Backing up help needed.

[jimemeone]

Newbie trying to park mh. Never owned a mh until a couple days ago(37' dp/going full time in 4 months) and tried pulling it in next to the house with no luck I'm sure because I really don't have driving experience and just can't get it straight enough(have 10' of usable width now). One side is the house and the other side is a hill that can be cut back(if I have to but would rather not). Quick question is is it easier to back in vs pulling in to get it straight quicker? My street is full two lane with parking on both sides(normally no cars parked), the hill starts 11' from the street and the house is 30' from the street. All suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks/Jim

[no3putt]

We pull in and back out and park next to garage. Just easyier then trying to back in.

[ltcolmac17]

There are several videos on YouTube for this. You've got to set up your mirrors and use them correctly as these videos describe. Also some visual markers on the ground or on structures around your spot will help, as well as a spotter on a 2-way radio or cellphone. Practice makes perfect.


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[Vaflatlander]

IMO pulling straight in and backing out is easier and safer. Have a spotter guide you out when backing onto the street.

[dpinvidic]

My opinion is that backing in gives you more control.

When you pull in forward, you have little opportunity for correction because you can't control the back wheels....they always follow the front wheels.
And once your front section is inside the parking spot, your very limited as to manoeuvring.

When you back in, the front tires (Which provide the steering control) are still in the open area. So you have more opportunity to swing the front wider to make corrections so the rear end goes where you want.

Try to back you daily car into parking spots as much as possible for practice.
It will become easy with Practice.

You become a much better driver is you are able to handle backing up well, it can keep you out of trouble.

Regards,

Dan

[NevadaNick]

Measure the mh and figure out where it needs to be in relation to the house such as x amount away. Then paint a line on the drivers side where you can use the mirror and keep mh on the line.

[Tha_Rooster]

I back in my carport then It's easier to leave.

[tim myers]

I prefer backing in but that is just my preference.

[Ron_H]

Lazydays produced a good "Driving with Confidence" video that is available on YouTube. I suggest you and your wife watch it together as it discusses the responsibilities of the co-driver and will give her valuable information on providing you with effective assistance.

[U][B]"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CeThR_A4VI"][U][B]

Proper mirror alignment is essential as is a spotter on your blind (curb) side and behind as depth perception is mostly lost when looking through a rearview mirror. The biggest "backing up" advice I can offer is to be aware of your rear axle position as it is the pivot point that your coach turns on both going forward and backwards. If you turn to early, before your pivot point is past the target corner, you'll cut to close.

Good luck, it gets much easier with a bit of experience. You might also benefit from a bit of time practicing in a vacant parking lot where there is nothing to clip.

[damdannyboy]

Get some cones and go to a parking lot and practice! You know all RV sites are not pull through so practice, practice, practice!!!

Damdannyboy

[dix39]

I'm thinking that sooner or later you will need to back into a place that is as difficult or more so than at home. If it were me I would go to a large vacant space and practice until I felt confident, then back into the space at home with an observer to be certain nothing is destroyed. It really isn't that difficult, it just takes a bit of learning. Ask one of those semi drivers running doubles or triples. :-))

Best of luck with it.

Steve

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

My opinion is that backing in gives you more control.

When you pull in forward, you have little opportunity for correction because you can't control the back wheels....they always follow the front wheels.
And once your front section is inside the parking spot, your very limited as to manoeuvring.

When you back in, the front tires (Which provide the steering control) are still in the open area. So you have more opportunity to swing the front wider to make corrections so the rear end goes where you want.

Try to back you daily car into parking spots as much as possible for practice.
It will become easy with Practice.

You become a much better driver is you are able to handle backing up well, it can keep you out of trouble.

Regards,

Dan

X2 - backing IMO allows more precise placement of the back wheels.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

My opinion is that backing in gives you more control.
When you pull in forward, you have little opportunity for correction because you can't control the back wheels....they always follow the front wheels.
Dan

dpinvidic
I find pulling in forward is easier because the back wheels always follow the front wheels.
BTW I don't back up without my spotter giving me guidance.
Mel
'96 Safari, 148k miles

[TR4]

Originally Posted by damdannyboy

Get some cones and go to a parking lot and practice! You know all RV sites are not pull through so practice, practice, practice!!!

Damdannyboy

Very good advice. Also use a spotter to guide you as your backing. The guide will be responsible for anything behind you. Look out your left side view mirror, and like a gun site, keep the side of the MH lined up with the spotter. If they move left or right just follow them (they should use hand signals to direct you).
Stop immediately if you loose site of the spotter. As your backing it's your responsibility for watching the front of the MH for clearance.

Bill