Forum Discussion

paulbeauchemin's avatar
May 22, 2017

backing on wrong side

I'm supposed to pick up my 40' 5th wheel friday and have been watching youtube videos on how to back.

All of the videos say to have the place you are backing into on the drivers side. Well, our driveway is not on the drivers side - its the opposite and I cannot see sitting in the wrong lane the first time I attempt to back this rig up.

Any suggestions on best way to do this?

50 Replies

  • Truth is. Either way is just like the other. you still have to use the mirrors, and need a spotter, especially if you can't se the post on the corner.
    I back out of the road and around the house to the left, but I have to turn it to the right to get under the shed. I can't see the posts on either side. that is what DW is out there for.
  • What do you mean your driveway is on the opposite side. It all depends on which way you approach it. If the way you normally drive to your home puts it on the passenger side then just come in the road from the other direction. Or, go around the block or whatever you have to do.
    Blind side backing up is certainly more difficult. If you don't have a spotter then stop periodically and get out and look where your trailer is.
    I have to say, if this is your first time backing a trailer and it's a 40 footer you've got a lot of something, not sure what appropriate word to use.
  • That's four words, darsben1.....three words and a number.
  • I back mine in from wrong side. An experienced spotter is great, but good mirrors are next best. I put some pieces of orange safety tape (duct tape) on the line in driveway, that I want my passenger side tires to follow. I can see the FW tires and tape, in mirror, just need wife to watch garage eve, that I end up being 4"s from, when clear of the sidewalk.

    Jerry
  • Practice, practice, practice. Don't let the first time you back be at the campground with lots of onlookers. Get out there and spend a few hours backing up.
  • Ambitious to start off with a 40 footer! Practice and larger mirrors are two good suggestions. "Our" driveway suggests you have someone to be a spotter. Buy two walkie talkies. Borrow a small utility trailer and practice Monday to Thursday. Small trailers are more difficult IMO. Use mirrors only. You Tube is nice but not real.
  • Until you get your "markers" set, so that you know when to cut the wheel, put a small orange cone on the corners of the driveway, this should help some.
  • Practice in a large open parking lot with cheap orange cones from Walmart. There will likely be times you will encounter the same problem at an RV park or campground.
  • If you cannot see it, I'd suggest that your right side mirror is likely too small, or improperly aligned.