Best loops for backing in with motorhome

[Tricializ]

Hi all:
Coming to FW next month and will be driving and meeting my daughter and her family. So it will be just me and my 13 year old that will have to park this thing. I used to do it fine and suddenly am scared. I hate those garbage cans, signs and cars that park right up at the edge of their campground. So, any tips for backing in? Any loops that seem more roomy? Thanks in advance.
Tricia

 

[John VN]

700 is very backup friendly.

 

[peg110]

Of course there are a lot of factors to consider. Size of MH, which type of site (Premium, Preferred, or Full), and of course the things that are much harder to predict such as those campers that push the limits of their sites with their vehicles. I don't have the experience with the sites as others as we are going on our "Third" trip to the fort in August. I will say, however that the inner loop of 1400 (I believe it's called "Little Bear" path) doesn't seem like it would be a good choice from what I have seen.

I will say the last time I was there (Nov/Dec 2014) we were in the 1400 loop (Site 1401) and the outer loop (Big Bear Path) seemed plenty large enough to not have too many issues.

Overall, however, it's such a subjective questions. Don't worry though. If you need help, I am sure there will be folks who will oblige. Of course there will also be others who will watch (and/or laugh) as this tends to be an enjoyable past time. I think it's one of those "misery loves company" things.

Whatever happens, I hope you and your 13 year old (and the rest of your family) have an awesome time.

 

[sippican]

When you check in ask for an easy to back in site. In every loop there are some that present more of a challenge than others. Allowing for the curve of the loop, frequently the sites on the outside are easier. As you say, even a parked vehicle can add to the chore. Ask someone nearby to assist. Most fellow campers are more than happy to do so. We like the 1700 loop for wide roomy sites.

 

[peg110]

Ask someone nearby to assist. Most fellow campers are more than happy to do so.

I agree with this. I most certainly would be happy to help someone if they asked me too.... I have even been known to offer help when I see someone struggling.

 

[tiggerdad]

As others suggested each loop has good and bad sites to back into. When you check in ask for a site considered by the CMs to be an easy back in site. They keep a list of each sites and which ones are considered "easy". Now, this is subjective as easy for one person is hard for another but if you get to the site and it seems too hard, call the front desk and ask for another site.

As far as helping others back in, I have a new policy as of the last three years. I used to help others when I thought they needed help, until I encountered a fool at a local campground who exploded when I asked if I could help and went off on a tirade, followed by a mishap backing into a tree when he was too busy acting an idiot about my offering for help. Since that time my new policy is I'll watch if I have time, I'll help if you ask, but my days of volunteering without first being approached are pretty much done.

 

[4077]

As others suggested each loop has good and bad sites to back into. When you check in ask for a site considered by the CMs to be an easy back in site. They keep a list of each sites and which ones are considered "easy". Now, this is subjective as easy for one person is hard for another but if you get to the site and it seems too hard, call the front desk and ask for another site.

As far as helping others back in, I have a new policy as of the last three years. I used to help others when I thought they needed help, until I encountered a fool at a local campground who exploded when I asked if I could help and went off on a tirade, followed by a mishap backing into a tree when he was too busy acting an idiot about my offering for help. Since that time my new policy is I'll watch if I have time, I'll help if you ask, but my days of volunteering without first being approached are pretty much done.

What?! Just because of that??

 

[Tricializ]

As others suggested each loop has good and bad sites to back into. When you check in ask for a site considered by the CMs to be an easy back in site. They keep a list of each sites and which ones are considered "easy". Now, this is subjective as easy for one person is hard for another but if you get to the site and it seems too hard, call the front desk and ask for another site.

As far as helping others back in, I have a new policy as of the last three years. I used to help others when I thought they needed help, until I encountered a fool at a local campground who exploded when I asked if I could help and went off on a tirade, followed by a mishap backing into a tree when he was too busy acting an idiot about my offering for help. Since that time my new policy is I'll watch if I have time, I'll help if you ask, but my days of volunteering without first being approached are pretty much done.

Oh my I would never yell at anyone trying to help (although I did once scratch a pole when a campground worker was "directing" me into their park and I knew I was too close on the front right side. "You're good. Keep going...scratch!". Oh well But I would cry in happiness if someone helped me. I can drive it down 1400 miles without an issue but literally tense up and feel like crying just at the thought of all those cars parked right at the edge. I have been reading about the 8 foot mark technique. Anyone use that and does it work? It makes sense. Thanks again for the advice and help.
Trish

 

[peg110]

I have been reading about the 8 foot mark technique.

Never heard of it... What is it?

 

[Tricializ]

Never heard of it... What is it?

I went on Youtube and searched backing into a campsite and came across a couple of videos that show it. Basically it marks a pivot point that help gauge your parking. You measure 8 ft forward from the center of the rear wheel and put a piece of tape there (each side). The RV pulls up next to the campsite and pulls their front wheels to 1ft from the edge of the site. Then they move forward 8 ft to the mark. Then they crank the wheel the opposite way and pull forward as much as they can. When they finish that, they crank the wheel the opposite way and reverse and it should line you up perfectly in your space. When I practiced tonight in my neighbor's driveway, it worked perfectly.

 

[tiggerdad]

I'm going to be honest, if I see somebody getting out, measuring, and putting down tape, I'm breaking out an extra beer and bag of chips.

 

[peg110]

I am with you on that Michael, but in the same thought, knowing issues I have had (particularly in my earlier years), anything that you can do to help you learn is great.

Unfortunately that method won't really help me. I have an attachment on the back of my truck to deal with and it doesn't respond as if you are one long unit. It's that pivot point between TT and TV that always screws things up.

Ironically, some of the most challenging things I have had to back was a SMALL trailer with a WaveRunner on it. Learned very quickly that a NARROW wheel base is BAD!. Like the old Pontiac commercials... Wider is Better!

Now, however, I am in love with the Back-up Camera on the F-250 and I am thinking VERY HARD at getting one for the Camper. (It's already pre-wired for the Furion system)

 

[FtW Mike]

I'm going to be honest, if I see somebody getting out, measuring, and putting down tape, I'm breaking out an extra beer and bag of chips.

I would in that case be very inclined to join you but make my beverage a club soda please

 

[Tricializ]

I would in that case be very inclined to join you but make my beverage a club soda please

Ok. Be nice. And for what it's worth, I already measured and marked with a tiny piece of tape, so no tape measure necessary at the campground. And if I see you pulling up an extra beer and chips to watch the show, I am going to give you several and toss you the keys if you back it in for me.

 

[bama_ed]

Ok. Be nice.

She's gonna make it around here.

Here's my obligatory "oh, somebody's about to back in" gif:



Bama Ed

PS - Tricia, I bet you're already better than most of these folks who talk a good game...

 

[KristinU]

Your 13 year old daughter can be a help, do you have a rear window? If it is just me and my 12 year old DS for backing I have him stationed on the rear bed looking out the window to spot for me to ensure that there is nothing in the way that I can't see. Don't be afraid to stop, go and walk around the site, and really take a look at where you want to be. I know there is pressure (usually 100% self imposed) to get in quickly, but take your time. Can you practice a few times around home with your DD along?

Ironically, some of the most challenging things I have had to back was a SMALL trailer with a WaveRunner on it. Learned very quickly that a NARROW wheel base is BAD!. Like the old Pontiac commercials... Wider is Better!

I agree totally. Our Aliner was the hardest to back into somewhere, even harder when we towed it with our Tundra rather than our Santa Fe - that long wheel base paired with a small trailer made every move totally magnified! Then we got our 23 foot travel travel trailer, that was easier. Then when we bought our class C it seemed like a piece of cake - no hinge point!