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RobWNY's avatar
RobWNY
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015

Issue Backing into Camping Spot

Last year was our first year with our camper (27ft. Heartland Trail Runner). Although we didn't have any major issues that weren't easily corrected, I found that I struggled in one area and likely will again this upcoming season. When I pull past our campsite upon arrival, I can't judge when I've gone far enough so I can stop and then begin backing in. I can't see well enough with my mirrors to know for sure where the back of my camper is in relation to the campsite entry and of course the camper blocks your view. I either pull too far past and have to back up some before starting to turn and back in, or I haven't gone far enough. I end up having to get out of my truck, walk to the back of my camper to determine if I'm in the right spot to begin backing. I love my wife dearly, but she is no help whatsoever for this task so it's all on me. If I could back in where I could look out the drivers side window, I wouldn't have nearly as much trouble but every campground we've been to have you back in like in the picture below. Is there a general rule of thumb or something you have learned to determine when you're in the right spot to begin backing and turning into your campsite? thanks in advance for your expertise!

  • Learn to use pivot points of your trailer and TV

    Mainly their tires...then the over hang from that pivot point(s)

    Backing up, I first figure where I want it, where the over hang 'might' swing
    and then place the trailer tire at the pivot point for the moment to turn the
    steering wheel like mad

    Also, if an automatic...worst condition for any automatic while unlocked and can
    burn up the tranny in a hurry (minutes to seconds)

    Avoid hight throttle settings and if needed...only short bursts
  • Get better mirrors for your truck. Seriously. I used to use the Cipa slide on extensions on the factory mirrors on my truck and they sucked. I put on a set of GM '06+ vertical towing mirrors and have had a much easier time seeing.

    Other than that....Practice.
  • An orange cone placed on each side of the site, that you can see from the truck seat in the mirrors. Back between them.
  • Mandalay Parr wrote:
    I always back in from the driver's side.
    Turn around if you have to.

    Good advice, but not always possible in One Way campground loop roads.
    Bottom line is you have to learn how to back in from either direction...practice, practice...
  • Might try having your wife just stand on your driver side where you can see her and know when to start turning just a thought
  • If in fact, "she (your wife) is no help whatsoever for this task," Then you are going to have to do the leg work and climb in and out so you can see what you need to see.

    You will get better and better at it as you get more experience with all the different back in situations that you encounter as you camp more.

    One positive is that you are providing entertainment to others who are smugly sitting in their sites watching you struggle...

    Seriously, stick with it. It get easier and easier.

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