Well we learned!

[TLB923]

GOAL - Get Out And Look, even with a spotter! I found that if I don't understand/agree with what the DW is telling me to do, GOAL. No arguing just trust but verify. If I'm flying solo I GOAL as many times as necessary and Don't worry about the audience.

[Bill Davey]

Cchapin - you asked if there were other "morals to the story"..... here's mine. 1) If the driver cannot see the spotter in his mirror, stop immediately, get out and look! 2) IMO, a walkie-talkie has poor audio quality. Whoa sounds just like Go and there's a time delay after pressing the push-to-talk switch so sometimes you don't hear the first part of the transmission. My solution is hand signals only. Spotter sees my face in the mirror, holds her arm straight up (back straight up); arm pointing to curb side (move back of trailer to curb side); arm pointing to driver's side (move back of trailer to driver's side); arm lowered with palm facing me (stop). If you watch professional drag racing, this is how they direct the driver back to the starting line after the burnout. 3) If this is the worst that ever happens, you're doing great!

[traveldawg]

I think I could be a candidate for that T-shirt. DW and I just giggled when we looked at it.

Sorry to hear about the mishap.

Just some random thoughts...
> Practice makes perfect.
> Having an automatic sliding hitch helps - a lot. Especially on a short bed. Manual slider is OK too; just don't be lazy - use it.
> We mostly use a phone since I can talk without holding anything while backing (via Bluetooth radio in truck); it is more clear than radios; it is sooooo much better than hand signals and FRS. FRS and hand signals are used if no cell coverage.
> When I can't see the DW I STOP. DW knows to get back in view.
> I usually get out and walk the site before backing.
> I never back without a spotter (why would anyone). Same applied with all types of RVs we've owned.
> The DW (always the spotter) doesn't tell me how to drive/backup. She just spots and advise on proximity to things. That's her job. Mine is to steer/drive.
> Just pay attention to your spotter and ignore others who like to "help" (fellow travelers, campground 'helpers', etc.).
> No need to rush. No need to worry who is looking. Relax.
> No need to get it backed in straight on the first try and no penalty for pulling forward frequently to re-orient truck & 5ver alignment.

[Rapid1]

Cchapin - you asked if there were other "morals to the story"..... here's mine. 1) If the driver cannot see the spotter in his mirror, stop immediately, get out and look! 2) IMO, a walkie-talkie has poor audio quality. Whoa sounds just like Go and there's a time delay after pressing the push-to-talk switch so sometimes you don't hear the first part of the transmission. My solution is hand signals only. Spotter sees my face in the mirror, holds her arm straight up (back straight up); arm pointing to curb side (move back of trailer to curb side); arm pointing to driver's side (move back of trailer to driver's side); arm lowered with palm facing me (stop). If you watch professional drag racing, this is how they direct the driver back to the starting line after the burnout. 3) If this is the worst that ever happens, you're doing great!

This...always be able to see your spotter. I am deaf, well, cochlear implant but I cannot do walkies or phones. My wife is always in my sight, mirror or in front of the rig if I am positioning it at all. If I can't see her, I stop, and in the few cases where we lose eye contact, I stop and get out to figure out where coach is and where she needs to be to help me.

[D2Reid]

Slow is faster. Take your time, verify. After many years DW still doesn't understand that she has to move around while spotting. But she is really good at yelling at me, so it works.