Airstream INTERNATIONAL CCD Automobile User Manual


 
B
TOWING
B - 10
Backing Up
In BACKING UP the important thing to remember is to DO
EVERYTHING SLOWLY and to correct immediately if you see
the trailer turning the wrong way. Concentrate on the rear of
the trailer. With your tow vehicle and trailer in a straight line
back up slowly and turn the bottom of the steering wheel in
the direction you want the trailer to go. Watch out the window
or in the mirror until the rear of the trailer is pointing in the
desired direction. Your vehicle will be following the trailer in
an arc. Straighten the tow vehicle and trailer by turning the
steering wheel more sharply, and then when they are in line,
straighten the steering wheel.
ALWAYS TRY TO BACK TO YOUR LEFT BECAUSE THE VISIBILITY IS MUCH BETTER.
(See Illustration) When you don’t make it on the first try it is usually much easier to pull
forward to your original position and start over.
If your spouse or traveling companion normally directs you when backing they should
position themselves forward of the tow vehicle so the driver can easily see them. Their
directions should always indicate to the driver the direction the rear of the trailer should
go. A little practice in a parking lot with the person giving directions can save a lot of
frustration when backing into a campsite.