Backing up a 5'ver.

azdryheat wrote:
Here is a backing video: VIDEO

This is a good one. I watched this many times and then went tour Church parking lot and practiced a bunch of times. I have to back up my long driveway on the blind side due to trees and the turn and it is amazing how each time I have cut the time down. I sear the first time was 30 minutes or more, then 15, then less than 10 and now about 5 minutes.

What does this mean - "The 5er makes up for it in additional turning angle." ??

Thanks, Tim

Can watch all the videos you want but at the end of the day if you can back a TT you can back a 5er. Main difference is a 5er does not react as quickly to TV input. The 5er makes up for it in additional turning angle. When possible I always shoot for drivers side backing.

Here is a backing video: VIDEO

Go to youtube and search "backing a tractor trailer" there are a few professional videos that are very good.

No different than backing any trailer. Just takes some practice to get used to the trailer.

Just remember when going foreword in a turn a 5th wheel will track inside of the truck. I forgot that last week and tried to take out a gate post.

When backing into a campsite I set one of my orange leveling blocks where I want the trailer wheel to be. I do this on the side I can see depending on which way I am backing. The leveling block makes a good target as I watch where the trailer wheel is going. This does require a spotter to make sure you do not hit anything.

Straighten your wheels. Put one hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. If you want the rear end of the 5th wheel to turn right, swing the bottom of the steering wheel to the right; if you want the back of the trailer to go left, swing the bottom of the steering wheel to the left. I can send you a picture of the diagram if you give me your email address.

This is NOT Rocket science (though it may seem like it at first)!

#1 Pull further forward than you would with a TT.
#2 Stay close to the side you are backing into, TV will swing wide not the 5er.
#3 Steer from the bottom of the wheel, push the wheel in the direction you want the back of the 5er to go, and PALM the wheel, going hand over hand will confuse the heck out of you!!
#4 Keep input small and start to straighten out early.
#5 Learn to use your mirrors, when you are not twisted around looking over your shoulder it is easier to steer.

This is what works for me.

look back and drive the trailer watch the axles put them where you want them

I grabbed all my and a friends cones, went to a large dis-used parking lot and practiced backing to either side, over and over and over again.