Can't get used to it!

Mike I wrote:
Threads like this is what keeps scaring me off from finally pulling the trigger. Been looking and reading these forums for two years and the more I read the more hesitant I get. We really want to get a fifth by this summer as my wife just has one more school year to go until she can retire and than we would like to hit the road. Problem is I am scared to drive the thing.

New challenges are what make life more rewarding.

As we get older there are less and less new challenges we are physically capable of achieving. I found it very exciting to learn tow a 37' 14,000 lbs 5th wheel... it's a fun rewarding challenge.

You can do it... embrace the challenge and enjoy.

Mike I wrote:
Threads like this is what keeps scaring me off from finally pulling the trigger. Been looking and reading these forums for two years and the more I read the more hesitant I get. We really want to get a fifth by this summer as my wife just has one more school year to go until she can retire and than we would like to hit the road. Problem is I am scared to drive the thing.

Don't be scared. I had a case of clenched cheeks (and I don't mean on my face) the first few times I drove our Class C. I think the way to interpret these comments is that an experienced driver still has those moments when they go "JEEEEZZZZ I cut that kind of close".

Just practice; and never be afraid to takes things slowly. The payoff for learning to pull a 5th wheel (or any RV) is being able to spend nights in the most amazing and beautiful places!!!!

Mike I wrote:
Threads like this is what keeps scaring me off from finally pulling the trigger. Been looking and reading these forums for two years and the more I read the more hesitant I get. We really want to get a fifth by this summer as my wife just has one more school year to go until she can retire and than we would like to hit the road. Problem is I am scared to drive the thing.

Don't be scared...be prepared.

I've driven and towed many different types and sizes of RV's. Each one required practice to learn how it would react and maneuver under normal conditions and extreme conditions like a panic stop.

Towing a 37 foot 5th wheel requires a well setup tow vehicle with both the tow vehicle and 5th wheel properly maintained. For the first several trips you will be white knuckling the steering wheel. Eventually you will realize that as long as you are calm, leave room to stop and drive at reasonable speeds it's just as easy as driving any other RV.

Practice is the key. Every RV I have had over the past 40 years, the first thing I do is take it over to a large empty parking lot to get a feel for it. I do backing maneuvers, panic stops, tight turns, quick lane changes, acceleration...etc so I will know what to expect.
I do this until I am comfortable with the RV.

Mike I wrote:
Threads like this is what keeps scaring me off from finally pulling the trigger. Been looking and reading these forums for two years and the more I read the more hesitant I get. We really want to get a fifth by this summer as my wife just has one more school year to go until she can retire and than we would like to hit the road. Problem is I am scared to drive the thing.

I might suggest you fine a friend or a friend of a friend who will take you to a empty parking lot with thier rig and let you try it out. Nothing to loose.

lazydays wrote:
Been practicing for over 5 years now and I still have days that it looks like I have no clue what I'm doing.

second that emotion with 3 years and counting.
I have to blind side back into my driveway, lucky its 35 foot wide.

randy

Threads like this is what keeps scaring me off from finally pulling the trigger. Been looking and reading these forums for two years and the more I read the more hesitant I get. We really want to get a fifth by this summer as my wife just has one more school year to go until she can retire and than we would like to hit the road. Problem is I am scared to drive the thing.

Atom Ant wrote:

lazydays wrote:
Been practicing for over 5 years now and I still have days that it looks like I have no clue what I'm doing.

X2! My worst enemies are these roundabouts they are installing here in the west - too many things to watch for, let alone where the wheels are headed.

Roberts, Wisconsin exit 10 off I94 eastbound you have to navigate 2 roundabouts back to back to get to the Flyin J. Real fun I tell you.

To the OP...practice practice practice and you will get the hang of it.

lazydays wrote:
Been practicing for over 5 years now and I still have days that it looks like I have no clue what I'm doing.

X2. I'm fairly proficient at backing but since I often stay in one place for months at a time I practically have to re-learn when I move to a different location. Now, if I was traveling to a different location and backing every day (like an OTR truck driver) I think I'd be pretty good....:)

lazydays wrote:
Been practicing for over 5 years now and I still have days that it looks like I have no clue what I'm doing.

These are the kind of honest replies that keep me coming back to rv.net.

At intersections, aim the TV at opposing curb, wait until you just clear it before you turn. At campgrounds, you can't beat portable walkie talkies. We also use portable radios when backing into driveway.