Airstream Safari - Manual (Page 25)

B
B - 8
TOWING YOUR AIRSTREAM
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 tow 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.