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Old 04-07-2013, 06:03 AM   #1
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Help backing in?

As I've stated in previous posts, the DW and I are heading out across the country from Florida in a couple of weeks. This will be our first RV trip with the exception of two local weekend trips.

The DW, for medical reasons, cannot help me back the rig into a camp site. We've tried practicing it several times and she just can't understand the principal and confuses left and right. (And yes, I'm serious).

So, I'm going to be at the mercy of complete strangers I find around the camp site to help me back into a camp site and wanting some opinions from those with experience. Do you think I'll have any problem finding a helping hand? Would you even ask a stranger to assist you? What do solo travelers do?

I did observe on our two weekend trips that when a new rig arrives, people tend to come out to watch. Maybe just to be sure their stuff doesn't get run over? LOL. Anyway, how would you handle this situation?
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:13 AM   #2
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Before you back in get out and have a look for what you could hit .I would still get your wife to watch ,if she thinks you are going to hit some thing holler stop .then you go back there and have another look . If you don't have a back up camera I recommend that you get one .
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:14 AM   #3
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If she is unable to tell you what direction to turn your wheels. I would teach her to stay in site of your mirror and only to raise her hand if she sees a problem. Beyond that I would suggest you learn to trust your mirrors and practice.
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:16 AM   #4
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By asking.

If I see a single driver is having problems, I offer to help. If I see they are going to clip something, I'll step out of my coach and give them a very visible crossed arms.

Most say they don't need help. Some say sure. I wouldn't be embarrassed. Its a helpful group. Just make sure you tell them what help you'd like.

Best time, when you get out of the coach to inspect the site. Which is a good practice to follow anyway.
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:17 AM   #5
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Lazydays has a driver confidence course that also gives very good pointers on backing in. Try this link:

RV Classes to Enhance the RVer
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:17 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by Excell View Post
Before you back in get out and have a look for what you could hit .I would still get your wife to watch ,if she thinks you are going to hit some thing holler stop .then you go back there and have another look . If you don't have a back up camera I recommend that you get one .
I do have a camera and find it helpful. I was getting out to look so much the last time out I finally just left the door open. Still, I'm not comfortable backing without someone guiding me.
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:18 AM   #7
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We often ask for full hookup pull thru sites. Which helps, especially when we’re just staying the night.

I agree with the what the others have said about taking a walk around the site before parking, to check where the hookups are, and anything that might be of concern.


And some campgrounds ‘escort’ us to our camp site, and then assist/watch when we pull or back in.

DW is almost aways outside while I’m parking providing an extra set of eyes, just incase..


On some occasions, fellow campers have assisted as well…
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:25 AM   #8
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Maybe carry an orange traffic cone with you and place it near the rear of the site where you want to stop. You can use your rear or side cameras and mirrors to align the motorhome to at least the general area, then get out and see how much you need to adjust your positioning.
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:32 AM   #9
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Anyway, how would you handle this situation?
Best way to handle it, is to stay in campgrounds that have Pull through sites.
Many do. Call ahead to see if any are available.

I can back if needed. But it has been a couple years since having a back in.
When traveling just overnight stops. Pulling my toad I will not stay at a campground that doesn't have a pull through.
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:33 AM   #10
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Because DW travels a lot for her work, the dog and I make many solo trips. When we first started, I took the driver's confidence course at Lazy Days and then set up cones in a vacant parking lot and practiced turning and backing. When I was first starting, I used traffic cones to help me back into a site. One thing I learned was to be slow about it. Do not be afraid to stop and exit so you can see what is going on before you continue backing. Personally, I would not want to use the campground lookers for help backing. There is no way to know their skill level, their communication skills, or their current sobriety.

Until you are more comfortable, why not stay where there are pull thru sites? Much easier for a novice to get into.
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:39 AM   #11
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My wife and I have two way radios. No yelling and no misunderstood hand signals. I highly recommend. I haven't tried it solo yet.
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:47 AM   #12
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If you ask at check in for help, I'm sure most all parks will assist.
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Old 04-07-2013, 06:57 AM   #13
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My DW is very helpful directing my while backing in but sometimes left and right can be confusing in reverse. Instead she will just point what way I need to go. If we do get our signals crossed she will just stop me and walk up to the drivers window or call my cell phone.

Go slow is good advice. If you are holding someone up, well too bad. I'm sure they have been in that situation some time in the past and it is likely you will never see them again anyway.

You can also try asking when you check in if there is someone from the CG that can help. I bet most decent ones will be happy to send a helper. We have been in a couple that automatically send someone in a golf car to help if you need it.
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Old 04-07-2013, 07:15 AM   #14
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Stop in front of your site, get out and walk around the site. Look UP and to the sides for possible obstructions. Place an orange cone where you want the rear hitch to end up.
Have the DW stand where you can see her. She can tell you if you are close (no right or left) just by gradually bringing her hands together, simulating the hitch getting closr to the cone. Stop and then go out and verify location. If off you can then make finite adjustments.
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