1) Get a spotter, especially if you are not comfortable
2) Watch the spotter but often they do not consider the TV and where the front end is or going so watch that too
3) **MOST IMPORTANT** Get out and LOOK where you are want and where you CAN put the trailer remember to keep room for awning, slides and don't forget to look UP and see if anything is in the way.
This should be a practice for even teh most senior or profesional drivers. I am very comfortable backing a trailer in, I used to drive truck and at times spend days just backing in trailers. When other RV'ers see you get out, take a minute to scope the site, move objects that are in the way they notice. I have had neighbors tell me that it "looked like I knew what I was doing" Being safe and cautious is the "profesional way".
Keep that in mind.. practice, keep a cool and level head and be confident in your ability and you'll be fine.
swebber wrote: Oh...and one more thing...if the spotter is your DW...remember to count to 10 before you tell her what she is doing wrong with her signals...you will have a much better time after that.....trust me
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swebber wrote: Oh...and one more thing...if the spotter is your DW...remember to count to 10 before you tell her what she is doing wrong with her signals...you will have a much better time after that.....trust me
But what if the spotter is the DH? Same rule?
When I back in my 5th wheel, I don't use a spotter that much, mostly when it's dark.
I just walk out and visualize the track I need to follow, and back in. It just takes some practice, and you get used to it.
Also, I don't know if anyone mentioned it yet, but try to get a site that is on the drivers side of the road, so when you back in you can see your trailer. Much easier.
Joschrock, did you check your original post? There are a lot of good advice there too.
Don't forget to look at the the front of the tow vehicle- and overhead clearance when backing .
Alot of people start to back up and then completely forget the front.. ,, Bam front end-or corner of truck-trailer collisions....trees..fences...etc..
Also, alot of us have diesels ...Nothing worse than trying to "communicate" over that and getting no where fast with the misses..
swebber wrote: Oh...and one more thing...if the spotter is your DW...remember to count to 10 before you tell her what she is doing wrong with her signals...you will have a much better time after that.....trust me
But what if the spotter is the DH? Same rule?
Nope..same thing but the DH has to count to 10 before he goes up and tells the DW she is backing in wrong !! ...just kiddin' there girls...honest !
Steve & Tracy Webber
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Tvov wrote: Another thing that may help, is getting used to using your side mirrors. Many people who aren't used to towing a trailer or driving a larger vehicle practically don't even know they have side mirrors.
During everyday driving (work, errands, etc) make an effort to NOT use your windshield mirror, only your side mirrors. Try turning your windshield mirror to the side, so you can't use it without a big effort.
Use your side mirrors when backing up, DO NOT look over your shoulder. Learn what your side mirrors show you.
Semi-related (ooh, I think that is a pun!) in regards to how important it is to learn how to use your side mirrors: In Connecticut, when taking the driving test for a commercial driver's license, if you have an instructor who is in a bad mood they can deduct points if you look over your shoulder.
Very good advice! Get to where you don't even need the rear vehicle window and you'll find that parking your rig will become easier than if you did swing around to take a look over your shoulder.
Back when I took my Class A CDL test, I rented a tractor and a flatbed trailer to take the test, since that was what I was going to be using to haul our hay. The tractor was a day cab and had a rear window that could be used to take a quick glance out of. BUT --- when I went to take the skills portion of the CDL test, the state trooper told me at the very start of the test that if he caught me looking over my shoulder, then I was done -- failed on the spot, and could come back another day! After honing that skill, I truly believe that one can do a BETTER job backing with side mirrors vs. looking over a shoulder.
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An old farmer taught me how to use my mirrors while backing a trailer. Center the wheel grab the bottom of the wheel with one hand and move your hand in the direction you want the rear of the trailer to go. I was 8 that was some 44 years ago, still works like a charm
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BB_TX wrote: I bought some cheap orange plastic cones at Walmart, went to the high school parking lot, laid out a "street" and a "parking space" and practiced until I felt comfortable trying the real thing.
All the above is good advice. I'll add to the quote above, keep these same cones and use at the campsite! As you walk the site and visualize where you want to park, set them out wider than the trailer and use as warning markers or absolute boundry guides, so you know not to go any further past them.
These people have given you some good advise. The only thing I have to add is be careful of what's on your right side (of the tow vehicle). A lot of times I'll get lined up and really tracking into my spot (looking left) but I am swinging wide on the right. Just look right once in a while while backing up. My wife can not help me back into a spot because she is disabled, but she has saved me by warning me I am very close to something on the right of the TV (usually the right front corner of the truck is swinging farther than expected)
Peace
Randy
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Same rule? 
