Backing up to an inclined and narrow driveway
Hi All, Greetings from a soon-to-be first-time trailer owner. My wife and I finally decided to buy a Coachmen Clipper 16RBD trailer. We are excited. I'm watching youtube videos on how to backup ...
Forum Discussion
I do not want to add to your confusion with all of this "advise" that is being given. All of it well meant but some of it very dubious.
First that driveway is doable with no problems as long as you clear the overhang.
You DO NOT NEED a Ladder or a front receiver or Walkie Talkies.
The only thing you really need is to learn to back up your trailer. (See my previous post)You can and you will.
The walkie talkie solution some use to my mind is dangerous and induces a time lag to your reactions. Every time I see a couple using them I shudder as the whole process usually goes haywire or at least takes much longer than necessary. By the time your spotter sees a problem, realizes they need to push the button, talks (rarely saying one word) and the driver receives the communication and listens and reacts this is just nonsense.
A proper clear hand signal will be seen immediately and can be reacted to much faster than answering a WT.
A front receiver hitch is just training wheels. And you have to learn to back up in difficult spots anyway...I agree with another poster it's a waste of money.
NO Ladder...back up to near the roof line GET OUT and decide for yourself if you will clear. Do not depend on the spotter it is your decision. Use your spotter as you back up. But decisions about whether your vehicle will fit are yours. Stay biased toward the hedge.
Make sure you instruct your spotter that they must be able to see you in your mirror..in this case the drivers side..at all times. Keep your attention mostly there checking your front occasionally, though with that mostly straight driveway you dont really have any obstructions to worry about.
Go out and rent or download The Long Long Trailer starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It is a very funny movie and there is a scene in it where Desi has to back his trailer up a long driveway. The scene is a classic of what NOT to do.
Finally people just learning to back all make the same mistake: They over-correct. Use small corrections and let the trailer react. If you need to pull forward go at least 6 feet otherwise the effect is minimal (however in really tight spots with the right steering control much less can and does work)
Good Luck
First that driveway is doable with no problems as long as you clear the overhang.
You DO NOT NEED a Ladder or a front receiver or Walkie Talkies.
The only thing you really need is to learn to back up your trailer. (See my previous post)You can and you will.
The walkie talkie solution some use to my mind is dangerous and induces a time lag to your reactions. Every time I see a couple using them I shudder as the whole process usually goes haywire or at least takes much longer than necessary. By the time your spotter sees a problem, realizes they need to push the button, talks (rarely saying one word) and the driver receives the communication and listens and reacts this is just nonsense.
A proper clear hand signal will be seen immediately and can be reacted to much faster than answering a WT.
A front receiver hitch is just training wheels. And you have to learn to back up in difficult spots anyway...I agree with another poster it's a waste of money.
NO Ladder...back up to near the roof line GET OUT and decide for yourself if you will clear. Do not depend on the spotter it is your decision. Use your spotter as you back up. But decisions about whether your vehicle will fit are yours. Stay biased toward the hedge.
Make sure you instruct your spotter that they must be able to see you in your mirror..in this case the drivers side..at all times. Keep your attention mostly there checking your front occasionally, though with that mostly straight driveway you dont really have any obstructions to worry about.
Go out and rent or download The Long Long Trailer starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It is a very funny movie and there is a scene in it where Desi has to back his trailer up a long driveway. The scene is a classic of what NOT to do.
Finally people just learning to back all make the same mistake: They over-correct. Use small corrections and let the trailer react. If you need to pull forward go at least 6 feet otherwise the effect is minimal (however in really tight spots with the right steering control much less can and does work)
Good Luck
