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03-01-2017, 06:07 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Zephyrhills
Posts: 8
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New from Florida
Hi Everyone,
I recently purchased a Jayco Hummingbird FD. I am so excited, just like I am sure all Newbies are. I will pick it up next Tuedsay, can't wait. I have had two travel trailers in the past (over twenty years ago) so I have forgotten quite a bit. I have been reading many posts on this forum as well a watching many videos on You Tube. I have found both to be extreamly helpful. I remember I had great difficulty backing up in the past. Who am I kidding, I never backed it up. As a matter of fact whenever I went to a site which required that maneuver I never attempted to back up. I just sat in my vehicle until some nice person came up to me and asked if I needed help. My answer was always "yes." Then that person would back my unit up into the spot. There was always some nice person willing to help. Thank goodness for that and all of you who have done so for folks like me.
Last week I called some CDL schools in hopes of taking a class. I was told their classes were intended for professional drivers in the trucking industry. One gentleman suggested I practice in a large parking lot late at night or in the early morning hours. I plan on doing just that. I do think there would be a market for a school that was for folks like me who purchase an RV or Travel Trailer and have very limited experience. I almost feel it should be mandatory. If anyone knows of such a school I would appreciate the information.
Even though I haven't picked up my Hummingbird, I have made seven campsite reservations so far. Two in Smoky Mountain National Park and five in Florida State Parks. Wow, I found that in Florida State Parks I need to make reservation up to eleven months in advance in some of the parks. What a wake up call! I think much of this may be due to the migration of Snowbirds, just need to add one Hummingbird to that migration pattern. No worries, have found spots in most parks. Can't wait to go camping. I love the scenery, wildlife and fishing. Time to start enjoying the great outdoors.
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03-01-2017, 06:12 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL area
Posts: 5,196
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CONGRATULATIONS on the purchase of your new JAYCO!!!
...and WELCOME TO JOF!!! The members here are GREAT!!! There is a lot of GREAT information to be found here. I am sure that you will have information and pictures to share with us... so please do!!
Yes it takes a lot of planning when trying to secure a state park site here in FL. We have been lucky 2x. We lucked out on cancellations.
Don
My Registry
RVing with SOLAR
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03-01-2017, 06:32 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Decatur
Posts: 2,829
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Hello and welcome from the Texas Coast ....
__________________
Roy&Joyce
Decatur Al.
Jayco 2022 27RB WhiteHawk
Jayco 330RSTS Gone
Jayco G2 bunkhouse Gone
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03-01-2017, 06:44 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Abingdon
Posts: 6,177
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Welcome to the JOF!
__________________
2013 Jayco Eagle 328 RLTS
2021 Keystone Montana 3121RL
2013 F350 6.7L 4x4 CCLB
W/Air Lift air bags (front & rear)
Equal-I-Zer™ WDH & B&W Companion
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03-01-2017, 07:03 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 3,493
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Congrats and welcome from North Texas (a former Floridian).
__________________
Dan
'24 GMC 2500 AT4X AEV Edition
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03-01-2017, 07:17 AM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Collierville
Posts: 97
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Maybe Your dealer can help with the backing situation!
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03-01-2017, 08:24 AM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Newark, NY
Posts: 15,943
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Welcome from Western NY! Unfortunately, we're not BORN with the ability to back up trailers or 5ers. It does take a little practice, and you will get better at it. Remember to get out and look before backing, have a spotter help, go slowly, and see how the TT reacts to your steering. And MOST importantly, do not get frustrated. I've been backing trailers for years. The first few times with my FIL's fifth wheel was an absolute disaster! After three or four tries, it was easier. Practice, and have fun with it!
__________________
Moderator
Think you're too old to cry or swear out loud...walk into your hitch in the dark.
2012 Jay Flight 19RD
2016 Ford F150 XLT 2X4 SC 3.5L Eco Max Tow
2010 Tundra TRD DBL Cab (Traded)
2 new fluffy Corgis, Bayley and Stanley
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03-01-2017, 08:44 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Rancho Mirage, CA
Posts: 713
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Welcome to the forum and congrats on getting a new Hummingbird! The backing up just takes practice. Have fun and happy camping!
__________________
Diego the German Shepherd & Family
2021 Ford F-250 Crew Cab, 7.3 Gas-10 speed
2006 Toyota Sequoia-Sold
2015 Jayco Jay Flight 23MB Elite
Previous RV's, 1988 33-foot Barth Class A and 1994 Flagstaff Pop-Up
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03-01-2017, 11:50 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 11,281
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Congratulations on your new Jayco and welcome to the forum.
__________________
Sherm & Terry w/rescue Eydie (min Schnauzer) & Charley (std Poodle)
SOLD:2015 Jay Flight 27RLS, GY Endurance (E), Days: 102 '15, 90 '16, 80 '17, 161 '18, 365+ '20
SOLD: 2006 Ford F350 PSD, 4WD, CC, LB, SRW, Camper pkg., 375,000mi
Full timing: Some will think you're crazy, some will be envious, just enjoy the freedom!
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03-01-2017, 01:40 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Orlando
Posts: 281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marlin1357
...just need to add one Hummingbird to that migration pattern.
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Like that- welcome from Orlando!
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03-01-2017, 02:09 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Lower Alabama
Posts: 1,482
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Congrats and welcome from KS ( originally from FL). My sister and her husband still reside near Orlando and also own a Jayco. Meeting them in Nashville this summer. Backing will come with practice. I went from a pop up to a 31' trailer. It took several tries to get it in our narrow drive but now it's a piece of cake.
__________________
2018 Jayco Eagle HT 28.5 RSTS
2017 Ford F-250 Lariat FX4, 6.2L, 4.30 gears
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03-01-2017, 02:24 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Eagle River, AK
Posts: 900
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Hello and welcome. Congo Ratz on the new rig.
The advice you have received so far regarding backing up is sound. I know it can be daunting, and a pain in the rear to hook up the trailer and go somewhere just to practice, but do it. The rewards will outweigh the pain.
I can guarantee you that out of every member here at JOF, not a single one of us ever started out good at backing trailers up, and many of us have had some close calls and not so good oopsies! Every close call and every oops only makes up better.
As for all of you Floridians and Texans and other in the lower southern climbs who are making reservations and going camping right now.
You all make me sick!!! I can't stand any of you. LMAO!!! only because my TT is currently snow bound and there is no way it is coming out till all this white stuff thaws... Once I am camping again, and enjoying our 70 degree summers, I will like you all again. lol
__________________
We are just a humble drinking couple with a hunting and camping problem.
2018 Jayco Octane 260
2019 Dodge Ram 2500, 6.4 Hemi, 8 spd A/T
2021 Argo Aurora 8x8/2008 Arctic Cat M1000 SnoPro
Previous: Komfort 5er/Jamboree MH/Lance Cabover/Jayco Whitehawk 25BHS TT
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03-03-2017, 11:08 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Dallas
Posts: 4,281
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Google backing a travel trailer. There are sites out there that will tell you how to position your camper before backing as in how far to pull up past your space an approx how far away to be from it Hopefuly it will give you a starting point with your practice.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
__________________
Tight Lines and accurate shots
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