From Tenter to Camper

[dlzeller]

Good Day, we have been tenters all our lives, and I am to the point where tenting is not an option anymore. So we have purchased a Forest River Wildwood 30' camper. Looking forward to trying it out next weekend. I am in Michigan and we will be going to Boyne City Mushroom Festival. And advice anyone cares to offer, I will appreciate. I am mostly worried about the backing up part.

[Janet H]

Hi and welcome. Funny how tenting losses it's appeal when the ground gets hard...

You will get the hang of backing with some practice. When I first started I took the trailer to a large open lot and practiced on a sunday morning.

Here's my biggest tip: don't let yourself be rushed by waiting traffic. Let em wait. Slow is good when backing.

[Glenn5995]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the camper!

Like Janet H suggested, find a place to practice, take your time and don't let yourself be rushed. Accept the fact that the first few times won't be pretty and don't get frustrated. We all started there and improved with time and experience.

The only other thing I will add which has been a benefit to me, is when backing, steer with your hands on the bottom of the steering wheel. That way the trailer steers the same direction as your hand movements. If you want the back of the trailer to go left then steer left from the bottom of the steering wheel. When you steer from the top of the wheel you have to steer opposite.

Good luck and happy camping!

[dlzeller]

Thanks for your incouragement and suggestions. Happy camping to all.

[old guys]

Welcome from Ontario. Just take your time and don't be afraid to ask another camper for help if you seem to be having too much problem backing up. It just takes time to get good at it. Some day I may get better at it too. By the way it is just as hard on your direction giver so don't be to hard on him or her. You will learn together. Old Guys

[Smokyroo]

Welcome and the other key perhaps is to look backwards and not rely so much on the mirrors until you get the feel of it. The other key is the turning movements are subtle, not big which causes the wild swings in one direction or the other. good luck and have fun. Fortunately I can still and do enjoy getting the tent out to camp.

[brianb]

My tips and I'm still learning... Remember things will be opposite, keep the movements subtle, if you get all messed up sometimes pulling it forward and reattempting is easier, and take it slow and get out and check frequently behind you if going solo. If you have someone guiding you pickup a cheap walkie-talkie set it's much easier then screaming/hand signals.