Turn down your video music, we'll hear you better

@blacksquirrel4008

Ай бұрын

Yes, very distracting

@vireo44

20 күн бұрын

Agreed, couldn’t listen and x’d it off

@user-fed-yum

18 күн бұрын

Agreed. Very inconsiderate. What were they selling again.

@davidwarren4569

16 күн бұрын

Turn the music down when you are reversing.

From an ex-farm boy, who routinely backs in a 23' construction trailer, sometimes into really tight spots and has a 35' travel trailer, I could not agree more. Very good advice that will make backing up much easier for a lot of people. Thanks for taking the time to share this.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vote of confidence Bill!!

@chriskibodeaux9818

Ай бұрын

This is pure stupidity!

35 years , truck driver , camper , 100% correct I do the same

@TheMakersMarkTSF

12 күн бұрын

If you are doing the same that would mean he was doing it wrong, after all he did say that you are doing it wrong!!!!!

As a former truck driver myself,you are 100 percent correct

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steven!

We used to call it "setting yourself up" Before power steering you had to do that.

100 % correct ... Million mile former Truck Driver here.

Very good advice! I'm retired after 50 yrs of driving truck and always use that method. One more thing I would say is whenever possible try to back in on the driver's side instead of blind side. Makes it easier yet 👍👍! Thank you for a great video!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree, when possible back to the driver side. Thanks for the comment!!

@ErinR0618

Жыл бұрын

never thought of that, but makes sense!

@martyjoseph9507

Ай бұрын

While bicycling the other day I stumbled upon a lady blocking the road for a while with her pick-up and brand new 12 foot food trailer jackknifed on the blind side trying to get into a small parking lot without a ton of room for the front of the truck to swing. She was glad for the help as I got behind the wheel and explained everything I did. It's a V-nosed trailer and I wanted to tell her to set up so she could back the corner on the driver side, but I saw they had mounted the propane tanks on the left front of the trailer and that really limited everything when you added an incline at the apron of the driveway. Yes, she or somebody had already made decent contact between the truck bumper and propane bracket.

Love the animation! Very helpful.

@ourrvsunsets

Ай бұрын

Thanks!! I thought it was a good way to visualize it from overhead.

I am not a professional driver however with 42+ years driving and towing, I agree with you and this is my usual go to method, so long as I do not obscure traffic. great vid showing those who need to with simple animation.

In theory this is great advice. I'm also a retired truck driver and I've backed into a lot of campsites. Most campground roads are at best barely wider than one lane. When you do the S maneuver you're going to be up against other tow vehicles on the opposite sites. This makes for some close maneuvering. Many State Park campgrounds sites aren't long enough for the rig and the truck, so trucks are sticking out into the road. Just some food for thought.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

There are certainly times when this won't work, and very narrow roads in busy campgrounds are one of those times. But in the situations where you have the room it's the way to go in my opinion. Thanks so much for the comment.

@witsend9909

Жыл бұрын

@@ourrvsunsets Yes, it's a great method when we can use it. Enjoyed the video. Thanks for your reply.

@Elizabeth-rq1vi

Жыл бұрын

I think-from someone who’s never backed a trailer up- that in the narrow campgrounds roads a modified version of this could work. Basically just get as far over as you can -ensuring your truck isn’t going to take out a neighbour’s vehicle, & go for it. Might end up lining up down the centre of the road. I think my dad backed our lightweight tent trailer into sites like you say to do. The only time it jackknifed was when my sister was learning. She took out a tail light on the car with the added box on the trailer’s tongue.

@rayh592

Жыл бұрын

If your state allows vehicles to "hangout" into the driveway, MOVE!

@aljones9114

Ай бұрын

This maneuver could work. The problem I have with this are trees on the other side of the road. You have to do the best you can in the area your backing in. No one way of backing is always going to work.

I’ve always backed in my trailers just like you said. Only problem, my wife who has NEVER backed ina trailer thinks it’s wrong and the stress of her yelling at me is way too much! So one other tip I recommend, drop her off at the office while you go back in the trailer.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Or hand her the keys and drop yourself off at the cocktail 🍸 longe!

Unfortunately a lot of campgrounds have a single lane road which by and large prevents this, although you can do a little S curve it isn't much. For the most part, getting that initial turn is the most important. I see where most people wait too late to cut the wheel and the trailer is only barely starting to turn when it really needs to be at full crank. But the single most difficult part of backing an RV into a spot, bar none, is the 4 or 5 old geezers that instantly come out and start trying to give advice as I'm backing up. Dude! I've already got my wife trained, let her give me directions cause we know what we're doing.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Everything about this comment is #TRUTH Thanks for watching Donald!

@karenpolansky9097

Жыл бұрын

I also agree with you, but try doing it as a solo female. Then you get the geezers giving you the, let me just do it for you “help”. Sometimes I will accept the help of someone offering to spot, although that has not always ended well either. Like the time the resort had a policy of directing everyone into their site. I trusted this person too much and he had me back into an electrical box that I was blinded to and resulted in damage to my trailer. If I had gotten out myself as I usually do, I would have know the box was there and avoided it. I now also have a backup camera on my trailer, which helps.

@OldVideoPutz

9 ай бұрын

I agree. I very rarely let strangers direct me. If they want to help, I politely tell them to shout really loud if I'm going to hit something, but not to tell me how to turn my wheel. My wife just tells me which way to aim the trailer, and we rarely have a problem.

I took a truck driving course many years ago so as to make me a better RVer (still have a CDL!). The way you showed here, using the S pattern, is the way they taught us to do it. Been doing it that way ever since. Thanks for the refresher!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Another vote for the S-Turn, Thanks Bill!! And thanks for watching and commenting.

My life has new meaning and less stress, at 75, I now feel 13 again. Tanks

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Wow! Glad a simple tip like this could do that much for ya!

That is exactly how I back my trailer into my driveway at the end of a camping trip. I have better visual sight of the end of the trailer and able to line it up easier in the drive.

Fair enough. I've been a truck driver for almost 40 years and the first few years didn't have power steering. Prior to that I was on the farm..... So it's difficult for me to think about what I actually do when I set up to back. After watching your video for ideas on how to pass along my knowledge to a complete newbie I guess I prefer to get the trailer as close to going straight back as possible, with the least amount of angle from the start. I can back up two trailers hooked together, so I had to stop and think about what comes naturally after all these years

@ourrvsunsets

Ай бұрын

I certainly remember old trucks with no power steering. I learned to drive on a 1968 Peterbuilt dump truck with a 318 screaming Detriot diesel that was a two sticker. Nothing like jamming your are through the steering wheel so you could get one hand on each stick. Such good times!!

15 year LTL Driver (the guys who drive backwards more than forwards). I'm going to go with the first one actually, the caveat being that you actually want to let the trailer drift in to that 45 degree angle. Just give it a slight turn of the wheel so the trailer starts to track and it will do most of the work for you while you back mostly straight. Then, well at least around here, where most campgrounds are single lane, you can just chase the trailer into the hole just the same as if you were leaving forward. Just watch the rear axle for the pivot point when you need to turn. I find that if you swing wide as in example #2 you are guaranteed to need a 2nd or 3rd maneuver as you will likely over correct the trailer and have to pull forward a few times to get it lined up correctly.

@ourrvsunsets

16 күн бұрын

Do what works for you amigo.

Very good advice. I use this method when conditions allow. I will also add…be sure to use ALL the space you have available! Pull forward a little more, pull into an empty campsite across from yours, etc.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Great tip!

One challenge I have is knowing when to start straightening out my truck once I'm in the site. I sometimes do it too early, and the trailer doesn't come around enough or too late, and it comes around too much. I'm pretty picky about getting my truck and trailer parallel in the site. But the s-turn definitely helps a lot, as it aims the trailer right at the target.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

You're not the only one that does this Jordan. I almost never start straightening out at the right time. I get close, but then I have to pull forward and realign. It's not you amigo, it's all of us!

@donhorner6019

Жыл бұрын

Another video showed me that as you back and the front of your truck is either at “11 or 1 o’clock” start straightening out the steering wheel.

I've been doing your method for years and totally agree... Thanks, RT

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Right on

I agree! We use this method when backing our RV into our RV Lot @ our house! Thanks for sharing!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bernard! It's worked for us for years!

I learned this one recently and it makes backing in MUCH easier

I agree, 100%. The biggest thing, is to get out, and look first, then, since you are going to have a blind side, find what you can guide by. In your illustration, you'd know the width of your trailer, and the width of your driveway, once I can see down the left side, I know my right side is clear, as long as I go straight, and I don't edge to the right. Another thing is to put something on the ground, equal to the length of the trailer, behind your tow vehicle(could be anything), so, once your are straight, get out, pace the distance left behind trailer, then put your marker that far from the edge of your mirror, looking straight down. Bingo, yer in. If you have a helper, teach them to point the direction they want the rear to go(only, no yelling 'cut it')and the signal for stop. Less is more. Ever time I hear 'cut it' I stop, get out, and ask, 'What does that really mean, and how on earth does it help me?'

@ourrvsunsets

Ай бұрын

Excellent advice here. Thanks for commenting with this!!

For anyone that has a little experience towing any kind of a trailer, the info in this video is pretty much common knowledge and common sense.

I love this tip! I look forward to trying it the next trip we take 😊

That idea works great if no one is parked across from your site. So many times, people back into their site and park sideways as close to the road a possible. This blocks you from having the swing room, and room to pull up and straighten if needed.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

I never said it would work every time, and that certainly is a situation it's not optimal, but when in the right situation, I promise it will work like a charm!

My home driveway is like this. I backup exactly as you say. Works flawlessly every time. 👍👏

Great video! It definitely helps to line up the trailer!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad you got something out of it.

Great video. Short and to the point with demonstration. Nicely done

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks John, glad you enjoyed it!

My favourite spectator sport is watching people backing into camp sites. The old lady is always out yelling directions that the guy either doesn’t understand or just flat ignores. Usually there’s a little yappy dog or two running around in the tow vehicle barking like crazy. It always starts off slow and the guy ends up revving the engine and slamming gears between forward and reverse more and more as he gets pissed off. Once finally parked the drivers door is given a mightily slam and then there’s just silence as the couple won’t talk to each other for a while. Awww, the joy of camping…

@ourrvsunsets

25 күн бұрын

In case you are unaware, we did create a game for this spectator sport, complete with downloadable score cards!! kzread.info/dash/bejne/daZkppqnpsi5lLw.htmlsi=IbCdnIIl53nRK08w

@jabroni6199

25 күн бұрын

No one who rides with me knows how to properly spot me. My buddy will position me so my trailer is nice and square with no regard to the Positioning of my truck then say “ok now just straight back”

@r.g.doolind5804

23 күн бұрын

That’s exactly what happened the last time my wife and I camped, with her yelling and making a scene! I seem to do better if I do it myself without people guiding me.

Great advice from real experience! Another thing, I’ve heard soooo many people say turn your wheel in the opposite way that you want your trailer to go. I don’t know about anybody else, but that makes my lightening fast mind go tilt. Turning the bottom of your steering wheel in the SAME direction you want to go, sounds too simple to be useful, but really helps clear the direction thing up for me.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

For me it was turning the wheel the opposite way clicked in my brain. But the hand on the bottom of the wheel is a great tip as well if that's what works with your brain. Thanks for sharing that!!

Wow!!! Genius and such a good way of doing things!!! Totally trying this next time!!!!!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

It's a simple tip, but it has always worked for me.

Yes, I've been doing this for years. Get the trailer as straight a shot at the campsite as possible. Same thing with I put into my driveway at home. The second part of the "S" turn is where all the magic happens.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Yep, it's all about the setup!

Finally someone who agrees with my sentiments entirely when it comes to backing in a trailer. I too have driven many commercial vehicles with a trailer and into some very tight spots. It’s all about what I call the set up angle before starting to back up. Great video Sir, well done.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Andy!!! And yep, like most things in life the set up is the key to the final performance.

Yes, totally agree. The s-curve makes it so easy. Much less anxiety when you are able to s-curve back in on the driver's side. However, there are times when the campground is crowded with vehicles parked on both sides parallel with the road because they all got there first which makes it very hard to back in. Especially when your site is not at a slant, but at 90 degrees and you must back in on the passenger side. Nothing worse than that one. And on top of that you have a 36 foot camper with a long bed truck. It makes things really tight. I have actually practiced the 90 degree passenger side back in many times in a vacant parking lot, because that situation happens more often than you think it might. Fortunately I have a long bed truck pulling a fifth wheel. I can back in at a 90 degree angle and not worry about jack knifing or my camper hitting the bed of the truck.

@ourrvsunsets

12 күн бұрын

Yep, we're in the same position now as we traded up to a 35' 5th wheel and a long bed RAM truck. The situation you explained is the nightmare scenario!! The only advise I have for that one is go SLOW!!!! And if you have to, ask the other camper if he/she can move their car or tuck so you can get your rig parked. Honestly, we have found that most other campers are happy to help you out, because they have been in that situation before. Thanks for the comment!

Great topic we do the exact same thing if we are able to. Sometimes the campground roads are too narrow with lots of obstacles, but when possible we always take this same approach. Great video and it’s very helpful especially to those that may be new.

I've been backing in my trailer like that for years. It's works great.

I've been backing up trailers for years, but don't think I've ever done it this way....I'll give this a try next time! Thanks for the tip!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

You quite welcome! I hope it works as well for you as it does for me.

Good info. Thanks!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Great information. Since we started RVing occasionallyast year, my husband has been doing all the driving and backing up. He's also been doing the leveling, hooking up, etc. That was a good thing in the beginning, as he learned to do it correctly, and then could show me how to do these things. On our last thing, he let me hitch the trailer, drive it to the dump station, and do all the dumping. I think it's important that we can both do these things, in case he is not able to. Backing up seems to me like the hardest part, so your video is super helpful. Of course, I have seen the other method, but it's good to know that there are options.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

You are 100% correct when you say that both of you should know how to drive with the trailer attached. If something happens to one of you the other has to be able to step in, so goodonya for yearning how to do it! As for backing the trailer I think the difficulty gets a little over blown in the KZread RV community, to the point that people wind up with a lot of undue anxiety about it. Once you've done it a few times and have an understanding of how things react when you turn the wheel, your 90% there, the rest is just practice. Go slow, get out and look when you need to, and it'll be just fine. Again, goodonya for accepting the challenge and running with it, it's all part of the adventure!

@mixedmediaartgirl300

Жыл бұрын

Just had this conversation today! Yes, and goes both ways. It's part of knowing you have each other's backs. We're both still filling in the blanks but doing it so we can help each other if or when needed....most likely when.

Yes the swoop is the way to go. I also use it when I’m backing up 90 degree on driver side.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Ohhhhhh "The Swoop" I like that! I'm calling it that from now on.

Great advice. Another thing that'll help. Once you've positioned yourself straighten out your steer tires before backing(parallel with the tow vehicle) then make small adjustments as you reverse.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Great point!

As a former driver myself, I learned this on the road. But now I work for an RV company and am moving trailers in and out of bays and spots on the lot. We don't have a lot of room to work with and the S approach works wonders. I try to explain it to my backup driver and he's not grasping the concept.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vote of confidence Scott, maybe try showing him the video?

Good tip. I guess my thinking is that every situation is a bit different, so as I approach my site I am looking around and evaluating what will work best. I usually stop just as my tow vehicle approaches the site and get out and have a good look around. What is behind me? What is on my left that could interfere with front fender? What is over head, wires, branches, trees on an angle? Where are the campsite posts? where do I want the trailer tires to finish? Where will my awning go out? Where will my trailer jacks land? Once I have a good feel for where I am headed, then I quickly plan my backing strategy, and then TAKE MY TIME and execute it. Sometimes I even stop part way in and get out and check again, just to be sure that things are going to plan, and to check again in case I missed something. Over 450 nites on the road since late 2016 and no big backing screw ups yet..touch wood. Safe travels, and safe backing everyone....

@ourrvsunsets

12 күн бұрын

^^^ This right here is excellent advice. I always get out and have a look before I back in. It gives you a mental picture of where all the obstacles are so you know what to avoid. And if you have to stop and look multiple times there is no shame in that. Do what you have to do to SAFELY park your rig!!! Thank you for adding this comment!!

This is exactly what I do for every campsite and my wife can hit the campsite every time with one try. In a close campsite hug the side of the road closer giving you more room to swing your tow vehicle around.

I like your Tip it speaks volumes for experience

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!!! Hopefully it's helpful to others. Thanks for watching!

I drove tow trucks for many years and found this method early in my career. It still works even if you only have 1 lane. I think it takes less room to have your trailer "aimed" toward the drive before moving backwards than to have the truck and trailer in a straight line. I learned to use my mirrors when backing at all times. You have better view with the mirrors than looking out rear window. Another tip for newbies....hold the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go. Good video and explanation.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Pops!! I agree that it works even if you only have one lane. In that case I feel this is still the best method. As for using the mirrors, this is why even when I am unhitched I back into a parking spot. With the mirrors I have much better visibility of the the vehicles on either side than I do pulling into the spot going forward. Thanks again for the comment!

Makes perfect sense to me! Not that I back our trailer up... but I am the eyes & director of it.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Well if you're the director then you can direct the driver into an S-Turn! 😉

I agree with the s turn approach......set yourself up. So many times I have seen people get jacked beyond the point of no return and then pull up 5 ft. and repeat. 😊😊

Yup after a couple of years struggling with a 5th wheel 90 back into me driveway with a short bed I found this method last year now it is just so simple . I too was worried about lack of room but you start chasing the rv right away which means you don't need as much room to swing out as the rv is half way there already and pointed into the driveway when you begin backing.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Yep, you set yourself up for success before you even throw the truck into reverse. Thanks for watching and commenting!

Makes sense to me. This is what we try to do.

Very good!

@ourrvsunsets

20 күн бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

I agree with you. I have done it both ways.

Genius!!!!!! Thank You!

@ourrvsunsets

12 күн бұрын

You bet!

I’ve tried this and it works real good if you have space on the driver’s side. I mostly do the straight away but I need to remember to do the “s” more!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Yay!!!! I am so happy this helped someone out!

Your s method has always been my preferred method if the area is suitable

Our fun is we stay at a lot of state campgrounds with narrow one way roads and trees! When we had a pop up I could drive pulling it and could back it up if no one other than hubby was watching me. Could cheat and look over shoulder to see where it was going when backing up. Our first big camper was a 25 foot one that I could drive the campground loop with and kind of back up if there was a lot of room. Current camper is 30 feet and I have backed it up once with a lot of back and forth guess I need to get brave (or hubby does) and get behind the wheel.

@fyter889

Жыл бұрын

Tip for you, get some small cheap cones at a sporting goods store, set them up in a big open parking lot to simulate different scenarios and practice without fear of hurting something.

Great info!

@ourrvsunsets

Ай бұрын

Glad you think so!

A friend of mine mounted a trainer hitch onto the front of his truck, so there is no backing up. He detaches his trailer, turns his truck around, and drives the trailer to its designated spot.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

That's some serious McGiver s#!t!!! 😁

Lol! I had to think for a minute. I already do this.

I'm going to give this a try!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Let me know how it works out. I think you'll find it makes things a bit easier.

30 years and 3 million miles, I was watching a couple trying to back in blind side into a 45 space right as it was getting dark yesterday. It took them a while even with spotters helping them.

This is absolutely the right way. I'm also an X trucker.

I’m not a truck driver and I’m new to the Travel Trailer scene, but I’ve backed my pickup into parking spaces forever and I’ve learned to come in tight and swing out similar to your S pattern. So, I concur.

@ourrvsunsets

Ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment!

Great tip!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I want to hitch up the trailer and try it right now!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Now that's the type of inspiration I was hoping for 😉

My driving trailers started on a moving company's yard backing trailers to the slip and to the dock and doors. Then another 8 years over the road, then 10 more driving a wide variety of trucks and trailers to include over-legnth and width, up to 82' long amd 14 wide (commercial trusses) Unless I were forced to do an acute angled backing. The "S" maneuver you mentioned should get first consideration. For one thing you have taken control of the oncoming lane, unlike your nose swinging into it and allowing someone to perpetrate a foul against you (insurance fraud, maybe) .... It also gives a quicker view in the mirror of your rig and the property it is entering. One must learn where the axle(s) should be to begin steering in. Most rigs will be different from others asnit depends on lengths, axle positions, and tow vehicle. It should be possible to just do a single smooth turning and slight arc. Don't forget to use your signal if on an actual roadway and 4 ways on private property. Sorry about the looong reply😂

@ourrvsunsets

Ай бұрын

No apology necessary amigo, you brought up some great points, especially the one about taking control of the lane. Thanks for the comment!!

Nice…Direct, simple, easy to understand, to the point! Suggestion for a topic: how best to move the trailer that 45 degrees you mention.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Noted

Thats good advice. I actually split the difference and don't go all the way in the other lane.

Thank You. That helps.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome Mark, glad it was helpful!

Thanks for sharing. My biggest challenge has been straight sites where RV Park management has you doing a left-hand backup. They all seem to go good at first, but trying to be lined up with the parking pad results in ending up with the truck at weird angles which results in continuously readjusting to get the trailer into the correct place after minor adjustments, not to mention conflicting advice from the three neighbors watching you, LOL. -Davey

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Nothing worse than having 4 helpful campers all trying to back you in at once!

I agree & add keep hand at bottom of the wheel! Then move hand the direction you need the trailer to go! And always remember the longer the trailer, Slower reaction time. Blind side can be tuff! If, using helpers, remind them, if you can’t see a mirror, I can’t see you! As a truck driver 18 years, always be under weight for the max of your tow vehicle! I learned that the hard way prior to trucking!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

All of this is great advice, thanks for sharing it Chief!!

Discovered your method the hard way a couple of years ago. Pennsylvania State Park campsites were not designed by campers (Ohio and W. Va. also!). The posts that number the campsites are put in the most awful places, ruining a good shot into the site. I was forced to get into the position you recommend staying off of the posts on my camp side. It made things tighter on the driver's side, but you had that straight shot into the site. Your video puts the move into better clarity! Thanks!!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Stephen!!

@pamwalton3411

Жыл бұрын

I almost exclusively camp at Ohio State Parks. Most that I've been to have been acceptable, but South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay) was NOT meant for anything other than tents or Class Bs! LOL! I have 30' bumper pull. The spot I was in I had passenger side maneuver, with a tree right at the front/passenger side of the lot. Approach lane was SKINNY (about the same size as the parking spots and no room for an s-curve), had to use the neighbor's spot across the way to get in, and was still crooked! Two days later they were still there when we left, I had to ask them to move their cars out of their spot so I could use that space to pull out (and not hit that dang tree!) I love trees, but that one was NOT my friend!

@stephenpennell9214

Жыл бұрын

@@pamwalton3411 Pretty true! Clear Creek State Park in Pa has some really sketchy sites for trailers over 25 feet. I found a secret while filling my water tank. I watched a park personnel mowing actually lift a site number sign out of the ground to mow without having to trim. Once done filling my water tank I proceeded to move the sign and made an impossible angle work. Park Ranger wasn't happy, but he didn't scold us too badly. LOL

I always tell everyone, you want to make sure that when you start backing your trailer, you are starting from a position that has your trailer as close to the desired final resting spot as possible. I drove semi trucks coast to coast, and your method is the CORRECT WAY to back any size trailer

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vote of confidence. It's amazing how many professional drivers say they do it this way, we might be on to something 😁

Agree with Wit's End below, most campground road are not wide enough for the the "S" turn maneuver. That said, if the road is wide enough this would make things easier.

Your way is the best in my experience. A Tip I picked when reversing; Too much trailer in the right mirror, steer right - too much trailer in the left mirror steer left.

@ourrvsunsets

Ай бұрын

Dude that's a great tip I had never heard before. Most folks talk about the hand on the bottom of the wheel thing, but I honestly like this idea much better. It's more visual, and I am a visual type person when it comes to learning! Thanks for sharing.

Figured this one out 20 years ago in high school.

Yes, this is how I do it. Also, a former logger and truck driver. I always try to align the trailer as much as possible to the place it needs to be parked. This also helps minimize the angle required between truck and trailer which helps keep the trailer visible in the rear view mirrors. When you have to make a 45 degree angle, you can’t see the trailer in the mirrors which makes backing much more difficult. P.S. Ditch the music.

@ourrvsunsets

28 күн бұрын

Thanks for the comment! Yeah the music is too much, I've since scaled back music on other videos.

Former CDL (A w/ Hazmat), now pull a 31.5 ft travel trailer as a weekend warrior, I agree & don't rush it. Don't forget G.O.A.L. Get Out And Look when unsure! - One thing I have learned was to turn off the trailer brakes (have a manual controller and not a factory controller) when backing, especially if parking on grass, Boondocking or Mouchdocking at the relatives farm. Best Wishes and happy travels!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

The G.O.A.L thing is great advice!! I think some people get worried that they will look bad if they get out to look, but you'll look and feel a whole lot worse if you hit something. What's the reason for turning off the trailer brake? I'm genuinely interested in how that helps you out. Thanks for the comment!!

@AcmeRacing

Ай бұрын

I'm a big fan of GOAL to get a mental picture of every tree, picnic table, and fire ring on my blind side. What I really hate is the "expert" who comes running over and wants to "help." He/she is one more thing to keep track of, and always assumes he knows how you want to be positioned in the site. Hopping out to look seems to draw them like flies.

Use the length available to you in front, it's key. The downside you point out about being tight on one side if you use the S-Turn doesn't matter as much if you use the length of the road to make the turn more gentle. It also gives you a better view in your mirrors if you can keep the trailer from jackknifing to get into site. Not always possible, but where it is, it's a massive benefit.

My Hubs showed me your way on paper & I just found it. Screenshots taken for our RV binder!

Cool. I will give it a try. The difficulty backing into some sites is not being able to see where the trailer needs to go and I have a particular site in mind. A ditch on one side and sturdy tree on the other and backing uphill on the road into the site. I get it done, but maybe this tip will make it a bit easier. Thanks.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Hopefully it will make it easier, it sounds like you hit the trifecta on difficult situations on that site!

Former driver here as well. Bingo. That is the best approach. Trailer swing is greatly reduced.

And your have better mirror angle as well, good job

I agree with you. I use the S turn whenever possible unless there is an obstacle I need to avoid to the front of my truck. Practice makes perfect and pull ups are always free. If you aren't sure Get Out and Look! I don't understand why most campgrounds design the sites for a blind side back. This is the hardest scenario even for the most experienced.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Totally agrea with the "get out and look" There's no shame in that, and it could save you a lot of frustration and money if it keeps you from hitting something.

Really well made video, simple and to the point. As many commenters have noted, a lot of campsites are only single or maybe 1.5 lane wide. Do you recommend a scaled down version of the S cut or back to keeping it as close to the site as possible? Maybe an idea for a future video

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

I always try to do as much of an S-Turn as I can when backing in. In some cases it's not much due to the size of the road, but it still gets things pointed in the right direction.

Never been in a campground with 2 wide lanes like that. It would be nice.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Agreed, but even with a smaller lane I still find the S turn helpful. Give it a shot next time and see if it help you out.

Whew! I just got a trailer and am learning how to back it up but I had a motorhome for years and I’d always do what you describe for that. So now I know I know something already! Hah 😊 I also if at all possible will have my driver’s side (left) on the inside of the curve, rather than on the outside of the curve as in your graphic….hmmm.

@ourrvsunsets

Ай бұрын

Yep, the way I showed is called backing to the blind side, it's the worst case scenario. And goodonya for already figuring this out in your motorhome! You'll find it translates perfectly to your trailer. Thanks for the comment!!

Good advice, however the majority of the campgrounds I have visited have one lane roads

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Very true, but I think you'll find that even on a one lane road this will help ya out.

I have to do a 90 when backing my rig in at home and use the s-turn technique as much as I'm able. It's always a fun time getting parked at the end of a trip.

@ourrvsunsets

Ай бұрын

But that difficult parking experience means when you are camping you get the rig in and setup faster. Which pf course means less time before the setup beer 😉

I haven't backed too many trailers up, but when I did, that's basically how I would do it...as long as there's space to do so. It's like I was removing part of problem right off the bat.

I was a truck driver too , a long time ago..and I am backing in my RV tomorrow doing a blind side backup similiar to your graphic. I just have a smaller lane and two trees to go between..but very small trailer..it will be ok....

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

You're a former truck driver, in the RV world we are like Gods!!! 😁

I agree with you.

I have almost 2 million miles as an over the road truck driver. I have seen lots of truck drivers that can't back up. Some laughably so!

More rustic sites there are trees so the space for the tow vehicle is very necessary

Split the difference when you can! I've found it's a good compromise especially with older tow vehicles with less turning radius. Get the trailer angled a little more to the site up front and you have a little more room for the nose of the truck to swing.

Additionally, it gives you better visibility to both directions of traffic while also signaling to them that you're about to make a manuever.

Great tip! But I wonder where were you yesterday when I was "trying" to back our trailer into our driveway? Lol Cheers!

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha!!! Now if you were just backing in at an RV park you would have had at least 4 other people trying to help you 😉 Thanks for the comment!

Yep, as a 30 plus year boat owner that’s how I’ve always done it on a tight boat ramp.

Yes , I do it that way too. and then the other way too. Sometimes 5 or 6 times. And then a few more. And my wife and kids are giving me directions and I get out and look where I'm going a few times. I believe I heard applause from the neighbor camper once.

@ourrvsunsets

Жыл бұрын

If your wife and kids are the only ones giving you directions your lucky!! Usually you have 4 other campers trying to help you as well :-)