Do you struggle to reverse your caravan? Here’s a product that is sure to help. Reversing a caravan safely and accurately is an art as much as it is a learned skill. After years of caravanning, I like to think I can thread almost any needle when backing up. But, in truth, there have still been times when I’ve messed it up to the amusement of onlookers. If this sounds like you, why not try the ReverseMate? I gave it a go recently and was surprised by the difference it made. For people travelling solo, and who therefore don’t have a guide, it would be of particular benefit. HOW IT WORKS The ReverseMate consists of two lightweight, high-vis aluminium marker posts that are clearly well made. These posts are used to mark the desired offside position of the van once in its final position. Here’s the system works… Place the rear marker 2.8m away from your site’s concrete slab (or general awning area) in line with where you’d like the rear of your van to end up. Then, measure the length of your van and place the forward marker that distance away from the rear marker, also 2.8m from the slab. The idea is for the markers to provide a highly visible reference point and, when used correctly, ensure that the van finishes perfectly in line with the slab, with about 100mm of clearance between the van’s nearside wheel(s) and the concrete. The system requires you to back onto your site from the right-hand-side, i.e., you’ll have the markers in the driver’s rearview mirror. It’s very important to be aware of your surroundings and potential pedestrians and obstacles, but by using the leading marker as your main reference point, and swinging the van in with about 300mm of clearance from both markers, your van will line up perfectly. I did discover, however, that the system works best when you’re approaching on a reasonably shallow angle. It seems that a lot of thought has gone into the ReverseMate markers. First, the 600mm-high posts fold into the base, making it a highly portable system. Second, the base of each marker contains an inbuilt tape measure, so it’s very easy to determine 2.8m out from the slab; however, you can step the distance out if you prefer – it’s not always necessary to be precise. Finally, each marker contains its own LED light: an amber light for the rear marker and a white light, which can double as a work light, for the leading marker. This will make it much easier to perfectly reverse your caravan at night. Once folded up, the ReverseMate posts can be stored in the supplied carry bag and stowed in the boot of the van, or wherever there’s a spare nook or cranny. After a couple of trial runs at a caravan park, I backed the caravan accurately onto site with the aid of the ReverseMate. Climbing out of the vehicle, I was pleased to see precisely 100mm of clearance between the van’s nearside wheel and slab. The high-vis markers provided excellent, bright reference points, which I could clearly see in my driver’s-side mirror at all times. If you’re travelling solo, or are just after a product that will make backing onto site easier, have a look at the ReverseMate. It’s surprisingly simple to use but it makes a big difference. Further, it takes only a moment or two to set up.
Grahame Pilgrim, InventorandOwner of Reverse Mate Pty Ltd manufactures the ReverseMate Products to the highest QUALITY.
If you have a question regarding the ReverseMate please send an email to [email protected]
When we decided to manufacture the ReverseMate it was at the beginning of Covid19, so travelling to our manufacturer was totally out of the question, as a result we had twelve months of emails and drawings back and forth before we could get our first prototype manufactured.
Once we received the first sample of the ReverseMate we realised there had to be some changes for the better, such as putting end plates where the LED lights fold down into the angle. This was done to stop the LED lights from accidently being turned on when they were put into the carry bag. Another change was to replace the 3m tape with a 5m tape to give more flexibility when setting out the position of your Caravan or RV.
The ReverseMate are manufactured to the Highest Quality using aluminium, this is for lightness and strength. The angles and the marker poles are powder coated.
When completed we had two strips of reflective tapes placed around the tubes for extra visibility at night.
All the metal fittings used are manufactured from 316 Stainless Steel so will not rust.
We placed nylon washers between the tube and the angle so the tube will not scratch when putting the tube up and down. These fitting can be seen in the pictures below.
There are two LED lights, one LED is bright white and can be used as a work light and the other LED is amber.
When reversing at night place the white LED light at the front of your Caravan and the amber LED light at the rear.
We supply EASY to follow instructions and a carry bag.
Total Weight of the ReverseMate is 2.6 Kgs
Being a survivor of Melanomas, Reversemate Pty Ltd is now a proud Partner of the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation.
With each sale of the ReverseMates we make a donation to the Foundation.
Caravan Camping Sales Innovation Awards’ Best New Product/Accessory category
We tested out these novel caravan reversing aids earlier this year, and while while it feels like you’re back at school when doing the initial measurements and mathematical formulas, they’re an effective way to get you thinking about what’s required to safely and successfully back a large van into a tight spot.
While a handy learning tool for anyone keen to master the art of reversing, the Reverse Aid is especially suitable for first-time caravanners, especially those with larger tandem-axle vans.
Chris Fincham (Caravan Camping Sales)
Being a survivor of Melanomas, Reversemate Pty Ltd is now a proud Partner of the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation.
With each sale of the ReverseMates we make a donation to the Foundation.
The ReverseMate is an excellent alternative to Caravan RV and Reversing Cameras.
Parking your Caravan RV, Camper Van or Trailer can be a challenge, particularly when you don’t have vision on your blind side. That’s where ReverseMate™ steps in.
Saves the cost of a reversing camera.
ReverseMate is a Lightweight & Compact Solution
Can be used Day or Night with built in LEDs
How much does it cost to get a reversing camera installed?
The price range for a reversing camera and installation can be upwards of $700 for a quality product, this price can vary depending on your car and the camera equipment being installed, also the complexity of the task.
Do backup cameras have night vision?
Some backup cameras have night vision, but the quality varies. They use an IR LED to produce a image at the rear of your RV but once again you cannot see the blindside when reversing.
The Best Alternative to a reversing camera is the ReverseMate.
ReverseMates have two LED lights installed, one is a bright White LED this can also be used as a work light in the event of a breakdown, the other is a Amber LED. The two LED lights help when reversing into your site at night .
When the ReverseMates are setup on the driver’s side of your Caravan or RV at night you are able to see LED lights at the top of the markers, after the setup start to reverse and line up the side of your RV with the markers. In addition to the lights there is reflective tape on the markers that stands out.
You can set up these markers within 5 minutes by following the instructions in the video and our blog on ‘How to Reverse a Caravan, RV or Trailer’.
The pictures below show what can happen when reversing a RV.
Being a survivor of Melanomas, Reversemate Pty Ltd is now a proud Partner of the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation.
With each sale of the ReverseMates we make a donation to the Foundation.
Wouldn’t you be more embarrassed knocking down a utilities post and incurring a $1,600.00 bill??
This happened to a guy next to me in a caravan park and he had a spotter...…..I bet he wished he had a ReverseMate!!!!
Very often, when talking to Caravan, RV and Boat owners, I get a comment like the title of this Post… Everyone “Claims” to know how to reverse and most aren’t game to admit that they are bad at reversing.
Everyone can Learn how to Reverse correctly with a bit of practice, but most of us don’t get to practice very much, so by the time we do need to reverse we are under pressure from our travelling partner to get parked. Worst of all are the Onlookers in the caravan parks with their refreshments in hand, just waiting for you to make a mess reversing your RV.
There is No Need to be Embarrassed by using the ReverseMate !!!
Having owned large trucks and reversing them, this was a different ball game, but when it came to reversing my RV into a caravan site using my reversing camera this did not help me when lining up the blindside so I could be parked beside the awning pad. I started to get embarrassed when the onlookers with their refreshments in hand and with smirks on their faces watched as I was reversing in and out trying to get my RV in the right position, even though I had a reversing camera it didn’t help.
As a result of travelling in Australia and visiting many caravan parks, I decided there must be a easier and safe method to assist me when reversing into a site in a short time, so I sat down with a pen and paper and drew something that I could use when reversing by using my driver’s side mirror and not needing a spotter as depicted in the video.
The Secret to Effortless Parking was designedby Grahame Pilgrim the inventor of the ReverseMate.
Being a survivor of Melanomas, Reversemate Pty Ltd is now a proud Partner of the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation.
With each sale of the ReverseMates we make a donation to the Foundation.
Reversing your Caravan RV or Trailer can be a very daunting experience for the new and experienced travellers, especially when you cannot see the blindside or have a very awkward caravan site to reverse into. This is where the ReverseMate will help you position your RV into your desired site.
I have travelled Australia in a Motorhome and a Fifth Wheeler and as a result of my travelling I have firsthand knowledge and experience of the difficulties one can endure when reversing on your own or with a spotter, for that reason I designed the ReverseMate to make life easier.
When you arrive at the caravan park the staff will allocate you a site. If you are lucky they may have a drive through site available, but on most occasions the sites can be awkward to reverse into. Below is some information on how the ReverseMate will help you easily reverse into your site.
Our ReverseMate video will give you a run through on how to set-up the markers,
Firstly look at the site to see if there can be any Danger to people when you are reversing in the park. Look where all the services are such as power and water connections. You do not want to reverse over them as this can be a very costly exercise. This happened to a caravanner next to me, they finished up with a $1,600.00 bill plus the disruption to other travellers in the park without water and power.
Look where you would like the rear of your RV to be parked.
Using the built in tape attached to the ReverseMate, measure 2.8m from rear edge of slab to the rear marker (B) as per diagram below. That measurement allows for 100mm from the edge of the slab to your RV and 2.4m for the width of your RV and 300mm clearance from your RV to the rear marker (B). These measurements are also shown in the ReverseMate video.
Step out the length of your RV. Once you have that distance you can now setup front marker (A) by stepping out from rear marker (B) step forward the distance of your RV. Then place the front marker (A) on the ground this should be 2.8m away from the front slab. Now your markers are setup.
Check the site again for any Danger, then hop into your tow vehicle and start reversing using your driver’s side mirror. Glance in your offside mirror from time to time to see if there is any danger. Now once the rear wheel of your RV reaches front marker (A) start turning your wheel so the rear of your RV starts to line up with rear marker (B) this should be 300mm away from the markers (A & B). Once the rear of your RV reaches rear marker (B) you have successfully parked your RV into the site, it is that simple.
I had a reversing camera mounted on the rear of my RV, it was okay but only showed a tunnel vision of where I was going when reversing, it did not show where my RV was positioned on the blindside. As a result I had to keep hopping in and out of my tow vehicle. This can get quite frustrating especially when a lot of people are looking at the way you are parking, as I was a solo traveller.
I have seen many couples shouting at each other over the years when the spotter says go left when they mean right. If they had a ReverseMate they would not need a spotter as depicted in the video.
Our product, the ReverseMate is 600mm long, weighs 2.6kgs and fits into the bag supplied. They are easily stored ready for the next time you need to park your RV.
Being a survivor of Melanomas, Reversemate Pty Ltd is now a proud Partner of the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation.
With each sale of the ReverseMates we make a donation to the Foundation.
