How to Back Up a Trailer: ...and 101 Other Things Every Real Guy Should Know

My son saw this book at a relative's home and asked for a copy. For a kid that doesn't like to read much, a book he WANTS is always a win!

This book is very disappointing. Each section leaves out important details about how do do these things SAFELY. For example, in the section on changing a tire, the author leaves out that you should always push down on the wrench when loosening or tightening lug nuts, never up or to the side. This helps prevent the car from falling off the jack.Even the title section on how to back up a trailer only covers straight-line backing. It doesn't tell you how to back into a space at an angle, which is actually safer when you do it to the left because you can see where the trailer is going and the path in front of it by looking over your left shoulder. Straight line backing isn't as unsafe as "blind side" backing (backing-up at an angle to your right), but it should not be the preferred method in many situations.If you really want to learn how to back-up a trailer, here is how non-straight-line backing-up done:1. With the vehicle sitting still, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction which you want the trailer to travel. Turn the steering wheel as far as it will go in that direction.2. Start backing-up slowly, and pay attention as the trailer begins to turn in the proper direction.3. Check your mirrors. Don't get too fixated on the trailer or you might hit something with your car as it turns. Look around frequently.4. As the trailer travels in the direction you want, straighten out the steering wheel to keep the trailer from jack-knifing.5. Turn the steering wheel in the direction in which the trailer is traveling, using the steering wheel to make the car follow the trailer in its circular arc.6. Keep checking your mirrors and looking around to make sure your car and trailer don't hit anything.As far as straight line backing goes, the method described in the book is just one method. This is the method I prefer: Place your hands at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock on the steering wheel. As you back up, if the trailer veers in one direction, turn the steering wheel half a turn in that direction until it straightens out, and then straighten out the steering wheel. Repeat as necessary.Having finally finished this book (it makes good bathroom reading), I admit I found some of the stories funny. It's decent entertainment. However, this book is billed as a "how-to" book, and at that, it fails.One last note. If you want to learn how to ride a motorcycle, don't think that reading the section on how to ride a motorcycle will make you ready to hit the streets. Publishing a couple pages on this topic is dangerous and irresponsible. Instead, I recommend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's intensive Basic Rider's Course.

I gave this as a gift for a friend who needs to learn how to back up his boat. A few weeks after I gave him the book we met and I asked him if the book is helpful...a big yes. Because he hasn't taken his boat out of the water yet to practice backing up he has used the book for other 99 things for help. It certainly sounds like it is helpful.

This is an awesome book! There are 101 things that every guy should know. Some I knew already. Some I didn't. The instructions for each are understandable and practical. I've read it and re-read it several times. Some of these things I hope to try out. Some I hope I never have to try out, but I am glad that now I have some idea what to do.I bought a copy for my brother. This book is a great gift for recent graduates, teenage or young adult sons, and for young men you are mentoring.

dellvery was ridiculous. This was ordered mid December for Christmas and I got it last week. I'm not happy, however this is my fist bad expereience with your Company. Several days before Christmas as the merchandise had not arrived I called. The Company said they wouldsend another copy and this arrived about January 2. The other merchandise was received promptly and within a very reasonable time frame. Kudos for the other experiences but not for this book.Thank youRick M

I saw this book at a friends and could not get over all the helpful information in this book. I am a woman living alone with property and multiple vehicles. I actually own a Teardrop Trailer like the one pictured on the cover. What drew me to this book is that in the 3 years since I bought the trailer I have never been able to back it up (short trailer tongue). I can now. There is also much more easy common sense infomation in this book. Great reference for anyone who has to do everything for themselves. It really is what every guy and girl should know.

Enjoyed the writing and the attitude of the writing.

Please ignore the outdated advice on chapter 64 "understanding and working with dogs", This author neither understands nor knows how to work with dogs, and is not competent in the current research on animal behavior. He is giving inappropriate outdated advice that has been shown to create fear, such as physical punishment. For updated information based on current veterinary behavior research, please follow the advice of expert Sophia Yin, DVM, MS http://drsophiayin.com/ or other reputable veterinary behaviorists http://www.dacvb.org/resources/for-the-public/

Was a good entertaining read. Gave as gift. Will have to go and have a poo to re read it.

Great information on how to do things right. Hard things explained on how to make things simple for every guy!