Backing

[Old Sarge]

OK, I did a search but could not find a specific answer to this question. If I am asking something that was discussed, I apologize and please point me to the thread.

I am wondering how do single RVer's handle the backing up of their rig? (Whether a class A to a PUP) I realize it can be done, shoot, I back mine into the drive all the time (and when I did have a partner, the directions were so flaky I usually ignored her and did my own thing anyway). But there are times and campsites where one must back to the blindside and when in a straight line, it is sometimes hard to see just where the back of the rig is. Plus when it is tight and the turn is sharp, you can't always see the "off" or "outside" of the turn.

I'm supposing the answer is to always arrive when the CG office is open so the "staff" can assist, or hope a neighbor is willing, but what about those times when boondocking or arriving late into the night?

So fire up the suggestions and give this old man's mind some ideas.

Thanks

[wildtoad]

I don't do dark. I want plenty of daylight to back in with and to setup with. Make sure you have a good set of mirrors and learn to trust them. Most important to me is to take my time and don't worry about the guy's waiting for you to "be done". I've ripped two mirrors getting in a hurry. I will get out of the unit and eyeball where I am if not sure.

[Steve N Sal]

Trust your mirrors and backup camera. It has always worked for me. Of course a good look around before you attempt a back-in doesn't hurt either.

[washbob]

I'm a solo RV'er and my Class A is 43 feet. I agree with all the previous replies. I always arrive in daylight, get out first to walk around/inspect the site, trust my mirrors and rear camera. No problems so far, just take my time and get out to inspect again if I'm not sure while backing.

[cutrell01]

Just take your time, get out and look several times, try to back so you are looking down the left side of your unit whenever possible and be sure nothing is very close on the other side. Get out and use a reference point--a stick, limb, rock etc.

[beachboy27]

Been there, done that ===crunch. Arrived after dark at Fort DeSoto in Florida and took a good look around. Was aware a truck pulled up and just sat there and kept inching forward. Started in and stopped and got out to look again and saw the guy inch some more and being impatient as I am I just started in and didn't take the time to checkagain until I heard the crunch and my back corner hit a low branch sticking out on a tree. I was mad at myself for letting the guy in the truck get to me and mad at him for not even getting out and offering to help. Live and learn. Now I don't care how long you have to wait - I'm going to take my time and do it right.

[Mr_D]

The only time I've "crunched" the rig was when I thought the DW was watching where is was going, and she wasn't! Now I get out, look around and back it in without any help. Works better for me.
Nor will I depend on staff or others to help. I hope the staff would refuse to help as that makes them responsible for damage.

[Old Sarge]

Ahhh! I see now probably the best thing is a rear view camera for the tt. Thanks all.

[Birddogman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by washbob I'm a solo RV'er and my Class A is 43 feet. I agree with all the previous replies. I always arrive in daylight, get out first to walk around/inspect the site, trust my mirrors and rear camera. No problems so far, just take my time and get out to inspect again if I'm not sure while backing.

Yep, I do the same thing. If I have to stop three or four times when I'm backing into a narrow place to get out and see exactly where I am, I take the time to do that. It's worth the time and effort not to damage the rig.

I'm usually alone (but for my dogs), so this is not normally an issue, but when some well-meaning, but uninvited busybody decides to "help", I am polite to them but completely ignore their directions because chances are they know nothing about backing a big MH.

[Barbara S.]

Since I usually arrive at night, I had two clear fog lights installed on my motorhome bumper so I can see to back up. That has helped me more than anything else. I have heard of others who placed a light/lantern at the back corner where they wanted to end up. Getting out of the motorhome several times is also better than hitting something.

[sc3283]

Remember your mirror tells you the truth...every time. You have to trust it. What you see is what you get. Once you can judge distance with your mirror....you will do much better.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbara S. Since I usually arrive at night, I had two clear fog lights installed on my motorhome bumper so I can see to back up. That has helped me more than anything else. I have heard of others who placed a light/lantern at the back corner where they wanted to end up. Getting out of the motorhome several times is also better than hitting something.

I carry a small (6") cone that I sometimes place beside where I want the rear tires to be. I have also used a flashlight at night since we used to do a LOT of night travel to get to show venues.

[Old Sarge]

Many posters have emphasized using mirrors. I agree wholeheartedly and I am quite good at doing so. However, my question really dwelt on those times when the off side was blind to the mirrors due to a tight turn into a camp site. Especially if obstructions exist.

I have used markers, up to and including a cone when backing my Mobile Suite back in a different lifetime, but markers do no good if you can't see them.

I think the most logical solution of backing alone is the camera. The camera relaces that second set of eyes I used to have.

Did you know that some trucking companies forbid single truckers from backing to the blind side?

[JazzZen]

I agree with everyone else - and would add that I've asked neighbors to help me back in when I'm faced with a particularly tight site. That's only happened twice in 4 years.

Sounds like you have a 5er. I have a class A and can easily see the entire length of my rig on both sides while backing up. I can't imagine backing a 5er by myself. I suppose with lots of experience, I could do it, but I'd rather not :-)