Backing up an RV
Fred and I have been doing this RV-lifestyle for a long while. There is a lot to love about it but, to be honest, there are a few things we are still working on. One major issue is our communication when backing up the rig. One major component to this backing up thing is trust and another is giving up control. I have to trust Fred will not wreck our rig and Fred has to trust I will not wreck our rig. Sound counter-intuitive but wait and you’ll see.
Here are some lessons we have learned about backing up:
- Inspect the site before you start backing up. Are there any dangers like holes, branches, or large rocks to be concerned with? Where do you want the wheels to go? What is the target spot so you don’t go too far?
- The driver should always use their mirrors and the “backer” stay aware of both sides of the rig’s back end and all of the rig’s “blind-spots.”
- Hand held, two way radios can be an effective tool to backing up but remember the driver has their hands full maneuvering the rig. Hand signals work best for us but there must be agreement to what those signals are and their meaning.
- For many, backing up to the left is easier but others find the right side easiest. Express your prefer when checking in. Campground managers generally try to accommodate.
- Love this tip for backing up travel trailers – When you are ready to begin backing up, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Now, move your hand in the direction you want to go.
- Tailswing, what happens when the rear end of your rig swings in the opposite direction as the turn, is a major danger to most rigs. Practice and an alert “backer” reduces this danger. FYI: tailswing occurs when backing-up or going forward.
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