Community Forums

Bevteacher · 07-03-2014, 09:25 PM

Just bought a Jayco Jay Flight, 23RBB. Drive a Mercedes ML 350. Picking my new TT next Thursday! I am a widow and would like advice on backing into campsite and setting up by myself. Most of the info and advice on line and YouTube talk about having someone else to guide you into space and helping with set up.
Not sure when first trip will be. Plan on having a practice run at home first.
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks,

**JohnRR** · 07-03-2014, 09:33 PM

You've come to the right place with your question.

TonyDi · 07-03-2014, 10:17 PM

First. go slow and be patient. Your're not always going to get it right the first time. If I were by myself when I got to a CG I would ask someone nearby to spot you, just to make sure you don't hit low hanging branches or back into something you can't see. If you can get to a large parking lot where there isn't much traffic. You could set up some cones and practice on getting it between the cones. Small corrections are a must and pulling forward for just a couple of feet will get you lined up for another try. Good Luck!!

compatico · 07-04-2014, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bevteacher

Just bought a Jayco Jay Flight, 23RBB. Drive a Mercedes ML 350. Picking my new TT next Thursday! I am a widow and would like advice on backing into campsite and setting up by myself. Most of the info and advice on line and YouTube talk about having someone else to guide you into space and helping with set up.
Not sure when first trip will be. Plan on having a practice run at home first.
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks,

Long ago my dad taught me one simple tip for backing up a trailer when you're new at it, just place your hand at the BOTTOM of the steering wheel. You will have a tendency to move your hand left/right like you're driving forward, but when it's at the bottom, you will move the wheel in the correct direction to compensate for the trailer moving the opposite way. After a while you will get good at it and will just backup with your hand anywhere on the wheel and it will feel natural. But this helps you figure out where the trailer is going.

DanFromGC · 07-04-2014, 09:35 AM

Many campgrounds will send someone with you on a golf cart to show you your lot. They are usually willing to help back you in, but never hesitate to jump out and look things over for yourself. The last campground we went to, the young man backing us in did not seem to have much experience so we did it ourselves. Another option is to ask for a pull through lot, or one that sits in the bend of a curve. Those are easier to back into. Good luck in your new adventures!

Dan
2013 F150 4x4 Lariat Crew Cab Ecoboost
2013 Jayco Jayflight 28BHBE 28'

DieselTech39 · 07-04-2014, 09:43 AM

Glad you're aboard. I agree with all the previous posters, especially Tony. The old rule of "practice makes perfect" certainly applies to learning to back up your TT. Take it slow and don't get frustrated with yourself. Also check-in with the Solo RVers forum here. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

MSHappyCampers · 07-04-2014, 11:48 AM

Hi Bev! Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you join the bunch!

Congrats on the new rig! As for backing into campsites, I would suggest that you get with some local RV'ers and get some help getting started. You will get much more out of that than trying to follow what someone on here tries to tell you. JMHO!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Medico · 07-04-2014, 12:04 PM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

schrederman · 07-07-2014, 12:10 PM

NEVER be afraid or embarrassed to get out and look... or ask locally for help. None of us were born knowing how to back a trailer. I've found the RV community to be some of the nicer folks I've met. Welcome to the forums and to the lifestyle! I hope your experiences are as pleasant as ours have been...

RoadrunnerII · 07-08-2014, 03:15 PM

I have added a camera to the back of our TT Works great!
I went the cheap and do it myself route. Cheap Ebay Camera RG6 Coax cable and a couple of adapters and a clip on Rear Mirror TFT monitor but I still use the GOAL method
Get Out And Look!
Look up! Look around! Look on the passenger side of the trailer!
Better yet do as suggested and just spend the little extra on a pull thru site per night.
Nothing worse than damaging your rig to ruin a perfectly good day of camping. Think of the pull thru as the investment you might have to make repairing your rig from a miss in the backin site! It is easier to take in that frame of mind!
Just my 1/2 cent
RRII

Loraura · 07-08-2014, 05:01 PM

I do it all the time. Here are my tricks.

Have the camp site on your left as you drive past it. Always easiest to back in angled on the drivers side. Passenger side is harder. Can be done after you practice some drivers side backing first.

Pull past the site, hop out and check it for anything you need to watch specifically for (low branches, trees, picnic table, etc).

As you begin backing, watch your drivers side trailer tires in your side mirror. Have them hug the edge of the drivers side pavement. If in an established camp ground, the site should be plenty wide if you hug the drivers side. Plus then you leave room for your awning.

If you need to, pull forward to straighten out a bit, then continue.

I rely entirely on my mirrors being able to see where my trailer tires touch the pavement. If you can't see your tires and the end of the trailer in your mirrors, get towing mirrors.

Smithers · 07-10-2014, 11:21 PM

Before I was experienced at backing up, more than once I relied on the kindness of strangers. I got zero ego and let complete strangers back me into some of the tighter spots. Usually paid for with a beer. I suspect you will have very little trouble finding someone to help or just do it for you.

Highway 4x4 · 07-11-2014, 12:24 AM

Welcome Bev,
Lots of good advice here. get your mirrors adjusted and learn how to use them. Have the dealer set up the hitch for you and show you everything about it. Practice in a big empty parking lot. Remember that the trailer is much wider than your MB and does not exactly follow it in tight turns. Never fear just stopping to get out and check, again. Go slow, have fun. You'll be a pro in no time.
BTW, is this your first trailer?