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Backing up your rig.

Dirtclods
Explorer
Explorer
So how many of you count on you mirrors backing up, or are you old school and turn your head back 180 to look or both?
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56 REPLIES 56

Dirtclods
Explorer
Explorer
Muddydogs wrote:
Dirtclods wrote:
So how many of you count on you mirrors backing up, or are you old school and turn your head back 180 to look or both?


Hate to tell ya but old school is not turning your head old school is using mirrors. Ever wonder why old trucks have nice big mirrors on them?


??
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just_me
Explorer
Explorer
Having been a truck driver for years, I depend on my mirrors, and getting out once in a while when I need to visually see whats going on, and what I need to do to avoid making contact with any thing in the site I am backing in to. I also use my wife when there is tight maneuvering and locating the slides around the pedestals.
Mirrors----
95 Dodge CC #5 TST plate Flame Red/Silver
not totaly stock
2007 fiver
Tag Ma-haul has been suggested for a name but now The Shoe box

Muddydogs
Explorer
Explorer
Dirtclods wrote:
So how many of you count on you mirrors backing up, or are you old school and turn your head back 180 to look or both?


Hate to tell ya but old school is not turning your head old school is using mirrors. Ever wonder why old trucks have nice big mirrors on them?
2015 Eclipse Iconic Toy Hauler made by Eclipse Manufacturing which is a pile of junk. If you want to know more just ask and I'll tell you about cracked frames, loose tin, walls falling off, bad holding tanks and very poor customer service.

joebedford
Nomad II
Nomad II
DW & I use walkie talkies. Her SINGLE role is to spot me and say every 3-4 seconds: "OK - OK - OK". If I don't gear "OK" I get out and look. Sometimes I get out and look even if I hear "OK". Final positioning is on me, not her.

RickSo
Explorer
Explorer
Mirrors and backup camera's for me most of the time. Occasionally look over shoulder on drivers side when backing that direction. The camera on the back of the TH lets me get very close when backing up the 72ft long rig. ๐Ÿ™‚
Rick
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2015 Volvo 730, D13, I-shift, 500/1850
2015 GMC 3500HD Denali 4x4 Dually
2012 Excel W41GKE Wild Cargo Toy Hauler
2010 BMW K1300GT / 2008 BMW R1200GS
2016 Polaris RZR 1000S

Dirtclods
Explorer
Explorer
2oldman wrote:
I am so used to mirrors that I'm almost incapable of backing without them. And I never turn my head to see traffic in a merging lane either.


And I never turn my head to see traffic in a merging lane either.

Like that!

My blinkers are not just a indicators, I'm moving over. I, I'm!
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Lantley
Nomad
Nomad
toolguy1964 wrote:
I use both when backing up. I think all RV', TT, 5ers and Toy Haulers should come standard with a backup camera and on units that are longer than say 35' should also have side view cameras.
Just my opinion.

Likewise I s do both. I use whatever method provides the best view. I am also not hesitant to just Get Out And Look!
There is no need to take an oath to using just one method
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toolguy1964
Explorer
Explorer
I use both when backing up. I think all RV', TT, 5ers and Toy Haulers should come standard with a backup camera and on units that are longer than say 35' should also have side view cameras.
Just my opinion.

Reader1
Explorer
Explorer
It varies. It seems when my husband wants to put it right in he seems to use his mirrors. When he wants to be creative it seems like he looks backwards. That's when all the neighbors bring out their lawn chairs to watch the show. My only job is to let him know if he is going to hit something and tell him GOAL. We have fun with it.

CabinetmakerII
Explorer
Explorer
I like the DBO acronym... Once I can see her in the mirror, I have my bride stand where she wants the left rear corner of the rig. I then back it into where she is standing. Of course she ensures I am clear all the way around. If she moves to get a better view of the other side, I stop backing until she returns. Also had to have a class on "Hand Signals" that I can see and understand while looking in the mirror. Good luck and safe travels!
Cabinetmaker

2021 DRV 39 DBRS3
2017 F-450 4X4, Riece 24K Hitch
2011 F-450 4X4, Companion 18K Hitch, Air Bags (Retired)
2012 Cyclone 3800, 5th Airborne Kingpin (Retired)
2018 Polairs 1000 XP Side by Side

Hap_Hazard
Explorer
Explorer
Dirtclods wrote:
I'm tried to convince the wife it would be good for her to learn how to back the trailer in, but that would entail more b i t c h e n !!


HaHaHa!!!! I guess I was off a little in my post.

My wife doesnโ€™t like driving my truck even without the trailer. She wonโ€™t even sit in the driverโ€™s seat if the TH is connected.

My point was that she is my outside spotter. In fact, she is โ€œDirector of Backing Operations (DBO)โ€ of the backing in process when she is available. This has many advantages over me being solely responsible:
1) If weโ€™re not level and she rolls around at night - not my fault.
2) If weโ€™re not close enough to the grass, patio area, septic, or to close to other RVโ€™s โ€“ not my fault.
3) If we hit something โ€“ not my fault.
4) If above happens and repairs are required โ€“ not from my checkbook.

Iโ€™m at fault for enough problems without adding to them.

Hap

Ps: She is a very good DBO. I hope she doesnโ€™t want a raise.

toolguy1964
Explorer
Explorer
Jay Pat wrote:
I have electric outside mirrors. I point them anywhere I want to look.
If I'm backing up around a tight space, I will look back out my window or the right side backseat window.
I even get out and look. I might get out and look several times.
Whatever it takes.
I don't just backup blindly.
Protect your rig!!!!
Pat


I'm with you Pat....I get out, sometimes 2 or 3 times if I have to and check my surroundings. I too, use both my mirrors as I also have electric and telescoping mirrors and point them wherever I need to. People think I'm nuts getting in/out of the truck but I don't care. The last thing I want to do is mess up my $70k rig because I was too lazy to look.

Dirtclods
Explorer
Explorer
I'm tried to convince the wife it would be good for her to learn how to back the trailer in, but that would entail more b i t c h e n !!
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Hap_Hazard
Explorer
Explorer
I guess Im missing something in this conversation. It sounds like people are making a case for which is the best way to back up a trialer, like there is only one correct method.

I use every tool available as dictated by the situation. I turn my head and look over either shoulder or both, I run my mirrors in-n-out and up and down. I get out and check when I'm alone and use the wife when she's with me. We also have handheld radios if needed.

Part of getting in and settled includes getting level and properly positioned. The wife is really good at getting that process completed with minimum effort.

During that phase she's in charge and I follow her directions. The sooner we're in and settled the sooner we can act like adults out-of-control.

Cheers
Hap

Dirtclods
Explorer
Explorer
sin cal hd wrote:
I close my eyes and rely on my wife. She's always right.:B


You too!
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