Houston to Albuquerque

There is no better practice than actually having to do it! Work with your partner to create a communication method that works for both of you. Some people use little 2-way radios. Some people use their cell phones. Some people have backup cameras where they can hear their partner through it. Some people use hand signals. Some people yell back and forth. Some people move a little, get out and look, move a little, get out and look, etc.

Besides the communication method, you need to understand each other. I want my partner to tell me which way they want the trailer to go. We use hand signals, so I have her point in the direction she thinks it should go. I then decipher that into where the truck is relative to the trailer and how to get the trailer to move that direction (this may involve pulling forward to reposition). Our biggest problem is getting her to remember that she needs to remain in my mirror so I can see her.

When I end up working with someone who tries to tell me how to turn the truck, it ends up being a mess. LOL

Good luck, I'm sure with a little real-world practice, you'll quickly develop your own communication methods.

My hubby and I use the hand signals and I'm the one showing him where the trailer should go.  It works well for us.  If I have a concern I stop him walk up to the truck and tell him my concern.  We have had our Durango since November and the slides are in different places than on our old 5er.  So don't forget to check to see if you can get all the slides open, awnings open if you want and for any low tree branches that may scrape roof or sides.  Also check position for sewer, water, etc. hookups.  Again these are different from old unit.  

I would encourage your partner/wife to also learn how to drive, backup your unit.  The last thing I want is to be somewhere and my hubby have an issue and can't get anywhere.  Doesn't mean he/she HAS to drive, just have the confidence and knowledge that he/she can if circumstances require it.  Big parking lots after hours are great for practice. 

Also, if you are just stopping for the night, some WalMarts allow you to park in their lot.  Easy to dry camp for one night and save the money!  Most importantly enjoy your travels and good luck.  

Let me see if I can articulate what our hand gestures are, it may help you?

Left or right is full open hand pointing in the direction to take the trailer:


To back up straight, full open hand pointing up facing sideways:



And finally to stop is simply a closed fist:

The DW an I use hand signals as well, more so I don't hit anything when backing into a space even thought
I have has well over 50 years of backing semi's it's always great have someone back there just in case I miss
judge

I am lazy an when calling ahead for a reservation I always ask if there are any pull thought available,
as well as ask for full hookups, DW is not a camper she is a Glamper so we pay the extra just for her,
Ok well me to, LOL,     But We stay at Good Sam parks, KOA an have to say we seem to mostly fine pull
thoughts without much trouble along with full hookups ...

We try to call ahead most times for camping spots two days out during the summer months an one day out after
after school starts, but I will say every so often we forget an still find a pull thought a day out during
the week in the summer ... We also try not to move on a weekend during the summer or if we do move on a Sunday
instead of a Saturday since many camp ground near cities are full on the weekends during the summer ...

I will say if your out in the middle of the country an not near a major city or large lake it is easier to fine camping
spots ... The mid west an south western states are easier than the east coast, the rate seem to us to be twice a high
on the east coast ... Last year we were paying anywhere from $30 an $40 a day at Good Sam CG an $45 in the KOA's,
we called a few camp grounds in Western PA, WVA, VA an they all were in the high $80's an some in the $90's in most
places Ugh ...

What we do when looking at site us the RV parky or Good Sam ratings, anything above a 8 seems to be pretty good,
every so often we might try a 7 but nothing below that ... We also do the same with KOA, look at what they have
an what the comments are an then choose, so far after a number of years we have not be to far off
Ok course with KOA the rates are higher in some because of pools an kids activities which do not need or use ...
KOA's do have for the most part nice large dog run's an easy to get to an since we have a large dog (Great Dane)
an a smaller dog, dog runs are nice to have ... Some but not all Good Sam (GS) parks have dog runs but not all
an some have weight restrictions, one we know of in Washington State has a rule of no dogs over 25pds, no
more than two dogs an some breeds are not welcome ... They also have a rule that your slide's can not be over the
grass an you must park your vehicle up near the office in the front of the camp ground ... So make sure you know
what the rules are before you book your spot

I agree with the idea of finding a large parking lot that is empty to practice backing, turning an just
overall operation ...

Safe travels

Chuck

I can't say... this is a family forum! LOL

Hey Chuck,  this is what I have learned.

Stay calm and don't feed into their anger. ...

Take a mental step back to assess the situation. ...

Do not agree with the yeller to diffuse them, as it encourages future yelling. ...

Calmly address the yelling. ...

Ask for a break from this person.