Introductions
Let me make another suggestion. While it is still too cold to go out for the week end, find a large parking lot that is not used on the week ends and get permission to bring the RV over there to use the lot for practice. Then, when the lot is empty, tow the trailer over there and spend some time in practice. First, just drive around the parking area and if it has painted lines, practice making turns as though in traffic while avoiding running over the lines, as if there were a curb there. Once you feel comfortable with that, try backing the RV. At first, just back a short distance to get a feel for keeping it straight behind you. Once you get the feel for that, find an area with painted parking spaces and back it into one to where the RV and tow vehicle are parked straight in the space, but at an angle to the drive way. Next try your hand in backing from one drive way to another that is at 90 degrees to the one that you are in. Save some cardboard boxes to use as markers for things like the plumbing and power pedestal of an RV site or other such obstructions. While you are at it, take turns in the backing with one driving and the other directing. Use this means to develop a pattern of signals and communication in directing each other. And always use the same directions to mean the same thing.
One other thing about backing. Buy yourself a pair of the FRS radios available at Wal Mart or any such store. Use them to communicate as it is the most reliable method that I know of. And do not get angry with each other. Make this a learning experience for each of you. If you don't understand the directions, stop and discuss exactly what is desired and what will be the best way to communicate that desire. And one last thing on backing for the person doing the directing. Even though you will be practicing in a parking lot with no overhead obstructions, pretend that there are some. Use one of your boxes as an overhanging limb to manuver around. And don't become compacient and forget to look up as you will need to make that a habit for every time you park the RV.
Good luck on the new adventure and have fun! Some time spent in practice now will make life much easier when you first find yourself parking in an RV park with a lot of folks watching.
