Helpful hints

[scottz]

Originally Posted by MAwolcott

3 words; Driver, Passenger, Straight.

I would suggest a fourth word: STOP!

[Mel B.]

Originally Posted by MAwolcott

A little back story.. My wife and I bought our first travel trailer in 2006. I however, had a pop up before that and towed things on the farms in Pa and towed aircraft around in the Navy, so I was used to towing and backing things up. When my wife (love her dearly!) wanted to help direct me backing in, I used to get so frustrated because I had no idea what she wanted me to do. Her arms were waving around so badly that I didn't know if she wanted me to turn left, right, or if she was waving off the space shuttle! I read an article recently and put it to use this past weekend leaving our spot at Grandfather Mountain Campground. 3 words; Driver, Passenger, Straight. If I needed the rear of the camper to go towards the drivers side, she said driver...and so on. It worked great and we were out of a site not meant for big rigs (even though they said it was) in no time! So for those of you that have the communication issues like we did, try it, I think you'll be happy you did.

Years ago after launching our boat my wife said I'll go park the truck an trailer I said you sure? yeah it will give you a break. She hit 3 parked boat trailers and didn't even know it.

[oceandansar]

I'm 57 and have been pulling big trailers most of my life. I am by no means an expert and not good at giving direction except get out of the seat and let me do it. lol My wife while not great at it can manage in a pinch if needed.
When I reach a campsite and I have had 2 this summer so far I didn't think I was gonna be able to get in. I get out survey the obstacles make mental notes and devise a plan in my head and tell my wife don't let me hit anything lol and no screaming and hollering. so far we haven't hit anything and the last site I didn't think I could get in we managed just fine. The campground host said I must be a truck driver.
Get a plan and go slowly sometimes just a very little pull ahead will fix ur problem where most people will completely pull up and start over when actually they just about had it.

[Ram Montana High Country]

Just got back from a trip, borrowed my neighbors driveway as mine does not have a flat spot to park it. One shot, two minor straightens and it was parked - the guy across the street came over and said my neighbor never gets his in that easily ... 1st time luck I guess

[dennis hogan]

My wife and I still laugh about when she first started flagging me back in when we had our bumper pull. I got out of the truck asking her what gang she was in with all the hand motion.

[WeBeFulltime]

My wife gets the biggest thrill/laugh watching wives try to give signals to their better halves when backing in. She enjoys just being able to stay out of my way while I put it in place and I'm pretty happy about it too. No stress on either of us! I will add that I'm a retired trucker.

[Mel B.]

I tell my wife just yell if I'm going to hit something.

[footz1941]

My wife was directing me when suddenly she had one hand in front of her face and was waving all kinds of motions. She was shooing gnats from her face. We use cell phones.

[jeffba]

We have used cell phones. Learned not to say what in the world too loud. use hand signals mostly.

hands suddenly waving around head = flying bugs
trying to keep both feet off of the ground = fire ants
hands coming together in front of her and 2 feet apart means only inches to go before she claps them together. 18" part mean only about 2-6 inches to go.

[Dave W]

I let my DW think she is helping me into a back in site. My lesson learned for this is two small dents on the LH rear fender of my truck, incurred at a CG outside of Santa Fe. She was carefully watching and not in sight in my RH mirror, and forgetting that there was a tree in the way. Should I have seen that tree - probably but until she 'disappeared' we were doing just fine. Now, whether she knows it or not, her main role is to make sure that I don't back into something ---- again. Those dents, left as a reminder for a year but I'll fix 'em in a couple weeks since we now have, TA DA and drum roll, Walkie Talkies

[Rondo]

Come to the Fall Rally in Goshen, Indiana in September and you'll learn all kinds of tips and tricks from the seminars and those at the Rally. To sign up you'll have to click on the 2018 Fall Rally thread here on the Forum and find out how to attend. I think sign up for the Fall Rally begins around the 2nd of April but it may be delayed a little due to making arrangements with Keystone, the OEM suppliers and the fair grounds. Check it out and hope to see you in Goshen!

[mtlakejim]

Originally Posted by Rondo

If you come to the Fall Rally, they usually have a "Hand Signals Class". Great advise from those putting on the class and also by those that attend and have been backing for years! We use full arm (both arms) to signal each other and if I or the DW can't see each other in the mirrors we stop and don't move until we do!
I do like the idea of the cell phone also since we have the Bluetooth system in the truck and it connects automatically when my phone rings.

I tried to teach my wife international hand signals. She has learned one but I can't discuss it in mixed company.......

[jking]

I. Always tell my spotter “If you can’t see MY face in the mirror, then I cannot see you, period! 🙈😳

[mtlakejim]

Looks like I am not the only one that needs that shirt that says "sorry for what I said while we were setting up the camper"!

[masterdrago]

We found early on that hand signals just did not work for us. Also found handset walkie and the cel on speaker just did not work well over the ambient noise (diesel truck, etc). Yelling was not the answer either. I had researched these when dealing with backing the big pontoon boat but found price and proprietary battery just did not suit me. I finally caved in and we find they work really good for us. What's a few hundred more clams added to all the other "stuff" we "need" for the RV! Just make sure you charge the batteries when you leave for a trip. http://eartec.com/ultralitepg1.html

[masterdrago]

I had got these b4 I learned about the blue tooth feature in our new truck. That might be the best avenue. But if no good speaker/blue tooth in TV then try the Eartec.

[richfaa]

We have used the back up camera for years.It has a speaker and can be used for communications if needed. We use hand signals when backing but we try not to back . We both are well trained in backing so hand signals are more meaningful when both are experienced backers.

[packnrat]

help in backing up?
i back up trailers for a living.
but yes to not moving if helper is not in view. there job to keep them selves in your sight at all times.
and are movements over sized so as easer to see. but should set ip " rules" as to what arm movements say.