Can't get used to it!

Dennis M M wrote:

Pipeman wrote:
Drive it like a tractor trailer combo. Swing wide when making right turns when traffic allows or wait until traffic clears to turn.Same when turning left. ...

Bad advice. Do that on a drivers test and you will fail.

I guess that depends where you take the test. Where I took it, the rule for a tight right turn is to swing the front of the rig wide LEFT while the back end continues to block the right side. When there's enough room for the trailer wheels to clear the curb, cars, etc. cut hard RIGHT.

The way you described it, the only way to complete that tight right is to veer into oncoming traffic on the cross street which is not a good idea (assuming only a single lane to turn into of course).

We never ask for a pull thru site even though one is often offered. Only take directions from the DW. We use radios, hand signals & she will stand where she wants the back corner of the trailer to be, always standing on the side that can be seen in a mirror.

It really helps to have a body back there, which stands out among the trees, to aim at.

The most difficult site to get into is a big one. Don't know why but I work better with things in the way.

Staring at the tires doesn't help me with backing up any. Knowing where the rear of the trailer is, and the direction is is going helps me the most. Of course you have to make sure your tires aren't running over anything, but I'm more visualizing the rear of the trailer.

Always, always pull forward further than you think you think you need to before you start backing. Even if you need to pull up an extra 100 yards so you know you can initiate a gradual turn, do it. The earlier you start to cut the wheel, the less amount of cut you will need. Think about the angles of it.
Don't wait too long to get back straight either. I think that is the most common mistake I see. If you realize you are cut too hard and not going to make it, pull forward slightly to straighten out both truck and trailer, and then try again. You can often fix over correcting by simply pulling forward 10ft and straightening truck and trailer.

Some things I say you might disagree with, or not understand. I pull a 48ft gooseneck during the week, and a 39ft Montana on the weekend, so I'm quite comfortable with maneuvering both forward, and backwards. The only way to get better is to practice, and learn from your mistakes.

Tom_Diane wrote:

ependydad wrote:
The dealership that I bought from took me on a test drive in my truck + camper in tow. The tech told me to watch the tires of the fifth wheel- when they pass the obstruction (sign, curb, whatever) you can then turn as sharply as you need to make the turn. That way, you're guaranteed to not hit it.

That is exactly the proper way to turn, in addition Have the presence of mind where your rig is on the road and for a right turn, especially in towns and making right turns, stay to the middle of the road or hog the center line to allow a wider turn radius. Trust me, I've done this with oversize loads on a 5 axle trailer in Chicago, Milwaukee WI and Minneapolis MN and other places that you learn by the seat of your pants. As for backing it up, same technique you were told. Practice. You can be assured, there are people who cannot, develop the skills to back up a vehicle much less a trailer. My brother is one, but he does not drive anymore. I have seen others that cannot get the hang of a reverse move. Something does not click for them.

X2

Adjust the mirrors on the tow vehicle so that you can see the tandems on your trailer. Use a spot mirror if necessary. Make it a habit to always check the position of your tandems relative to the curb when you turn. You'll get the hang of it in no time.

Going backward, there are two keys. First, go S-L-O-W-L-Y. Second, always use a spotter.

Great post everyone. Learning more go tips, on backing a 5th Wheel. I've even heard some people taking their orange cones and marking there camp site drive to help with spoting the trailer wheels when they are they are backing in. Helps with backing in at night with some laminate on the cones.
Don't know if its good advice, but something to help maybe.
Scott

And don't forget to watch tail swing, you will have a long overhang behind the axels and that will swing in the opposite direction in a tight turn.

When I first started pulling a 5er, the first time I visited my sister it took 12 attempts to back onto her driveway (narrow curved laneway, over a culvert from a country road with deep ditches on both sides). Now I usually nail it on the first attempt. It's practice. Yes, I spent a fair bit of time at the shopping center when it was closed.

Even if I have to go miles out of my way to get turned around if possible I back from the driver's side.

Slow down and take a deep breath, If your bumper hitch was easy for you to back. You just need to get in a parking lot. And practice a while, then you will find its way better then the bumper hitch was. Want something hard to back, try a 20 ft trailer and 21ft truck.
Pete

For backing try the "SCOOP" method. It is demonstrated in a short you tube here.
Scoop

ependydad wrote:
The dealership that I bought from took me on a test drive in my truck + camper in tow. The tech told me to watch the tires of the fifth wheel- when they pass the obstruction (sign, curb, whatever) you can then turn as sharply as you need to make the turn. That way, you're guaranteed to not hit it.

That is exactly the proper way to turn, in addition Have the presence of mind where your rig is on the road and for a right turn, especially in towns and making right turns, stay to the middle of the road or hog the center line to allow a wider turn radius. Trust me, I've done this with oversize loads on a 5 axle trailer in Chicago, Milwaukee WI and Minneapolis MN and other places that you learn by the seat of your pants. As for backing it up, same technique you were told. Practice. You can be assured, there are people who cannot, develop the skills to back up a vehicle much less a trailer. My brother is one, but he does not drive anymore. I have seen others that cannot get the hang of a reverse move. Something does not click for them.