Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Topic: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals (Read 1017 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

February 22, 2013, 09:26:51 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – February 22, 2013, 07:38:39 pm

When I'm maneuvering something large and expensive around other things that can damage it or be damaged by it I'm the slowest driver around. More than once I've moved the Lincoln around and the digital speedometer never showed anything higher than 0.

If you have any doubts pull out, turning or backing, consider a GMRS two way radio. I don't back into any strange spot without someone behind with the radio. They get weather radio also. Cheap and available at Big 5, eBay, etc. See example at: Cobra CXT235 Two Way Radios Walkie Talkies 20 Mile Range FRS GMRS Vox Pair New |

Pierce

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #1 – February 22, 2013, 10:56:58 pm

Pierce,

Thanks for the eBay link for the walkie talkies. I have used a pair of these for years and they work great. The range on these is much better than the old set I have and the price is great. Karma

David,

Good advice from Pierce again! Get a pair if you don't have a set already. Very useful when used in combination with the side view mirrors and the backup camera. They work well when you're separated (like taking a hike by yourself around the lake and your partner is at the campsite). Your neighbors will appreciate it because they also help to cut down on all the yelling and wild arm waving that sometimes happens when backing into a tight spot! A lot more professional.

Jerry

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #2 – February 22, 2013, 11:10:13 pm

Just be careful while using the radio, no snorthing nor blowing smoke, I know it can become very stressful for both involved, so just be calm and careful

Dave M

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #3 – February 23, 2013, 11:16:40 am

I found the radios do not work as well as seeing your spotter and watching their hand signals for your blind spot. By the time you get the radio up and say something and hear it and the act it is easier to watch their hands. Also it can be too loud to hear at times. Try to go to the grandvention and have thrr or four coaches pulling in at the same time and all the engine noise makes hand signals much easier.

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #4 – February 23, 2013, 01:10:13 pm

I agree with John. Hand signals are the way to go. The aviation industry uses them because they have proven to be the best method. Dori and I learned them in the Ladies Driving school at FOT. That alone was worth the price of the class! Dori does most of the backing. I know where I want the coach and using the hand signals we can pretty much put it on a dime.

Here I'll save you a little money...

BackUpHandSignals-pt1.mp4 - YouTube
BackUpHandSignals-pt2.mp4 - YouTube

see ya
ken

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #5 – February 23, 2013, 01:28:57 pm

We have a set of these Cobra walkie talkies and the talk switch is difficult to hold in. My wife's comments are usually very broken up, independent of which radio she uses. Also agree the the noise behind the bus makes it difficult to hear or speak. We went back to hand signals as well.

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #6 – February 23, 2013, 04:45:28 pm

My wife and I used the radios all the time with me doing the backing and her telling me where to go!!! The thing we did was that I all but never said anything and she would talk non stop so I knew we where in contact with each other.About the only thing I said was parking break is set. Gam

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #7 – February 23, 2013, 11:53:05 pm

We use hand signals as well as radios depending on if it's dark out or not. Can be hard to see in the dark. I am going to get a pair of these:

Dorcy 2D Deluxe Safety Cone Flashlight 41-1482 at The Home Depot

It will look like O'Hare airport at night.

Keith

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #8 – February 24, 2013, 01:27:09 am

We use hand signals. Tried radios did not work for us. If I can't see myDW in my mirrors I don't move. We discussed what signals to use when we first started this traveling oddessy and have not changed them. There is no talking or hollering, simple hand signals work for us.

Roland

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #9 – February 24, 2013, 08:31:41 am

We're old fashioned - we use our cell phones and hand signals.

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #10 – February 24, 2013, 09:01:28 am

We tried the cell phones since we already had them. Didn't work because there was too much delay. I had the window open so I could hear that Jo Ann spoke, but didn't hear anything from the cell phone for several seconds. Last summer we bought a pair or radios. They worked great - for two days. Then one of them died, so we took them both back. I'm thinking that Jo Ann just needs to go ahead and get her ham ticket. Then we can use the 2 meter radios that we already own.

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #11 – February 24, 2013, 09:19:35 am

We have the voice operated headsets. We use them in conjunction with hand signals. I have yelled at the DW enough that she ALWAYS stays where I can see her. She knows that I refuse to move unless I can see her.
The headsets work great, are handsfree and the ear piece blocks outside noise, enabling normal conversation.
We used them for years deer hunting, but never thought we would find another use for them.

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #12 – February 24, 2013, 09:40:00 am

I'm 'older school'. Starr stays in the coach and I get out and walk it. This way its always my fault. Of course it would be anyway...

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #13 – February 24, 2013, 09:48:51 am

after 20 years of rving, I have given up. she cannot be trained.
I have her stand where I want the drivers side rear end to be,
and hope for the best.

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #14 – February 24, 2013, 09:53:32 am

You might reference a thread that I had started a while ago:

Communicating with your spotter

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #15 – February 24, 2013, 10:00:15 am

Wayne, X2 except that 50 years ..... I better shut up, I hear trouble coming.

Gary B

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #16 – February 24, 2013, 10:09:47 am

We still use radios but with hand signals. I am more careful about paying attention to silence after backing our Airstream into the house in a rain storm a few years ago when the batteries died. I recommend fresh batteries or a fresh charge! Backing trailers requires radios more than the coach but hand signals don't help with conversation about conditions or preferences about details at the site.

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #17 – February 24, 2013, 10:14:07 am

We use hand signals too except at night - we try to avoid pulling into a campground at night - but when we break our rule, the walkie talkies come out. BTW, the walkie talkies are the ONLY way to go when backing in a trailer. We used to pull a large 5th wheel before switching to a motorhome and they are much better than hand signals as it's impossible to keep the spotter in the mirrors making a sharp turn backing in with a trailer.

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #18 – February 24, 2013, 10:38:40 am

Roland, Hit The Nail on the HEAD !!!! " If I can't see my DW in my mirrors I don't move. " or any other person that may be assisting you at the rear of your coach. Too many times someone has gotten injured or killed by being backed over.

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #19 – February 24, 2013, 10:46:58 am

Quote from: nitehawk – February 24, 2013, 09:19:35 am

We have the voice operated headsets. We use them in conjunction with hand signals. I have yelled at the DW enough that she ALWAYS stays where I can see her. She knows that I refuse to move unless I can see her.

I told my DW that if she cannot see me in the mirrors then I cannot see her. I have gotten out of the rig a couple times, stood near her and when she asked what I was doing told her I was looking for her cause I thought she got lost. She pretty much stays in sight now

Roland

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #20 – February 24, 2013, 12:24:18 pm

Apologies to all for not including in the post that the Cobra radio linked was only an example. We actually use Midland radios. In purchasing a two way radio, it pays to try different models as some are MUCH more user friendly. With some models, you have to read the user manual each time you use it.

When backing, the spotter should always be visible in one of the mirrors or the rear camera. A spotter in an Alaska fire station fell on an icy floor while directing the driver back. Must have hit his head as he didn't get up in time.

I have found the radios invaluable for information on overhead clearance, the front blind spot on GVs when either backing for moving forward and for scouting for the best/flattest campsite in a loop with the coach remaining at the campground entrance.

With two RVs, the radios make for excellent communication between rigs. Cell phones are a lot less convenient and there is no cell service over half the time here in the west, especially on back roads. In Indian Country, we went 3 days without cell service.

We have never had a problem with engine noise even with the 2 cycle while the spotter is behind. The diesel clatter can be heard but the voice comes through OK.

I bought the longest range possible. Was only about $10 more online. My daughter took one backpacking in Yellowstone and called us at a prearranged time for her ETA back to the trailhead. The 20 or 25 mile radios won't go that far through the woods but do work well for shorter distances in rough terrain.

Like the idea for the safety cone flashlight for night use.

A flat tire without cell service is not the end of the world with the installed CB radio or a hand held GMRS radio.

Pierce

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #21 – February 24, 2013, 01:21:04 pm

All this reminded me of the grand entertainment we used to have as camphosts. And the backing in was only the beginning.... Setting up sat antenna's was another favorite, sure to give lots of drama as commands were yelled back and forth. And leveling. This was mainly involved with articulated units. I imagine that FT "conveniences" helped us enjoy our traveling years. And I would just get out and see how I was doing for my backing chores.

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #22 – February 24, 2013, 01:27:03 pm

As to the quality of the speaker of the walkie talkies, I have found the Motorola Talkabouts (even the cheap ones) to be the best of the best. That is how I gauge a walkie talkie. My old ears have trouble understanding muffled, poor quality, speakers. I've compared serveral brands of walkietalkies, and the Motorola's have the best sounding speakers!!! And yes, we use the Talkabouts all the time when backing in and even while traveling. Have even used them between cars while traveling.

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #23 – February 24, 2013, 02:18:52 pm

As both Wayne and Gary were brave (foolhardy?) enough to say it I too totally ignore all the hand signals from DW except STOP!!!!

Keith

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #24 – February 24, 2013, 03:48:46 pm

Quote from: Roland Begin – February 24, 2013, 10:46:58 am

I told my DW that if she cannot see me in the mirrors then I cannot see her. I have gotten out of the rig a couple times, stood near her and when she asked what I was doing told her I was looking for her cause I thought she got lost. She pretty much stays in sight now

Roland

HAHAHAAHA! Priceless

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