DarkSkySeeker
Freestone, California
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Joined: 10/13/2016
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Lower your expectations. By that I mean, do not expect to back in perfectly. Be patient. Yell at your wife, and apologize. Get one of those shirts that says, "I am sorry for the things I said while backing in the the trailer". When done, have a beer. After about 20 times you will start to get the hang of it.
There is something special about camping in an RV.
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Tyler0215
Iowa
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Joined: 03/13/2013
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Practice. Practice.Practice. After 33 years driving semi I am fairly confident backing up anything, anywhere.
However, sometimes no matter what you do you just can't get in the right place.
Last year at a CG I worked for five minutes to get in a spot, got frustrated and drove around the loop to start over and hit in one try.
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Yosemite Sam1
Under the pines.
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Joined: 03/28/2018
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![[emoticon]](http://www.rv.net/sharedcontent/cfb/images/eek.gif "eek") Not mentioned is that point in jack-knife where your trailer tires won't move anymore and the coupling will just bend on pivot point.
I have scuff marks on my hitch to prove it, lol.
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RICK-ards Red
Ontario
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Joined: 04/26/2011
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Agree with taking it slow and having a spotter with hand signals discussed before hand. One site I was backing into my DW was the spotter but the flies were so bad she was waving her arms so much I didn't know whether to go forward, back up or steal home!!
2017 Coachman Catalina 25RKS
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 - Kodiak edition
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msmith1.wa
Tacoma, WA
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Joined: 05/10/2014
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One trip we had a double spot that we shared with some friends. We got there first. I should have known it was going to difficult to get in by the reaction from the ranger when we checked. There was no way i could get in driving in the proper direction on the access road. The road was too narrow with trees close to the edge and the spot was angled the wrong direction. I ended up backing about 500 ft down the road and hit the spot on the first try. Had to go the wrong way out the road to get out.
2003 Silverado 2500HD 4x4 8.1l
2016 Evergreen Amped 28FS
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1320Fastback
Vista, Ca
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Joined: 12/04/2016
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Lynnmor wrote:1320Fastback wrote:I always try and do the Swoop technique I think they call it when ever possible.
This is the one you are thinking of, works well.
Yes that is it!
1992 D250 Cummins 5psd
2005 Forest River T26 Toy Hauler
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OkieGene
oklahoma city
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Joined: 01/06/2004
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In my opinion, and I'll assure you this is quite accurate, 90% of backing up successfully, and safely, is positioning your rig in a good position before you even start to back up.
When you are coming up to the spot where you are to back in, take a good look at it. Get out and on your feet if you feel the need. Take a good look. Then drive your rig into a position where it will be the easiest it can be to back in. The less wiggle wiggle turn turn you have to do to back up is the best positioning.
Feel no shame, none at all, no embarrassment, just stop, get out and look, take your time.
If you are starting to back up and your rig is a all katty-wampus and discombobulated and it's going to be an ordeal with lots of cranking the steering wheel...STOP and reconsider. You may be a LOT better off to drive off and come back in and reposition your rig better.
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K-9 HANDLER
Maryland's Eastern Shore
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Joined: 03/29/2005
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If you have a place near you that is closed with large empty parking lot and painted lines then go and practice. Warehouse, weigh station , etc. Practice drivers side backing and off side backing. It is a confidence booster. Take so impromptu cones like milk jugs. As u improve use ur cones to make it more challenging.
Was never really taught a technique myself just learned by doing trial and error. Boats, stock trailers , flatbeds etc, Then there's hay wagons, ugh.
Camping near home at Assateague National Seashore with our wild four legged friends
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CFerguson
on the road
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Joined: 10/25/2018
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Agree with all those saying take it slow. Get out and look at everything often. There isnt a time limit so dont stress over it.
And get a backup/rearview camera or 2.
Also, many CGs have someone who will park your rig for you if you ask.
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Yosemite Sam1
Under the pines.
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Joined: 03/28/2018
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And don't mind and ignore those line of people snickering as you back up your new rig for the nth try.![[emoticon]](http://www.rv.net/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif "wink")
At some point, someone will take pity and offer to do it for you.![[emoticon]](http://www.rv.net/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
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