A lot of campgrounds that we have visited don’t have good access roads, and/or the sites are tight with little room for maneuvering. This is one of the reasons that we switched from a TT to a MH years ago.
Such was the case this weekend at a park called Flying Flags in Buellton, California. While the park is very clean and well maintained, access to some sites is tight at best, especially during a crowded weekend.
20 minutes after settled into our campsite, I was in our restroom, when I heard the DW yell, “He’s gonna hit us!” She then began honking our air horns frantically. I then felt a nudge on our MH, and realized that something had hit us.
I went outside, and some folks that had been camped in the site to our left had decided to leave. When they did, the husband cut his 5th wheel across our campsite, and scraped the L/F of our coach. The guy was embarrassed, and I did not make a big issue of it. The wife asked if we wanted them to pay for the damage, to which I replied, “I think that would only be fair.” We exchanged insurance information and apologies. I then asked the wife something that caused a distorted look on her face.....I asked her if she ever “spots” her husband while he’s maneuvering their large 5th wheel. She said “no.” She then started to tell me how many objects the husband has damaged, including a stop sign and a mailbox.
Folks, if you are maneuvering any type of RV in tight areas, PLEASE use a spotter if one is available. My wife always goes outside and spots me while we converse on walkie-talkies. It has saved us countless times!
Craig
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Same here, the DW spots and we use walkie-talkies. Still learning how to communicate clearly, but she hasn't hit me lately, so must be getting better...
George
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baldag wrote: Same here, the DW spots and we use walkie-talkies. Still learning how to communicate clearly, but she hasn't hit me lately, so must be getting better...
George
George, The best way I found was to only let the DW talk on the radio. If I feel/think there is a problem, I stop and do my own walkaround. This way the DW is watching for any iems that can cause a problem.
It has kept us safe and friendly while parking.
Have a great time camping,
Terry
Please say a Prayer for my 12 month old Granddaughter VisitBella.com
My spotter has just ONE function and that is to warn me if I'm going to hit something. Someday she'll probably save me from doing so. Hope you weren't damaged too much.
I have 'On-Star Hands Free Calling' in my TV, (ahem..), and will call my partner on her cell-phone to help me spot. I really appreciate not having to hold something in one hand while maneuvering in tight quarters.
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I rarely use my wife unless the spot is super tight. I installed a backup camera on the back of the fifth wheel which also has a mic that allow her to talk to me. I can't yell back so it works great when I have to use it.
I can get a pretty good feel for where the trailer will be when backing up without the camera but, it sure helps.
I don't think the guy that hit him on accident was an "inconsiderate jerk", as somebody mentioned. Accidents happen. unfortunate but, they do happen. OP said the guy was embarrased, I know I would be. I'm embarrased if it takes more than a couple tries to get backed in.
Craig P. wrote: Folks, if you are maneuvering any type of RV in tight areas, PLEASE use a spotter if one is available. My wife always goes outside and spots me while we converse on walkie-talkies. It has saved us countless times!
If you don't have a spotter, stop and get out and physically look. If in doubt, stop, get out and look.
If a stranger or someone who is not intimately familiar with your RV or if you don't have experience with the individual who is spotting you, stop, get out and look. It may offend them but you don't crunch anything either. (I had someone helping me back into a driveway last summer. They said I had about 2 feet. I said no I don't. They disagreed. I got out and walked back. Sure enough, they were right. The bumper had about 2 feet. I then pointed up. The ladder was right where I thought it was -- about six inches from the roof overhang)
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), and will call my partner on her cell-phone to help me spot. I really appreciate not having to hold something in one hand while maneuvering in tight quarters.
Glad the damage wasn't serious 
