Community Forums

sbradley02 · 04-22-2025, 02:42 PM

One of us is the driver, the other helps guide in parking from outside. Cell phones can be spotty. I looked at walkie talkies, but push to talk would be inconvenient. I figure someone here has a solution.
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Jim_HiTek · 04-22-2025, 03:10 PM

There are walkie talkies available with VOX which is voice activated transmit. Many will have a headset with mic. I didn't check but I suspect that even some of the lower cost FRS radios have it.

Not sure it's still true but used to be Dollar General and other dollar stores carried radios to look at. VOX circuitry is so simple and low cost, you might find one with VOX there.

**pasdad1** · 04-22-2025, 03:42 PM

Yes full duplex (meaning both can talk and listen at same time - like cell phone) wireless headsets exist, but they are pricey $159

https://a.co/d/gBoM71K

jacwjames · 04-22-2025, 03:43 PM

You could also buy a bluetooth headset that pairs with your phone. My wife uses one all the time.

Beamer2022 · 04-22-2025, 03:57 PM

A well defined set of hand signals will work if the phones or radios don't.

The key is "well defined". You both need to know what the other is saying.

Triangle Drifter · 04-22-2025, 05:52 PM

With radios there is no need for the driver to respond to the guider. She can see imediatley if instructions are being followed.

She also makes an effort to stand where she can see a mirror, therefore seen by the driver, and give hand signals. Fore final location she stands where she wants the driver side rear corner to be, an easy target seen in a mirror.

There is no need for expensive tech when you have a competent guide telling you what to do. No shouting. No dancing around behind the trailer. No arguments. Boring to watch.

Eman85 · 04-22-2025, 07:43 PM

The best system I found was to put my wife behind the wheel I do the directing. I understand that the director is more important as long as the vehicle operator does everything slowly.
As far as technology I'd say a bluetooth radio in the tow vehicle for the driver and a headset for the director and using cellphones should work well.

Dutch Star Don · 04-22-2025, 07:51 PM

Typically, when you see this type of post, the OP is driving something like a 40' diesel pusher, which creates communication problems because of noise and coach length.

I looked at what coach you have and it's a 25' Tiffen Wayfarer. I think you'd be wasting your money to invest in radio equipment. Your copilot can literally stand 20' away at the rear of driver's side of the coach and give you directions, in a normal voice, while watching the back of the coach.

The only thing you need to work on is to make sure the other person stands at that the driver's side rear corner and does not get out of your view or distracted by something else.

bigb56 · 04-22-2025, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beamer2022

A well defined set of hand signals will work if the phones or radios don't.

The key is "well defined". You both need to know what the other is saying.

Like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_68jWvHw15w&t=130s

US1 · 04-22-2025, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_HiTek

There are walkie talkies available with VOX which is voice activated transmit. Many will have a headset with mic. I didn't check but I suspect that even some of the lower cost FRS radios have it.

Not sure it's still true but used to be Dollar General and other dollar stores carried radios to look at. VOX circuitry is so simple and low cost, you might find one with VOX there.

I have 2 sets of radios with this option, 1 an inexpensive pair, the other not so cheap. Both have a delay from when they pickup your voice to when they start transmitting. If you talk right away and fast, you mis the 1st part of the comment. We dont use them now and rely solely on thew wife as the watcher and guide.

Unplanned Tourist · 04-22-2025, 08:25 PM

We use walky talkies but I also turn the volume up for the rear camera. That way if my copilot gets excited and forgets to push the button, I can still hear her.

Cumminsfan · 04-22-2025, 11:25 PM

My wife backs me in just fine most of the time. 22' truck and 31' TT. I have a backup cam on the TT. Tried walkie talkies years back and they were more trouble than helpful.

Last thing I need is more gadgets.

Toby Dog · 04-23-2025, 03:02 AM

My true love knows to go walk the dog when we get to the site.
I get out and look for obstacles and then place the rig where I want it without any drama.

Captain8 · 04-23-2025, 06:04 AM

Walkie talkies are by FAR the best option. I run baofeng's as they're cheap and crazy high powered (not exactly legal). I switched to btech ones and they're a lot more expensive but USB-C charged and last forever. I go 3+ months between charging and even then they're at like 70%

Hand signals and everything else is nice but it requires you to be able to see them in your mirrors, as well as watching them instead of watching the mirrors.

I used to go to a lot of auctions and events where we'd arrive early and literally be blocked in by hundreds of cars then have to maneuver around bunches of cars. Usually with a trailer in tow. Having someone standing in your blind spots while you check the mirrors makes life so much easier.

Cell phones have delay and don't always work. Yes the 1 way communication is a bit of a pain but you quickly learn not to hold the button down the entire time and if the driver needs to talk he just stops moving until the director stops talking.