Pointing both arms to one side signals the driver to START the turn and keeping the arms pointing but no longer moving indicates that that gradual turning radius is correct and should be continued. There is a significant difference between starting a gradual turn and a maximum turning radius-both of which may be used/needed to park the RV. So, how much do you turn? The co-pilot needs to indicate to the driver how much to turn. Continuing gestures mean continue to turn the steering wheel-i.e., creating a sharper or tighter turn. One gesture signals to start a gradual turn. Signal by bending your arms at the elbow to point in the direction you want the rear of the coach to go. Turn one palm in and one out depending on which signal you use-e.g., Go Right = right palm facing forward (pointing toward the driver so it looks like your taking the oath of office). Bend them at the elbow so the start position is with the fingers pointed up. Go Right and Go Left… Hold your arms straight out at shoulder height to one side. This gesture is ongoing with the arms/hands slowly but constantly moving-not just an occasional single “wave.” It’s a process I call “pumping.” Make your hands and arms easy for the driver to see because we are a long way from each other.Ĭome Straight Back… Hold your arms straight out front, palms up, and gesture by bending your arms only at the elbow. That is, don’t hold your arms close to your body while gesturing. You do this first by keeping your elbows away from your body. Always make it easy for the driver to see your signals. They are unique, discrete, highly visible, and easy to learn and use. There are only four signals you use to direct an RV into virtually any parking situation. Remember, just click on the link in the upper right corner of this page. This is an excellent time to watch that video. My mirrors are tilted down so I can see the bottom, rear corner of the coach. You must watch for the tall hazards like limbs.I can’t steer the vehicle to keep you in my mirror.To start, let’s agree on a few things-think of them as “common sense” from the driver’s perspective… I am standing 60-feet away by my loud, running diesel engine. I will come forward to talk after I catch on that you are not moving. If I don’t have a radio and you (driver) want to talk-just stop.I’ll come back and only when you see me signal will we continue parking. After I stop you with a correct hand signal, I could say, for example, “Let me take a look at this limb hanging down.” I’ll look, you wait. If I want to discuss something, I will use the 2-way radio or walk up to your window.It will really bug me that you stopped even though I keep gesturing but I will finally catch on to the fact that you cannot see me. If I disappear from view, stop! Don’t move.If you don’t know how, turn off the engine and we will call a taxi and go home! I don’t care which way you turn the steering wheel to get it done! I’ll point (gesture) and you drive. When I’m outside, at the rear of the RV, if I point the rear of the RV to go that way, go that way.Therefore, my hand signals must be unique, discrete, and highly visible. The RV driver is trying to see my signal (gesture) at typically 50–60–70 feet away while looking in a 6-inch-wide mirror. I know it’s difficult for the driver to see me-the co-pilot.To start, let’s agree on a few things-think of them as “common sense” from the co-pilot’s perspective… So, anything that makes backing easier and safer ought to be worth a try. You’ve watched this scene played many times and have likely been a player. After all, if you scratch or dent your RV, it’s only money. Somehow-who knows how-you get it parked okay. If they try to talk on the radio and gesture at the same time, one or the other won’t work. Between gestures, they may talk to you on the radio or yell through the side of the coach in an attempt to be heard. Then, waving one arm, two arms, one hand, both hands, or just one or two fingers, the co-pilot invents (on the spot) some type of hand gesture and attempts to signal and safely guide you in. The copilot grabs the 2-way radio, gets out, looks around while you have already started backing the coach. You’ve registered, found your campsite, and are ready to back in.
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