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Old 07-31-2014, 03:13 PM   #41
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As the OP in this thread, I'm glad the notion of getting instruction in trailer towing is resonating with quite a few people.

Now, if I can just get Valley Driving School to institute a cash-for-referral system like the one Escape Trailers has . . . .

As I've mentioned, we will report to the Escape forum how our lesson goes in mid-September.
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Old 07-31-2014, 03:36 PM   #42
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i pull a goose neck horse trailer often but it's been a while since i backed a bumper pull. i remember thinking it was easyer to back the bumper pull then my goose neck. i will have to practice alittle at home before i head out.
A lot of it depends on wheel base, the longer it is, the easier to keep straight. Conversely, the shorter it is the more you can maneuver if desired. Most of the 5th wheels I have pulled have been tractor/trailer units, and they are the easiest thing I have ever reversed. I have pulled a few shorter goosenecks, and found them much easier to reverse than a bumper pull with the same wheel base. But your idea to practice a bit at home is a great one. Empty parking lots in the evening are fantastic practise grounds, as it is good practice to pull up in the row, pick out a spot, and maneuver into it. Have fun.
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Old 07-31-2014, 04:07 PM   #43
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i pull a goose neck horse trailer often but it's been a while since i backed a bumper pull. i remember thinking it was easyer to back the bumper pull then my goose neck. i will have to practice alittle at home before i head out.
No worries -- When we got the Lark, it had been 40 years since I pulled a trailer. I did all my practicing at various campgrounds. Occasionally to the delight and amusement of some more experienced drivers. But I didn't hit anything or anyone. It isn't totally intuitive, but this spring I backed into kind of a tight spot, and one of the spectators said "You've obviously done this before". If you have experience pulling a horse trailer, the Lark is going to be a piece of cake.
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Old 08-01-2014, 03:30 PM   #44
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Fudge Brownie,
Thanks for posting the hand signal video. I certainly need it to better communicate to the driver when backing our trailer.

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Old 12-13-2014, 06:43 PM   #45
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What a great idea. And so convenient.

Jubal makes a good point on having agreed upon signals. I like the signal system that is explained on the below U-tube videos. It is using a Class A coach in the example but the signals are universal.



BUMP: This is a bump forward of some excellent instructions. I can add that, we have a pair of yellow garden gloves that we use to make the signaler's hands easier to see.
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Old 12-13-2014, 10:06 PM   #46
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Each season at the start of camping my wife and I sit down and go over the videos again. It is so nice knowing exactly what she is signaling as we now have an agreed upon system. The yellow garden gloves are a great idea. I have threatened my wife with a gift of marshaling wands. Most often seen being used by the ground crew at an airport. Great at night.
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Old 12-13-2014, 10:35 PM   #47
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great stocking stuffers
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Old 12-14-2014, 01:28 PM   #48
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great stocking stuffers
Well, yes. maybe.
If they were in my stocking, cool.
If in lovely wife's stocking, and she makes a face upon seeing them,
maybe not so much. Can't be sure. Even after almost 40 yrs.,
I've been known to be clueless.
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Old 12-14-2014, 03:14 PM   #49
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great stocking stuffers
Hi: gbaglo..."Great stocking stuffers" are well shaped "Gams". Every thing else is just "Stuff"!!! Alf
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Old 12-15-2014, 09:36 AM   #50
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I have 2-way radios to assist with communication when backing up but I sent the above videos to my wife and she was on-board with them right away. That's a good sign.
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Old 12-15-2014, 10:19 AM   #51
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I'm almost always alone when backing up but when someone is helping me, I've found the best tool to be duct tape...over their mouth.
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Old 12-15-2014, 11:29 AM   #52
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I'm almost always alone when backing up but when someone is helping me, I've found the best tool to be duct tape...over their mouth.
So true, and maybe duct-taping their hands to their sides.
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Old 12-15-2014, 03:33 PM   #53
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In another forum I recall one member saying that a pair of those inexpensive two-way radios were great: they eliminated yelling back and forth, and he could just turn off the volume on his and back up without interruption.
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Old 12-15-2014, 07:36 PM   #54
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In another forum I recall one member saying that a pair of those inexpensive two-way radios were great: they eliminated yelling back and forth, and he could just turn off the volume on his and back up without interruption.
Great plan. I'll have to try it.
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Old 12-15-2014, 07:50 PM   #55
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You know, I think the hand signals are a great idea and maybe we'll start using cell phones, but right now I think that our tried and true method of me yelling at the top of my lungs as Terry backs up is the best plan. I am really good at guiding him in no matter how tight the spot and he completely trusts me and responds. But out of courtesy to the neighbors we probably should see if he will respond as well to a voice over the cell phone.
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