Guidelines for Successfully Reversing a Caravan

There are few things more intimidating than manoeuvring vehicles we’re unfamiliar with, and we are uncertain how they will behave. The list of people who have been caught out when reversing a vehicle with a trailer is a long one, and it can be a nerve-wracking moment, especially if we’ve just arrived at a busy campsite and lots of people are relaxing with a burger and a beverage and judging our performance. The team here at RV Parts Express is all too familiar with that sinking sensation, but help is at hand. Here are some handy tips and tricks to reverse your caravan safely and place it where you want it to go the first time, even when your every move is being scrutinised.

Why is reversing a caravan so tricky?

The main stumbling block when reversing a caravan for most people is that it requires performing an action counterintuitive to the method we all typically execute when reversing a vehicle. The physics of adding a coupling link into the equation means that it is essential to turn the wheel the opposite way from the direction you want the caravan to go. In solid-bodied vehicles like cars and non-articulated trucks, the direction you turn the wheel when travelling backwards is the same way the vehicle goes. The same is not true with a coupled trailer or caravan, and herein lies the vast majority of issues people face. They need help to override years of training and driving experience to allow them to turn contrary to their instincts when reversing. The best way to grow accustomed to this attribute is good old-fashioned practice. Find a clear, safe spot and spend as much time as it takes to get used to how the vehicles operate in tandem when reversing. 

• Tip — Rather than picturing the caravan's direction when travelling backwards, visualise the car's rear end and how it pushes the caravan the other way. It is genuinely tricky, much akin to rubbing one's head and patting the stomach simultaneously, but practice makes it all the easier. 

The importance of mirrors and reversing cameras

• Mirrors

Caravans can often be wider than the towing vehicle and block your rearward view. A bare minimum requirement of towing a caravan should be your ability to see fully and clearly what is happening behind you via a good set of mirrors. The rules regarding mirrors vary from state to state in Australia, but most will insist on bespoke, extended mirrors if your existing ones are partially blocked by the trailing vehicle. When reversing, it is crucial to see the caravan's rear corners — they will be your guide to remind yourself of the direction the trailer is heading and will be one of the first points of contact in any imminent collision.

• Camera

If your caravan is equipped with a reversing camera, check that it is switched on and in good working order. Familiarise yourself with the display and how it pertains to the actual physical movement of the caravan. Once the confusing ‘opposite’ turning technique begins, becoming befuddled and making mistakes is easy. Again, practice is your best course of action and can make all the difference between a smooth, easy reversal and a nightmare one.

Step One

When approaching an unknown space, you need to manoeuvre your caravan into, park nearby if possible, get out of your vehicle, and analyse the scenario. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the intended space big enough for the caravan?
• Is there enough space around it for me to get it into that space using the vehicle?
• Can I get the lead vehicle back out again, or will the caravan block it?
• Are there any obstacles to watch out for?

If you have a passenger experienced in reversing trailers, ask their opinion or, at a push, ask them if they will park the caravan for you. This defeats the objective of learning how to do it confidently, but if the moment is not right and you have an alternative, take it. There is no shame in any of this, and it is better to laugh off the embarrassment of needing help than putting your hand in your pocket to pay for a new campsite power stand or light to replace the one you just smashed. 

• Tip — If there are no noticeable marks to guide you, mark where you want the corner of your caravan to go using a marker you can see from inside the vehicle. 

Step Two

Step two is a series of smaller steps and adjustments to be made as required once you start the process. Place the connected vehicles so you can easily begin your procedure with as much room for correction as possible. 

• Put the steering wheel in full lock in the opposite direction from the intended travel of the caravan. 

Because you will be moving very slowly, full lock is required to encourage the trailer to move as you want. 

• Start to move slowly, adjusting the amount of steering lock as necessary.

If you over-steer in one direction, notice the caravan turning the wrong way or in a tight circle (jack-knifing), stop. Drive forward again until the caravan is back in position and try again. 

When the inside wheel of the caravan (the first one to enter the space) reaches the corner bay you marked earlier, you turn the steering wheel slowly in the opposite direction and maintain the same crawling speed.

• Tip — an assistant who stands in front of the car and watches your rear corners can be immensely helpful if they understand the concept well. They can also be a source of immense frustration and stress if their instructions are unhelpful, so choose wisely.

Step Three

Come to a stop and apply the caravan’s brakes. In the elation of executing the perfect caravan reversal, don’t forget to guarantee it stays there by using the parking brake. Give yourself a few moments to check that everything is as it should be and that your lead vehicle is parked with the hand brake on. 

Inspect your efforts. Get out of the vehicle and ensure the caravan is precisely where you want it to be. Take note of its proximity to any power stands or lights you may need, and if it is not perfect, don’t be afraid to start over and make adjustments. Your caravan may be small enough to make minor final adjustments by hand using the vehicle's natural pivot point, but larger caravans will be too cumbersome. 

Conclusion

As daunting and challenging as it can be to reverse a caravan if you have never tried it before, it’s simply a matter of practising until you get the hang of it. Those pressure-ramping observers you feel watching your every move are probably just bored, and the chances are they made their own mistakes when learning how to perfect the technique. Ignore them, focus, and treat yourself to a pat on the back when the job is done.

Contact us

Here at RV Parts Express, we love nothing more than talking about all aspects of camping and outdoor adventuring, so if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. With a vast range of spare parts, accessories, and innovative gadgets, you will surely find something to make your experience in the great outdoors much more amenable.