I can reverse park my big rig between two cars in the Main Street :) :)
Sorry, you ask for that though so I didn't want you to be disappointed.
Even with my big rig it is difficult at times. I have had to make a corner post on my carport at home to be removable so have fitted one bolt to the top and one to the bottom of the post with wing nuts so I can take it down when putting my Avan to bed as I don't have much swing room out front, I live in a village.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 10th of March 2013 11:35:50 AM
capricorn and pisces said
12:32 PM Mar 10, 2013
He who sits at the controls of the Prado can back our Jayco Swan through the drive through garage with only inches to spare either side, its done very very slowly but its a sight to behold...I suppose it helps that he has driven large trucks and coaches all his adult life...but I still got to admire his ability. My little Mazda is still waiting for me to attempt its first reverse park. cheers Capricorn
-- Edited by capricorn and pisces on Sunday 10th of March 2013 01:02:54 PM
Rip and Rosie said
06:43 PM Mar 10, 2013
I hate reversing, especially into a tight spot !!!!
Been to the Tow-ed course, and I CAN do it, but I HATE it !!
I do anything to avoid it, especially when we get home, and its got to get in the gate, and there's no avoiding that.
I reckon next time, I'll bring it in the middle of the night, when there's no traffic and no neighbours............... ugh !!!
Now someone is goning to come on and tell me they can reverse park their rig between cars in the main street ........................... and I'm going to cry
gordon_adl said
06:47 PM Mar 10, 2013
I'm shocking at reversing trailer. I really need to man up and take a lesson, but I'm too stubborn to do so.
Gerty Dancer said
07:57 PM Mar 10, 2013
I know how you feel Rosie. My partner does most of it but I feel I aught to try just in case hes not able to someday. What I want is one of those little tractors they put under the hitch, can move anything anywhere!
Cupie said
08:53 PM Mar 10, 2013
There is nothing more pleasing than to reverse onto a site just right, on the first go. Especially if there are people around watching.
Sometimes I can do it and other times I make a complete mess of it. If I can't get on after a couple of goes I just go round the block again.
I prefer to reverse back from the direction where I can watch my van wheels onto the slab or whatever. If no slab then I put down a couple of sticks or caps as the aiming points.
Put a boat trailer behind me and I am hopeless, can't stop myself from turning too hard & as a result it wobbles all over the place.
GaryKelly said
09:05 PM Mar 10, 2013
What happens if you guys get stuck on a narrow dirt road through a forest and need to do a U-ee?
vk6tnc said
09:40 PM Mar 10, 2013
GaryKelly wrote:
What happens if you guys get stuck on a narrow dirt road through a forest and need to do a U-ee?
They get stuck on a narrow dirt road......
BohemianGypsy said
09:43 PM Mar 10, 2013
Oh now that's funny Chris lol
Michelle
Happywanderer said
10:06 PM Mar 10, 2013
capricorn and pisces wrote:
He who sits at the controls of the Prado can back our Jayco Swan through the drive through garage with only inches to spare either side, its done very very slowly but its a sight to behold...I suppose it helps that he has driven large trucks and coaches all his adult life...but I still got to admire his ability. My little Mazda is still waiting for me to attempt its first reverse park. cheers Capricorn
-- Edited by capricorn and pisces on Sunday 10th of March 2013 01:02:54 PM
You are so right there. I have noticed how well truck drivers back with what looks like very little difficulty.
My sons, both have driven B-Doubles etc, can back anything with precision. I won't even attempt to back a trailer.
Landfall said
10:54 PM Mar 10, 2013
Was asked to back our van into a very, very tight spot at Charleville c/park.
Staff came out and said to me they would direct me in, I asked the lady could she tell me exactly where she wanted the van.
Placed the van in with inches to spare and she said, "Sorry, I should have asked what you do for a living, obviously you are a truckie."
"No," I replied, "I have been a driving instructor for twenty years."
The secret has been revealed, keep your hand at the twelve o'clock position, and only move steering in small, smooth turns.
I keep telling students that the easiest part of a driving test is the reverse park.
After a few lessons, they agree.
Ken
-- Edited by Landfall on Sunday 10th of March 2013 10:56:07 PM
msg said
11:13 PM Mar 10, 2013
Me either HW. Thats why I bought a MH that fits in a normal car park. but hate those reverse angle parks in a lot of towns. Mostly give them a miss.
TrekenOz said
11:16 PM Mar 10, 2013
When we have to reverse somewhere tight or when hooking up we always use a pair of handheld radio's that way we don't miss seeing anything that might be in the way
Gerty Dancer said
12:02 AM Mar 11, 2013
GaryKelly wrote:
What happens if you guys get stuck on a narrow dirt road through a forest and need to do a U-ee?
Its happened. Theres a bit of bad language, look around (might be a better spot to turn ahead), lots of back-and-forward, and we are back in the right direction again. It can happen if you overshoot the entrance to a camp or C/park, take a wrong turn, get stuck in a car-park, go up a country lane looking for a camp spot....
Cupie says to stop and have a cup of tea while he thinks about it when theres a problem, however when stressed Mr D wont have a cuppa till the problem is fixed.
Beth54 said
12:03 AM Mar 11, 2013
msg wrote:
Me either HW. Thats why I bought a MH that fits in a normal car park. but hate those reverse angle parks in a lot of towns. Mostly give them a miss.
I think the angle parks are much easier than parallel parking...without the van naturally.
I've become better at reversing with the van on, but still get it wrong alot and have to start again. Where it's parked up at a friends place, there's 5 acres to play around on, so where it ends up is where it stays.
the rocket said
01:57 AM Mar 11, 2013
Some people are very cleaver at reversing. not me though. my many and varied talents are used elsewhere.
miroku12g said
01:59 AM Mar 11, 2013
Know what you mean,
I guess like many others i have put a towball on the front of my Navara, just slide the hitch in when needed, then drive the van in the tighest of spots, little messing around un-hitch then re hitch but well worth it.
And No, it dosn't protrude past the front of the car when not used !!
Miroku12g
pauline said
02:19 AM Mar 11, 2013
I am one of the lucky ones, hubby is a truckie so reversing the van compared to at least a semi is nothing to him...............thank the Lord.
vk6tnc said
02:34 AM Mar 11, 2013
The easiest way I found to reverse is to place one hand at 6 o'clock on the steering wheel, then move your hand in the direction you want the rear of the van to go.
Haji-Baba said
03:39 AM Mar 11, 2013
vk6tnt. Has it just right.
I find as my neck won't turn around to see the trailer as well as I once could and that reversing into a spot is best achieved by using the mirrors. This is exactly what the truckies do and when mastered is reasonably easy. "T.WOOD."
As some one mentioned reversing to a slab, you can judge the distance, position fairly well in the mirrors.
My biggest problem now will be the new vehicle that we have just purchased has those wide angle mirrors.
Won't effect the van I hope because of the extended mirrors, but does alter things with the boat trailer backing down the ramp.
Any way so long as you are out there it is all good.
Try as vk6tnt describes, it works very well. And take it slow, very slow if you have and auto.
Have fun Haji-Baba
herbie said
04:32 AM Mar 11, 2013
Never used this method of hitching car to van.But one solo lady had it down pat so to say.She taped a broom and a mop to eaither side of her the van with the handles protruding out from van ,and bingo she just backed in between the handles ,and hitched up.Have keept this tip in the grey mater .
Olley46 said
04:55 AM Mar 11, 2013
miroku12g wrote:
Know what you mean,
I guess like many others i have put a towball on the front of my Navara, just slide the hitch in when needed, then drive the van in the tighest of spots, little messing around un-hitch then re hitch but well worth it.
And No, it dosn't protrude past the front of the car when not used !!
Miroku12g
I have the same as Miroku12g on the front of the Prado the reason I have mine is to make it a bit easer putting the van away at home I have to do a dog leg turn between the house and the garage not mutch room to spare at all ,my hitch is removable,only used at home, great idear make,s it a lot easer.
Lance C
Cupie said
09:19 AM Mar 11, 2013
vk6tnc wrote:
The easiest way I found to reverse is to place one hand at 6 o'clock on the steering wheel, then move your hand in the direction you want the rear of the van to go.
I'm a 6 o'clocker too. Works for me.
My problem may be that I like to initially go full lock to get the van turning & then gradually turn towards opposite lock to straighten it as the wheels approach the aiming point. I can watch the van wheels because I start with the site/slab on the passenger side. I try to continue a metre or so beyond the aiming point (ie where the wheels should end up). By this time in theory, the tug's wheels are straight. I get out & check for level and where necessary put down ramps & pull the van forward onto the ramps & level with the aiming point.
At the start of it all SWMBO stands near the front of the slab & raises her had to signify that the rear of the van is past her & I am positioned to start the manouver. She also ensures that I don't go back to far & knock over any taps, power box, or go into any neighbouring van or tree etc.. (edit) She also helps by waving her arms around in strange fashions. I take no notice except for the stop signal and tell her what a good job she has done when we are finished.
The 'problem' is that my habit of turning full lock as a first move always gets me into trouble with box trailers and the like.
To hitch up, I first raise the van hitch to knee level (Correct height to match the ball on flat ground) & fit the trailer aid (piece of V shaped steel) on the tug. Then I get as far forward as possible and in line with the van. I have a piece of dymo tape on the tug's rear window & a similar one on the inside of the van boot lid. With the boot lid up I reverse slowly back using the rear vision mirror aligning the two marks. I stop & get out to check when a few meters from contact & check for alignment & height. I then continue reversing very slowly till I hear the 'clunk". I finally come forward an inch or so & volar! all done. In theory at least.
One day I'll fit a reversing camera .. maybe.
-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 11th of March 2013 09:23:32 AM
johnno02 said
10:03 AM Mar 11, 2013
I think this is one area where everybody does things differently,
and what works for one,does not always work for the other,
as an old Semi Driver (many years ago),before I did a Trade,
My method was this,
As Ken said, keep your hands at 12 o'clock
Van Rear,too far to the Right,then Right Hand Down,to correct
Van Rear,too far to the Left,then Left hand Down,to correct
Try to line up as best you can,before Reversing
Don't make Radical corrections,then you won't get too far out of Alignment
Take your time,you're not in a race,Accuracy First,Speed will follow,
and don't be concerned,if you have to have another go at it
Even the old Pro's get it wrong at times...............well this one does,anyway
Cheers,and hope I have been of some help.
John
Dougwe said
02:59 PM Mar 11, 2013
Because Me and Myself are no help at all as they disagree all the time, I have to do all that hard stuff so I use a "Hitch Guide" to assist with connecting the Avan up to the tug. You just reverse back until you feel the touching then move forward just the slightest tad, van hitch is directly above tow ball, easy as that. Only problem is I am not a happy camper if I am leaving somewhere really nice.
Being a solo I have to work out the easy way to do things as I don't want to get assistance as one day there might not be anyone else around to help.
Rip and Rosie said
03:36 PM Mar 11, 2013
Well, for the stew, I'll throw in my method.
I'm not a 6 o'clock or a 12 o'clock wheel holder, I just hold it slightly above normal- probably 10 to 2 ish.
I visualise a bar connecting the rear of the van to the top of the steering wheel, and if the van needs to move to the driver's side, I pull it around by moving the wheel to the left. If it need to move left, I push it around by moving the top of the wheel to the right.
I always take my WGH bars off first.
I hate people watching me, and double hate them butting in..........but LOVE IT if they ask do I want them to do it for me!!
I guess, if I kept my cool, I could be like most others and get it in a couple of goes- which I do most times.
Perhaps it a confidence thing, and I need to have a mantra like the "Little engine that could" in the old Golden Books.
Been using the front hitch for 40yrs, only way to go in tight areas like driveways, I have about 50mm clearence each side of van & it easy.
You must learn to use the mirrors. Recently seen a bloke looking over his left shoulder when backing a van, now just what was he going to see there, only the front of the van.
Cupie said
09:39 PM Mar 11, 2013
justcruisin01 wrote:
Been using the front hitch for 40yrs, only way to go in tight areas like driveways, I have about 50mm clearence each side of van & it easy.
You must learn to use the mirrors. Recently seen a bloke looking over his left shoulder when backing a van, now just what was he going to see there, only the front of the van.
Agreed on both points.
When I first got the van & Patrol around 14 years ago, I had intended to fit a pusher bar but never got around to it!
Because of my habit of doing a hard (almost right angle) turn as my first manouver the mirrors are no good until we come to the almost straight position. I use them then ... after tilting them down to better watch the wheels.
Hi R&R,
I can reverse park my big rig between two cars in the Main Street :) :)
Sorry, you ask for that though so I didn't want you to be disappointed.
Even with my big rig it is difficult at times. I have had to make a corner post on my carport at home to be removable so have fitted one bolt to the top and one to the bottom of the post with wing nuts so I can take it down when putting my
Avan to bed as I don't have much swing room out front, I live in a village.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 10th of March 2013 11:35:50 AM
He who sits at the controls of the Prado can back our Jayco Swan through the drive through garage with only inches to spare either side, its done very very slowly but its a sight to behold...I suppose it helps that he has driven large trucks and coaches all his adult life...but I still got to admire his ability. My little Mazda is still waiting for me to attempt its first reverse park. cheers Capricorn
-- Edited by capricorn and pisces on Sunday 10th of March 2013 01:02:54 PM
I hate reversing, especially into a tight spot !!!!
Been to the Tow-ed course, and I CAN do it, but I HATE it !!
I do anything to avoid it, especially when we get home, and its got to get in the gate, and there's no avoiding that.
I reckon next time, I'll bring it in the middle of the night, when there's no traffic and no neighbours............... ugh !!!
Now someone is goning to come on and tell me they can reverse park their rig between cars in the main street ........................... and I'm going to cry
There is nothing more pleasing than to reverse onto a site just right, on the first go. Especially if there are people around watching.
Sometimes I can do it and other times I make a complete mess of it. If I can't get on after a couple of goes I just go round the block again.
I prefer to reverse back from the direction where I can watch my van wheels onto the slab or whatever. If no slab then I put down a couple of sticks or caps as the aiming points.
Put a boat trailer behind me and I am hopeless, can't stop myself from turning too hard & as a result it wobbles all over the place.
They get stuck on a narrow dirt road......
Oh now that's funny Chris lol
Michelle
You are so right there. I have noticed how well truck drivers back with what looks like very little difficulty.
My sons, both have driven B-Doubles etc, can back anything with precision. I won't even attempt to back a trailer.
Was asked to back our van into a very, very tight spot at Charleville c/park.
Staff came out and said to me they would direct me in, I asked the lady could she tell me exactly where she wanted the van.
Placed the van in with inches to spare and she said, "Sorry, I should have asked what you do for a living, obviously you are a truckie."
"No," I replied, "I have been a driving instructor for twenty years."
The secret has been revealed, keep your hand at the twelve o'clock position, and only move steering in small, smooth turns.
I keep telling students that the easiest part of a driving test is the reverse park.
After a few lessons, they agree.
Ken
-- Edited by Landfall on Sunday 10th of March 2013 10:56:07 PM
When we have to reverse somewhere tight or when hooking up we always use a pair of handheld radio's that way we don't miss seeing anything that might be in the way
Its happened. Theres a bit of bad language, look around (might be a better spot to turn ahead), lots of back-and-forward, and we are back in the right direction again. It can happen if you overshoot the entrance to a camp or C/park, take a wrong turn, get stuck in a car-park, go up a country lane looking for a camp spot....
Cupie says to stop and have a cup of tea while he thinks about it when theres a problem, however when stressed Mr D wont have a cuppa till the problem is fixed.
I think the angle parks are much easier than parallel parking...without the van naturally.
I've become better at reversing with the van on, but still get it wrong alot and have to start again.
Where it's parked up at a friends place, there's 5 acres to play around on, so where it ends up is where it stays. 
Some people are very cleaver at reversing. not me though. my many and varied talents are used elsewhere.
Know what you mean,
I guess like many others i have put a towball on the front of my Navara, just slide the hitch in when needed, then drive the van in the tighest of spots, little messing around un-hitch then re hitch but well worth it.
And No, it dosn't protrude past the front of the car when not used !!
Miroku12g
I find as my neck won't turn around to see the trailer as well as I once could and that reversing into a spot is best achieved by using the mirrors. This is exactly what the truckies do and when mastered is reasonably easy. "T.WOOD."
As some one mentioned reversing to a slab, you can judge the distance, position fairly well in the mirrors.
My biggest problem now will be the new vehicle that we have just purchased has those wide angle mirrors.
Won't effect the van I hope because of the extended mirrors, but does alter things with the boat trailer backing down the ramp.
Any way so long as you are out there it is all good.
Try as vk6tnt describes, it works very well. And take it slow, very slow if you have and auto.
Have fun Haji-Baba
Never used this method of hitching car to van.But one solo lady had it down pat so to say.She taped a broom and a mop to eaither side of her the van with the handles protruding out from van ,and bingo she just backed in between the handles ,and hitched up.Have keept this tip in the grey mater .
I have the same as Miroku12g on the front of the Prado the reason I have mine is to make it a bit easer putting the van away at home I have to do a dog leg turn between the house and the garage not mutch room to spare at all ,my hitch is removable,only used at home, great idear make,s it a lot easer.
Lance C
I'm a 6 o'clocker too. Works for me.
My problem may be that I like to initially go full lock to get the van turning & then gradually turn towards opposite lock to straighten it as the wheels approach the aiming point. I can watch the van wheels because I start with the site/slab on the passenger side. I try to continue a metre or so beyond the aiming point (ie where the wheels should end up). By this time in theory, the tug's wheels are straight. I get out & check for level and where necessary put down ramps & pull the van forward onto the ramps & level with the aiming point.
At the start of it all SWMBO stands near the front of the slab & raises her had to signify that the rear of the van is past her & I am positioned to start the manouver. She also ensures that I don't go back to far & knock over any taps, power box, or go into any neighbouring van or tree etc.. (edit) She also helps by waving her arms around in strange fashions. I take no notice except for the stop signal and tell her what a good job she has done when we are finished.
The 'problem' is that my habit of turning full lock as a first move always gets me into trouble with box trailers and the like.
To hitch up, I first raise the van hitch to knee level (Correct height to match the ball on flat ground) & fit the trailer aid (piece of V shaped steel) on the tug. Then I get as far forward as possible and in line with the van. I have a piece of dymo tape on the tug's rear window & a similar one on the inside of the van boot lid. With the boot lid up I reverse slowly back using the rear vision mirror aligning the two marks. I stop & get out to check when a few meters from contact & check for alignment & height. I then continue reversing very slowly till I hear the 'clunk". I finally come forward an inch or so & volar! all done. In theory at least.
One day I'll fit a reversing camera .. maybe.
-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 11th of March 2013 09:23:32 AM
I think this is one area where everybody does things differently,
and what works for one,does not always work for the other,
as an old Semi Driver (many years ago),before I did a Trade,
My method was this,
As Ken said, keep your hands at 12 o'clock
Van Rear,too far to the Right,then Right Hand Down,to correct
Van Rear,too far to the Left,then Left hand Down,to correct
Try to line up as best you can,before Reversing
Don't make Radical corrections,then you won't get too far out of Alignment
Take your time,you're not in a race,Accuracy First,Speed will follow,
and don't be concerned,if you have to have another go at it
Even the old Pro's get it wrong at times...............well this one does,anyway
Cheers,and hope I have been of some help.
John
Being a solo I have to work out the easy way to do things as I don't want to get assistance as one day there might not be anyone else around to help.
I'm not a 6 o'clock or a 12 o'clock wheel holder, I just hold it slightly above normal- probably 10 to 2 ish.
I visualise a bar connecting the rear of the van to the top of the steering wheel, and if the van needs to move to the driver's side, I pull it around by moving the wheel to the left.
If it need to move left, I push it around by moving the top of the wheel to the right.
I always take my WGH bars off first.
I hate people watching me, and double hate them butting in..........but LOVE IT if they ask do I want them to do it for me!!
I guess, if I kept my cool, I could be like most others and get it in a couple of goes- which I do most times.
Perhaps it a confidence thing, and I need to have a mantra like the "Little engine that could" in the old Golden Books.
That's the main reason I bought a ute and slide-on. But then I have this to contend with (but only once).
Been using the front hitch for 40yrs, only way to go in tight areas like driveways, I have about 50mm clearence each side of van & it easy.
You must learn to use the mirrors. Recently seen a bloke looking over his left shoulder when backing a van, now just what was he going to see there, only the front of the van.
Agreed on both points.
When I first got the van & Patrol around 14 years ago, I had intended to fit a pusher bar but never got around to it!
Because of my habit of doing a hard (almost right angle) turn as my first manouver the mirrors are no good until we come to the almost straight position. I use them then ... after tilting them down to better watch the wheels.