As we travel in our fifth wheel, my husband and I try to be friendly. We’ll happily lend a hand or a tool to help a fellow RVer. We’ve shared everything from BBQ recipes to wood blocks and everything in between! In doing so, we’ve made many friends along the way.
Our problem? We need a sign. We need a unique, warning sign – preferably an easy-to-do hand signal that can be generally accepted as an urgent caution to stop and check your rig! Why? Often, as folks leave their campsite we’ll notice something amiss. Some examples may help you understand.
For instance, there was a couple who failed to retract their awning. No amount of frantic waving and other gesticulating could get through to them in time. I guess they thought we were overly ecstatic at having met them?! The awning ripped off as they rounded the first tree.
Then there was the guy who drove off, only to leave his satellite dish precariously held to his RV roof with a single sandbag. We doubt he got very far.
There was also the family who forgot their kids’ bikes. We were able to catch them in time, but only because my husband hopped on one of their bikes and pedaled like mad. The little bike owner must have shouted to his folks when he saw Hubby frantically trying to outpace them.
Before you pass judgment, please know that we’ve tried the “policeman’s stop gesture.” It hasn’t worked. You generally need to be in front of the rig for most drivers to notice you. We’ve also employed the “wild arm wave” and the “hands to mouth shouting” methods. No success there, either. We’ve tried pointing to the RV owner’s rig to signal that something’s wrong. They smile and wave. Some even give a thumbs up. It makes me want to thump my head on the side of our rig in utter frustration.
So, I’m asking you: How do you let another RVer know that they need to stop and check their rig? Have you ever accidentally left something behind or forgot to do something before driving off to your next adventure? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below. Maybe we can come up with a universal hand gesture together?
##RVT1016
i agree—-a signal is needed. We once tried to wave down, arms flying, yelling and gesticulating, to an Rver leaving with both his rooftop vent wide open as well as his TV antenna sky-high—and all he did was smile and wave back at us. Guess he thought “what friendly folk, to step out and say goodbye to us!”. How about the signal of drawing one’s hand across one’s throat, to simulate “cut”. Wondering if that might work?
Agree, we need a universal sign to notify other drivers, of RVs and other vehicles, that they need to stop and check their vehicle/rig. This signal should be standardized nationwide (worldwide?) and be part of the drivers’ training and licensing process. As a sidenote, I once chased down a rig while it was leaving a campground because they had left a nice coffeemaker on their rear bumper. I caught up with them, on foot, and they laughed telling me that it was permanently attached and just a gag! Ha-Ha NOT!
How about a big red stop sign on a stick (like fanning yourself in the heat). Big letters STOP on one side and DANGER or HAZARD on the other – spelled backwards so they can see it in their rear view mirror – 👀 I might add a high-pitched alarm or foghorn to get their attention!!!
How about a dry erase board type sign that you can quickly write a message on?! Just a thought! I’ve tried all the hand signal stuff, without success. I have had someone tell me to pull over which I did, only to find that one of my rear mud flap was dragging on the freeway!~ Thanks to you for the alert!
Now, how to pass a quick, universal hand or arm signal to the millions of RV owners? Chuck’s newsletter would be a start, for those in the know.
Whatever sign is determined, it must be easy for one person to easily and safely display it. Years ago, back when I was an avid motorcyclist, our riding group would tap the side of their helmet and then point to the problem. Simple, safe, and effective.
I think out of all the suggestions I’ve read on here, that I like your idea the best, RallyAce. My son, who has a huge Harley, told me about that signal. I think a lot of our readers have motorcycles, so maybe they’re already aware of that sign. It doesn’t require any physical sign to be held up, or raising your arms overhead in an X when you’re driving 😯 , etc. Thanks for mentioning this! Have a great day. 🙂 -Diane
How about a sign, like a stop sign, “PROBLEM” with a hand and finger pointing to them? We have had a couple of problems and people flash their headlights at us and we just think they don’t like our slow RV.
When we bought our motor home we were taught to extend our arms over our head in the shape of an X to signal STOP.
When you’re driving, putting your arms over your head in the shape of an X is probably not a great idea. Good on the ground though.
In the campground, I use the crossed arm “X” and point down when they sometimes notice me. On the road, flash the lights, wave the hand, and then I pull over. Sometimes it works.
We were leaving Memphis on a busy interstate when a car passed me, and the passenger was gesticulating wildly. I looked first in the side view mirror and I realized immediately there was something wrong as I could see our toad. A look in the camera let me know there was something wrong with one of the tow arms. The tow arm was unusable and a replacement was found in our destination state of Alabama. We had not intended to drive separately to Dauphin Island but things could have ended up much worse. I will always be grateful to the people who warned us we had a problem.
Great idea but also needed while driving down the road. We have been able to wave them over but not always. So RV Travel members would know the signals but we would need to get the signal out further so it is recognized.
When on the road a CB can be used if they have one and have it TURNED ON! I usually run on channel 19 for road info from the truckers. A group of RVers travelling together usually use channel 14.
When I was in the Cdn military (29 years working on aircraft) there were 2 signals that got the pilots attention – 1/ closed fists with the arms in an “X” for stop and 2/ one hand making a sideway figure “8” motion with the other pointing at the area for FIRE. But what are the odds that the driver of the rig is a retired pilot who would recognize that?
Your comment was exactly my thought. The “X” signal should be intuitive enough for people to know something is amiss. However, getting a person to see the signal if often a problem.
This is possibly one of the most important discussions here in recent memory. Unfortunately, I don’t have a good idea. I do think that if one is arrived at here, we should do our best to spread the idea. I’ll help do that.
Years ago I bought a small spiral-bound flip chart with 1-2 word messages mostly humorous, some rude that could be held to the window for other motorists to see. Don’t think I ever used it due to possible road rage even then, but something along that line could cover some situations. I think the crossed arms X would be pretty effective even if they didn’t know exactly what it meant.
Small sign, large lettering that says “Your Rig has a problem” …?
Use backround that makes it easy to see the lettering
I was in the military also. Both infantry and aviation. The arms in an X shape with your hands in fists was used to show a problem and to STOP. The flashcard alternative to this might be a BIG RED X on a laminated card. In military aviation circles a “red x” in the maintenance log of an aircraft shows that it is grounded.
In boating the arms over head,and crossed, means stop, help is needed. Sounds like that is popular and known here too.
A tow truck driver got our attention. He pulled up by our driver side window and very emphatically pointed to the side of the road. We took his hint and found the underbelly skirt of our trailer had fallen down. It looked like a giant mud flap under the trailer. Glad we took that drivers suggestion.
I like the “X” gesture, most military devices are closer to “Universal”, but it needs to be something done with One hand/arm. So that a driver could signal it to a vehicle on that side, or when driving alone. Perhaps the “Cut your throat” horizontal slash across your throat move?
I thought of that too, Richard. But, then again in today’s world I’m not to sure that’d be understood for what we mean.
I used to haul classic cars around the country so I got used to people pointing and making gestures towards my rig. I have seen all kinds of “signals”. lol. But when I started rving I noticed a lot of people never look back or just don’t understand they’re in trouble. I tried to stop a travel trailer with a flat but the more I signed the faster they went. Today’s world some people are leary about other peoples motives. They just don’t want to stop for strangers. I would like to see a universal signal to just pull the thing over. Lol
How about the timeout signal from sports
Two hands needed. What if you’re driving alone, need to signal?
Get a Ping Pong Paddle, write FLAT TIRE on one side and RV IN DANGER on other side, flash it at driver or passenger and point to their rv, they will get the message and a ping pong paddle is easy to store near the driver/passenger.
Simple; I like it!
A Paddle Board is bigger! And without the scratchy surface!
Using one hand, display number 2 with your fingers, use them to point to YOUR eyes, then just point to THIER rig… indicating YOU need to look at what’s going on to your rig… may work… easy and understanding to the driver of the rig.
Not bad.
Was gonna make the same suggestion – old SpecWar signal for ‘eyes on’ that’s pretty universal.
I have seen RVers with their antennas up. I signal them with arm out the window and hand making a crank up signal. They have stopped.
We have tried more than once to let folks know they have an issue. The results have been either a return wave or, once, being flipped off. The driver who flipped us off had a bay door flapping in the breeze at about 65 mph. We pulled our rig up along side and frantically waved and pointed – with index fingers. He responded by pointing with a middle finger. We passed him and slowed down and signaled to the shoulder. He just pulled out to pass us. So we increased our speed to stay in front in order to miss the debris that was leaving his bay. He must have caught something in a mirror because a few miles down the road we saw him take an exit. When you are in a large coach and it’s another large unit with the issue, it’s hard to get them to notice any signal since they are usually working on maintaining their lane so you don’t become better acquainted.
We passed a TT with the entry door swinging in the breeze. Caught up and kept pace on their passenger side, evem honked. They were so involved in a conversation (or arguing?) that we couldn’t even get their attention.
I made several 8 1/2 x 11-inch signs with such words as: TV ANTENNA UP, TIRE TROUBLE, AWNING OUT, STEPS NOT RETRACTED, etc. Then you just need to hold up the appropriate sign as you pull alongside of them.
This approach seems optimal, if signs easily read from other vehicle. Add a “Something Else Wrong” to cover the odd things……….show a couple of the signs for what it’s not, then show the Something Else Wrong sign !?!
Having an already made up sign would make me leery of pulling off the road, as I would think that someone was PLANNING to get me off the road for some reason of their own.
Car pulled along the driver side & passenger started pointing wildly. We pulled over. Right front tire on Mini Cooper blown to shreds. Very grateful. Another, 2 men in old clunker pointing for us to pull over. We were a bit nervous.Turns out slide-out drawer in one of the bins had come open & was hanging out the full length of the drawer. Fortunately, only lost roll of paper towels. Favorite was older couple pulled up along side while driving I-10 on Florida panhandle. We pulled over. They pulled behind us & came up along side motorhome.They apologized but saw we were towing a Mini Cooper. They had a motorhome & wanted to know how we towed it as they thought it wasn’t towable. This was probably 2004 & you didn’t see many, if any, at the time. They were a hoot & enjoyed talking to them. Pointing like crazy seems to work.
We’ve been signalled over a few times over the years, tires slowly shredding on the tow, stairs not fully retracted, and our favorite: our dump handles look extended even when they’re in fully.
Short of having a CB Radio with speaker capability, with a speaker under the hood, don’t know how to contact another driver in motion.
BEST BET is ALWAYS to do a thorough walk around before embarking, USING A CHECKLIST.
Great discussion. We’ve been warned twice, both by people in a car that honked and pulled alongside, pointing at the RV. Thankful, we pulled over.
When driving the RV it can be hard to pull alongside or get their attention. Maybe some type of horn/sound SOS with flashing headlights if you’re behind them?
Seems to me all RVs should have a CB radio all truckers should have a CB radio then you would be able to communicate between one another without having to send hand signals
It would be a good idea to have a sign. If I made one it would say YOUR RIG NEEDS ATTENTION. That covers all bases. Alas, due to the rare instances where we could have used such a sign. I doubt we would’ve located it in the passing moment. Honking, hollering and pointing seem to get the point across.
I carry neon danger placards meant for posting on your rear window when YOU break down. I carry them in my map pocket where I can hold them up if needed.
As a former Scout leader of many years. I found the Scout’s were prone to leave items behind when we broke camp. So before we left out site we always walked it in both directions before leaving for good (always leave your site cleaner then you found it) and most items lost then were not left in our camp site.
Not only do we do this I have created a checklist for RV specific item both inside and outside, for the dump station and for pre trip items too
This came about by my own personal experience when I blew a tire by not swinging wide enough with my new RV trailer and not having the proper tools with me to change it.
Alongside – Hand on horn (constant sound) then point to a problem area or side of road.
keep a hand on horn till they react / acknowledge their problem
If behind them horn constant, turn on your right blinker light, and lights flashing
While traveling, we had a semi pull up next to us, he stayed even with us, then honked and pointed down and towards the back. We were in some pretty heavy traffic at the time, so my husband did not look up, but I did. I told my husband we need to pull over. I think he’s trying to tell us something. Sure enough one of our Disc brakes had failed. I’m so thankful for this driver. Fortunately we were less than a mile from an RV dealer who treated us like royalty and allowed us to stay on their lot for two days until our brakes were fixed. I think this was the best sign you could give to someone who may have an issue. You can only hope they are willing to pay attention.
I just discussed this with my 8 yr old grand daughter and she is working on an app for this……should be available soon from your favorite app store. 😁
I was a long haul truck diver before there were CB radios, We had our own way of communicating. We use our head lights. When a semi is passing you and once his trailer has cleared you flash your head lights once. Let him know ok to come back to your lane. He would flash marker lights twice as “thank you”. If there is a problem you flash head lights in series of three times, pause and repeat. From the rear they need to pull over “emergency” or from opposite direction telling everyone “danger ahead” Yelling does not work. Hope this helps.
I do exactly these signals… most people don’t seem to notice or understand them. Semis generally do, and visibly appreciate when I signal “pull in” or even run block to create a space for them.
That brings up the question, for decades I would flash to let truckers in ahead of me and 99% of the time they would flash a thank you once they were safely in. Now almost no truckers flash the thank you. I still flash to let them in safely because that’s the courteous and safe thing to do, but I miss the thank you flashes.
The reason Truck drivers don’t flash now is most of the states have passed laws making it illegal to flash lights. It used to be a warning for speed traps. So now its not.
When I need to stop someone I pull my flat hand in front of my throat and then push the palm of my hand up and down. So far it has worked the few times I’ve used it.
The only thing we forgot was the trash bag on top of the car! Because of the luggage rack it stayed on there all the way home!
I like the ping pong paddle idea noted here.
I like a small white-board and markers. You can write something quick “check tire” or “bay open” plus you can use in camp for messages.
It’s so hard to get through to them, even when not on the move! I find myself frequently telling other RVers at gas stations and rest stops that their antenna is up. I’ve gotten dozens of thank yous. I’ll never forget one man who argued and argued with me that I was wrong, so I gave up and simply walked away and got into my rig. Then, I looked over and saw the antenna being retracted.
The problem with most signals as driver is knowing whether the signal is “F- You” for driving the speed limit or signaling trouble. Women tend to think I’m catcalling them. I myself have pulled over as suggested and found no reason to have stopped (case 1 above), and I have had serious issues no one signaled.
As the “signaller” I am NOT subtle… when I see an urgent issue, I pass when safe, honking morse-S and pointing STEADILY. I have caution signs mentioned below if suitable. If they still don’t stop, I straddle their lane AND their passing lane, blinkers on, and KEEP honking while physically slowing them until they get it and pull off. Yep, more conspicuous than most would be but effective NOW. I’ve done honk-point a couple times, the forced stop only once. I WISH someone was this clear when I needed to BE stopped.
Cross your forearms like an airport ramp-worker crosses their lights, tapping your arms together. The tapping shows urgency, in my opinion. If both of you are moving, point to their rig after showing them the crossed arms.
People get nervous when i cross my arms while driving 15,000lbs of trailer… really any time i leave the wheel when in motion. 😉
Take three!? Driving the trailer today, we followed an RV with its rear steps down, and i was thinking AGAIN of this article… …and suddenly remembered i already started working on this problem before (i have about a dozen RV inventions). Two trailers ago (I think?) I put together an LED matrix of 8×64 pixels and drove it over bluetooth from my phone as a message board. I had simple preset messages to flash or scroll (GETTING OVER – PLS WAIT TO PASS / PASS NOW / DANGER – PULL OVER – CHECK VEHICLE! / THANKS / etc). Although i could display anything, i had presets to quickly thank or warn other drivers. So, there’s my insanely over engineered solution!
We’ve had success with honking, holding our nose, and pointing back and down. Works better with a tire that is flat or shredding but has got their attention to go check for something.
We usually travel as a small group and use CB ch 14 to communicate but we have found very few others that monitor it. Like many others here, I have seen mishaps and tried in vain to get the drivers to stop and check their rig. As for ourselves, we have adopted a strict walk around by both of us before ever putting the rig into gear. It includes turning on the lights and the emergency flashers and doing a serious walk all the way around. That way everything gets looked at twice. So maybe the best solution is to educate people to make their checks and let the problem never occur to start with.
I have been next to someone at a red light, stopped, beeped horn, doing a “wind your window down” motion, speaking loudly out of an open window at them, with them actually looking at me – and they refused to even open the window to see just what I might want to say…. Honestly, some people cannot be saved from themselves.
Maybe stop at West Marine and pick up an emergency flare gun with three rocket flares? If they don’t stop with the first one across their windshield, maybe the next two will work?
(;-}
Basketball Time Out sign
I signaled an RV driver with the swipe of my finger across my neck to signify “stop,” and then point in the direction of the problem. This worked for a guy’s tire that was about to blow. Saved him some damage.
I suggest just the universal symbol of warning/caution, crossing your arms in an X symbol…either above your head or best you can depending on your position.