wholdguy 73 #1 Posted September 23, 2014 Fellow WheelHorsers: What advice can someone offer to make backing the garden carts and other trailers easier? Todays task was picking up small tree limbs and branches to clean up the back yard and the trail into the woods. I had to back the garden cart along the narrow trail into the woods to reach the pile of limbs. Oh what a pain to back that cart on the trail. For me it is so awkward to crank my neck around to see where that trailer is going. So i had the great idea to sit on the hood, looking backwards to run the steering wheel and follow where that trailer was headed. And to make that easier I added a piece of duct tape on the bottom of the steering wheel to mark when the wheel was straight. So now it is easy to turn the wheel to swing the trailer left or right and its all directly in my vision. G. CHARGER 12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,146 #2 Posted September 23, 2014 Somebody needs to make a dump truck. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,410 #3 Posted September 23, 2014 Fellow WheelHorsers: What advice can someone offer to make backing the garden carts and other trailers easier? Just a two wheel cart? Practice. Four Wheeled Wagon? LOTS of Practice. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,410 #4 Posted September 23, 2014 Don't write that off as a smart- ass reply.... it's just the truth. With the short wheelbase we're working with... there's just nothing else. Practice. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-101plowerpower 1,606 #5 Posted September 23, 2014 put a trailer hitch in the front, gets a lot easier, espacialy with the 4wheeled carts Koen 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,919 #6 Posted September 23, 2014 I was always taught to hold the steering wheel at the bottom. While backing, if you want the trailer (cart) to go left, move your hand to the left. If you want it to go right, move your hand to the right. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
specialwheelhorse 174 #7 Posted September 23, 2014 Try that with a Z turn. Yep all they are good for is mowing. We have a riders rodeo every year Should have seen this lady playing Frisbee golf on a Z !! Can't stop gotta keep moving. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,332 #8 Posted September 23, 2014 rmaynard is right on the money. As far as backing 4 wheeled wagons it can be done but without independent brakes like farm tractors it's a tall order to do. I have been backing my 4 wheeled wagon and it takes lots of practice with a garden tractor. Talk about putting some wear on your steering components. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wholdguy 73 #9 Posted September 23, 2014 Thanks All. I started this post to talk about 2 wheel trailers for the WheelHorse. The one I use does have the dump feature when needed. Again as an older gent, my neck hurts when I have to turn it all the way around to see where I'm backing. And then I lose track of where the front wheels are going. So the trailer goes everywhere but where I want it! Someone should try sitting on the hood, looking straight out back at the trailer. It seems odd but I'm telling you you can see the steering wheel, marked for straight ahead, see the trailer and still work the Hydro stick to control speed. I did this and it seems to work. G. CHARGER 12 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,146 #10 Posted September 23, 2014 Someone should try sitting on the hood, looking straight out back at the trailer. It seems odd but I'm telling you you can see the steering wheel, marked for straight ahead, see the trailer and still work the Hydro stick to control speed. I did this and it seems to work. G. CHARGER 12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,919 #11 Posted September 23, 2014 (edited) I'd not recommend this method if you have a stick shift. Edited September 23, 2014 by rmaynard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geno 1,929 #12 Posted September 23, 2014 How about a rear view mirror on a pole that you can raise when you need it? Yes I am serious, it would be cool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Digger 66 3,488 #13 Posted September 23, 2014 (edited) So i had the great idea to sit on the hood, looking backwards to run the steering wheel and follow where that trailer was headed. Did we happen to get any pics of this ^ . As a semi driver of 22 years , I will offer this tidbit : The longer the rig is , the more forgiving it is . After driving my 48 footer with a single screw day cab all day , it's quite the episode to watch me try to back my little snowmobile trailer into the driveway with the Silverado . Edited September 23, 2014 by Digger 66 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doc724 925 #14 Posted September 23, 2014 I find that if I put the tractor in low range, I have much better success in getting the trailer where I want it to go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,919 #15 Posted September 23, 2014 After driving my 48 footer with a single screw day cab all day , it's quite the episode to watch me try to back my little snowmobile trailer into the driveway with the Silverado Dittos on that. I used to tow a 28 foot travel trailer when I was younger. I could back it up and park it on a dime. Fast forward 20 years, and now I try to back my 12 foot utility trailer and it is a matter. Backing the dump cart with the horse is even funnier. The "hand on the bottom of the wheel" method is good, but I still find myself jackknifing most of the time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,744 #16 Posted September 24, 2014 I was always taught to hold the steering wheel at the bottom. While backing, if you want the trailer (cart) to go left, move your hand to the left. If you want it to go right, move your hand to the right. An "old-timer" told me the same thing. I'm pretty good backing 2 wheel trailers using the mirrors.......4 wheel wagons is another story! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theroundhousernr 590 #17 Posted September 24, 2014 I have come to train myself when backing small trailors, its the little movements that count. Only takes a small turn of the wheel to get it going in the direction you want to go. When I am on a big trailor, crank away to put it where you want. Works for me , your results may vary.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,919 #18 Posted September 24, 2014 They say that practice makes perfect...I keep telling myself that, but I'm getting too old for much more practice. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theroundhousernr 590 #19 Posted September 24, 2014 Heres one. Trailor backing competition at the wheel horse show next year!! We do alot of games at the club around my area. Not as much these days though anymore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
.5racer 14 #20 Posted September 24, 2014 sounds like a lot of good seat time ,,,,warmer too ,,,do a big u turn and come back to the pile Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,332 #21 Posted September 24, 2014 Digger 66, I could not agree with you more. I have driven a truck for 30 years. First time I hooked up to 28 footer after pulling 45's and 53's it's like I had never backed up a trailer before. Kinda like trying to back up a 4 wheel wagon. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,520 #22 Posted September 24, 2014 The longer the cart, the easier it is to back up where you want it. Try extending the tow bar to forty five feet! Really, much easier! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,334 #23 Posted September 24, 2014 Front Hitch!!! Back when we had to load 1.5 ton trailers on to C141s and C130s we put a pintle on the front bumper of a 3/4 ton and pushed the trailers in. Putting a trailer into the side of a multi million $$$ airplane is not a good thing. As you can see I still use the same concept when i have to back up a 4 wheel trailer or put a 2 wheel device into a tight space 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
