Reversing on to a caravan pitch is not only a test of patience, but it can also pile on the pressure if you're not experienced with your outfit. Even after years of practice, it doesn't take a lot to get it wrong. Here's how to back up confidently and perfectly pitch every time.

Go slow

This is the most important rule, by far. Take your time. The slower you go, the more time you have to react and fix any angle errors. Reverse quickly or try to show off and you'll come unstuck faster than a cheap club rally decal.

Use your mirrors

That's what they're there for, and use them both! Often you'll see one mirror being stared at by a driver as the other mirror's view is full of caravan!

Look out of windows

While mirrors are of the utmost importance, remember that you can look back and out of your windows to directly see the effect your steering wheel work is having on your pride and joy.

Let the caravan react

If you're too eager with your steering adjustments, your tourer won't have time to turn. Therefore, make sure that as you turn the steering wheel, do so slowly so your lock and oppo lock, can transfer through your outfit and make a difference in your carav-angle.

Pivot perfectly

Remember that your single-axle tourer will turn from its wheels, and that twin-axles will take longer to turn. If approaching at a right angle, watch in your mirror for when the axle(s) pass the boundary of your pitch before you turn the steering wheel, otherwise you'll send your outfit cutting corners (in other words, through a hedge/fence/wall).

Take a course image

Don't be afraid to pull forward

You'll give yourself extra room to manoeuvre and a better angle to line up your outfit.

Pulling forward during a reverse exercise isn't an admission of incompetence. There's always one person who won't do it; usually it's the same person who wouldn't ask for directions on the way to the campsite and took an extra hour or so to get there.

By pulling forward, you'll give yourself extra room to manoeuvre and a better angle to line up your outfit. If you don't, you're infinitely more likely to struggle and stubbornly squeeze your tourer into a position that's even harder to get out of conveniently.

Ignore everyone

That's unless you've asked them to help, or they're shouting that you're about to reverse into something.

Everyone's a critic. You'll see caravan curtain twitchers, people who spend that little extra time walking to the loo block, and those who out and out just come over to watch. Most of the time people will just be curious, but the point to remember is: don't let them put pressure on you. Take your time and do it whichever way works for you.

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