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RedRaider93 · 08-20-2021, 07:04 AM

I own a 45' motorhome, and I have over 7 years of experience driving them. However, I recently moved to a new storage garage with a very tight entry door, and I'll admit I'm not that experienced backing into such tight spaces.

I was backing in the other day, and I was going in a little crooked, so I pulled forward to straighten out. When I did, I failed to account for the tail swing, and my rear end clipped the side of the door. Even though it only hit for a couple seconds, I was shocked at the amount of damage it did.

I'm attaching pictures here (sorry if the pics are sideways, I can't figure out how to get them upright), and just wanted to give a friendly reminder to everyone to always be aware of your tail swing!

Berryfarmer · 08-20-2021, 07:18 AM

Ouch! Sorry that happened to you.
I’m also worried at times about that tail swing. I recently went through a parking lot that was narrower than I thought so I was keeping left to clear the right turn in front of the business. Suddenly I realized my tail was really close to the cars parked along that left side

I recovered by extending my turn towards the curb in front of me, but it was close. I’m glad no one was on the sidewalk. It may have given them a fright to see the front of my coach swing over the edge.

mike brez · 08-20-2021, 07:24 AM

RedRaider93 · 08-20-2021, 07:29 AM

Not sure how you did that, but thanks!

HarryStone · 08-20-2021, 08:28 AM

Click image for larger version

Name: 20210816_073424 (2).jpg
Views: 74
Size: 299.3 KB
ID: 340244

Simply open the picture in windows. It should open in a picture editor, click edit and create, then make sure the orientation is correct, and click save a copy, then upload the copy.

GWBGE · 08-20-2021, 09:00 AM

I learned that same lesson at my storage about 6 months ago. Since you're in Cypress, I highly recommend Xtreme Paint & Graphics in Nacogdoches for the repair. They did a beautiful job matching and blending 4 custom colors on my coach.

mike brez · 08-20-2021, 09:36 AM

I backed into my deck at home being in a hurry and not looking around.

530ktm · 08-20-2021, 12:30 PM

Tight areas can be very tricky indeed. I always look and look at what is out there to get me and then when things look okay there is always something up higher to get you. Sorry that happened to your coach.

cjd10 · 08-20-2021, 01:57 PM

Looks like a beautiful Coach. I know that had to make you sick

desertdd · 08-20-2021, 03:11 PM

Don't feel bad, the same thing happened to me when squeezing into a not proper fuel station. The body shop guy told me that it's common problem with school buses

Mark_T · 08-20-2021, 08:36 PM

I read in this forum, "When in doubt get out and look".

georgelesley · 08-21-2021, 05:35 AM

In the Air Force we used to call it “growing Wing” same thing happens when towing an aircraft. When DW and I went thru a two day private lesson the instructor measured our rigs tail swing and taught us how much to allow for it. Now no matter which of us is driving the other one is harping about tail swing.

RedRaider93 · 08-21-2021, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjd10

Looks like a beautiful Coach. I know that had to make you sick

Yes! I heard it hit, and when I got out to look I wanted to cry and throw up at the same time. Lesson learned, I will NEVER make that mistake again!!

Craig1960 · 08-21-2021, 07:45 AM

That definitely sucks and I know it doesn't make it any better but lots have done.

My friend and I stop at the inlaws overnight and were both parked on the street in front. As he was warming up his almost new Dutch Star the father inlaw was talking to us about tail swings since he owned an Alpha. When it was time to go my friend pulled away first while the father inlaw and I were watching and he took out the mail box with his tail swing. The two of us just looked at each other and said weren't we just talking about that!