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This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the PEP curriculum.  Completing this BB is part of getting the sand badge in Homesteading.

In this Badge Bit you will drive a truck and trailer backwards.



Here are some related threads and articles.
 - Reverse with a Trailer
 - How to Back a Trailer
 - Reverse a Trailer like a Pro





To complete this BB, the minimum requirements are:
  - you must drive a truck and trailer backwards on a straight road for 100 feet
  - properly connect and disconnect trailer from truck
           o test that the lights are working correctly
  - any street-legal motor vehicle is acceptable

To show you've completed this Badge Bit, you must:
 - post a 2 minute video of you:
          o connecting the trailer properly
          o testing the lights
          o driving a truck and trailer backwards for at least 100 feet
          o disconnecting the trailer properly
COMMENTS:
 
steward
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Approved submission
Ok, I was hauling stuff around today so the missus helped me video this BB.  The first time I tested the lights (hand outside the window) she was giving a thumbs up or down as I indicated which light I was testing.  As you can tell, the lights weren't working (at that time).  After backing into the parking spot, the lights were working so I showed off for a bit.

Staff note (Steve Thorn) :

I certify this BB is complete!

 
pollinator
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Would a full sized van work instead of a truck?
 
gardener & hugelmaster
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Since a van is harder to back than a truck my opinion is that it is acceptable. I think it meets the intent of the BB.
 
Mike Haasl
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Good point, I adjusted the requirements a bit.
 
gardener
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What if the trailer doesn't have lights connected (ie day legal but not night legal?)
 
Mike Haasl
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I think it needs to have lights :(
 
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Rob Lineberger wrote:What if the trailer doesn't have lights connected (ie day legal but not night legal?)



A handy thing to have is some of those pre-wired, magnetic lights used for pulling another vehicle. They can be used temporarily on an offroad trailer that would normally get lights torn off off-road, or carried in an emergency auto kit in case a trailer or auto light gets busted or you decide to pull or haul unusual items. Or for getting badges!
 
gardener
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Approved submission
Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.
Note: It would have been nice to see you driving

 
pollinator
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Approved submission
Back back back it up! At PTJ 2021.
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Mike Haasl approved this submission.

 
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Here’s my post for reversing a trailer for 100ft. It was more challenging than I was expecting. That’s mostly due to the fact that I had no visibility out the back of the backup vehicle.

Here’s the video:
Staff note (gir bot) :

Dave Burton approved this submission.
Note: I hereby certify this BB as complete!

 
pioneer
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I backed a trailer attached to a van 100ft! The first thing I did while connecting was check the lights with Mike's assistance. Then I connected it, drove it, then disconnected it. The section of me connecting it is more sped up than the rest of the video because it took me a bit longer.

Staff note (gir bot) :

Dave Burton approved this submission.
Note: I hereby certify this BB as complete!

 
gardener
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Approved submission
Here is my submission for the Homesteading - Sand - Drive a Truck and Trailer in Reverse BB.

During the PTJ, a group of us got in some practice or experience in backing a trailer for 100-feet.

To document the completion of the BB, I have provided:


To show you've completed this Badge Bit, you must:
 - post a 2-minute video of you:
          o connecting the trailer properly
          o testing the lights
          o driving a truck and trailer backward for at least 100 feet
          o disconnecting the trailer properly
Staff note (gir bot) :

Dave Burton approved this submission.
Note: I hereby certify this BB as complete!

 
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Approved submission
Trailer backup 100 ft straight at 2021 PTJ event at Wheaton Labs

Staff note (gir bot) :

Dave Burton approved this submission.
Note: I hereby certify this BB as complete!

 
gardener
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Approved submission
I drive a trailer in reverse.
Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.

 
Kyle Knight
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Here's a little video of me hooking up my trailer, checking the lights, backing up a bunch,  and unhooked at its new home.

Staff note (gir bot) :

Paul Fookes approved this submission.
Note: I certify this BB complete. Well done Kyle

 
pollinator
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Sooooo, i understand that a car and a trailer doesn't fit the bill? I think most motor vehicule aren't easy to drive in reverse... In the wood badge, tractor and other vehicule are accepted for the reverse with the longue trailer...
 
Mike Haasl
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  - any street-legal motor vehicle is acceptable


A car is fine for this BB, go for it!
 
Raphaël Blais
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Approved submission
Did the trailer backwards BB, hope it's good!

Staff note (gir bot) :

echo minarosa approved this submission.
Note: BB requirements met. Verified complete.

 
Posts: 24
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We drive and pull trailers very often...drove the RV pictured in the video pulling a trailer through the mountains of Colorado all the way to Dallas, Texas.  My wife was scared, but we're alive to tell the story haha  See attached video for a 100' backup example  -
Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.

 
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My Submission for this BB:

877F4315-8DCF-4A01-8AC4-58F8912A3916.jpeg
[Thumbnail for 877F4315-8DCF-4A01-8AC4-58F8912A3916.jpeg]
Staff note (gir bot) :

Mike Haasl approved this submission.
Note: For future reference, fully disconnecting the trailer from the vehicle is the intent.

 
Posts: 36
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here's my 2 mins of YouTube fame.....

https://youtu.be/LI3ug6OHWEI
Staff note (gir bot) :

Raphaël Blais approved this submission.
Note: The ask to test the lights before taking the road... But at least we see you have some and they are working, good job!

 
pollinator
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Approved submission
I can back up a trailer! https://youtu.be/t55B6u3f2wQ
Staff note (gir bot) :

Someone approved this submission.

 
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