fifth wheel backing trouble

You'd think it would work that way but I have to hug the fence on the right side of the driveway with the truck as I turn the corner pulling out (and the trailer hugs the corner on the other side). To get it in I have to start with the truck on the inside of the corner. I never come close to that location (with the truck) when pulling out.

schlep1967 wrote:
If You can drive it out you already have a road map for putting it in. Next time you pull out have the wife follow along right at the inside rear wheel with a can of spray paint. When you come back you should be able to follow that line with the trailer wheels and put it back in.

Perfect idea...if it comes out in one shot, it must be possible to put it back in in one shot.

I would give her a 2nd can of paint in a different color to mark the steering tires on the truck also.

If You can drive it out you already have a road map for putting it in. Next time you pull out have the wife follow along right at the inside rear wheel with a can of spray paint. When you come back you should be able to follow that line with the trailer wheels and put it back in.

I appreciate everyone's advice. I modified a heave-duty Power Caster to work with our first rig (28' Alumalite HRC) before we removed the power pole and rounded off that corner. It worked fine but that trailer was a lot lighter and the Power Caster was struggling. That was a long time ago and I suppose there is new equipment available now. I'll do some more research. Since I only have trouble backing in, not pulling out, I suppose I could always rent a forklift two or three times a year... or just keep putting up with the hassle. I've been doing it for over ten years now (with the 30'Alpenlite in the picture) and I'm not getting any better at it, but I always get it in, eventually.

Solarman wrote:
I'd hate to have to switch to a slider hitch just to make backing easier in that one spot. I think the un-hitch, reposition truck and re-hitch idea is worth a try. I never have a problem getting out, or into any of the campground spots. It's just that one darn corner in my driveway. I don't think I have a good picture of that corner but I'll look. You can see it on Google Maps (satellite view). Just look for 1249 Dewing Ln, Walnut Creek, CA and zoom in. The rig in the picture (in front of the white truck) is my previous rig, a 30' Alpenlite.

That one site probably represents 40-50% of the times you back into a spot. Not sure a slider is really the solution anyway. Might help a bit but it's still going to be a challenge.

The S-curve won't work because you are backing around 2 90deg corners but you can still start it by hugging the southern side of the alley (you still need to leave a little room so you don't swing into objects on the south side) and then starting the turn early so by the time you get to the 2nd corner, you are already starting to turn. A slider will help a bit in this respect.

A trailer dolly will be easier but they ain't cheap.

Have you tried it with DW behind the wheel and you out back talking to her on a communication link as you give wheel turn and progress updates?

Do you get a gathering of neighbors watching from lawn chairs with a refreshment in hand each time you return? Chris

OP, I looked at your property via Google Maps and judging from the pic it looks like you should have plenty of room overall. Is the sidewalk a raised one or even w/ driveway cuz that would gain you some swing room. I was thinking your house was on the corner you are turning, but see that is not the case. You could try hugging the trees on left and try to have the RV tires hither 90* corner or as one said, arch it a bit. Can you run across the sidewalk w/ ease or no if you had to? Upon leaving, swing wide right to make your left turn, just be careful w/ cab/trailer corners.

4x4ord wrote:
I dont see how a different hitch is going to buy you a whole bunch. If there is clearance to make it around the corner it really shouldn't be that difficult to get good at it. You don't have to do it all in one motion.... you can pull ahead a couple feet while cutting the steering tires to increase or decrease your angle of artiiculation as needed.

It really does not take much to get the turn going that way. Practice, along with determination & a good spotter gets you into all kinds of places.

I dont see how a different hitch is going to buy you a whole bunch. If there is clearance to make it around the corner it really shouldn't be that difficult to get good at it. You don't have to do it all in one motion.... you can pull ahead a couple feet while cutting the steering tires to increase or decrease your angle of artiiculation as needed.

Solarman wrote:
I'd hate to have to switch to a slider hitch just to make backing easier in that one spot.

"that one spot" just happens to be the spot you use every time you take your trailer out. I have a slider absolutely because of my parking situation at home. For me it's only partially due to tight turning angle. It also helps with keeping the underside of the 5th off my rear bed corners.