Very Humbling Realization

[Stars101]

Since we bought the TC I have been DH's designated "helper" for loading. I carefully guide him back and after each time he rolls back 6-12" I shout "STOP". And I carefully look at both sides and then ask him to roll slowly back again and stop so I can judge if it's still centered. It takes a few minutes, could be faster, but I still thought we were a good team.

DH felt I had him stop too many times and he should just be able to "roll" slowly.... but I felt more comfortable having him stop b/c we have a sub-wing that makes it to within 1/2" on the passenger side.

Last trip DH asked me to come out and help him and I got tied up inside the house. By the time I came out he had it loaded and tied down and plugged in! In less time than it takes us as a "team" to just get the truck backed underneath....

I'm officially off the team now 😞 🙂

[AnEv942]

Im not even sure how someone might 'help' back under camper. We are a team effort for sure, backing into camp, getting on the blocks leveling, setting up camp etc. The actual lifting & lowering of camper I dont want anyone else near it. Backing the truck under camper have enough to focus on watching everything. Though ours is a standard cab so I can also see the camper and bed.

As to backing the boat and I cant see it, I correct if it comes into view, though I do get out if unsure of distance or water depth.

[Super_Dave]

pjay9 wrote:

Now here's one for you, how do you back up a boat at a boat ramp when you cannot see the boat or trailer behind the TC by yourself?

As long as you can't see it, you are perfect. Once you even begin to see the trailer in one of the side mirrors, make the correction. Goal is to not see it.

[trailgranny50]

My DH can't twist at the waist due to work related spinal fusing he can't back anything, has major trouble with using mirrors (me left handed him right handed), and his hearing is selective. So I check out the location and then do the backing, he just lets me know about low hanging trees, large rocks and upright trees and has learned to not do any yelling unless a disaster is immanent. I also interpret all written instructions into plain English, load the camper, make all the repairs, pack, cook and clean, tie his fishing tackle and manage the dogs and am chief navigator while he pilots the rig. Of course he's worked his body and hands till they bleed, stressed his mind and provided everything we and our 5 kids have had thru his hard work, and is still working at 71, and with the grace of God, so it's a pretty fair trade. 46 years together and still going places, just slower and not as often.

[pjay9]

I can hardly write this from laughing so hard! I love it! As for the laser shamzer...phooeeee! Look at the bottom edge of your tub linre it up with the rib on the rubber pad you have decided is the proper aiming point and back up. Build yourself some centering guides ro wahtever...there are som many solutions to doing it on your own...still LMAO!!!

Now here's one for you, how do you back up a boat at a boat ramp when you cannot see the boat or trailer behind the TC by yourself?

[portscanner]

We manage as a team, but work slightly differently. When we had the 5er, she would drive and I would give the directions. With the TC, she backs the truck and again I give directions. The unique thing we do, is instead of me yelling "go right" or "go left" - I keep an eye on the front wheels - then using a circular motion with my hand, I tell DW which way to turn the wheel and how far.

If she looses site of me - she is to stop and it is my resposibility to move back into range where she can see me. When we had the 5er, we had other campers complement us on the speed and accuracy that we could back and park the 5er.

[sljohnson1938]

has anyone seen the article on Truck camper magazine about the guy who has a laser setup? looks good. he has a video where he puts camper on truck with no problems or help.

[Reality_Check]

I dearly love that my wife helps out... A trooper for sure.

She most often gets it right the first time, but sometimes when we're loading the TC, she forgets the ice and just brings a cup full of Crown.

But every marriage has room for improvement. I suppose in a perfect world, she'd load the camper and I could sit and drink and watch. But, no worries. There's always hope and a tomorrow.

[sue_t]

Walkie talkies totally eliminate the need for the RV dance.
I watch the side DH can't so he can't see me, but he can hear me if something is in harm's way.

[amandasgramma]

Okay -- don't feel too bad....here's what happened to me....LOL

DH was backing the small 5th wheel not only back and to the left, but downhill, too. I was in back doing the "rv dance"......I took a step back and landed on my a$$. A BIG rock behind me!!! I got up, was dusting myself off and DH got out of the pickup. I said I was alright. He asked what's wrong. I said I fell, didn't you see it?? He said (and I kid you not) "I never watch you anyway"...WHAT???? Why am I out here doing the "RV Dance"????? He said "Cuz it makes you feel good"...........yeah....I don't do that dance anymore. 🙂 🙂

[WVbassmistress]

"... but I should keep the old one(s) around as a spare"

Husband??? Who would want 2???!!!

[Ski_Pro_3]

If you have ipads, kindles, laptops, etc, why not just skype each other? Have her point her camera to the hot points while you back up and watch from your screen in the cab. You can even talk to her and tell her to tip the camera up, down, closer, etc.

[Stars101]

pjay - I keep trying and trying to keep MY truck camper loaded on HIS truck.... and it never works :h

Does that mean I need a new DH or a new truck?

Personally I think both, but I should keep the old one(s) around as a spare:B

[pjay9]

My DW just lets me do it on my own...she has plenty to do to get us on the road. All she wants to know is when she can go aboard, doesn't wait any longer, she just tell me to let her know when it is safe. But the TC is living on the truck so loading is not done too much.

[Stars101]

2oldman wrote:
What's a sub wing?

Not sure if it's an official term, but it's the little bump out that some TC have to give them a little more interior room. But it makes loading it much trickier. There is a current post about them and that's what made me think of this story.

I kinda like the term "Sub Wings". We just called it the bump out, the shower area, the jutting little bit part, the "You know what I mean! THAT piece! (while pointing wildly at the offending bump out). Sub Wing sounds like a decent term to stick with.

[joeshmoe]

billtex wrote:
I prefer to be left alone to focus when I load/unload...no distractions.

We camp every summer with another Family...great Folks...but he is a real talker. Never fails when I am loading up at the end of the week he is following me around blah, blah, blah...drives me nuts!

Make me appreciate the peace/quiet when loading the rest of the year!

You're not suppose to actually listen to what they're saying. You block it out and say "Uh, huh. Yeah. Yep" every so often.:B

Last outing, I was blind sided by three different people at the dump station. Got stuck there for almost an hour and a half. I have no doubt they might have chatted me up for hours if I let 'em.