Backing in at night

TxLoser · 11-05-2021, 08:37 PM

Anyone have any good tricks for lighting the edges of the pad? I’m pretty good at backing in. Usually without help and on the first or second go…. in daylight. Tonight there was no moon, and no lights from other campers or campsites. I couldn’t tell the pad from the the dirt, leaves and pine needles in my mirrors. Only idea I had was maybe a couple flashlights on each side jammed into a couple thin pool noodles to make some runway edge lights. Anyone else have any good tricks. Scary not being able the see the wheels of the trailer as well winding my way through tight campground roads.

Jagiven · 11-05-2021, 09:05 PM

We just have the wife out with a flashlight. I'm mostly doing it blind, flowing our predetermined signals. We also use our cell phones to communicate if we have signal.

The 7 pin wire harness has accommodations for reverse lights. It is the unused yellow wire. Could place a couple led flood lights near the bumper to see backwards. And add a couple more mid ship, maybe infront of the axles, aiming maybe 45 degrees outwards.

I have been thinking of doing something like this for years, bit our signals work.

ETCrockett · 11-05-2021, 09:09 PM

That is a really great question you have there. I have always had a spotter with a flash light to help. Sounds like you may have been alone this time. A couple of thoughts I have on the subject that I may even consider. You might be able to mount some lights underneath the RV that will provide side lighting you can see in your mirrors or with your backup camera if so equipped. The cheaper option would be to get 4 or 6 tap lights that you could lay on the ground at front, middle and back of the pad and put the RV between them.

I will be interested in what others have done or suggest. This will be an interesting thread!

TxLoser · 11-05-2021, 09:59 PM

I like the tap light idea. We have some of those at home I could repurpose. Also a small light between each wheel on the fender would make it a piece of cake.

I did actually have my wife out there and on the phone. She was quite helpful keeping me from disaster, but couldn’t quite relate what I needed to be lined up aside from saying I’m nearly off the pad to one side or the other.

bluztoo · 11-06-2021, 01:57 AM

I just found some lights I can use with my batteries from my power tools! I've got several batteries with me already so it makes sense. Set up a couple of those to help. They're cheap (not the batteries).

mrmom · 11-06-2021, 05:32 AM

One of the things that help me at night are the mirrors on my TV. I installed a set of Boost Auto Parts tow mirrors that have high output LED flood lights that come on in reverse. Really light up the area behind me at night! I am also going to install a set of LED reverse lights on the rear of the trailer. Should help at night and will also tell people/drivers behind me when I am backing.

TWP723 · 11-06-2021, 06:01 AM

You can add lamps under the rear bumper on each corner that come on in reverse. Tie in with the trailers brake lights. I have a backup camera but I can't seem to trust it. I STILL get out and look.

hummy · 11-06-2021, 06:17 AM

I always try to get a pull in site for that reason, If I can't there's always someone around to guide you

**Midnightmoon** · 11-06-2021, 06:32 AM

The disposable glow sticks like that you may see at Halloween work well. I just lay one on the ground where I want the back of the trailer to land. We keep a pack in the trailer pretty much all of the time.

craigav · 11-06-2021, 07:09 AM

I have two of each of these, (not these sellers as I bought mine many years back). I like the Military style for its ruggedness, and the LED style for its brightness. Both seem to work well in marking the sides of the pad you are backing into.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13310951586....c101113.m2108

https://www.ebay.com/itm/30381472908...Cclp%3A2047675

~CA

Lake Huron · 11-06-2021, 02:11 PM

My silverado has the lights in the mirrors from the factory. They work pretty well. This past year I installed some LED light strips on the underside of the step wells, I have 2 sets of steps, to give some better light on the steps. I took a couple of LED light strips and put them end to end and just taped them to the bottom of the trailer just to see if I would like it and was surprised at how much light they give off. Spring mod is going to be installing some on both sides along the bottom of the frame I beam. Using the white light off them will light up a lot of real estate past the side edge of the trailer.

TxLoser · 11-06-2021, 05:33 PM

Great suggestions here.

My truck has the same mirror lights. They’re ok. Stupid me, after more thought, it may have been helpful to lower the tinted windows. Won’t help me if it’s raining and dark, but in dry weather, that could help.

Scott · 11-08-2021, 08:27 AM

In the Spring and Fall we seem to always arrive after dark. This year we had the trifecta: a back in site in the dark, rain, and trees everywhere. I could hardly get the truck in front of the trailer.

We do what you do: my DW is my spotter on the phone and has a flashlight. I have taught her the hand signals we used in the Army for ground guiding a vehicle. I also enforce the rule that if I can't see her, the vehicle stops. Keeps her visible in my mirrors. After 9 seasons, we are a pretty good team and can usually park it pretty quickly. Usually on the first or second swing.

I do have a set of rope lights that I'm thinking I could lay down on the side of the pad to see, but it would have to be plugged in. Might be more work than it is worth.

Scott91370 · 11-08-2021, 03:52 PM

I put LED running lights on near the front of the trailer pointing backwardsconnected to the 7 pin connector. Last time I tried it with help, my helpers were more of a hinderance.

KCSA75 · 11-08-2021, 05:51 PM

I bought a couple of these driving lights and bolted them to the tongue on the trailer pointing backward. I have alligator clips that I connect to the battery when we get to the campsite, but it wouldn't be hard to wire to the 7-pin to work with the backup lights.

I have them pointing outward to light up the area on both sides of the camper when backing in.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G620ZVU...t_b_asin_title

ETCrockett · 11-08-2021, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCSA75

I bought a couple of these driving lights and bolted them to the tongue on the trailer pointing backward. I have alligator clips that I connect to the battery when we get to the campsite, but it wouldn't be hard to wire to the 7-pin to work with the backup lights.

I have them pointing outward to light up the area on both sides of the camper when backing in.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G620ZVU...t_b_asin_title

I am adding these to my Christmas wish list!

85vf500rr · 11-09-2021, 05:01 PM

The backup lights on my 2012 F-150 are every bit as useless as the ones were on my old 1992 F-150. Shortly after I got it I installed one of the driving lights shown above under the rear bumper of my truck that I wired in to come on when in reverse. I saved one as a spare and now you've got me thinking I'd like to add it to the rear bumper of my camper. Thanks for the reminder!

RogerR · 11-09-2021, 05:51 PM

I put a pair of those Nilights like the ones that ETCrocket, above, pictured on my back bumper about 6 inches inside from the corner and pointed 45 degrees to the outside. Ran two small wires from the connection box on the front of the trailer. As mine is only 19 feet long the combination or Jeep backup lights and the added Nilights really helps.
But I also deploy my wife connected by cellphone to the car so she doesn't have to shout. Thought about a pair of walkies but the cellphones are always to hand.

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