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CampingGma
Newbie
Joined: 22 Jul 2015
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 8
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Calendar Event: New R-Pod 172 Posted: 27 Oct 2015 at 9:14pm |
Hi there! I'm a new R-Pod 172 owner, just picked it up today. I'm a widow and my husband and I have had a fifth wheel and 2 travel trailers since 1998. I sold our trailer after he died and I have really missed camping! So I bought the R-Pod today! I had GREAT difficulty backing it into the long driveway by my house, so now I'm really anxious about backing it anywhere! I always did all the driving, but my husband did all the backing. HELP! Do you have any tips for me. Everyone says, "oh you will be able to do it, it just takes practice." Please tell me that is true!
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CampingGma
Newbie
Joined: 22 Jul 2015
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 8
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Posted: 27 Oct 2015 at 9:17pm |
Actually, I should have said my neighbor had to back it in for me because I tried many times and just couldn't do it. I sure hope I get better!
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Pete Brayton
Senior Member
Joined: 29 Jul 2015
Location: Parker, CO
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 126
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Posted: 27 Oct 2015 at 9:33pm |
It really does take practice and even then it can be confounding at times. You might consider going to an empty parking lot and practice there where there should be fewer obstacles. This could improve your confidence level. I have been towing a 26' sailboat and two smaller campers than our current 172 and I still usually take multiple attempts at backing it into my public storage spot. Hang in there and be patient, use your mirrors and go slow!
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CampingGma
Newbie
Joined: 22 Jul 2015
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 8
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Posted: 27 Oct 2015 at 9:37pm |
Thanks for the tips. I was thinking I should go to a parking lot and take some buckets to set up a lane so I could back into a "space". I guess I'd better make that happen. I'm not glad you sometimes have difficulty, but it's comforting to know that it is hard and does take practice.
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Craneman
Senior Member
Joined: 12 May 2013
Location: Tokeland,wa
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 387
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Posted: 27 Oct 2015 at 10:04pm |
Sounds like if you backed up a long driveway all ready, you are learning. Try short back ups in your drive way until you get comfortable in which way to turn the steering wheel. Keep up the good work
Jo and moe
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Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150
Jo and Gary
2010 174
2011 Ford 150
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johnmaci
Senior Member
Joined: 17 Jun 2014
Location: MD
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 202
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Posted: 28 Oct 2015 at 7:46am |
Although there is no substitute for practice, some of these videos have some great tips:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=backing+up+rv
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60somethings
Newbie
Joined: 27 Oct 2015
Location: Phelps, WI
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1
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Posted: 28 Oct 2015 at 8:09am |
A tip I picked up which has helped me is to put my hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, then move my hand in the direction that I want the trailer to go. Helps me to avoid that hesitation about which way to turn the steering wheel to get the trailer heading in the right direction.
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CampingGma
Newbie
Joined: 22 Jul 2015
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 8
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Posted: 28 Oct 2015 at 7:15pm |
Thanks for the tips!
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CampingGma
Newbie
Joined: 22 Jul 2015
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 8
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Posted: 28 Oct 2015 at 7:16pm |
60 somethings, I read about using the bottom of the steering wheel. I think that sounds like it might help a lot. Thanks for suggesting it.
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp
Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9062
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Posted: 28 Oct 2015 at 7:44pm |
Welcome. You'll be fine with practice and that trick!
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