The collapsible cones in this video are legit ⚠️amzn.to/2SUVPrI We use them mostly for preventing people from parking directly in front of us. If you've seen previous episodes, we usually take a bit of the spot in front of us, but I'm expecting a motorcycle one day! These cones help us claim some space. But they are also good for pulling off on the side of repairs for a flat or repairs.
yea- Just wait until you drop one. The bottom plastic doesn't hold up well to pavement and cracks in pieces. We had a couple of those at Central Coast Uplink. one drop is all it took..
MTSU? We live not too far away and our two oldest went there... were you just using the parking lot? Did you boondock, I would love to hear back on that option.”!
I'm a retired truck driver and your backing skills are good, I have a suggestion for you that truckers do, turn ur emergency flashers on while u are getting backed in or actually anytime you are backing. It gets people's attention which is a great safety thing.
And a bonus if your backing at night it temporarily lights up the area around the trailer, giving you snapshots to go off of. I use my hazards when backing trailers around my yard at night even
When I was about 13 years old my dad hitched up our 2 horse trailer and drove it to the end of the lane. There was a fence on one side and a row of trees on the other. He put it in park, hopped out and told me to back it back up to the house. He just walked back to the house and let me go at it on my own. I will forever remember that day for the learning experience and the confidence that it instilled in me.
I drove a tow truck for a number of years. The axis was different almost every tow due to vehicle length. Garages say things like, "Stick it right there" between a BMW and cement wall. No spotters, just me GOAL every 5 seconds. Learned real fast how to not damage someone's vehicle. Your 'S" approach is king. Can't say enough about how much easier that is on a hitch hook. Nice job guys. We are looking for our first TT and I'm watching you for tips. Enjoy!
Trish, if you’re still not getting the hang of backing by starting out at the 6 o’clock position on the steering wheel, try saying the following rhyme to yourself instead. “Turn the wheel TOWARDS the mirror, make the trailer disappear.” That way wherever the steering wheel is positioned, if you turn towards the mirror that is showing the trailer, eventually it will begin to move in the opposite direction. It also helps to keep the trailer straight when you’re trying to go straight backwards and it begins to pivot even slightly. That has been the only trick that has stuck with me and has helped my confidence greatly. Thanks for the great content!
I love the way you guys communicate with each other. Calm, consistent & without information overload. I also appreciate how you praise & encourage good technique without being overly critical of errors. Great example of how learning is accomplished🙏
One tip I learned that has helped me a BUNCH when backing our RV - turn the steering wheel toward the "problem". When the rig starts to go where I don't want it to I've found I can easily remember "turn towards the problem". It keeps me from having to remember left and right or driver and passenger. Great content AS ALWAYS and congrats Trish on a superb first time backing session. It will only get better from here. Blessings on your travels!
Thank you, I wish you guys were here with me my husband just passed away and I'm left on my own with a 44 ft. 5th wheel that is our home and now I have to learn to drive I'm going to start practicing in the next couple days i know with God and my husband guiding me through it I'll get it figured out .
My wife and I bought our first travel trailer today and brought it straight to our RV storage facility. We had trouble backing into our spot, but thankfully a gentleman (who was patiently waiting for us to park so he could drive around us) helped us out. A lot of the advice and guidance he gave was the same as what you described in this video, particularly about picking out reference points. I’m happy to report that we parked it in one piece!
Over our 41 years of camping we’ve had every kind of RV that you can buy. I pride myself on being able to drive and park anything that is parked in our driveway. I’m different than you though as I find it much easier to back up a travel trailer than a fifth wheel. I find that when the fifth wheel starts to turn there is no correcting it if you’re not where you want to be whereas the travel trailer is slower to turn but you can change the direction easier. We currently have a 41’ fifth wheel and my first time parking it there were a couple of “observers” just staring at my progress. A nice gentleman walked by and casually said “You’re doing a great job” which made me feel much better. lol
Sitting here in Haiti waiting on the Lord to release us from our missionary duties after 17 years, watching your videos and enjoying them. Got a 32 ft trailer and got dreams to hit the road someday......thank you for what you do!
The thing that I like most about your videos is how positive the two of you are, no matter what is happening. Also, your filming skills have improved immensely from your original videos. The addition of a drone really makes them very professional and I know that some of those shots take a lot of extra time and effort, but they don't go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do. Oh one last thing, we bought our first 5th wheel in January thanks to your encouragement. We took one trip to Sedona for a week, loved it, and then Covid hit. I am trying to emulate you guys and remain as positive as you.
For new people. I do the mirror technique. Use the mirrors, if you see the trailer more in the right mirror (and you still want to go straight) you turn the wheel to that mirror.
I think most RV'ers know that backing into a cramped site is difficult at best, so yeah, take your time and do what you need to do. I have no problem waiting for anyone to park their rv because we all know how difficult it can be at times. Great video btw. Love you guys 😊
After 10 years of teaching Soldiers how to drive in the Army, y’all have given all the same points I gave. It’s a process and Trish hit it on the head with “there is only so much information a student can take in before they have to try it.” Great, and important, video especially for couples.
Great video. Practice, practice, practice. My wife had never backed a trailer before we bought our camper. I had a lot of experience so I taught her. At first she was a little intimidated, but once she got the hang of it she did a great job. She told me she felt very empowered and it made her feel like an equal partner in the RV experience . She took the camper on her own to the campground on a Friday where I was to met her after work. Our friends had the site next to ours, so when she arrived my buddy asked her if she wanted him to back it in (not insulting; just being nice). She told him she had it and proceeded to stick it on the first shot. When I got there he came up, handed me a beer and told me my wife was a BOSS! . I wonder if Trish would speak to how it made her feel when she added that skill.
I really appreciated your extra emphasis on SAFETY. Last week, in a campground close to Yellowstone NP, a 5 year old lost his balance on his bike and ended up getting run over by both axles of a passing trailer.. Although it wasn't a backing mishap, it just goes to show what Can and Will happen when things go wrong. That poor child was airlifted twice, first to one trauma center, then to another in a big city. He suffered massive internal and external injuries and his currently fighting for his life. Excellent advice to keep children seatbelted while backing.
My wife and I pick up our brand new rig tommarrow. We are also brand new at this. I just want to say how greatfull we are for your videos. I grew up on a dairy farm so our whole lively hook was based around driving and backing up rigs even tandem trailers and hay wagons so for me this is all second nature but I thought it was so cool that you both are practicing to get better. I hope I can convince my wife to take a shot at it also. Thanks for all the product tips and taking your time to share with us newbies. God bless you both and please stay safe.
I can relate to this. Grew up on a farm as well. Backing up wagons is a whole different game. One of my proudest moments as a kid was the first time I backed a wagon into our barn. I think I was 12. I have backed a lot of wagons & trailers in my life but it’s been a few years. Taking our 40 foot 5th wheel out this weekend for the first time. Hope it’s like riding a bike. These two are great. One of the best videos I have watched on you tube!
Great video, especially for a new RV'er. Blind side is always tougher, agree that communication is key at any time. I also now have an observation camera on the back of our 5th wheel and it is great at times for use. Speed backing up is not a contest, a little slower always helps and allows for correction. Nothing is worse as well is the silent audience when you are backing in. Safe travels!
You two could be backing instructors at a truck driving academy! I have been backing trailers since 1977, and backing 18 wheelers with 53' trailers since 1989. I can say with confidence that what you demonstrated here is spot on. Also, I'm getting some of those collapsible cones! Wishing you well, and safe travels.
You could be an RV Driving School instructor @Allen Hare! Most of us are either ex-truckers or fire fighters with OTR experience. GO for it. It's a great way to give back to the RVing community 👉 and is very rewarding ;)
Mark and Trish are great “explainers”. It’s amazing how much production went into making this truly helpful tut on backing in. Hands down the best backup video around.
There’s a reason why y’all are such successful RUclipsrs...Your chemistry together, great topics, and richly shot & edited videos are a pleasure to watch! Thank you!
I agree. You can tell how much they love each other. The way Trish smiles at Mark and jokes with him and her eyes sparkle at him. The way Mark keeps touching Tricia on the knee and encouraging her with kind words. Wonderful.
I drove professionally for years, and in this video you couldn't of said it any better, for backing up. well done. I always said when in doubt get out. it works..
I love this. If only everyone's husband's were as patient as yours!! We are getting ready to travel 12 hours in our 24 ft trailer and I need to practice to help my husband switch back and forth on driving. Absolutely love yall videos
Hands down the best trailer backing video I found. The aerial coverage especially, along with the other various angles, the three steps, and the common sense advice gave me what I needed to know that I could do this! Also a relaxing and fun video to watch. Thank you so much!
What great information for backing a rig, but I have to agree with Trish in that there is only so much information a student can take in before they just have to give it a try. So true. Not sure I could back in a rig, but when younger I would have given it a try and would have practiced. Trish, you did great!!!! Keep practicing and I know you will be as good as Marc. Love all the tips and tricks you guys always give as they are super helpful. Can't wait to see you guys back on the road! Hugs, Brenda
I wish I had this video 15 years ago to gift to my neighbors. They had a 29’ fifth-wheel, in a tight drive way next door, with a power pole and guy wire to avoid on the drivers side. Every time they returned I thought they were going to get a divorce. 🤪 Of course I took up sailing and was completely humbled by docking a 40’ sailboat in a tight slip bow first and stern first. Had to learn about prop walk, can’t steer without water moving across the rudder, and using the engine and wind as a brake. The best point Tricia made was the importance of limiting input-practicing-and building muscle memory. Keep up the amazing shows. I am a real fan especially of your trips to my favorites: Flagstaff, Pacific Coast, Yellowstone, and New Zealand. Please sir, can I have some more? 😀👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I watched this months ago before we had a TV for our Airstream. Once we got the TV, I followed your recommendations and started practicing the straight-line backup and then backing into a site. Your recommendations were so very useful and had me backing like a “not-so-newbie” fairly quickly. Thank you!
One thought, try to keep moving (slowly) while turning the the steering wheel so you can immediately observe the reaction of the trailer. If you make adjustments while stationary the initial trailer reaction will be a surprise.
Retired truck driver and you are right about GOAL. I always used my steering wheel from side to side while backing up to keep things in line. Small movements from side to side will keep you in line and you can back right down a line on the road.
When i back up i keep my hands at 10 and 2. If i want the trailer to turn right, i just raise my right hand. If i want the trailer to turn left, i raise my left hand. That is the easiest way i have ever thought to explain backing up.
If you raise your hand and don't TURN the wheel it's going straight back... so, when you raise your right hand you are turning the wheel with your left hand towards the raised right hand... THAT will get you turning.
Very well done. As a 18 year trucker you are spot on in so many aspects of where your focus needs to be while backing into a space. GOAL also (unfortunately) stands for get out and laugh at the truckers who didn’t get out and look and......🤬🤬 But yes, your objective is to get it done without hitting anything. I’m always puzzled by the truckers who back into the space at the truck stop and it’s crooked or off to one side. Dude, you’re allowed to fix it if it’s not right the first time. Trish, you are a gem! Mark, you’re ok I guess....😉👍🏼👍🏼 Love your videos, great family. Hope you had a great Mother’s Day Trish. Safe travels.
Oh man, I needed that one so much!!! So often we are tired and stressed when we finally get to our site, only to find that the road is narrow, there are rocks/trees/bollards EVERYWHERE, and we don’t have the vocabulary down yet for spotting.
I literally bought a trailer today and it took me and my dad an hour and a half to back it into the parking space at the storage place. Lots of yelling and screaming and almost crying. I came home and watched this. I feel a bit better about this. THANKS
Very nice job Trish converting from "I'm driving no we don't need to stop" to " I'm backing here and it is not hard at all." Great attitude to keep trying. Now practice backing a wagon that the front axle steers on it. It is almost harder to back my little trailer than any others because you cannot see it well and it can start to go squirrelly before you can see it. Stay safe have fun.
Long Long Honeymoon calls the S-turn "The Scoop" (patent pending, and there's an arm gesture that you have to do when you say it. 😉)! Great video -- some excellent safety points for newbies to consider.
I have been RVing for 15 years and still stink at backing up. There is always a tree or something else that prevents a perfect parking job, and you are so right about the audience that assembles when you are tired and just want that cold BEER. LOVE YOU GUYS!
Our 1st camping trip and the 1st time ever backing into a site I was backing up a little and when I looked up there was a fellow camper directing me from the front telling me how much to turn the wheel. Diver, passenger, straighten and under 5 mins I was in the spot, whew. Having friends who have trailers have told me you will find 99.9% RV'ers are very nice and understand because we have all been there. Love you site KYD.
You can do it! All it takes is experience. Everything is scary when it’s new. Give yourself some time to practice in an empty parking lot like Mark and Trish did in this video.
Oh, I like those cones!!! We had many of your same tips. We also had a rule that if I could not see my wife in my mirrors I would STOP. She could have fallen or had a problem and stopping is safer. Also, truckers have GOAL stenciled in their mirrors. It stands for Get Out And Look! Thirty seconds to look saves a whole lot of other problems. Great video!!! Thanks.
Drivers ed tip, If you or your spouse/kid/whatever have never done any trailer reversing, go to Uhaul and rent an empty 12 foot box trailer for a day to practice. This is much less stressful since it's a rental, and not as big as a typical rig. A day rental is about 40 bucks, this is money well spent IMHO. Once you (or your trainee) can master the short trailer, you can move up to your full size rig. I'll be doing this for my 15 year old before he gets his full license.
I had a travel trailer like 40 years ago and now my wife has talked me into getting another one. And I'm like OMG backing up!!! Your video was excellent, excellent and gave me the hope that I will remember my old skills. Thanks.
A tip about the parking lot parking my dad taught me: park in a "C" shape with the nose of the truck pointing out. If you can do so by a spot with a curb it is best and if not put the nose halfway in the next spot. Hope that makes sense. Great video by the way!
We’ve had our fifth wheel for a year and have avoided back in sites at all costs! After watching this, several times I was able to do it yesterday! Thank you!
I drove a wrecker for many years, and towed a duck boat and fishing boat for most of my 47 yrs. of driving, and the best tip I have figured out is for straight line backing. The long straight sides of your trailer make a perfect sight plane! Before you start backing, make sure that your trailer is lined up with a target... a tree, a post, another trailer...that is well behind where you want to end up. When you look in your mirror (either side) sight down that straight side, point it at your target, and do your best to keep that lined up behind you! This is usually easiest in the driver's mirror, since the passenger mirror is usually one of those distorted convex types...way harder to sight through. Backing while turning is a whole 'nother thing, and really is a learned art! GOAL is huge! Craig and Di...Wolverine MI
And one other thing. It might seem like backing a much smaller trailer would be easier, but a smaller trailer reacts to steering inputs WAY quicker, and you can be jackknifed before you even realize you have an issue! Go sloowww!
Another wonderful episode, it’s so important to go back to the basics and both of you make it a non intimidating experience which makes this a value added experience. All I can relate it to is at fourteen or fifteen years old my Dad had me backing our 69 impala (they were large back then) out of the of the driveway and parallel park it on the side of our street. I’ve often said I learned how to drive in reverse before I ever learned how to drive forward. Even then I was unintentionally learning to pick points of references to get to wear I wanted to go. Team “KYD Alive” made a lot of good points and make a wonderful team. Be Safe, Be Well, Happy Trails Ahead.
The way I learned to back up many years ago kept it simple. Relax in the chair, hands on wheel at 10 and 2, engage reverse with foot on brake, let off the brake. Slowly steer as you are moving. Watch your mirrors. To keep the trailer straight you just turn towards the mirror where you see the trailer showing up. Always turn to the mirror will keep you straight. For corners you just turn to the opposite mirror. Easy to remember and learn, works every time!
My wife and I change places when backing into a difficult site. She backs and I direct. Mainly due to when she directs she has no concept of when to tell me to start my turns and the like. Through cell or walkies, I treat the rig(5er) like a giant remote control toy. I tell her how much. what direction, when to turn and even how far to pull up. This works so smooth that a lot of times we can get our rig in with 1 or 2 pull-ups. We love to do this at campgrounds where a lot of people are watching and check out their reactions. Most don't know that I am actually telling her what to do but just think I'm guiding her. Some have gone as far as to congratulate her on her backing skills. We just nod and smile. Good pointers
You nailed the back up issue perfectly. Each person in the team needs to know the limitations of the TV, Trailer and the terrain. You will only get that with each person in the process fully understanding the response timing of the trailer and TV.
I'm a total newbie to trucks, RVs, etc. (drove sports cars/sedans for 20+ years from the day I started driving), but my wife and I have been itching to find a better way to travel with our 2 kids and 2 dogs, so the RV life seemed to check all the right boxes. We dove in head first. Both cars were traded for trucks, the first being insufficient for our towing needs, but a fantastic commuter truck with usefulness to spare for my wife (F-150 2.7T). The latter was my major transition from a 535i to a 2017 F-250 crew cab with the 6.2L motor. Major change, but I've never been happier and I've gained a lot of experience in backing this into nearly every parking space I can. We picked up a Salem 26DBUD to meet our needs, but that landed at about 33' in length so my learning curve has been substantial and very short. I watched this video at least a handful of times before we picked up the trailer and I can say with all confidence that it has helped immensely with our first few uses (the first went straight from the dealership to a very tight RV park on the edge of Lake Norman in NC). Thank you so much for your exceptionally informative videos and the inspiration y'all have provided for us to go for it. KYD and we'll keep ours. (c:}
Also grab the bottom of the steering wheel. While backing up place your hands on the bottom of the steering wheel and if you want the trailer to go left turn the wheel left from the bottom and so on. Try it ive had my cdl 14 years.
I spent over two hours looking for a video that would actually provide what we were looking for. My boyfriend and I are towing a pretty decent sized trailer across the US in two days and our biggest issue has been communication on backing a trailer. He asked me several times to back him and I did not know how! I said tonight, "Let's watch some youtube so I can learn the proper terms to teach you because I DO NOT KNOW HOW and I dont want to cause chaos" I didnt realize it would be so hard to find this tupe of video but this is what we, mostly I needed! Thank you!
Charlie was your well behaved child in the back seat this trip! He is one lucky dog. Great video. Thanks. Can't wait to receive my sweatshirt! Was looking back at some old pictures. Favorite cafe...Midway Cafe Florida Keys. Was wearing your summer to remember shirt! Hope to get back there again sometime. Have fun making new memories Soon.
I usually camp 50-60 nights per year with groups of friends, but travel on my own to the campgrounds. Since I’m retired, I’m usually able to arrive earlier than the others-often with layovers enroute-so I park without assistance. I have chocks that I stand up to mark my turning point and roughly where I want the front and rear corners of my Aliner to end up. On one of my trips to meet friends, I camped over for a couple of nights at Taughannock Falls SP in the Finger Lakes NY. I so sooner started to back in, when 4 men started giving me directions. One actually reached his hand into my window, grabbed my steering wheel, and started to tell me which way to turn the wheel. I explained that I just needed to take my time. Three of the men backed away, while another stood back and gave small directions with his fingers. After I had parked, I went over to make sure I hadn’t offended them. All was good, and they invited me to share their campfire the two nights I was there., One of the women-who was in her A-class when I was backing in-asked her husband, ‘Was it a WOMAN?’ She told me that he just dropped his head in response. 😂🤣😂 Muskoka ON 🇨🇦😕
This is why I’m buying a van. It’s the dogs and me. I have yet to get one of these dogs to answer the phone, and not one of them wants to hit the correct button on a walk-in-talkie. 😀
Me too, 3 black labs. But I need space so I will tow a trailer. 🤣🐾🐾🐾 I'm looking for info on solo with no partner to do all this towing and backing in stuff for me or with me. I study trucking videos about cornering and safety. Most if not all, youtubers assume there are 2 of you. Lonely hearts💔 club RVing training? Lol.🤣
@@luannkelly5071 I’m a 78 year old widow that travels alone with a dually and 5th wheel. What works for me is to inspect site on foot and use pylons for reference points. Always. I practiced alot in empty parking lots early on. I also use a spot
Whoops, from inside my truck to judge distance. I open door and looking down, use edge of seat to line up with spot on ground. I’ll step off distance I need to back up and place pylon. I back slowly and when edge of seat matches pylon, I’m where I need to be. Hope this makes sense. I live in a cul-de-sac & have to circle all the way through and then back trailer into spot. I had to be able to back a straight line in order to do that.
Just a tip. Pick a left hand backing spot where the RV space you are backing in to is on the driver's side if possible. We found we were able to do this about 95% of the time. I back in to these spots myself, usually without having to pull forward even once without ever using a spotter. The Kids and the Wife stay in the Truck until the Trailer is fully planted. I did this for 10 seasons. The right hand(passenger side) Rv sights, I would have to send my wife out to spot me. Pull-through sights are even better. Great video guys.
I am really directionally challenged when my husband is backing up. I am excited to try "passenger" side and "driver" side to see if it helps. We got our own RV about 6 months ago after renting various types for 3 years. The backing up really can create stress for us as a couple. Good to know it's not just us and we are learning to get better at helping each other rather than getting mad at each other. We talked about practicing in a parking lot, which I had forgotten about until your video, thanks for the reminder. GOAL is something that we now do on a regular basis and that has helped tremendously. Thanks for reinforcing that!
Awesome video! As a truck driver I can tell you, Mark your advice is spot on. G.O.A.L Get out and look should be step number 1. The only point I would like to make is if you pull in any where and simply sit for more than 5 or 10 minutes and are not watching the activity behind your rig at all times during your stop break. If you need to back 6 inches don't do it till you, G,O,A,L. The number 1 reason big rig drivers have backing accidents is due to the fact they pull in, get stuck waiting don't know what may have changed behind their rig and crunch goes the trailer into the person who was not thanking like the car that parked behind you in the parking lot. As for advice for Trish, awesome job backing. One point to imagine or think of, Mark is so right about pulling forward beyond your turn point then angeling the rig in the direction you want to back. The truck has to move for changes in steering to show you the action of how the rig will respond, so keep your foot off the accelerator and cover your break pedal. And last but not least, if at all possible never try what we call blind side backing. Backing where your set up would have you backing to the passenger side of the rig or truck, seasoned truck drivers with 20+ years will tell you this is a dangerous move. It can be done with a great team like the two of you, however alone can quickly turn into major crunch! So if at all possible always always back to the drivers side of the truck. Again thanks for yet another awesome video. Stay safe and Hi from North Carolina.
Great instructional style. As my spouse cannot drive the truck due to a disability, and is somewhat directionally challenged, we have learned that voice combined with arm communication is critical. SENA wireless headsets have been extremely useful in allowing her to point while talking to me.
Hahaha / this is so true though ... we got radios and just learned to take our time, plus my skill backing up greatly improved with practice ... but my wife and I have definitely had yelling matchss
Renting an RV for the first time. We used to have a pop up and have not camped in years. Your videos are great and inspiring. I have not backed up a trailer in many years. I would love to be a full time RVer. Thank you for your awesome videos.
I have a suggestion for a fun RV meet up event. Have an RV parking rodeo. Lay out the cones, it's timed, and closest to the cones on the hook up side, and the stopping point at the back done with couples.
Perfect timing! We pick up our new travel trailer on Friday and I"ve never backed up anything this big. Your tips and suggestion of using an empty mall parking lot will really help! Hopefully I can back it into our driveway. Thanks!
It is so helpful with my wife backing the boat down a ramp then parking, or backing the trailer down the ramp while I load. See this very little at crowded boat ramps. We had a 42' 4 horse GN living quarters horse trailer, she wanted to go riding on occasion when I couldn't go. So we done the same thing in parking lots with Ram 3500 and trailer, no arguing, just practice as if I were not there, she got the hang of it quickly.
I did it!!!! I went out and learned how to back in a straight line. Baby steps. I went to a local HS that is closed and used the band lines painted on the parking lot for band practice and was able to stay consistently within a foot of the line backing up!!! Now, I need to learn to pull forward, and try to back into a space.....Pretty happy I came across the video and it motivated me to try.
There is a great patio bar in McCall, ID - Mile High Marina & Grille that is located directly next to a boat ramp. Every table has flip books with rating numbers to judge to action on the ramp. The view of lake and mountains is amazing but the entertainment of “couples therapy” during launch / recovery is priceless.
We are about to start our Alaskan camping season again and loved this refresher. After 2 years of parking our camper, practice ALWAYS helps no matter how much my manly pride disagrees. Thanks for the years of videos.
Great idea, co pilots need to know how to fly the plane, even teenagers can learn how spot a trailer, farm kids learn at a early age how to slow speed maneuver equipment.
FJ Butter .....practice practice practice and your fear will subside !!! And actually your new learned skill will give you peace of mind that you don’t even realize your missing. But I’m sure on occasion you get that little “what if” voice in your head, “what if” your husband became unable to manage the RV and it was left to you ? Every skill we learn gives us a bit more assurance of our safety !!! Go for it and Let us know how it’s coming along 😘
@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 Yes, you are exactly correct on the 'what if'. Plus, if I learned how to drive with the trailer it would take a lot of pressure off my husband.
FJ Butter I have ALWAYS backed up the boat when launching. My husband is in the boat. I have my job and and he has his. Now in our rv, I back up the 450 to hitch up the 5th wheel. The other day 3 men were dumbstruck when I climbed into the 450 to hitch up the rv. One try and “bamb” right on the money. They looked at me like I just fell from heaven. One guy said to me “ well I’ll really be impressed if you can pull this rig out of here” (the whole rig had sunk into soft dirt) I said to the guy “well it’s not my first rodeo”. And I pulled her right on out of there. My husband told me later that he was so proud of me. You can do this! I promise!
Just discovered you! I have been binge watching all the seasons while in quarantine! Love watching your journeys and looking forward to days when we can all travel. Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Here's a strong point when learning how to back up a trailer - GO SLOW and be patient - !!! Also keep the communication simple to the driver, and like you said G-O-A-L /Pretend you are a 747 Jet backing up.. I love your vids Keep up the awesome work!!
I have never backed up a trailer before but I think I understand. Actually excited to try it! Watching your arms, I realized that...your elbows indicate the direction that the trailer will move! Turning the wheel to the right, the left elbow goes up, which means that the back end of the trailer will go left (and vice versa). Amazing! Thank you.
So true! When we first got out on the road full-time, I would worry about what situation was waiting for me at the next campground. Didn’t take long for that to wear off though. Now, it feels like there’s no situation we can’t handle out there :) Safe travels!
When my kids were younger and we arrived at our destination, they were tired of being in the truck and would not be able to have them sitting in while I was backing up the trailer. So this was our routine, they had two choice, 1) get out of the truck and sit at the site table until the rig was in its final position or, the winner, 2) memorize our lot number and go to the playground and be back at the site in about half hour. Yep you guest it! They went to the play ground and 9 out 10, half hour later, we were all in and they came back with new friends and told us “ ok we’re back, all is good, now can we go back play with our friends lol. That allowed me to finish setting up, while my spouse went to check on the kids and back to set up a well deserve drink and enjoy saluting our new neighbors. Sometime choice 1 was the only choice and mostly in National Park.
You hit the nail square on the head about using space. I pull a Michigan Gravel Train for a living (2 trailers and I back them), and I tell every newbie space is the key. If you have 5 feet use it. If you have 100 feet use it, all of it! The act of actually backing the trailer will come with practice, but the key to that is to go slow, and use your space. I love the vids, my goto Sunday night viewing. Keep up the great work!!!
Keep backing up and stop when it sounds expensive! Lol. I drive a 50 ton wrecker. Try backing up a 46ft truck with a 75ft rig behind you. Gives you a whole new perspective
The hand on the bottom of the wheel was key for me. When I was learning how to back up, my neighbor taught me that technique, and I backed around the dead end of our street. Am I great at backing...no, but I feel better about it. My husband who did not do that has all kinds of trouble. His biggest thing is oversteering. Maybe I can get him to go backward around the dead-end too. That was a wonderful instructional detail.
The collapsible cones in this video are legit ⚠️amzn.to/2SUVPrI
We use them mostly for preventing people from parking directly in front of us. If you've seen previous episodes, we usually take a bit of the spot in front of us, but I'm expecting a motorcycle one day! These cones help us claim some space. But they are also good for pulling off on the side of repairs for a flat or repairs.
Awesome job! We have a Charlie to but his name is Jack and he love supervising us to.
Keep Your Daydream coolest part is “COLLAPSABLE”.
yea- Just wait until you drop one. The bottom plastic doesn't hold up well to pavement and cracks in pieces. We had a couple of those at Central Coast Uplink. one drop is all it took..
MTSU? We live not too far away and our two oldest went there... were you just using the parking lot? Did you boondock, I would love to hear back on that option.”!
Use the US Airforce cargo jet method. The spotter talks constantly. If they stop, you stop. If they stop, they've fallen out.
I'm a retired truck driver and your backing skills are good, I have a suggestion for you that truckers do, turn ur emergency flashers on while u are getting backed in or actually anytime you are backing. It gets people's attention which is a great safety thing.
And a bonus if your backing at night it temporarily lights up the area around the trailer, giving you snapshots to go off of. I use my hazards when backing trailers around my yard at night even
When I was about 13 years old my dad hitched up our 2 horse trailer and drove it to the end of the lane. There was a fence on one side and a row of trees on the other. He put it in park, hopped out and told me to back it back up to the house. He just walked back to the house and let me go at it on my own. I will forever remember that day for the learning experience and the confidence that it instilled in me.
I drove a tow truck for a number of years. The axis was different almost every tow due to vehicle length. Garages say things like, "Stick it right there" between a BMW and cement wall. No spotters, just me GOAL every 5 seconds. Learned real fast how to not damage someone's vehicle. Your 'S" approach is king. Can't say enough about how much easier that is on a hitch hook. Nice job guys. We are looking for our first TT and I'm watching you for tips. Enjoy!
Trish, if you’re still not getting the hang of backing by starting out at the 6 o’clock position on the steering wheel, try saying the following rhyme to yourself instead. “Turn the wheel TOWARDS the mirror, make the trailer disappear.” That way wherever the steering wheel is positioned, if you turn towards the mirror that is showing the trailer, eventually it will begin to move in the opposite direction. It also helps to keep the trailer straight when you’re trying to go straight backwards and it begins to pivot even slightly. That has been the only trick that has stuck with me and has helped my confidence greatly. Thanks for the great content!
I love the way you guys communicate with each other. Calm, consistent & without information overload. I also appreciate how you praise & encourage good technique without being overly critical of errors. Great example of how learning is accomplished🙏
26 years and we’re still working on that. I too love the way you guys talk to each other.
I just bought a travel trailer 2 days ago, and this is my first time owning anything like this, I learned a TON from this video, thank you!!!
One tip I learned that has helped me a BUNCH when backing our RV - turn the steering wheel toward the "problem". When the rig starts to go where I don't want it to I've found I can easily remember "turn towards the problem". It keeps me from having to remember left and right or driver and passenger. Great content AS ALWAYS and congrats Trish on a superb first time backing session. It will only get better from here. Blessings on your travels!
Thank you, I wish you guys were here with me my husband just passed away and I'm left on my own with a 44 ft. 5th wheel that is our home and now I have to learn to drive I'm going to start practicing in the next couple days i know with God and my husband guiding me through it I'll get it figured out .
My wife and I bought our first travel trailer today and brought it straight to our RV storage facility. We had trouble backing into our spot, but thankfully a gentleman (who was patiently waiting for us to park so he could drive around us) helped us out. A lot of the advice and guidance he gave was the same as what you described in this video, particularly about picking out reference points. I’m happy to report that we parked it in one piece!
Over our 41 years of camping we’ve had every kind of RV that you can buy. I pride myself on being able to drive and park anything that is parked in our driveway. I’m different than you though as I find it much easier to back up a travel trailer than a fifth wheel. I find that when the fifth wheel starts to turn there is no correcting it if you’re not where you want to be whereas the travel trailer is slower to turn but you can change the direction easier. We currently have a 41’ fifth wheel and my first time parking it there were a couple of “observers” just staring at my progress. A nice gentleman walked by and casually said “You’re doing a great job” which made me feel much better. lol
Sitting here in Haiti waiting on the Lord to release us from our missionary duties after 17 years, watching your videos and enjoying them. Got a 32 ft trailer and got dreams to hit the road someday......thank you for what you do!
The thing that I like most about your videos is how positive the two of you are, no matter what is happening. Also, your filming skills have improved immensely from your original videos. The addition of a drone really makes them very professional and I know that some of those shots take a lot of extra time and effort, but they don't go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do. Oh one last thing, we bought our first 5th wheel in January thanks to your encouragement. We took one trip to Sedona for a week, loved it, and then Covid hit. I am trying to emulate you guys and remain as positive as you.
For new people. I do the mirror technique. Use the mirrors, if you see the trailer more in the right mirror (and you still want to go straight) you turn the wheel to that mirror.
I think most RV'ers know that backing into a cramped site is difficult at best, so yeah, take your time and do what you need to do.
I have no problem waiting for anyone to park their rv because we all know how difficult it can be at times.
Great video btw. Love you guys 😊
After 10 years of teaching Soldiers how to drive in the Army, y’all have given all the same points I gave. It’s a process and Trish hit it on the head with “there is only so much information a student can take in before they have to try it.” Great, and important, video especially for couples.
Patrick Glynn Thank You ! for your Service from an Air Force Veteran & VA Retiree as well .
Thanks for ur service.
Patrick Glynn where you a 88M instructor?
Radar Road Warriors wheels
@@MobileRVTechServices I have a friend who is retired ARMY he was an M88 driver & M88 mechanic .
Great video. Practice, practice, practice. My wife had never backed a trailer before we bought our camper. I had a lot of experience so I taught her. At first she was a little intimidated, but once she got the hang of it she did a great job. She told me she felt very empowered and it made her feel like an equal partner in the RV experience . She took the camper on her own to the campground on a Friday where I was to met her after work. Our friends had the site next to ours, so when she arrived my buddy asked her if she wanted him to back it in (not insulting; just being nice). She told him she had it and proceeded to stick it on the first shot. When I got there he came up, handed me a beer and told me my wife was a BOSS! . I wonder if Trish would speak to how it made her feel when she added that skill.
I love how much respect you show each other. Thank you for setting a great example to all of us new in our relationships / Marriages.
I really appreciated your extra emphasis on SAFETY. Last week, in a campground close to Yellowstone NP, a 5 year old lost his balance on his bike and ended up getting run over by both axles of a passing trailer.. Although it wasn't a backing mishap, it just goes to show what Can and Will happen when things go wrong. That poor child was airlifted twice, first to one trauma center, then to another in a big city. He suffered massive internal and external injuries and his currently fighting for his life. Excellent advice to keep children seatbelted while backing.
My wife and I pick up our brand new rig tommarrow. We are also brand new at this. I just want to say how greatfull we are for your videos. I grew up on a dairy farm so our whole lively hook was based around driving and backing up rigs even tandem trailers and hay wagons so for me this is all second nature but I thought it was so cool that you both are practicing to get better. I hope I can convince my wife to take a shot at it also. Thanks for all the product tips and taking your time to share with us newbies. God bless you both and please stay safe.
I can relate to this. Grew up on a farm as well. Backing up wagons is a whole different game. One of my proudest moments as a kid was the first time I backed a wagon into our barn. I think I was 12. I have backed a lot of wagons & trailers in my life but it’s been a few years. Taking our 40 foot 5th wheel out this weekend for the first time. Hope it’s like riding a bike. These two are great. One of the best videos I have watched on you tube!
Great video, especially for a new RV'er. Blind side is always tougher, agree that communication is key at any time. I also now have an observation camera on the back of our 5th wheel and it is great at times for use. Speed backing up is not a contest, a little slower always helps and allows for correction. Nothing is worse as well is the silent audience when you are backing in. Safe travels!
So Glad that Charlie was Supervising, he always does a good job.
I think he got a little bored, but still better than sitting at home.
You two could be backing instructors at a truck driving academy!
I have been backing trailers since 1977, and backing 18 wheelers with 53' trailers since 1989.
I can say with confidence that what you demonstrated here is spot on.
Also, I'm getting some of those collapsible cones!
Wishing you well, and safe travels.
You could be an RV Driving School instructor @Allen Hare! Most of us are either ex-truckers or fire fighters with OTR experience. GO for it. It's a great way to give back to the RVing community 👉 and is very rewarding ;)
Mark and Trish are great “explainers”. It’s amazing how much production went into making this truly helpful tut on backing in. Hands down the best backup video around.
There’s a reason why y’all are such successful RUclipsrs...Your chemistry together, great topics, and richly shot & edited videos are a pleasure to watch! Thank you!
I agree. You can tell how much they love each other. The way Trish smiles at Mark and jokes with him and her eyes sparkle at him. The way Mark keeps touching Tricia on the knee and encouraging her with kind words. Wonderful.
I drove professionally for years, and in this video you couldn't of said it any better, for backing up. well done. I always said when in doubt get out. it works..
Yup, after backing 53'rs into docks in Baltimore Md squeezing my 35' 5th wheel is a breeze
I love this. If only everyone's husband's were as patient as yours!! We are getting ready to travel 12 hours in our 24 ft trailer and I need to practice to help my husband switch back and forth on driving. Absolutely love yall videos
Hands down the best trailer backing video I found. The aerial coverage especially, along with the other various angles, the three steps, and the common sense advice gave me what I needed to know that I could do this! Also a relaxing and fun video to watch. Thank you so much!
What great information for backing a rig, but I have to agree with Trish in that there is only so much information a student can take in before they just have to give it a try. So true. Not sure I could back in a rig, but when younger I would have given it a try and would have practiced. Trish, you did great!!!! Keep practicing and I know you will be as good as Marc. Love all the tips and tricks you guys always give as they are super helpful. Can't wait to see you guys back on the road! Hugs, Brenda
I’m a truckdriver and trainer and i must say I’m very impressed with how knowledgeable y’all are with backing 👍🏾
I wish I had this video 15 years ago to gift to my neighbors. They had a 29’ fifth-wheel, in a tight drive way next door, with a power pole and guy wire to avoid on the drivers side. Every time they returned I thought they were going to get a divorce. 🤪
Of course I took up sailing and was completely humbled by docking a 40’ sailboat in a tight slip bow first and stern first. Had to learn about prop walk, can’t steer without water moving across the rudder, and using the engine and wind as a brake. The best point Tricia made was the importance of limiting input-practicing-and building muscle memory.
Keep up the amazing shows. I am a real fan especially of your trips to my favorites: Flagstaff, Pacific Coast, Yellowstone, and New Zealand. Please sir, can I have some more? 😀👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Dying!!! I don't know if I'll be able to back in my TT, but you get 1000000 points for the Seinfeld reference and THEN adding the clip!
I watched this months ago before we had a TV for our Airstream. Once we got the TV, I followed your recommendations and started practicing the straight-line backup and then backing into a site. Your recommendations were so very useful and had me backing like a “not-so-newbie” fairly quickly. Thank you!
One thought, try to keep moving (slowly) while turning the the steering wheel so you can immediately observe the reaction of the trailer. If you make adjustments while stationary the initial trailer reaction will be a surprise.
Yes, and that tends to put much less stress on the tires and steering mechanism too (try it in a vehicle with no power steering).
Retired truck driver and you are right about GOAL. I always used my steering wheel from side to side while backing up to keep things in line. Small movements from side to side will keep you in line and you can back right down a line on the road.
When i back up i keep my hands at 10 and 2. If i want the trailer to turn right, i just raise my right hand. If i want the trailer to turn left, i raise my left hand. That is the easiest way i have ever thought to explain backing up.
I like that idea better yet l tried the 6 o'clock thing ,dont like it ,restricts movement 👍
If you raise your hand and don't TURN the wheel it's going straight back... so, when you raise your right hand you are turning the wheel with your left hand towards the raised right hand... THAT will get you turning.
Very well done. As a 18 year trucker you are spot on in so many aspects of where your focus needs to be while backing into a space. GOAL also (unfortunately) stands for get out and laugh at the truckers who didn’t get out and look and......🤬🤬 But yes, your objective is to get it done without hitting anything. I’m always puzzled by the truckers who back into the space at the truck stop and it’s crooked or off to one side. Dude, you’re allowed to fix it if it’s not right the first time. Trish, you are a gem! Mark, you’re ok I guess....😉👍🏼👍🏼 Love your videos, great family. Hope you had a great Mother’s Day Trish. Safe travels.
Oh man, I needed that one so much!!! So often we are tired and stressed when we finally get to our site, only to find that the road is narrow, there are rocks/trees/bollards EVERYWHERE, and we don’t have the vocabulary down yet for spotting.
I literally bought a trailer today and it took me and my dad an hour and a half to back it into the parking space at the storage place. Lots of yelling and screaming and almost crying. I came home and watched this. I feel a bit better about this. THANKS
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY Trish and to all the moms out there!!
Are you running for political office as part of your Summer to Remember?
Very nice job Trish converting from "I'm driving no we don't need to stop" to " I'm backing here and it is not hard at all." Great attitude to keep trying. Now practice backing a wagon that the front axle steers on it. It is almost harder to back my little trailer than any others because you cannot see it well and it can start to go squirrelly before you can see it. Stay safe have fun.
Long Long Honeymoon calls the S-turn "The Scoop" (patent pending, and there's an arm gesture that you have to do when you say it. 😉)! Great video -- some excellent safety points for newbies to consider.
Lol. Loloho Scoop TM
This is by far the best video/instructions on how to back up a trailer I've ever seen. Well done, @@KeepYourDaydream. Thank you!
I was thinking the same thing..lol
I have been RVing for 15 years and still stink at backing up. There is always a tree or something else that prevents a perfect parking job, and you are so right about the audience that assembles when you are tired and just want that cold BEER. LOVE YOU GUYS!
Charlie. He loves just being with you.
He's being such a patient good boy
I thought he'd get a chance to back up the trailer too.
Our 1st camping trip and the 1st time ever backing into a site I was backing up a little and when I looked up there was a fellow camper directing me from the front telling me how much to turn the wheel. Diver, passenger, straighten and under 5 mins I was in the spot, whew. Having friends who have trailers have told me you will find 99.9% RV'ers are very nice and understand because we have all been there.
Love you site KYD.
Thank you so much! Backing up is my biggest fear when thinking about getting a trailer.
You can do it! All it takes is experience. Everything is scary when it’s new. Give yourself some time to practice in an empty parking lot like Mark and Trish did in this video.
Oh, I like those cones!!! We had many of your same tips. We also had a rule that if I could not see my wife in my mirrors I would STOP. She could have fallen or had a problem and stopping is safer. Also, truckers have GOAL stenciled in their mirrors. It stands for Get Out And Look! Thirty seconds to look saves a whole lot of other problems. Great video!!! Thanks.
Drivers ed tip, If you or your spouse/kid/whatever have never done any trailer reversing, go to Uhaul and rent an empty 12 foot box trailer for a day to practice.
This is much less stressful since it's a rental, and not as big as a typical rig. A day rental is about 40 bucks, this is money well spent IMHO. Once you (or your trainee) can master the short trailer, you can move up to your full size rig. I'll be doing this for my 15 year old before he gets his full license.
I had a travel trailer like 40 years ago and now my wife has talked me into getting another one. And I'm like OMG backing up!!! Your video was excellent, excellent and gave me the hope that I will remember my old skills. Thanks.
A tip about the parking lot parking my dad taught me: park in a "C" shape with the nose of the truck pointing out. If you can do so by a spot with a curb it is best and if not put the nose halfway in the next spot.
Hope that makes sense. Great video by the way!
We’ve had our fifth wheel for a year and have avoided back in sites at all costs! After watching this, several times I was able to do it yesterday! Thank you!
What a great idea to have the travel partner know how to back the rig. I'm looking for an empty parking lot for a training session.
I drove a wrecker for many years, and towed a duck boat and fishing boat for most of my 47 yrs. of driving, and the best tip I have figured out is for straight line backing. The long straight sides of your trailer make a perfect sight plane! Before you start backing, make sure that your trailer is lined up with a target... a tree, a post, another trailer...that is well behind where you want to end up. When you look in your mirror (either side) sight down that straight side, point it at your target, and do your best to keep that lined up behind you! This is usually easiest in the driver's mirror, since the passenger mirror is usually one of those distorted convex types...way harder to sight through. Backing while turning is a whole 'nother thing, and really is a learned art! GOAL is huge! Craig and Di...Wolverine MI
And one other thing. It might seem like backing a much smaller trailer would be easier, but a smaller trailer reacts to steering inputs WAY quicker, and you can be jackknifed before you even realize you have an issue! Go sloowww!
Another wonderful episode, it’s so important to go back to the basics and both of you make it a non intimidating experience which makes this a value added experience. All I can relate it to is at fourteen or fifteen years old my Dad had me backing our 69 impala (they were large back then) out of the of the driveway and parallel park it on the side of our street. I’ve often said I learned how to drive in reverse before I ever learned how to drive forward. Even then I was unintentionally learning to pick points of references to get to wear I wanted to go. Team “KYD Alive” made a lot of good points and make a wonderful team. Be Safe, Be Well, Happy Trails Ahead.
The way I learned to back up many years ago kept it simple. Relax in the chair, hands on wheel at 10 and 2, engage reverse with foot on brake, let off the brake. Slowly steer as you are moving. Watch your mirrors. To keep the trailer straight you just turn towards the mirror where you see the trailer showing up. Always turn to the mirror will keep you straight. For corners you just turn to the opposite mirror. Easy to remember and learn, works every time!
I can watch you guys do anything cause...you make it fun to watch!😸
My wife and I change places when backing into a difficult site. She backs and I direct. Mainly due to when she directs she has no concept of when to tell me to start my turns and the like. Through cell or walkies, I treat the rig(5er) like a giant remote control toy. I tell her how much. what direction, when to turn and even how far to pull up. This works so smooth that a lot of times we can get our rig in with 1 or 2 pull-ups. We love to do this at campgrounds where a lot of people are watching and check out their reactions. Most don't know that I am actually telling her what to do but just think I'm guiding her. Some have gone as far as to congratulate her on her backing skills. We just nod and smile.
Good pointers
You nailed the back up issue perfectly. Each person in the team needs to know the limitations of the TV, Trailer and the terrain. You will only get that with each person in the process fully understanding the response timing of the trailer and TV.
I'm a total newbie to trucks, RVs, etc. (drove sports cars/sedans for 20+ years from the day I started driving), but my wife and I have been itching to find a better way to travel with our 2 kids and 2 dogs, so the RV life seemed to check all the right boxes. We dove in head first. Both cars were traded for trucks, the first being insufficient for our towing needs, but a fantastic commuter truck with usefulness to spare for my wife (F-150 2.7T). The latter was my major transition from a 535i to a 2017 F-250 crew cab with the 6.2L motor. Major change, but I've never been happier and I've gained a lot of experience in backing this into nearly every parking space I can. We picked up a Salem 26DBUD to meet our needs, but that landed at about 33' in length so my learning curve has been substantial and very short. I watched this video at least a handful of times before we picked up the trailer and I can say with all confidence that it has helped immensely with our first few uses (the first went straight from the dealership to a very tight RV park on the edge of Lake Norman in NC). Thank you so much for your exceptionally informative videos and the inspiration y'all have provided for us to go for it. KYD and we'll keep ours. (c:}
Also grab the bottom of the steering wheel. While backing up place your hands on the bottom of the steering wheel and if you want the trailer to go left turn the wheel left from the bottom and so on. Try it ive had my cdl 14 years.
trucker dan videos they already talked about that
I spent over two hours looking for a video that would actually provide what we were looking for. My boyfriend and I are towing a pretty decent sized trailer across the US in two days and our biggest issue has been communication on backing a trailer. He asked me several times to back him and I did not know how! I said tonight, "Let's watch some youtube so I can learn the proper terms to teach you because I DO NOT KNOW HOW and I dont want to cause chaos"
I didnt realize it would be so hard to find this tupe of video but this is what we, mostly I needed! Thank you!
Charlie was your well behaved child in the back seat this trip! He is one lucky dog. Great video. Thanks. Can't wait to receive my sweatshirt! Was looking back at some old pictures. Favorite cafe...Midway Cafe Florida Keys. Was wearing your summer to remember shirt! Hope to get back there again sometime. Have fun making new memories Soon.
I usually camp 50-60 nights per year with groups of friends, but travel on my own to the campgrounds. Since I’m retired, I’m usually able to arrive earlier than the others-often with layovers enroute-so I park without assistance. I have chocks that I stand up to mark my turning point and roughly where I want the front and rear corners of my Aliner to end up.
On one of my trips to meet friends, I camped over for a couple of nights at Taughannock Falls SP in the Finger Lakes NY. I so sooner started to back in, when 4 men started giving me directions. One actually reached his hand into my window, grabbed my steering wheel, and started to tell me which way to turn the wheel. I explained that I just needed to take my time. Three of the men backed away, while another stood back and gave small directions with his fingers. After I had parked, I went over to make sure I hadn’t offended them. All was good, and they invited me to share their campfire the two nights I was there.,
One of the women-who was in her A-class when I was backing in-asked her husband, ‘Was it a WOMAN?’ She told me that he just dropped his head in response. 😂🤣😂
Muskoka ON 🇨🇦😕
This is why I’m buying a van. It’s the dogs and me. I have yet to get one of these dogs to answer the phone, and not one of them wants to hit the correct button on a walk-in-talkie. 😀
Please pass along where you found those dogs.
Me too, 3 black labs. But I need space so I will tow a trailer. 🤣🐾🐾🐾 I'm looking for info on solo with no partner to do all this towing and backing in stuff for me or with me. I study trucking videos about cornering and safety. Most if not all, youtubers assume there are 2 of you. Lonely hearts💔 club RVing training? Lol.🤣
@@luannkelly5071 I’m a 78 year old widow that travels alone with a dually and 5th wheel. What works for me is to inspect site on foot and use pylons for reference points. Always. I practiced alot in empty parking lots early on. I also use a spot
Whoops, from inside my truck to judge distance. I open door and looking down, use edge of seat to line up with spot on ground. I’ll step off distance I need to back up and place pylon. I back slowly and when edge of seat matches pylon, I’m where I need to be. Hope this makes sense. I live in a cul-de-sac & have to circle all the way through and then back trailer into spot. I had to be able to back a straight line in order to do that.
Just a tip. Pick a left hand backing spot where the RV space you are backing in to is on the driver's side if possible. We found we were able to do this about 95% of the time. I back in to these spots myself, usually without having to pull forward even once without ever using a spotter. The Kids and the Wife stay in the Truck until the Trailer is fully planted. I did this for 10 seasons. The right hand(passenger side) Rv sights, I would have to send my wife out to spot me. Pull-through sights are even better. Great video guys.
Such a great idea to have the spotter familiar with the drivers point of view!
I am really directionally challenged when my husband is backing up. I am excited to try "passenger" side and "driver" side to see if it helps. We got our own RV about 6 months ago after renting various types for 3 years. The backing up really can create stress for us as a couple. Good to know it's not just us and we are learning to get better at helping each other rather than getting mad at each other. We talked about practicing in a parking lot, which I had forgotten about until your video, thanks for the reminder. GOAL is something that we now do on a regular basis and that has helped tremendously. Thanks for reinforcing that!
10:29 Ford brought the knob that Trish is talking about to the super duty on 2020 models. “Pro trailer backup assist”
I thought it was a 2020 F250
2019. He said when he bought it that he got a good deal on the 2019 with the 2020 updated trucks out and on the lot.
Awesome video!
As a truck driver I can tell you, Mark your advice is spot on. G.O.A.L Get out and look should be step number 1. The only point I would like to make is if you pull in any where and simply sit for more than 5 or 10 minutes and are not watching the activity behind your rig at all times during your stop break. If you need to back 6 inches don't do it till you, G,O,A,L. The number 1 reason big rig drivers have backing accidents is due to the fact they pull in, get stuck waiting don't know what may have changed behind their rig and crunch goes the trailer into the person who was not thanking like the car that parked behind you in the parking lot.
As for advice for Trish, awesome job backing. One point to imagine or think of, Mark is so right about pulling forward beyond your turn point then angeling the rig in the direction you want to back. The truck has to move for changes in steering to show you the action of how the rig will respond, so keep your foot off the accelerator and cover your break pedal. And last but not least, if at all possible never try what we call blind side backing. Backing where your set up would have you backing to the passenger side of the rig or truck, seasoned truck drivers with 20+ years will tell you this is a dangerous move. It can be done with a great team like the two of you, however alone can quickly turn into major crunch! So if at all possible always always back to the drivers side of the truck. Again thanks for yet another awesome video. Stay safe and Hi from North Carolina.
The driver can put the walkie talkie in VOX mode and just clip it to the visor etc and you don't have to use the push to talk function.
Great tip! I didn’t know you could do that with a walkie!
Great instructional style. As my spouse cannot drive the truck due to a disability, and is somewhat directionally challenged, we have learned that voice combined with arm communication is critical. SENA wireless headsets have been extremely useful in allowing her to point while talking to me.
Hahaha / this is so true though ... we got radios and just learned to take our time, plus my skill backing up greatly improved with practice ... but my wife and I have definitely had yelling matchss
Renting an RV for the first time. We used to have a pop up and have not camped in years. Your videos are great and inspiring. I have not backed up a trailer in many years. I would love to be a full time RVer. Thank you for your awesome videos.
You know, I've never been told to put my hand at 6 o-clock on the wheel when backing up. That's good. I'll try that.
I have a suggestion for a fun RV meet up event. Have an RV parking rodeo. Lay out the cones, it's timed, and closest to the cones on the hook up side, and the stopping point at the back done with couples.
Sounds like fun to me.
Perfect timing! We pick up our new travel trailer on Friday and I"ve never backed up anything this big. Your tips and suggestion of using an empty mall parking lot will really help! Hopefully I can back it into our driveway. Thanks!
It is so helpful with my wife backing the boat down a ramp then parking, or backing the trailer down the ramp while I load. See this very little at crowded boat ramps. We had a 42' 4 horse GN living quarters horse trailer, she wanted to go riding on occasion when I couldn't go. So we done the same thing in parking lots with Ram 3500 and trailer, no arguing, just practice as if I were not there, she got the hang of it quickly.
Being a Semi driver, I have always been by myself in backing
Yeah, me too.
I’m always amazed at what you big rig drivers can do!
I did it!!!! I went out and learned how to back in a straight line. Baby steps. I went to a local HS that is closed and used the band lines painted on the parking lot for band practice and was able to stay consistently within a foot of the line backing up!!! Now, I need to learn to pull forward, and try to back into a space.....Pretty happy I came across the video and it motivated me to try.
Awesome job,and you’re right rvers are very patient and understand.
This is a learning curve like anything, everyone is a newbie at one time with their first trailer.
There is a great patio bar in McCall, ID - Mile High Marina & Grille that is located directly next to a boat ramp. Every table has flip books with rating numbers to judge to action on the ramp. The view of lake and mountains is amazing but the entertainment of “couples therapy” during launch / recovery is priceless.
This video makes me want to give it a try. Thank you!!!
We are about to start our Alaskan camping season again and loved this refresher. After 2 years of parking our camper, practice ALWAYS helps no matter how much my manly pride disagrees. Thanks for the years of videos.
This has made me want to get my wife to try backing up our camper. 👍🏼
Great idea, co pilots need to know how to fly the plane, even teenagers can learn how spot a trailer, farm kids learn at a early age how to slow speed maneuver equipment.
And that's why I'm not going to let my husband watch this video! (Scared mama here...) :-)
FJ Butter .....practice practice practice and your fear will subside !!!
And actually your new learned skill will give you peace of mind that you don’t even realize your missing. But I’m sure on occasion you get that little “what if” voice in your head, “what if” your husband became unable to manage the RV and it was left to you ?
Every skill we learn gives us a bit more assurance of our safety !!!
Go for it and Let us know how it’s coming along 😘
@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 Yes, you are exactly correct on the 'what if'. Plus, if I learned how to drive with the trailer it would take a lot of pressure off my husband.
FJ Butter
I have ALWAYS backed up the boat when launching. My husband is in the boat. I have my job and and he has his. Now in our rv, I back up the 450 to hitch up the 5th wheel. The other day 3 men were dumbstruck when I climbed into the 450 to hitch up the rv. One try and “bamb” right on the money. They looked at me like I just fell from heaven. One guy said to me “ well I’ll really be impressed if you can pull this rig out of here” (the whole rig had sunk into soft dirt) I said to the guy “well it’s not my first rodeo”. And I pulled her right on out of there. My husband told me later that he was so proud of me. You can do this! I promise!
Charlie is the perfect back seat driver. So 2 and 1/2 weeks to begin your next journey. Some states require several days to quarantine when visiting
Thank you; perfect timing since we're picking up our first rig this coming weekend.
these 2 seem like great people. they are a great representation the camping community.
Just discovered you! I have been binge watching all the seasons while in quarantine! Love watching your journeys and looking forward to days when we can all travel. Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Welcome!
me too ... I reached season 5
You’re in good company. I mean, who hasn’t binged old KYD episodes at some point?!?! So good!
Here's a strong point when learning how to back up a trailer - GO SLOW and be patient - !!! Also keep the communication simple to the driver, and like you said G-O-A-L /Pretend you are a 747 Jet backing up..
I love your vids Keep up the awesome work!!
Been looking forward to this!... Can't wait until you hit the road this season!
I have never backed up a trailer before but I think I understand. Actually excited to try it! Watching your arms, I realized that...your elbows indicate the direction that the trailer will move! Turning the wheel to the right, the left elbow goes up, which means that the back end of the trailer will go left (and vice versa). Amazing! Thank you.
Something to never rush, excited for the upcoming travels.
So true! When we first got out on the road full-time, I would worry about what situation was waiting for me at the next campground. Didn’t take long for that to wear off though. Now, it feels like there’s no situation we can’t handle out there :) Safe travels!
When my kids were younger and we arrived at our destination, they were tired of being in the truck and would not be able to have them sitting in while I was backing up the trailer. So this was our routine, they had two choice, 1) get out of the truck and sit at the site table until the rig was in its final position or, the winner, 2) memorize our lot number and go to the playground and be back at the site in about half hour. Yep you guest it! They went to the play ground and 9 out 10, half hour later, we were all in and they came back with new friends and told us “ ok we’re back, all is good, now can we go back play with our friends lol. That allowed me to finish setting up, while my spouse went to check on the kids and back to set up a well deserve drink and enjoy saluting our new neighbors. Sometime choice 1 was the only choice and mostly in National Park.
Boy do I need this video!
You hit the nail square on the head about using space. I pull a Michigan Gravel Train for a living (2 trailers and I back them), and I tell every newbie space is the key. If you have 5 feet use it. If you have 100 feet use it, all of it! The act of actually backing the trailer will come with practice, but the key to that is to go slow, and use your space. I love the vids, my goto Sunday night viewing. Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks. Slow with space, just like a boating!
Keep backing up and stop when it sounds expensive! Lol. I drive a 50 ton wrecker. Try backing up a 46ft truck with a 75ft rig behind you. Gives you a whole new perspective
lol In NY when we heard the awning get yanked off by the tree... I knew it was us. Expensive is such a terrible sound!
@@KeepYourDaydream I saw that video.
The hand on the bottom of the wheel was key for me. When I was learning how to back up, my neighbor taught me that technique, and I backed around the dead end of our street. Am I great at backing...no, but I feel better about it. My husband who did not do that has all kinds of trouble. His biggest thing is oversteering. Maybe I can get him to go backward around the dead-end too. That was a wonderful instructional detail.
I’m trying to learn!
Laura Cox be patient with yourself and don’t worry about any onlookers
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Having a car hauler for years before buying my camper was like old hat, but did learn something today. Happy mommies day!