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.
Reverse your Caravan, RV and Trailer like an expert
I am usually the one reversing an RV. This is because I can follow instructions left hand down, right-handed down etc. This helps me avoid the embarrassment before others in the parks. However, I have never been able to successfully reverse an RV or Trailer based on just directions, despite all the years of experience. I always had difficulty reversing against a slab on the blindside, that is why I invented the ReverseMate. The heading picture is of my Fifth Wheeler.
It is much easier when using the ReverseMate just follow the instructions in our video.
The ReverseMate helps you to reverse a large vehicle with guided accuracy and gets rid of the headaches associated with reversing these vehicles.
Right is left, and left is right instructions are not needed with 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.
It’s evident that some things are much more enjoyable when you have the right gear. It’s no different from RVing. How do you determine which gear is the “right” gear? After spending a lot on your RV, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by all the available accessories. How can you tell what is just fine and what you really need?
These are the essential RV camping accessories that we have found. This list will be helpful for anyone who is new to RVing or someone who has been doing it for some time. To make this as comprehensive as possible, we’ve even asked our friends who own fifth wheels and trailers for their input.
This is the complete list of accessories that new RV must-haves, but not in any particular order.
Reversemate™ Reversing Aid
Every RV or campervan owner knows how difficult reversing into a space can be. If you get it wrong, it can mean severe damage to your precious RV or someone else’s property, which can mean extra costs and money is thrown out the door. Reversemate™ is an excellent alternative to RV reversing cameras and can be set up quickly and have you reversing in no time like a pro.
Reversing Cameras
When a reversing camera is installed in your car it can assist when hitching up your your RV. Some people install a Reversing Camera at the rear of their RV to help when reversing into a camp site. There is one problem Reversing Cameras do not show the Blindside of your RV when reversing into a campsite.
Camping Accessories -Technology
RV-Specific GPS
You’ll be taller, wider, and longer than any other vehicle when you tow a trailer or motorhome. An RV GPS is a great tool. The GPS can be used to determine the dimensions of your RV and will then route you to avoid dangerous roads.
Many horror stories have been written about Google Maps and other non-RV-specific software that leads RV owners down narrow roads and under bridges. Most mapping software assumes that you will be driving a regular-sized vehicle, such as a car or truck.
We wouldn’t have thought of travelling anywhere in our Class A motorhome without our RV-specific GPS unit. It was simple to use and plugged right into the 12v battery lighter.
WiFi Booster & Repeater
The combination of a repeater and a WiFi booster allows us to park farther away from the tower while still receiving a signal. This is especially useful in RV parks, where the best sites are usually at the edges or back of the park. This is also helpful if you travel in a small town and need to access the WiFi at a local Cafe.
Cell Phone Signal Booster
You may recognise this one. A cell booster works in the same way as a WiFi booster. It boosts or amplifies a signal. In this instance, it is a cell signal.
Electrical Management System (EMS)
An RV’s electrical system is not designed to withstand power surges and drops. An electrical management system, or EMS, is essential to protect your RV from damage.
Surge protectors are something you’ve likely heard of. However, they do precisely what their name suggests, nothing more. An EMS (like the one by Progressive Industries) protects you against high-risk situations.
Although an EMS is more expensive upfront than surge protection, I believe they are worth the investment. Your RV is a costly investment. It’s also likely your home. This insurance is a great way to protect yourself against campsites with faulty or overloaded electrical outlets.
Portable Solar Panels
A few portable solar panels can prove very handy if you travel a lot. While you can mount fixed solar panels to your RV’s roof, portable panels offer many advantages. Portable panels are great for hot days when you need to park your RV in the shade.
They can be easily moved around as the sun moves so that you always have the best charge. They are also easier to clean when they are on the ground.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The TPMS monitors the temperature and pressure of your tyres and will sound an alarm if you notice a sudden drop in tyre pressure or temperature. This is particularly important for RV towing. However, it can also be helpful regardless of the type of RV you have. Although it sounds odd, you may not be aware that you have blown a tyre. These units can help to protect your rims as well as your RV from severe damage.
Two-Way Radio
These radios can be used to communicate with your travel companions while backing your RV into a spot or when you drive two vehicles in an area without cell coverage. These were very useful when towing a motorhome. We were able to use the NOAA weather channels built into our radio during cyclone warnings.
Satellite Communication Device
There is a high chance that cell phone service will not be available when you are out in the backcountry or dispersed camping within the national forest. Accidents like the one that I described in the RV safety article can happen. Satellite communication devices can save lives.
Pet Safety Temperature Monitor
A temperature monitor can be an excellent option for those who travel with pets and depend on the RV cooling or heating system to keep them safe. The temperature monitors are connected to a cell network and alert your phone when the temperature drops or rises according to the parameters you have set.
General Accessories
Roof Vent Cover
This is one of those things you don’t need until you have it. Vent covers let you leave your roof vents unobstructed even when it rains. Vent covers allow you to run fans in hot weather while cooking without worrying about rain. You also get extra protection from the sun as well as debris that can collect on vent screens.
A Basic Set of Tools
Possessing a basic set of tools such as screwdrivers, spanners, nuts and bolts, hammers and more can save you a trip to the local hardware store while on holiday. Sometimes you may be in a remote area and don’t have access to a hardware store, so this can save a headache and your sanity while on the road.
Portable Air Compressor
You might be thinking, “I don’t need a compressor.” You might think that you can just use the one at your gas station. Our travels taught us that larger load-bearing tyres on tow vehicles and RVs require higher PSIs than those in passenger vehicles. These tyres are not available at most service stations. One has even helped us lose PSI.
Camping Stove
Even though our home is small, we still consider the camp stove indispensable. It is great to be outdoors cooking on nice days. Also, it keeps messy or strong-smelling food like fish and bacon outside of our small indoor kitchen. The adapter is also available to connect our stove to our gas bottles.
Silicone Sealant
It’s an essential product you should always have. The sealant on your roof can crack and degrade over time. Leakages in your roof can cause water damage to RV’s, a small amount of sealant can quickly stop leaks. It’s essential to have your roof resealed every few decades. However, it can be worth having some silicone on hand to prevent significant damage from happening.
Drinking Water Hose
You will need a hose that can be used to fill your RV’s fresh water tank.
Water Pressure Regulator
Water pressure regulators can stop over-pressurised water from bursting your RV’s pipes. Before you purchase one, make sure to check your RV for a built-in water pressure regulator. Without one, you should not connect your water hose with the city water supply.
Outdoor Camping Mat
It’s a great thing to have in sunny weather, but it becomes necessary if your campsite is covered in mud. A mat for the outdoors can help to keep dirt and debris from getting into your RV.
Clear Sewer Dump Elbow
Although it sounds terrible, you need to be able to see the contents of your tanks as you dump point. To do this, you will need to have a clear elbow. You can see what you are dumping to make sure there isn’t a backup or blockage. It will also show you how often your tank has been flushed.
Hose Splitter
Hose splitters can be handy as you can connect your water hose to the water tap at a campsite while still washing your shoes or filling a dog bowl. You should make sure it’s rated for drinking.
Camping Accessories -The inside of your RV
Handheld Vacuum
When we camp, we find that dirt and other things can get tracked into our RV. We often vacuum our RV daily with dogs, so a handheld vacuum is a must-have.
Shower Shut-off Valve
Can be used to conserve water when free camping, as you are limited as to how much water you can carry in your RV.
Water Purifier
The water purifier allows us to travel anywhere with the peace of mind that our water is safe and clean.
However, it is recommend that you use an inline water filter.
Camping Accessories – Miscellaneous
Binoculars
For when you are visiting National Parks, scenic and remote areas. It is good idea to carry a pair of them.
RV Accessories for Towing and Reversing
Spare Tyre Carrier
The majority of RV’s do not come with a spare tyre mounts.
Weight Distribution Hitch
The weight distribution hitch is a great way to improve stability when towing. The trailer’s tongue weight is taken from the tow vehicle’s rear axle (the ball hitch) and distributed more evenly on both axles. This helps to stabilise the trailer and tow vehicle and prevents sway.
RV Levellers
You can use levelling blocks, pads and levels to combat uneven terrain when parking your trailer.
Electric Drill and Scissor Jack Adaptor
This essential RV accessory is a must-have. It makes raising and lowering manual jacks easy. Your scissor jacks will only be brought down by hand once, and if you have sweaty palms and are looking for a better solution. Start saving time and getting an adaptor to your electric drill.
Torque Wrench
It is a good idea every now and again to inspect the torque of your wheel nuts. A torque wrench is a handy tool that can be used to inspect your wheels and tighten them if necessary, especially if you have just had your tyres rotated or if you are on a long trip.
Heavy-Duty Chocks
A set of high-quality rubber chocks is a must, especially if your trailer is long and heavy. Although we have not towed a RV yet, we are confident that it will stay parked there.
RV Hitch Lock
Because a determined thief can bypass them, hit locks are supposed to keep honest people honest. It is worth the small investment to have some peace of mind.
Summary
There it is!! Our list of top RV accessories. We’d love to hear from you if we have missed any essentials. We are always looking for the best gear and we would love to hear your thoughts on the best RV accessories of 2021.
One of Australia’s most popular sites for Caravanners has recently carried out a Review and Test of the ReverseMate a reversing aid for Caravans and RVs.
They say public speaking is the biggest fear of most Australians, but many owners of big caravans will testify that backing their tandem axle beast into a tight spot at a busy caravan park, with a snickering crowd watching, is more nerve wracking.
Caravan Camping Sales undertook a series of test using the Reverse Mate to help them position an 18 foot Caravan into position, due to Covid 19 using a Caravan Park was out of the question.
They concluded by saying :
We’d recommend the ReverseMate as a good learning tool for first-time caravanners, along with solo travellers and those with larger tandem axle vans. It could also serve as a ‘marriage saving’ device for caravanning couples, and it’s a lot cheaper although less convenient than fitting a reverse camera.
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.
When towing a caravan, it is important to feel confident.
You might feel nervous about towing a Caravan or RV if you’ve never done this previously. There are many challenges ahead of you such as unfamiliar roads, wildlife crossing the roads, then you have your first experience of maneuvering around caravan parks, then reversing your RV into tight site.
Caravanning is a skill that can be learned like any other, with a little help you can overcome these challenges. Once you have the basics idea, you will soon be able to do it effortlessly.
At all times Safety should be your main concern, be it on the road or at Caravan and RV parks.
In Australia there are many Caravan & RV towing and reversing courses available.
You can learn how to tow and reverse your Caravan or RV, with these courses. This is a small investment that will ensure that your family and RV are safe when travelling.
Once you have finished a course you will be more confident to travel to some of the most beautiful Aussie destinations with your Caravan or RV.
ReverseMate is a great alternative to Caravan and RV reversing courses In Australia.
The ReverseMate is a easy tool that helps when you are reversing your RV into a site, with these aids you cannot go wrong.
Watch our video on how to setup the markers, then reverse into your your RV site it is that easy.
