Parking aid

Let me play the Devil's advocate here.

You should learn how to back that RV into any space alone.

There won't always be someone there to help you. How many people do you see helping big rig drivers back into their loading docks?

My way of thinking is that if you are going to take on the responsibility of driving a big vehicle then you should be able to do it alone.

Going to a large parking lot and practicing is a must.

Just my opinion......

I agree practice and someone else out on the ground with a hand held CB radio to help guide you into a tight spot.

As a retired truck driver who has trained others to drive tractor trailer, I think the Lazydays Expert, Barney Alexander's Drivers Confidence Course webisode is one of the best tools/aids out there for the new motorhome driver.

http://betterrving.com/rv-driver-confidence-course-part-1/.

Watch all 7 segments by clicking the above link. Its free!!!:
Part 1: Adjusting Mirrors
Part 2: Your Front End Blind Spot
Part 3: Negotiating Curves
Part 4: Marking Your Back Tires
Part 5: Turning in Your Motorhome
Part 6: Your Rear View Monitor
Part 7: Backing into a Campsite
and read "How to Drive an RV with Dots".

I'm liking the cone idea, and the rope also. Will have to try. Thanks for the advice.

My method is to walk the site to determine just where I want the RV. I then take a long yellow rope and lay it out where the driver side wheels will go. This give me a path to follow and I know there is clearance because I have walked the site. Works every time, hope this helps.

OK, here ya go.
Go to Walmart and buy a set of 4 orange soccer discs. Pull up to the site, get out and establish where you want your rear wheels or trailers wheels to go and just drop the discs in an arc to that spot. Works both drivers side or blind side. You may have to adjust your mirrors down to see them all the way to the finish.

Blueseajojo wrote:
Hi,

We're quite new to the RV world. And looking if there's any parking tools/aids that can help in parking our RV. Cameras are great, but I'm looking for something more budget friendly.

Thanks!

Jo and Chris

No! Cameras are not great for parking. Do they show tree limbs as well as low objects? Do they show slide clearance and utility hookups?

With two of you it's actually extremely easy. Assuming Chis is driving: Jo is outside and behind the rig giving hand signal directions. Your responsibility is which way the rear of the vehicle should go and how far back including left to right alignment. Jo is also responsible to remain in the rear view mirror. Chris is responsible for the front of the rig and the car/truck if a trailer.

Chris has a very major responsibility and it's not positioning the rig. If Chris cannot see Jo then his foot is hard on the brake. And this will happen and Chris - there is absolutely no blame when this happens.

Develop your hand signals, but be consistent. Radios can also be useful. Go to a empty parking lot with plastic containers to mark a camp site and practice.

Learn the wife to drive and then you stand, on the Driver's side to the rear and guide her. Back from the right or from the street to the right.
That way you can get all the flack for not guiding her right when she takes down the trees just like she usually does. :)

Practice in a big parking lot, no charge. Set of walkie talkies, priceless.

Practice.