Does any one besides you know mechanics of your rig?

[Kro1957]

I taught my boys at an early age how to operate and drive my boat. Just in case something happened to me.
Then I got to thinking my wife always does her things and leaves all the mechanics and maintenance with our 5vr up to me.
I use a Checklist! Because problems can arise if you don't
She knows how to drive a stick but is afraid with big rig hooked up.
I think it's a good idea she knows and understands the entire set up, take down and transport just in case.....
Does your spouse, significant other do mechanical tasks and drive your rig?

[Francesca]

After many years of observing the effects on my husband of his two engineering degrees, I don't let him touch my trailer or drive the tug, either.

[Kro1957]

I read a post where the husband / wife have a blue list and a pink list of the tasks done. I have no doubts in my wife's determination and ability it is just she does not feel comfortable driving truck stick or doing docking process.
Years ago she drove our smaller truck automatic with our 1st fifth wheel hooked on into a burger joint drive thru. Realized she did it and had to back all way out.
She was alone at time and had no help. Probably did a better job than most could do.

[Riverc]

My wife pulls the rig all the time,not bragging but she backs it better than some men I see in campgrounds.She smiles at some of them when they have a tough time getting in a easy site.

[wswenson]

The DW can backup the 40' 5er without a problem, can drive it down the road and seems to be less worried about driving it at times than I am.

She could hook the bumper tow up but she has not had time with the new 5er to learn the operation of the hitch well enough... .But that would not stop her - she would ask until someone can help.

[Kro1957]

She told me I need to buy a new truck. (Automatic) Then she will drive it.
What was I thinking?

[WOODWORKER59]

I get a kick watching the guys jaws drop and the ear to ear grins on the ladies faces, when my 5' wife pulls in with 40' fiver and crew cab,8' box 4by 4 diesel, DUALLY. Just makes me smile. And she's only 68. Makes for happy camping and new friends before getting out of the truck. Dave & Helen.

[Kro1957]

We have seen all sorts of things going down the road,

Truck with it's brakes set, smoking up a storm.
5rs with hatches open,
TV antenna raised up. We did that once with our 1st 5er.
Worse one was a 5er who failed to lock down the awning on highway and we watched it canopy open, fly off the rig and poles and tube all went everywhere.
Hence we made a checklist of every task and security/safety check prior to departure.

[Dog Folks]

My wife is actually a better driver than I. She drove a city transit bus, so she can handle our rig well. She knows everything about the rig.

Since I have become disabled, she also does most all of the repairs and I offer technical advice along with tools.

She also does all the "blue" (outside) jobs and I now do the "Pink" (inside) jobs.

So now, the "roles" are reversed but the job gets done. We keep on traveling and enjoying life, and that is what is important to us.

[jamvir]

My DW is so mechanically challenged that I would rather try to teach our dog.

On the other hand, our daughter learned how to back up and launch our large 16 ft fiberglass boat - with a Jeep Cherokee stick! Talk about guys' jaws dropping

Jim

[greezykid]

Originally Posted by jamvir

My DW is so mechanically challenged that I would rather try to teach our dog.

On the other hand, our daughter learned how to back up and launch our large 16 ft fiberglass boat - with a Jeep Cherokee stick! Talk about guys' jaws dropping

Jim

You could be in big trouble,years ago I tried to get my wife to hook the cable off trailer to front of bass boat as I loaded it.Seems like she always had trouble and I told her I COULD TEACH A MONKEY TO DO THAT now been over 20 years she never went out with bass boat again.

[buggy5872]

My wife loves to dirve out 57 chevy tow rig with out the trailer but will not get behind the wheel when the 5er is hooked to it. Once we are at our destination, she does the inside stuff and I do the outside stuff. I want to try to get her behind the wheel this summer and learn to drive with the camper in case something happens to me. She tells me she would just leave it and send my brother to go get the trailer.

[SylviaCub]

I am thankful my father made sure I could drive a stick shift rig. I'll admit that I have only backed a trailer once... successfully I might add. I definitely will need practice but I'm only mildly apprehensive.

Something about "Go Slow... Swing wide..." comes to mind. (echos of the father)

[powerboatr]

my wife is a great at setting the boat trailer in the water for me to drive up on.

if we are launching i get it at the water then jump in the boat and she finishes, i launch and she goes and parks.

upon return she gets the truck and trailer and i simply drive up on the trailer and off we go to the tie down area


she hasn't driven the bus yet
but will drive the truck with the trailer and backs up really well.
she guides me very well when we are in the bus.
she is GREAT
no she hasnt been reading my posts YET
she can whip the boat trailer around like nobody's bus. she does put many men to shame.