Monaco 2009 Knight, Owner'S Manual

Page: 28 / 260

2
2009
K
night
Driving & Safety - 2
BAckINg Up A MOTORHOME
Whether you are a long time owner of
recreational vehicles, or just starting out,
backing up can be a challenge. Following
some simple guidelines may help to reduce
that challenge. When backing up, the driver
(pilot) should be comfortable using the
mirrors, the back-up camera and co-pilot
directions (ground guide) for assistance.
Practice backing up with co-pilot guidance in a
large, unobstructed parking lot. Backing up is
a team effort.
The backing process should begin while the
motorhome is in forward motion. Maneuver
the motorhome to align with the chosen site.
Aligning the motorhome with the site after the
backing process begins may require more than
one attempt. When the motorhome is properly
aligned with the site, the parking area will be
visible in both mirrors. Use road markings as
reference points when possible.
When pull-through sites are not available,
pick a solid, level site on the left side for a
better field of vision using the roadside mirror.
If the site is on the right, use the curbside
mirror for backing up, but stay aware of
blind spots. Get out and walk the area prior
to backing in. Look for potential hazards or
obstacles that may damage the motorhome.
If the site is satisfactory, prepare to back in
carefully. Have the co-pilot provide guidance
using the five hand signals. Use of walkie-
talkies will also aid in guidance.
The co-pilot will perform just as important
a job as the driver. When guiding the driver,
the co-pilot should be located safely at the left
rear corner of the motorhome, facing forward,
while remaining visible in the roadside mirror
at all times. The co-pilot should make a
conscious effort to maintain sight of the driver
through the roadside mirror as the motorhome
maneuvers. If the driver loses sight of the
co-pilot, stop the backing up process until the
co-pilot returns to view. To avoid mishaps,
the co-pilot should be focused only on what
the driver is doing, with brief observation
moments. If necessary, stop the backing up
process to have co-pilot inspect other areas or
angles of concern.
The driver should receive directions only
from the co-pilot. When the co-pilot is guiding
the driver, only five clearly defined signals
should be used, with only one signal given at
a time. Flailing arms with indecisive signals
only confuse the driver. Signals should be
given with purpose and confidence. Directional
signals are directing travel of the rear of the
motorhome.
If the desired direction is left, the co-pilot
points left.
For example: The co-pilot will
use his/her right arm and forefinger pointing
distinctly left with arm and finger held on a
horizontal plane, indicating desired direction
of travel of the rear of the motorhome. The
directional signal given should remain steady
until the desired movement is complete.
Five Directional Signals:
1. Co-pilot uses left hand and arm held
horizontal, with forefinger pointing
right, to direct rear of motorhome to
the right.
2. Co-pilot uses right hand and arm held
horizontal, with forefinger pointing
left, to direct rear of motorhome 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 horizontally,
hands open with palms facing one
another. Start with a wide separation,
gradually closing distance of hands
in a rate appropriate to vehicle speed
to indicate amount of distance to the
stop point.
5. Closed fists and crossed arms indicate
STOP.
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