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10-27-2014, 03:00 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2020 25' Flying Cloud
Atlanta
, Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 533
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Towing mirrors
So ... I'm continuing to have problems backing my huge 22' rig into my miniscule little driveway. One problem I've identified is that I can't see the wheels of the trailer, which makes it a wee bit difficult to keep from hitting the mailbox, telephone pole, and my neighbor who insists on coming out and shouting directions. Just in case you don't remember: my street is narrow, so when I turn to slide the rear of the trailer in, my truck's front wheels hit the curb, and the internal angle of my truck and trailer is pretty close to 100 degrees.
I do have those mirrors that fit over and extend the truck's existing mirrors, but they're pretty much useless. I'm backing down a slope, and I just can't adjust them enough. I was thinking about those old fashioned hook-em-to-the-door mirrors, but I'm hesitant. And I don't see a licenseplate mount camera doing much good, since the back of the trailer is pointing off into left field when I'm turning.
So ... are there any other solutions I should be thinking about? Other than handing my wife the keys and walking away. Or maybe hiring a pilot, like the big ships do when the pull into port.
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10-27-2014, 03:41 PM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member
1960 28' Ambassador
Libertyville
, Illinois
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 182
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My dad used to use a 'spotters' hitch mounted on the front bumper for our boat. Not certain how much tongue weight these can hold however.
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10-27-2014, 03:56 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1976 31' Sovereign
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,017
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Also if you have power mirrors on truck do like truckers do, rotate either side in or out up or down eliminates many blind spots
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10-27-2014, 04:27 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
2012 25' Flying Cloud
San Antonio
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 116
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Giving the wheel to your wife is a good idea. You stand outside the drivers side and give her turn instructions in no more than 1/4 turn left or right. It isn't a race so go slow.
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10-27-2014, 05:57 PM
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#5
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Site Team
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
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I feel your pain. For my storage spot at home I have to back in downhill and make a turn to my blind side so visibility is an issue. The turn is right where the decent starts too so I loose a lot of references. I have a full size Dodge, towing mirrors, flipped up and have some pretty decent strap on extensions, but this is my next idea for me on my blind side.
Mid size traffic cones to mark the turn axis and one more for the glide path. I'm gonna try it.
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
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10-27-2014, 06:53 PM
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#6
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3 Rivet Member
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Roseville
, California
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 107
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Belbein, you appear to have an extreme situation calling for "extreme" measures. I would recommend having a hitch receiver installed on the front of your truck. That would allow you to maneuver your trailer fairly easily "forklift" style. A few hundred bucks to ease a lot of stress.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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10-27-2014, 07:22 PM
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#7
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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I bought this outfit for my Father a few years ago after he dinged his rig backing into his storage spot.
It has a built in speaker so he can hear the spotter when backing, and he can switch between cameras when towing his RV.
http://www.rearviewsafety.com/produc...5th-wheel.html
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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10-27-2014, 07:24 PM
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#8
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begorragirl
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Denville
, New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,029
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I have power mirrors, I adjust them them all ways I need to see to avoid two sets of hedges, slate walk, curve, steps and dog.
Question....when using front ball, where do you stop unhitch and rehitch? In front of place u have to park? I am having trouble visualizing how that works.
__________________
2006 Bambi CCD ("EireStream!!")
2010 Funfinder
2005 T@B
2001 Teardrop, Mountain Hardware Tent
For some perfection takes a little longer...
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10-27-2014, 07:27 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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Towing mirrors help.
The rear view camera on the trailer helps.
Having your wife spot you helps.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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10-27-2014, 08:44 PM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Roseville
, California
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 107
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Sbb, when using a front ball, you back up as far as you can normally until feeling nervous. Stop and unhitch. Turn the truck around and hitch to the front. One note is that weight distribution is unnecessary on the front. Continuing to park the trailer from this point is much easier because you are looking forward as you move.
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
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10-28-2014, 11:59 AM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Superior
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 442
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I have used one of these front hitches in an equipment yard in college. The first time you get in and see a huge thing parked in front of you, and you put the car in drive, it takes a moment to not freak out "I'm driving into my trailer!!" Then it takes another moment to re-map your steering mechanics. Then the last feeling is "this is SO awesome."
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10-31-2014, 06:29 AM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
2005 25' Safari
Stoughton
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 125
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Maybe a powercaster or parkit360. It might be worth the investment , if it saves the aluminum.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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11-05-2014, 03:43 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2020 25' Flying Cloud
Atlanta
, Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 533
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zymurbrian
Sbb, when using a front ball, you back up as far as you can normally until feeling nervous. Stop and unhitch. Turn the truck around and hitch to the front. One note is that weight distribution is unnecessary on the front. Continuing to park the trailer from this point is much easier because you are looking forward as you move.
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
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Much easier--except I'd have this big damn aluminum thing in my way and I still wouldn't be able to see the driveway.
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11-06-2014, 10:07 AM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
Commercial Member
2009 30' Classic
Melbourne, FL
, Searsport, ME
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 309
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Quote:
Much easier--except I'd have this big damn aluminum thing in my way and I still wouldn't be able to see the driveway.
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What you need is a good rear view camera system. Take a look at this one:
Wireless Rear View Camera - Rv Rearview Camera Systems
Fred
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11-06-2014, 02:00 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town
, *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zymurbrian
belbein, you appear to have an extreme situation calling for "extreme" measures. I would recommend having a hitch receiver installed on the front of your truck. That would allow you to maneuver your trailer fairly easily "forklift" style. A few hundred bucks to ease a lot of stress.
Sent from my iphone using airstream forums
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+1 ...
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
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