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Topic: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals (Read 1045 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #20 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
Quote from: Roland Begin –
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 :)

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #25 –
We use Motorola walkie-talkie's fairly successfully, with one recurring snag: the DW keeps forgetting to release the "talk" switch so I can reply or pose a question. Does anyone have a "diplomatic" solution that won't get me in trouble with the DW? :)

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #26 –
Since Mr Wonderful is hearing impaired, the walkie talkies do not work for us at all. The Universal hand signals have really been the answer for us.  If there is any doubt at all in what we want, all comes to a stop and we confer. Night time is a bit tough, one more reason why we always try and stop before dark!

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Don Hay –
We use Motorola walkie-talkie's fairly successfully, with one recurring snag: the DW keeps forgetting to release the "talk" switch so I can reply or pose a question. Does anyone have a "diplomatic" solution that won't get me in trouble with the DW? :)
Don,
Start with "Honey you know I love you..." Then, "I tell you that all the time when I'm backing up the motorhome, but you can never hear me because you don't release the talk button on the walkie-talkie." LOL ;-)

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #28 –
Quote from: Don Hay –
We use Motorola walkie-talkie's fairly successfully, with one recurring snag: the DW keeps forgetting to release the "talk" switch so I can reply or pose a question. Does anyone have a "diplomatic" solution that won't get me in trouble with the DW? :)
We also use the Motorolas on occasion (had them for docking the sailboat, in order to minimize entertaining the marina with our colorful language!).  We have the reverse problem, Don....  not infrequently, DH will press the "talk" switch and start talking immediately... there's a delay whenever the "talk" switch is depressed, so I miss the first few words.

So, we rely on hand signals and, like Ken and Dori, I do the backing while George is outside directing me precisely where he wants the coach backed/parked.  Much, much easier and far less stressful!

Best advice, Don, in addition to Peter's "sweet talk" :))  is (a) no radios; and (b) no moving the coach unless the spotter is visible in the mirror and providing directions with hand signals.

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #29 –
In reality Beth and I have agreed to a system. We discarded our walkie-talkies. Now she is outside giving me directions. Our agreement is, if I don't move the coach it's because I don't understand her signals or I cannot see her. It's worked out very well.

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #30 –
Hey Don,

I just found a pair of hands free headsets for rvers (no push-to-talk).  RV Headsets - RV Headsets for Mobile Vehicle Safety.    These might help your situation (and mine too :facepalm: ).  A solution for all us walkie talkie impaired folks! :thumbsup:

Jerry

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #31 –
We use Motorola walkie-talkies -- but with one important difference.  Jim is outside giving me the directions.  This works so much better than when I was giving him directions.  He only has 4 basic commands -- STOP, butt to the driver, butt to the passenger, straight.  Jim has a much better grasp of spacial relations than I have so he can usually get me into even a tight spot in one try.  When we get parked, people usually give me a standing ovation for my parking skills -- but in reality, I could park it blind folded as long as I listen to Jim (and only Jim).

And for those woman who do little or no driving -- that's me -- I do very little driving but I do the parking, so give it a try.

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #32 –
Quote
just found a pair of hands free headsets for rvers (no push-to-talk).  RV Headsets - RV Headsets for Mobile Vehicle Safety.    These might help your situation (and mine too  ).  A solution for all us walkie talkie impaired folks! 

Jerry
I had a set of these and they in my opinion are worthless.  In fact I gave them to George Stoltz.  You might ask his opinion.
Nothing beats clear signals from a helper AND stopping, getting out and looking before you move again.  In my days doing trucking safety training this is what we taught.  Woe be unto the driver that BACKED into anything.
Gary B

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #33 –
Quote from: Peter & Beth –
In reality Beth and I have agreed to a system. Now she is outside giving me directions. Our agreement is, if I don't move the coach it's because I don't understand her signals or I cannot see her. It's worked out very well.
                        We do the same thing. Carol S gave Dee a crash course on hand signals while we were at FOT. It works well for us except I like having her in the drivers mirror and she doesn't like the exhaust heat burning her legs when it gets close.

                              Dean

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #34 –
Quote from: coastprt –
Hey Don,

I just found a pair of hands free headsets for rvers (no push-to-talk).  RV Headsets - RV Headsets for Mobile Vehicle Safety.    These might help your situation (and mine too :facepalm: ).  A solution for all us walkie talkie impaired folks! :thumbsup:

Jerry
They are AM, not FM, therefore more prone to electrical interference and engine interference.  If they were FM and voice activate(duplex), I would jump on them in a heartbeat!

Re: Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #35 –
And as Dean said, "I like having her in the drivers mirror!"  It is a must that both persons can maintain eye contact in that drivers mirror!    If the driver looses the guide from the mirror, driver must stop immediately until the guide is visible again.  If the guide looses sight of the driver in the mirror, guide must immediately tell driver to STOP and get away from the rear of the motorhome until it is stopped.  Loosing that guide in the mirror and not stopping can result in injury or death to the guide!!!  Have seen that happen first hand, and it was not a pretty sight

Re: Walkie talkies or Hand Signals

Reply #36 –
We use hand signals ( a flashlight at night). We tried walkie talkies, but we found that a few simple hand signals worked better. Also after my DW understood that she had to continually move so that I could always see her in my mirrors, they worked well.