Setting the cat amongst the pigeons!  We have reached the conclusion that in the interests of world peace (and domination!), I hop behind the wheel and Mike directs me in backing the van into the site.

I am hopeless at giving directions (picture a demented traffic cop), Mike is good, ergo - I back the van in.  This has given rise to incredulous stares and then applause as we manage to get it right with very little to-ing and fro-ing.  Why don't more women try this?  A very wise old vanner suggested to us from the get go that I drive when hitching up and it evolved from there.

Hey Min, Ma here, I can back a semi trailer, no problem.  Box trailer forget it!!  As yet haven't even tried to back the van.  Don't think Guru would let me have a go either. Must be a male ego type thing I reckon.  You Go Girl !!!

Well,

Tongue in cheek here, I consider that if women cannot give instructions, how can they possibly back the van in?

I have seen numerous women giving instructions to their better halfs in backing the Van into its location, and it always seems to start a domestic.  Thus I rest my case.

Leave it to the Male species, who always know what they are doing.  Man was born to back Vans into their locations without any problems, whilst the weaker sex, are there to assist he he he.

The solution is, for one male to reverse the van into position, with another male giving directions.  What can go wrong????

Have a great day.

I think both parties should be able to operate the van/trailer, including hitching and reversing. Not to is floored as there may be a time it is required. Dont wait till that time arrives, before you have a go.

It is not about strength, just ability, so it is non sexist. No one is offically taught how to reverse a van/trailer, it is something learnt by doing it. So do it as often as required to get the basics, at least.

For those out there that think their partner is not capable, I say, you are not capable to teach (and learn). Make a game of it. There is no shame in starting all over when its all inside out.

For the supervising partner, clear hand signals are needed. Straight out from the side of your body, to which way the van has to go. Wave together when its on track, and a stretch of arms to indicate the distance to go when close to final point.

That's what I love about this forum, we get right into the touchy topics don't we? Next topic up will be compusory nutering off all male GN's - for there own good!
So backing the van, used to be a night mare, crowds would assemble on directors chairs to watch..... Then I bought the camera, the earth moved for me - Took a bit of getting used to (I still let SWMBO direct, but only for the sake of giving her something to do, she likes to help) but now its a dream. I live on a battleaxe block with a 50 metre drive and backing down that is now a dream too....
But to answer the question, I back the van. SWMBO drives occasionally....

the dragon has always backed my vehicles in, I just assume command of the pilots position, she is constantly "in command" 

I too have heard the whistling of a rolled up magazine colliding painfully with the rear of someones cranium

Ma the problem you are having with the reversing of a box trailer is the drawbar length, I too reverse a lot of semis, but here you have 40 feet plus effectively of drawbar whereas a boxtrailer has maybe 6 feet

it's all in the responsive turning speed of the towed vehicle, shorter drawbar, faster response =  more headaches, longer drawbar = slower response, happier driver

-- Edited by dave06 on Wednesday 6th of May 2009 10:27:29 AM

Both of us back the camper trailer in but I must admit it is between loads of gigles from me and snorts from Bill and the magazine comes in handy at times but we are happy never mind what others think when they watch us it may even lighten their day. Helena.

Well you see that is the male species, they like to to the reversing as it means they are going backwards where as as us females go forward!!

We have been on the road for a month now, this is the first time we have pulled a van and so far so good with me giving the directions, though I think he knows if he raises his voice above a whisper I would be saying   !@#$%^&*().......     do it yourself!!

Having a a great time now in Victoria having spent a month in SA, loved all the coastal attractions along the Great Ocean Road.

and thats why I keep the window up, the foul language assaults my tender ear drums

I do. Guided by park staff or fellow campers in the park. If you tow 'em you should be able to back 'em. Singlel axle is harder than tandem, but patience does it. I've seen some near divorces during the parking up procedure. He said, she said, he yelled, she yelled....... I don't know how they can sit in the car with each other for the next 300kms after all that. And they do it every time, at every park, for all the years they've been doing it, it seems. Quite comical in a sad way. I've always wondered why they don't sit down together before they leave home, to have a plan about directions language like, "Left hand down, right hand down, straighten up. stop!" And then learning to reverse the thing by mirrors. All the guide has to do is to tell them to stop before the van bumps into something. Too logical? I rest my case. Cheers Chris

sgntbilko wrote:

---

Well,

Tongue in cheek here, I consider that if women cannot give instructions, how can they possibly back the van in?

I have seen numerous women giving instructions to their better halfs in backing the Van into its location, and it always seems to start a domestic.  Thus I rest my case.

Leave it to the Male species, who always know what they are doing.  Man was born to back Vans into their locations without any problems, whilst the weaker sex, are there to assist he he he.

The solution is, for one male to reverse the van into position, with another male giving directions.  What can go wrong????

Have a great day.

---

Jeez Bilko, you really baited that hook, didn't you?
And that's the only bite you're going to get from this independent Cruising Granny.
Cheers

 

Yep,

Worked me out in one Chris.  But, hey all in good fun

Take care and stay well

well you "backed" out of that one Bilko!!

Yeah, very sneaky Bilko, but I thought it was funny, and you knew what you were doing all the time. But, v e r y sneaky. Cheers and grins Chris

This is Ma's Guru. Best way to back the van I have found is to get Ma to go put the kettle on, then I call her when the van is where I want it.

To back anything from a box trailer to a semi the golden rules are

1. Do it slowly

2. See to much in right mirror pull down to the right

3. See to much in left mirror pull down to the left



If in any doubt take the rig up to the local park and practice in the carpark and learn to use the mirrors.  When you can reverse parallel park a rig between to rubbish bins or guide posts  you will have absolutely no problems backing in to anywhere.

Once you master reverse parking you will wonder what all the drama was.

I totally agree that both parties should be able to handle the rig . Had a mate who had his ticker give out in Northern WA cost over $8000 to get the van and car back home as the wife couldn't drive it . Worth checking out your road side assistance and insurances cover to see if it will get you home in such situations , mine does

-- Edited by Wombat 280 on Saturday 9th of May 2009 03:29:48 PM

Hey, There's some great advice in this thread. And a few good laughs too. Obviously we haven't lost our sense of humour even round this touchiest of topics.

As a solo traveller, I find the question doesn't arise. When I first got the van, I knew I'd have to learn to back it. So when I'm driving down the highway and I see a picnic area with no one in it, I pull over and set myself goals like - back it up between those two gum trees, or get it parallel with that rubbish bin or picnic table.

I strongly agree that both partners should learn to drive and back their rig before the necessity arises. Girls, if you don't try,you'll never learn and, guys, don't be precious. Give her a go for god's sake.

Have to say it's easier when no one is watching though.
Cheers all.
V

-- Edited by waltzing matilda on Saturday 9th of May 2009 04:00:33 PM