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Judypetrick · 03-11-2013, 07:32 PM

I was not sure which forum to use. My question is: how did you all learn to backup your trailer into a small space? Any suggestions. We have a 22 ft. Air stream.

Bruce B · 03-11-2013, 07:33 PM

Practice in a big space first!
Bruce

DFlores · 03-11-2013, 07:36 PM

Put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel, turn wheel to the right and the rear of the trailer will go right, or the same direction as you are turning the steering wheel..........turn the bottom of the wheel to the left and the rear of the trailer will go left, or in the same direction as you are moving the steering wheel.

Ok, now you know everything I know on the subject.

TBRich · 03-11-2013, 07:54 PM

It is an acquired skill. Practice is essential...go to a big, empty parking lot and practice backing into marked parking spaces. DFlores' suggestion is a great hint. If you have someone to help you, come up with a hand-signal system that works for you... If you can't see your helper, stop until you can. (That's my personal rule for backing into a space.) With practice, it will get easier, really, it will...and before long you'll be getting it right into the space exactly where you want it with ease.

deecarr · 03-11-2013, 07:57 PM

I was thinking the same thing, JudyP. Ours is a 25ft AS that's not been out yet. Was looking at pull thru spots for a little bit til we get the hang of it.

sandlapper · 03-11-2013, 08:18 PM

Practice for sure, and get a pair of inexpensive walkie talkies. Have your copilot guide you back with 3 simple commands: left, right, stop.

Good advice given, keep your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Move it the direction you need to go.

Pull forward, doing a "S", which points the rear of the trailer towards the entrance.

One of the episodes on the Long Long Honeymoon by Sean Michaels is how to back in. Look it up, he explains it well and and with humor.

John

TG Twinkie · 03-11-2013, 08:44 PM

Use the mirrors. Learn to back up using the mirrors. Don't look over your shoulder.
I adjust the mirrors to where I can see the tires when the trailer side is visible in the mirror. This gives me an idea of the pivot point of the trailer.

Wazbro · 03-11-2013, 08:52 PM

Check these threads.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...ing-96170.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...cks-26692.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ip-101156.html

Kyle401 · 03-11-2013, 09:30 PM

Don't be afraid to take your time. It may feel like everyone is watching but remember, we all started out as beginners.

deecarr · 03-11-2013, 09:42 PM

Walkie talkies? A husband and wife? Sandlapper, Are u sure ur not a divorce lawyer by trade, LoL! Practice sounds good

Inland RV Center, In · 03-11-2013, 09:43 PM

Backing up to the left gives the driver a better view of where the trailer is headed.

Andy

nilesrob · 03-11-2013, 10:02 PM

We have worked out a flawless solution.

When we get to a campsite, my wife gets out and gets behind the trailer.

She guides me. I can't see her. I back up. Did I mention I can't see her? She guides me further. We arrive. We're both happy. Let the camping begin.

68Streamline · 03-11-2013, 10:30 PM

The advice above about doing an "S" to get your tail pointed towards the site is great.

A veteran 18 wheeler truck driver gave me these advice:

1) always turn or "break/bend" the trailer on the driver side. This way you can see exactly where the tail is pointing.

2) I use an orange cone as a a marker where I will aim the trailer's streetside tire when backing in to the site. This cone is placed at the entrance of the site where it meets the driveway.

3) a backup camera behind the trailer is great when parking in tight places.

4) by far the best advice I got from my friend is to back it in SLOWLY.

4RXLA · 03-11-2013, 10:33 PM

As a kid I would be petrified every time my dad asked me to help guide him back. It took me years to figure out if I can't see him in the side view mirror then he couldn't see me. Ironically, he did better without my help than with it.

Airslide · 03-11-2013, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce B

Practice in a big space first!
Bruce

Perfectly stated. Find a big parking lot and try to back it into the lined spaces. If you make a mistake the tire only hits the white line

Bk Yd Safari · 03-12-2013, 03:38 AM

and don't be shy about asking other campers to move their vehicles!!!!

MrUKToad · 03-12-2013, 05:57 AM

If you get in a muddle when backing in, pull out and start again; it's a kind of reset thing.

DW and I use walkie-talkies and she's excellent with the "right-hand down a bit" or "left hand down a bit"; I'd recommend these cheap little helpers as it can reduce confusion.

SStar · 03-12-2013, 06:13 AM

Lot's of really good advice, as mentioned, whenever possible always back to the left for better visibility. Get some traffic cones or build some markers from PVC pipe (something that won't do damage if you hit it) (reflective tape is nice) to use while you are backing. It is nice to have a recognizable reference point, also the marker is good for your spotter to gauge distance. Always take a good walk around before you start backing, go slow, don't hesitate to take another walkaround as needed, try to avoid depending 100% on the spotter. Good luck, with practice it will come to you.

jump · 03-12-2013, 06:13 AM

back it up, back it up, back it up ... oops ! ....go forward, back it up , back it up, back it up, ... oops ! ... go forward, back it up, ... well you get the picture.

It's like sex, just because you can't get it right the first time, doesn't mean you should give up ... just keep working on your technique ... it'll get better

Jammer · 03-12-2013, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judypetrick

I was not sure which forum to use. My question is: how did you all learn to backup your trailer into a small space? Any suggestions. We have a 22 ft. Air stream.

1. If you're really struggling, consider practicing with something smaller and less expensive. A lawn mower with a leaf trailer works well, and the principles are the same.

2. Start by practicing how to back in a straight line in a large open space, like an empty church or school parking lot.

3. While still in the parking lot, practice making and recovering from turns. Don't try to back into any particular spot, just practice turning a corner to the left and straightening back out. Then try the right, which is harder.

4. Do this on several different days.

5. Then try turning into a particular spot. You can bring markers or use the painted lines on the parking lot. Ice cream pails work ok as markers, just use anything that won't hurt the trailer if you hit it.

It takes more practice than most people realize.