing up the view was a struggle. I thought the side cameras would help but the view gets too far.
I used the side mirrors but when you have the mirror on the adjustment mode, the camera goes away. LOL

simple problems but wanted to see if anyone had any tips.
I still suck at backing up a trailer but better than when I first started.

From a retired truck driver:
Whether it’s your ice truck or ct the most common mistake people make is over steering. Small corrections are your best friend. Don’t be afraid to pull forward if needed! Good luck and congrats on your new truck!!!

 

[Woodrick]

I have a normal ICE truck and the extended side mirrors and ability to adjust them to see the trailer really helps.

I was towing with the CT yesterday which towed great. But backing up the view was a struggle. I thought the side cameras would help but the view gets too far.
I used the side mirrors but when you have the mirror on the adjustment mode, the camera goes away. LOL

simple problems but wanted to see if anyone had any tips.
I still suck at backing up a trailer but better than when I first started.

Huh? Mirrors in adjustment mode? Never heard of it. Maybe you are referring to the down tilt when in reverse. Just turn it off.
I use my side mirrors all the time and they work great when backing the trailer.

 

[Lasttoy]

It's fun. I've been towing 50 yrs. It's still fun.

 

[7racer]

Huh? Mirrors in adjustment mode? Never heard of it. Maybe you are referring to the down tilt when in reverse. Just turn it off.
I use my side mirrors all the time and they work great when backing the trailer.

Thanks for all the suggestions. About backing up the trailer, I’ve had the Futura for about 2 years. So know all the suggestions but still don’t feel 100% confident. But just need more seat time than the track days. But yes know about all that.

In regards to the mirrors. One of the guys at the race shop tows a triple axle and showed me a trick if you have to swing the tail at a sharp angle to just use the mirror adjustment to see the end of the trailer. Since I had the cover up and removed my rear mirror, couldn’t see the end of the trailer as I was trying to get it into my parking space.

When I tried to get it into the mirror adjustment then the cameras go away.

 

[Cactusrick]

Can we use FSD while towing???

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