I got a new car, a ute, much better for towing, but I discovered yesterday that I can't see the trailer when reversing without the boat on it. It was like going back 10 years in my ability to reverse a trailer. I must have looked like a right muppet! 

Kandrew wrote: I can’t se mine either, I’ve always backed using the mirrors so the way I do it is if I can’t see the trailer in either side mirror then it must be going straight behind the car. If that makes sense

Same in my Ute but my trailer is a bit wider so don't loose site of it. 

Kandrew wrote: I can’t se mine either, I’ve always backed using the mirrors so the way I do it is if I can’t see the trailer in either side mirror then it must be going straight behind the car. If that makes sense

Thanks for the replies and the empathy from Smudge. It's all a bit annoying as I finally got a good tow vehicle and was previously pretty competent at reversing a trailer after a struggle to get to that point.

Keith C wrote: I have a magnetic pull out car-aerial type extension that I attach to my mudguard. I have attached a flag, as it gets difficult to see reversing into the sun. Similar concept here with this hitch alignment guide: https://www.reeseprod.com/Product/63300_trailer-hitch-alignment-system

I take it that the trailer is narrower than the ute,jet ski?? Get it as straight as you can before reversing,,should be able turn side mirrors enough.left and right.to see part of the trailer,forget about reverse camera,turn the thing off as they are so off putting,they are only there so you cvan stop if little johnny appearss,as Kandrew stated reversre slowly with little corrections and when trailer apears in left or roght make the correction,if nessacary pull forward again. They recently put cvameras on our trailers and they bugger me up ,you cant back on cvamera alone,only there to make sure no on appears,mirrors outside are your friend,in fact dont be shy,get out and have a look!

Thanks Pcj, it's a trailer for a 5.6m boat, but yes, the ute is wider. Agree about the reversing camera. It just doesn't work (for me anyway). 

Thanks for all the advice. In the finest tradition of an internet forum, I ignored it! Went with the trailer pole guides and problem solved. What's another $300 in the world of boating 

Are you able to drop your tail gate without it hitting the winch, I do this and look out the back window when I losse veiw of it in the side mirrors. Removing the rear head rests helps too.