Good reversing is a communication task as much as a driving task. A clear driver-and-spotter plan reduces confusion when the site is tight, noisy or unfamiliar.
Quick answer
Walk the site first, agree on the final position, use one spotter, choose simple signals and stop immediately if the driver loses sight of the spotter. Move slowly enough that either person can pause and reset the plan.
Before the caravan moves
- Inspect the route for branches, posts, service points, drop-offs, people and soft ground.
- Choose the final wheel position and identify the caravan’s likely swing.
- Agree which side gives the driver the best view.
- Move children, pets and bystanders out of the manoeuvring area.
- Decide on the stop signal and the rule: no spotter in sight means stop.
Use one clear spotter
Multiple people calling directions creates competing instructions. The spotter should stand where the driver can see them without entering the vehicle or caravan path. They should also remain able to monitor the caravan’s rear, sides, roofline and changing swing.
Agree on simple signals
- Stop: a clear, unmistakable signal used early rather than late.
- Direction: indicate where the rear of the caravan needs to move, not a confusing steering-wheel instruction.
- Distance: show the remaining space in a consistent way.
- Reset: stop, secure the combination as required and talk face-to-face if either person is unsure.
Radios or phones can help, but they should not remove the stop-if-contact-is-lost rule. Delays, dropouts and misunderstood words can occur.
Driver priorities
Move slowly, use mirrors consistently and avoid chasing a poor line with increasingly large corrections. If the approach is not working, pull forward and reset. There is no prize for completing the manoeuvre in one attempt.
Spotter priorities
Protect clearance first. Watch the caravan’s rear corner, opposite side and roof as well as the target wheel position. Never stand between the caravan and a fixed object, behind the caravan, or where the driver may unexpectedly move.
Practise before a busy campsite
Use a large, permitted open area and soft markers to practise straight reversing, small corrections, pulling forward to reset and stopping on command. Keep speeds walking pace. The Reversing & Site Setup Practice resource provides a structured practice pathway.
Common communication failures
- The driver and spotter never agreed on the final position.
- The spotter disappears from the driver’s mirror but the vehicle keeps moving.
- Directions change between “turn left”, “back left” and “caravan left”.
- Bystanders begin giving extra instructions.
- Both people become frustrated and continue instead of stopping.
Continue the setup
Start with choosing and positioning the site, then use the arrival and setup checklist. Find the complete sequence in the Caravan Setup & Campsite Safety Hub.
Safety note
This is general driving and communication guidance. Site geometry, vehicle behaviour, camera systems and licence requirements vary. Follow road, park and land-manager rules, and seek competent instruction if you are not confident controlling the combination.