A simple idea
We often camp on wooded sites with lengthy litter covered access drives. Backing up in this situation is difficult because I can't clearly see the edge of the drive. My wife tries to direct me, but ...
Forum Discussion
Pangaea Ron wrote:
I usually mark the end of my backing with an orange cone and place it on the left edge of the road
My wife is great at helping me back up. I tell her that I only want 4 signals from her to tell me which way we want the rear of the MH to go. She positions herself at the left rear corner and walks backwards. I don't move unless I can see her.
The signals are:
Pointing to the left
Pointing to the right.
Fingers on her hand up, palm in, waving towards her.
Hand raised fully, palm out, to tell me to stop
She forgets that I have a microphone at the rear of the MH, and I can hear what she says under her breath.
Exactly, if you don't have standard signals...random gestures won't mean much. Standardize the signals and it's simple. Biggest issue is she is in charge and your only right is to hit the brakes if something doesn't feel right.
Also, make a rule that if you can't see her, the brakes go on. It will annoy her the first couple times until she starts moving over so she can see your mirrors.
And yes, worst case scenario, put it in park, get out and look.
PS: Tell her when signaling to exaggerate her movements. If you can't see it, you can't react.
And one more signal: If you are getting close, she holds her hands apart equal to the distance you need to move...then as you move back, she follows with her hands. Makes it easier to predict when you come to a full stop.
