Community Forums

Busskipper · 06-17-2017, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmctlc

When backing up my new Class A - 2018 Georgetown 31L5 I can hear my wife talking from the back to me but she does not hear me. I have a mike in the cab of the MH and would expect that it would be two way communication but she cannot hear me at all. I've tried the speakers in every configuration but no luck. The MH is heading back to the dealer this week to fix a list of issues and this is on the list but I make it a point to always try to know how things work and as usual there's no books or manuals with any info that I can locate on this subject. Am I correct in assume this is a two way communication when backing up?
Thxs

Doubt you can speak to your DW behind the Coach - but check with the Dealer to confirm.

On backing up - IMHO - let the DW fix you and adult beverage while you back up the Coach.

Get out of the seat - access the situation - use mirrors - back up - if you are in doubt - get out of the seat and re-access the situation - back up - repeat till you get it right.

Takes blame out of the formula - and gets you a nice cool refreshing drink when you are finished. Do not start with the Drink till you are FINISHED.

...

This is after 50 years of trying every method out there - this works for me.

...

Best of Luck,

BSHGTO · 06-17-2017, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

Don't need walkie-talkies, cell phones or two way microphones/speakers.

All you need is a travel partner or an educated RVer on the proper use of hand signals.

The following method is a fail-safe one that is simple and understandable in any language.

Hand Signals for Backing Your RV

Make sure to click on the Video button at the top right of the web page to view the actual use of hand signals while backing.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Wives have trouble with this type of communication, making them understand they need to stay sited in the mirror can be a daunting task walkie talkies work better.

waroland · 06-17-2017, 08:01 AM

The "microphone " you have is most likely the CB radio control and will not tie into you speakers.

bruceisla · 06-17-2017, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Busskipper

Doubt you can speak to your DW behind the Coach - but check with the Dealer to confirm.

On backing up - IMHO - let the DW fix you and adult beverage while you back up the Coach.

Get out of the seat - access the situation - use mirrors - back up - if you are in doubt - get out of the seat and re-access the situation - back up - repeat till you get it right.

Takes blame out of the formula - and gets you a nice cool refreshing drink when you are finished. Do not start with the Drink till you are FINISHED.

...

This is after 50 years of trying every method out there - this works for me.

...

Best of Luck,

And NEVER let the guy from down the road aways help

Mr_D · 06-17-2017, 10:00 AM

Late DW was never any help backing in so I just did it myself, now that she's gone I still do it myself.

ralphie · 06-17-2017, 10:04 AM

I've given up on my DW's hand signals. And, she won't ever understand if I can't see her, I don't see her signals. Tried walkies, too, didn't work. We have a classic failure to communicate. Going to try cell phones next. Maybe a different DW!

Busskipper · 06-17-2017, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralphie

I've given up on my DW's hand signals. And, she won't ever understand if I can't see her, I don't see her signals. Tried walkies, too, didn't work. We have a classic failure to communicate. Going to try cell phones next. Maybe a different DW!

Think about that last one - DW might get the Coach. .

..

...

vsheetz · 06-17-2017, 10:16 AM

We use a pair of inexpensive walkitalkies in conjunction with hand signals. Works very well for us.

Often we camp where there is no cell phone coverage.

bruceisla · 06-17-2017, 10:18 AM

My wife is pretty good .... and invaluable when watching for tree limbs and objects that are either above or below my line of vision.

757driver · 06-17-2017, 10:37 AM

Our home park requires us to be 18" away from our deck for awning clearance and so our wooden steps fit. Years ago we adopted using two way radios with a bit of a twist.

For all of our tight or tricky back in sites I have my wife drive while I am outside on the radio. I know exactly where I want the motor home to end up so I give her verbal directions ie forward, reverse, and also wheel inputs, 1/4 left, 1/2 right, full left, 1 right etc to position the motor home in the exact spot I want. She just listens and if she is unsure about a command she stops and we communicate via the radios. Even with a tight back in spot with inches clearance we can get it accomplished with one try.

soonerdave · 06-17-2017, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 757driver

Our home park requires us to be 18" away from our deck for awning clearance and so our wooden steps fit. Years ago we adopted using two way radios with a bit of a twist.

For all of our tight or tricky back in sites I have my wife drive while I am outside on the radio. I know exactly where I want the motor home to end up so I give her verbal directions ie forward, reverse, and also wheel inputs, 1/4 left, 1/2 right, full left, 1 right etc to position the motor home in the exact spot I want. She just listens and if she is unsure about a command she stops and we communicate via the radios. Even with a tight back in spot with inches clearance we can get it accomplished with one try.

Sounds like a very good team to me!!!

**TonyDi** · 06-17-2017, 12:53 PM

My coach does not have rear speakers. I can hear my DW but she can't hear me.
As a former pilot used to hand signals I showed her what they were and she caught on quickly. She also knows how to clear me, so for us it's easy.

Isaac-1 · 06-18-2017, 01:29 AM

Sounds great, but what do you do when:

Wife says backup

I say it looks awfully close from here are you sure?

Wife says yes.

I back up a little more slowly.

Wife says backup more

I ask again if she is sure, it looks like I am already too far back.

Wife says something about being sure, and she knows what she is doing.

I back up about 6 inches and hear a crunch.

Over the last 15 or so years backing trailers, trucks, etc. this has been repeated 3 times.

LETMGROW · 06-18-2017, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

Sounds great, but what do you do when:

Wife says backup

I say it looks awfully close from here are you sure?

Wife says yes.

I back up a little more slowly.

Wife says backup more

I ask again if she is sure, it looks like I am already too far back.

Wife says something about being sure, and she knows what she is doing.

I back up about 6 inches and hear a crunch.

Over the last 15 or so years backing trailers, trucks, etc. this has been repeated 3 times.

Having someone guide you back can be a help. However you are the person behind the controls and should be in control.
If I am in doubt I get out and assess the situation for myself.
The only one I fully trust to guide me if I need guiding is my son. We have an uncanny ability to work together. We understand each other's signals as we back equipment etc. all the time here at home.
The only thing Marc won't help me back up is a tractor with a baler attached and a hay wagon hooked behind the baler. I can't even get him to try this and he says he has no idea how I do it and he would be no help if he tried to guide me back.
Lynn