Holiday Savoy LX 2006, Manual

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Savoy SL & LX 5th Wheel & Travel Trailer 2006 Driving & Safety — Section 2 • 23
Backing up the recreational vehicle
When backing up the driver should be comfortable using the mirrors and/or the co-pilot’s directions for
assistance. Practice using the co-pilot’s guidance in a large, unobstructed parking lot. Select a solid, level site,
located on the roadside with a direct field of vision from the roadside mirror. If the site is on the curbside the
driver will have to use the curbside mirror for backing up, which has a blind spot. When a potential site is located,
stop before the site. Get out and observe the area for soft ground, posts, large rocks, low hanging limbs or other
obstacles. When site conditions are satisfactory, prepare to back in carefully. Make a wide turn, then turn back the
opposite direction to set the recreational vehicle in a position to maneuver into the space.
When backing up a recreational vehicle the driver may become disoriented with the direction of the steering
wheel and the direction of the recreational vehicle. Move the bottom of the steering wheel in the desired direction
of the recreational vehicle. For example: If the desired direction of the recreational vehicle is left, rotate the
bottom of the steering wheel left. If the recreational vehicle moves in an undesirable direction, use a short “pull-
up” method, pulling forward just far enough to align the recreational vehicle with the space. The co-pilot should
stand safely at the left rear corner of the recreational vehicle within view of the driver in the roadside mirror
using the five hand signals for guidance.Signals are directing travel of the rear of recreational vehicle. If the
desired direction of the recreational vehicle is left, the co-pilot points left. This type of directional signal is easily
discerned in the mirror by the driver. Keep directional signals steady until movement is done.
The Five Directional Signals are:
1. Co-pilot uses left hand and arm held horizontal with forefinger pointing right, to direct rear of
recreational vehicle right.
2. Co-pilot uses right hand and arm held horizontal, with forefinger pointing left, to direct rear of
recreational vehicle to the left.
3. Co-pilot uses both arms and hands parallel with thumbs pointing up and to rear in a waving vertical
motion. This signals driver to maintain a straight back direction.
4. Co-pilot holds arms vertically, hands open with palms facing one another. Start with a wide separation of
the hands. Gradually close the distance between them in a rate appropriate to vehicle speed to indicate
the amount of distance to a stopping point.
5. Closed fists indicate STOP.
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