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The Five Directional Signals Are:
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 vertically, 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 stop point.
5. Closed fists indicate STOP.
Backing Up Trailers:
Trailers have only one pivot point and may be backed up. Towed vehicles
using a tow bar or tow dolly have more than one pivoting point which makes
this type of equipment not suitable for backing. If using this type of towing
equipment, plan ahead. Park safely along the road and walk a distance if necessary; always avoid a possible back
up situation. To back up this combination completely disconnect the tow vehicle from motorhome. Trying to back
up the motorhome with a tow vehicle connected will result in damage to the motorhome, tow vehicle and towing
device.
The same rules for backing a motorhome may be applied when backing a trailer. When preparing to back a
trailer into a space maneuver the motorhome sweeping wide, then turn back to the opposite direction. This will
set the motorhome and trailer in a position to maneuver the trailer into space. When backing a trailer the driver
may become disoriented with the direction of the steering wheel and the direction of the trailer. The bottom of the
steering wheel must be moved in the desired direction of the trailer. For example: If the desired direction of the
trailer is left, rotate the bottom of the steering wheel left. If the trailer moves in an undesired direction, use a short
“pull-up” method, pulling forward just far enough to align the trailer with the space. The co-pilot should stand
safely at the left rear corner of the trailer within view of the driver in the driver side mirror using the five hand
signals for guiding.
CAUTION:
Tow bars or car dollies generally are made to travel in a forward direction only. Most towing
equipment of this type is not designed for backing. Never attempt short back up distances with a tow
bar or tow dolly. Damage to the motorhome, vehicle or towing device will result.
Brake - Parking
A Ford chassis uses a foot pedal brake that operates in the same manner as an automobile parking brake. When
at a complete stop, select “P” (Park) on the shift lever and then engage the parking brake. The brake is released
by stepping on the service brake then release the park brake handle located below the dash, left of the steering
column.
A Workhorse chassis will have a pull button parking brake located to the right of the steering column. The
parking brake is automatically set when the transmission is placed in Park (P). To engage the parking brake in any
other gear, pull the button out to set the brake. Push in to release the parking brake.
NOTE:
Consult the chassis owner’s manual for complete instructions.