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Open Roads Forum  >  Travel Trailers  >  General Q&A

 > Being a spotter, 101

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Whathaveidone

Battle Ground, WA

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Posted: 06/28/08 03:49am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

We dont use hand signals. We have little walkie talkies and use those. That and some patience and there is never a problem.


09 Heartland North Trail 31QBS
04 Chevy Suburban 1500
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H & E

North Texas

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Posted: 06/28/08 05:27am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

DW is still in TT getting ready to leave when I hook up. I use an inexpensive camera that I got at CW-works great. Wired to parking lights so I could turn on while driving and have a look at the hitch. Also I painted the top of the trailer hitch on the trailer yellow so I could see it better when in the shadows.

pete42

Jamestown, Ohio

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Posted: 06/28/08 06:45am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have one of those x10 remote cameras and I use an old 12 volt B/W TV as the monitor.

I mounted it to a GPS suction mount and stuck it on the lift window on the topper.

I used this for the first time last week works great but I hooked up the trailer around 1 PM and the sun caused a shadow of the hitch.

I placed the ball right over the shadow hitch which was about 12 inches from real hitch, maybe a color monitor?





Stefan

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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Posted: 06/28/08 08:54am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

My wife has problems with it, my 5 yr old (at the time)daughter, got me back first time, I was very impressed!

Lets not EVEN discuss backing into a campsite!


Stefan
2003 Chevy Silverado 1500HD, 3.73, 4x4, Crew Cab, 6.0L (loving it!)
2003 Layton lite 232 BH

LAdams

Northern Illinois

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Posted: 06/28/08 09:38am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

We use a large convex mirror that my wife bought me years ago... That and her hand signals after a through discussion on what they meant were all we ever needed...

Regarding the fear in your DW's expression - - - "perhaps that problem is your's - - - grasshopper"

Les


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mac91360

Garland, Texas

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Posted: 06/28/08 10:25am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

To be honest, If you can't hook up by yourself, are you really qualified to pull a trailer.

mac13

VTR Pat

Chandler, AZ

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Posted: 06/28/08 10:34am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Two Words. "Hitching Posts". Available at Camping World. About $20. Aggravation eliminated. Priceless!


'O3 Dodge 2500 Quad Cab, 4 x 2, Auto, 2 Tone Graphite over Silver, HO Cummins Turbo Diesel, 3.73 anti-spin.
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canoe on top

Denver, CO, US

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Posted: 06/28/08 10:50am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I cannot understand all the consternation over hooking up??? I can center the truck using the mirrors,and the handle in the center of the topper window. Also, I know that when that handle is just below the front window cover I am there or very close. I may have to get out and check once or twice. I travel a lot alone so I hook up by myself most of the time. mosseater, some people do not have good spatial perception. If it is not working, quit doing it. It seems like you are creating a lot of conflict for no reason. I do like help when backing into a difficult spot but, if there is nobody around, GOAL, get out and look!

mosseater

Dillsburg, PA

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Posted: 06/28/08 07:25pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Quote:

To be honest, If you can't hook up by yourself, are you really qualified to pull a trailer.

Since I have learned what trolling is, I feel your comment borders on it. I can`t imagine posting something like that on a site like this without wanting to get a response. So I`ll oblige.

Maybe you should go read my OP again. I didn`t say I couldn`t, I said DW wants to help and we`re having trouble communicating. I`m perfectly capable of doing it myself. In fact, if you knew anything about me other than the little that I post here, you`d eat those words without salt or pepper. I find it silly that you would post a comment that is so self-agrandizing and arrogant, knowing that the majority of people who come to this site are new to RVing and are looking for guidance. Am I learning? Yes! Am I stupid and incapable? Lets just say I`ll put my gray matter up against yours anytime. You may be the final arbitor of who can tow, (or back up, or level, or build a fire, etc.) but you don`t seem to know how to keep your condescending foot out of your mouth.

Now, if you`ll excuse me, I`m going to go practice hitching until I can win the contest at the county fair this fall.


"It`s not important that you know all the answers, it`s only important to know where to get all the answers" Arone Kleamyck
"...An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." Col. Jeff Cooper
Sunset Creek 298 BH


G&LWebb

Western NC

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Posted: 06/28/08 07:50pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Maybe you and your wife ought to get together before time to hitch up the TT and agree on what the signals will be. My hubby and I did that early on as I was the designated spotter as I didnt feel confident backing our truck. I will not say we always make it on the first try, but it never takes more than 3 times (usually when he's coming in at an extreme angle). And now I'd like to boast a bit--I finally got behind the wheel of the truck and with hubby spotting hitched up to the TT last week. He used the same hand signals I do and I made it on the first try at our first campground and the second try at our second campground. I must say I felt mighty proud of myself.
So, in closing maybe discussing and practicing agreed upon hand signals before your next campout is in order. And if you dont occomplish hitch up on the first try--so what--you're out there to have fun


George II and Lynne Webb
accompanied by George III and Dufus the wondercat
2007 FR Flagstaff Classic Super lite 831 FKSS
1500 Chevy Silverado 4X4


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