First, I've been towing for 45 years, but it's always been a travel trailer. And, I was good, no brag, just fact. I remember parallel parking my van and 37 foot trailer at a parking area in Deadwood, SD quite a few years back. I got my first five in November and tow it with an F350 long bed SuperDuty and I can't make it do anything; I've tried until I'm exasperated. I know which way to cut it, but it seems like it takes forever for the input to, well, input. I have a 60 ft long garage with 12 ft wide door that I back it into, and this last time, it took an hour, plus divorce threats from my wife. I've always been told how easy it is to back up a five, so what am I doing wrong?

Try using the Z turn method and smaller inputs. I was in the same boat as you are in, Practiced a bit on a parking lot and once I got the Z turn figured out...back in like a boss now!Z turn

It's not harder, just different. Since the pivot point is over or in front of the rear axle, the response is slower. As it was years ago with your bumper pull, it is just a matter of practice. Eventually it will come to you. Some cheap orange cones from Walmart, an empty parking lot, and a couple weekends should do wonders for you.

In some ways a fifth wheel actually seems easier to me, but it does respond differently and you need more room for the truck to swing since the trailer reacts more slowly. As to what you're doing wrong, don't have your wife help you back up. That's just asking for trouble.

Thanks, guys. As to the 'Z' turn, that's how I've always backed up; just didn't know it had a name, LOL. Anyway, now that I know it's not supposed to be easier, I will practice a little more. My BIL, especially, has always stated how easy a five is compared to a TT, so I'm thinking I'm doing something is wrong. Anyway, thanks again.

Check out the various backing videos on YouTube.Sometimes it helps to "view" the methods and techniques, rather than "read" about them.Also, "Google" the subject. There's a lengthy description (with diagrams and info) intended for tractor/trailer operators.On RV Net (5th Wheel Forum) - search the archives for *Backing*. Been lots of methods described, including variations of the "Z".And yeah - TT's always seemed easier to me.You'll always hear...practice, practice, practice - - but do some research 1st.Good luck!~

Fifth wheel backing | Good Sam Community

rickeoni
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
Try using the Z turn method and smaller inputs. I was in the same boat as you are in, Practiced a bit on a parking lot and once I got the Z turn figured out...back in like a boss now!

Z turn
BB_TX
Nomad
Jan 20, 2017
It's not harder, just different. Since the pivot point is over or in front of the rear axle, the response is slower. As it was years ago with your bumper pull, it is just a matter of practice. Eventually it will come to you. Some cheap orange cones from Walmart, an empty parking lot, and a couple weekends should do wonders for you.
IdaD
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
In some ways a fifth wheel actually seems easier to me, but it does respond differently and you need more room for the truck to swing since the trailer reacts more slowly.

As to what you're doing wrong, don't have your wife help you back up. That's just asking for trouble.
clev
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
Thanks, guys. As to the 'Z' turn, that's how I've always backed up; just didn't know it had a name, LOL. Anyway, now that I know it's not supposed to be easier, I will practice a little more. My BIL, especially, has always stated how easy a five is compared to a TT, so I'm thinking I'm doing something is wrong. Anyway, thanks again.
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
Check out the various backing videos on YouTube.

Sometimes it helps to "view" the methods and techniques,
rather than "read" about them.

Also, "Google" the subject. There's a lengthy description (with diagrams and info) intended for tractor/trailer operators.

On RV Net (5th Wheel Forum) - search the archives for *Backing*.
Been lots of methods described, including variations of the "Z".

And yeah - TT's always seemed easier to me.

You'll always hear...practice, practice, practice - - but do some research 1st.

Good luck!

~
Beaker
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
...but it seems like it takes forever for the input to, well, input.

Yes, and you probably cut it more and when it does start turning it is way too much, too fast. When this starts to happen stop and pull ahead a bit in the opposite direction you where turning.

Of course the best way is practice, practice, etc but this should help in the meantime.
clev
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
Again, thanks. I didn't think about You Tube; I check it out.
patriotgrunt
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
Also try buying your wife flowers. That'll prevent the divorce while you practice. Works for me.
Showme_5vr
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
The more you can keep the end (tailgate area) of the truck under the nose of the 5th wheel the more you will "turn" as you back up. Once the "end" of the truck comes out from under the nose the more you are moving the front end over and the less you are "backing" up. There have been a few times where I have gotten the 5th wheel lined up where I wanted to back it into but the truck was still at an angle, so I just dropped the landing gear pulled my truck out , straightened out the truck and hooked the trailer back up then backed it in.
Good luck
clev
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
Shame, that was great advice. This last time, the five was aligned perfectly in the door of the garage, but the truck was almost jackknifed. I should have unhooked, repositioned, recooked, and backed up. I'll keep that in mind.

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