OK, as a relatively new-to-this-hobby RV person, it seems 30% of the questions posted on forums like this one amount to the poster asking:
"what's the 'RIGHT' way to drive/trailer such-and-such?"
That poster will invariably get 6,7, maybe even 15 different answers from 15 different people, and each responder is convinced they are "right" and will fight to the death about how "right" they are with the other 'experts' that chime in. Some posts on this forum have over 20 pages of back-and-forth!
What makes an "expert" on this forum? Generally it is not educational or vocational credentials. It's been my observation that an "expert" is someone who has more than 1 year as an RVer, or maybe that "expert" simply has a HIGH POST COUNT.
So - I ask the self proclaimed experts out there:
Is there a recognized organization who offers a "School" or training seminars/workshops in the art and science of trailering?
For instance, as a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, I know that the GWRRA occasionally offers classroom and hands-on training workshops on proper riding, advanced riding, and even how to properly dump a motorcycle without getting hurt.
I am a dues paying member of the Good Sam Club, but I know of no conventional training workshops. I would pay to take that class.
If there were a conventional training organization, then the RV users world would start to become standardized, and through peer reviews, a conventional training program would begin to chip away at the myths and fallacies that allegedly appear to happen every day.
I'm certainly not suggesting the RV users should become a regulated body of users - only bad things happen when government gets involved.
But would I be the only person in the RV 101 course?
There are semi schools but I never heard of one for TT's.
The best thing is just hook up and go to an empty parking lot to practice. The thing you have to remember is you are long and wide, you can't stop in the same distance as before. You have to slow it down a lot, get the feel of the rig behind you and be careful. Practice backing up into tight spaces. Have fun! Look at the post in beginning RVing.
DH - Bear
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01 F 150
1999 Coachman TT
What makes an "expert" on this forum? Generally it is not educational or vocational credentials. It's been my observation that an "expert" is someone who has more than 1 year as an RVer, or maybe that "expert" simply has a HIGH POST COUNT.
But would I be the only person in the RV 101 course?
Ok I have a high post count I've been RVing since 1963, I've owned six travel trailers,two TC and a p-up, worked at a RV dealership in both sales and service, have a ASE Master Certified Tech Cert, AWS Certified Welder, posses at M.ed, and a Vocational Educator's certification, and I would certainly consider taking a RV 101 course. My reason is everyday I visit this site and learn something new! You can always learn something from someone who shares an experience that you never experienced yourself. So bring on RV 101!
Good Luck and Happy Trails
2007 Dodge 3500 4X4 MC,SRW,CTD EB
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sometimes I think some form of training should be required before ANYONE with a valid drivers license can hook up and tow whatever they please. Being on the road everyday I see a lot of IDIOTS out there pulling TT's cutting into traffic, weaving, and running over curbs and signs.
When we go camping we like to try and get there early because we like to sit back and watch everyone back into their sites. Some people just amaze me with their lack of being able to use their mirrors and turn the wheel the right way. For those of you that CAN'T back in without a spotter.... you have no business what-so-ever pulling a trailer.
Me 27, Class A CDL Freight Relocation Specialist
Wife 23, Nuclear power plant quality control inspector
146.52 Listening while on the move!
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2008 Jayco G2 31RKS
well, it looks like there are a few "official" schools out there. Thanks for the posts. Now hopefully one will come to New England.
I certainly am not a professional driver, nor do I have 30+ years hauling, but I don't consider myself a greenhorn or a "newbie" either. I can blindside my TT into any campsite on my first shot like a pro, but I still would pay for a day long seminar to learn from professionals.
I guess the point I was trying to make was too often in the "information age" people are more likely to listen to the advice/recommendations from a complete stranger over an anonymous internet forum rather than take the time to speak with a human being face to face, either standing behind the parts counter, or in a class room setting.
Without sounding too much like my parents, where did the old days go?
I have about 16 different type of trailers and pull behind implements on my farm and I'm hear to tell you there isn't anyone going to tell you how to do it better than just experiencing it yourself. I would suggest maybe borrowing a friend's bumper hitch flatbed trailer or even renting one at a rental supply place and just drive out in a rural area. Don't start out learning to drive a truck/trailer combo by buying a $40,000 RV that you can't see around.
First task anyone needs to learn is to use a TV that has mirrors capable of seeing behind the trailer. Use the mirrors to see to change lanes, make turns, back up, etc. You guys that back up sticking your head out the window might work good for backing on your drivers side but what about your passenger side. How long is your neck? I've drove a semi & dump trailer for years in construction and what do you suppose would happen to your head and neck when that raised dump trailer decided to tip over on the drivers side?
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