Cayman 2006 Driving & Safety — Section 2 • 29
The fi ve directional signals are as follows:
1. Left hand and arm held horizontal, with
forefi nger pointing right, to direct rear
of motorhome to the right.
2. Right hand and arm held horizontal,
with forefi nger pointing left, to direct
rear of motorhome to the left.
3. Both arms and hands parallel with
thumbs pointing up and to rear in a
waving vertical motion. This signals
driver to maintain a straight back
direction.
4. Arms held horizontally with hands open
and palms facing one another. Start
with a wide separation, then gradually
close distance between hands in a rate
appropriate to vehicle speed to indicate
the distance to stopping point.
5. Closed fi sts and crossed arms indicate
STOP.
Backing Up Trailers:
Towed vehicles using a tow bar or tow dolly have more than one pivot point and are not suitable for backing.
Attempting to back up the motorhome while connected to a tow bar or tow dolly can jack-knife the tow device
and cause the wheels of the towed vehicle to move in a forward ‘sideways’ motion that will cause irreparable and
expensive damage. If necessary, disconnect the tow vehicle to avoid a backing up situation.
Trailers have one pivot point and may be backed up. The same rules for backing a motorhome can be applied
to backing a trailer. When preparing to back the trailer into a space, maneuver the motorhome sweeping wide.
Turn back to the opposite direction to maneuver the trailer into the space. Keep the bottom of the steering wheel
in the desired direction of travel for the trailer. For example: If the desired direction of the trailer is left, rotate
the bottom of the steering wheel left. If the trailer moves in an undesired direction, use a short pull-up method,
pulling forward just far enough to align the trailer with the space. The co-pilot should stand safely at the left rear
corner of the trailer within view of the driver in the roadside mirror, using the fi ve hand signals for guidance.
CAUTION:
Tow bars or car dollies are generally made to travel in a forward direction only. Most towing
equipment of this type is not designed for backing. Never attempt short back up distances
with a tow bar or tow dolly. Damage to the motorhome, vehicle or towing device will result.
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