How to be a good spotter - trailer backing up

[Bow_Tied]

The how to back up a trailer thread gave me this thread idea and hope all will chime in with their tips, comments or corrections; I'll start:

A good spotter watches the trailer but also the tow rig. The spotter needs to be sure they are visible in the mirrors at all times - the spotter can move much easier than the driver!

Communication is key
If the driver doesn't roll the window down ask them to - you want them to hear the first "WHOA!" Instead of saying left or right, which can be amiguous to someone looking backward trying to remember which way to turn the steering wheel, use hand gestures. Experienced spotters may be able to suggest to novice drivers which way to turn the wheels. Above all make sure the process is happening at a speed YOU feel comfortable with!


Trailer
The spotter watches the back of the rig for clearance to objects, potholes or other risks to the tires (debris, firepits). Ask the driver to stop if you need to cross behind the trailer for a better look.
Just as important as what is on the ground is what is overhead: powerlines, low branches, signs, roof overhangs/eave troughs, gas station shelters and other structures can be obstacles.
Keep an eye on how level the trailer is. Ask the driver to stop while you inspect the trailer level gauges - just a minute and pulling ahead or back an extra foot can save a lot of time leveling the trailer later.


Tow vehicle
Drivers, especially new to backing trailer drivers, often get focused on steering the trailer. Have half an eye to the front of the truck as it swings around to be sure the front corner of the vehicle doesn't clip something. You need to look that way to be sure you are visible in the mirror anyway.


Above all be calm and speak clearly and loudly as needed. Don't get the driver excited or mistakes will be made. Remember, if you are spotting you are MORE accountable than the driver as they are relying on your direction.

Happy Parking! ;D

[universalexports]

we use "spotters" in the military anytime you back up a vehicle, we call them "ground guides"

some good points are made above,

as mentioned above the spotter must remain visible to to the driver in the mirror. the best way to do this is remember if you cant look in the mirror and see the driver's head, he cant see you either.

another thing is if you use hand and arm signals, like crossing your arms for "stop" make sure both of you know what each signal means. practice it.
remember just because you are in the rear you need to keep an eye on all four corners of the vehicle if the truck is jackknifing make sure the front bumper is not about to turn into something, also make sure the truck is not going to jackknife the rear bumper into the camper, and keep an eye on the top of the camper for low hanging obstacles, limbs etc.

[cowcharge]

Yes, the most important is that if you can't see their eyes in the mirror, they can't see you (same as being in a big truck's blind spot). Stand back far enough to see both sides of the rear, if you stand even with the back you only get a 2-D view of the situation. When signalling a steering wheel turn, I like to draw a circle with my arm in the same direction that the wheel needs to be turned, it helps the driver if they are new or get confused by the opposite-direction-wheel-turn thing. When using a "beckoning" motion to tell them to come back, I slow my finger motion down as the distance gets smaller to indicate to the driver to slow down. I also like to briefly use my two hands to indicate distance remaining, like showing how big the fish that got away was. The commonly-used standard hand signal for "stop" among industrial (non-aviation) folks is a clenched fist, which you might run into if a helpful bystander becomes your spotter. But Universal's right, whichever signals you use should be agreed upon before starting.

[safetybruce]

All excellent comments I teach crane signaling safety, and one other comment would be to designate one and only one person you will take signals from...trust that spotter only and do not be distracted by anyone else that starts to shout instructions or anyone else's signals. You and one spotter/signal person are a team. You and more than one signal person/spotter are a crowd looking for trouble...

[cowcharge]

+1000, Bruce!

[drivinmissdaisy]

Any advice for the drivers who are traveling alone and don't have spotters with them?

[lopo]

We have had various discussions like that because I have no spotter. There's no way except to just get out and look, and do the best we can. They say it gets easy enough - if we do it enough. I hope!

[Bow_Tied]

Great contributions all!

[cowcharge]

Jun 13, 2012 16:46:31 GMT -5 drivinmissdaisy said:

Any advice for the drivers who are traveling alone and don't have spotters with them?

Pull up in front of your site and plop a 12-pack and some brownies on the hood of your car?

[offspringin]

visible in the mirrors at all times -- cant say that enough, if the truck turns to an angle that the spotter cant see the mirrors, then the spotter needs to reposition so the driver can still see them.

if your the spotter, even if you can be seen in the mirror and the driver is about to hit something and doesn't seem to be responding to your vocal commands it can sometimes take too long to even run to the cab. make all the noise you can, slap the trailer, slap the truck, if its at night go nuts with the flashlight.

lopo & drivinmissdaisy -- park in the road, get out and take a look at where your backing up. note the trees, or low branches etc. note the power box, water hook up, any railings etc etc. remember to take it slow, be patient. sometimes i back right into the site and look like a pro other times it looks like my first time driving. It takes some practice but its certainly nothing to be scared of. If your going off course just stop, pull forward and try it again.