Correcting the Wayward Trailer

Backing a trailer up isn't all that hard, but it takes practice.  The key fact to bear in mind is that the trailer will ALWAYS go in the opposite direction of the tow vehicle.  This causes a great deal of confusion and the mail reasons you see guys jockeying back and forth with a trailer that seems to have a mind of its own.  Here's an easy way to master the maneuver:

1) Find an empty parking lot where you can learn to gain control over your trailer without worrying about a bunch of campers watching and laughing at you.  After you shift into reverse, place your left hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. 

When you move your hand to the right (which turns the steering wheel and front tires to the left), the trailer will move to the right. 

When you move your hand to the left (which turns the steering wheel and front tires to the right), the trailer will move to the left.

It takes a little getting used to (and your brain will fight you at first), but it works.

2) Move slowly.  Most beginners back up too fast.  If the trailer starts to move in the wrong direction, STOP.  Pull up, straighten the trailer, and start again.  Trying to correct a wayward trailer will only make matter worse.  Once you master the parking lot, you're ready for the camp!

I have a rear-view TV camera and LCD screen in my RV.  When its just me using the RV, the camera is worth it keeping me from bumping into something.
Even tho' my R-Pod is much narrower than the RV, I still was worried about having to get out
and check how close the back-end of the Pod was from an obstacle.  I went over to Wal-Mart
and they have a 'wireless' backup camera system for $99.  The camera is built into a license frame. I connected the 12VDC power wires into the license light wiring.  The color LCD plugs into
the cigarette lighter on my dash.  If I want to see to the rear, I just turn on my Pod lights.  It can
almost see in the dark.  Some RV dealers sell rear view camera systems for $500-or more.

Cheaper and simpler is the two flag system.  One sticks on the hitch, one on the car.  They use magnets and you can remove them when not using.