New 5th Wheel...

Sweet looking 5'er. Does it have 2 zip codes:)
If I'm having trouble cause I can't quite see where I'm going, I usually get out and make a mark with my foot where I want the tires to go. Then I tell the wife to get me to the mark. Works most of the time.

The biggest result I got, learning how to back up with my fifth wheel, was to quit watching the rear of the trailer.

And start watching the tires on the fifth wheel, and get them to follow an imaginary line leading to the spot one is backing into.

Shoot, some years back someone even suggested laying out a garden hose as the line you want the tires to follow, and just keep them next to the hose. Mind you, I think that is overkill, and my imaginary line works just fine.

It is also much easier to back into something on the drivers side of the truck. Visibility just so much better.

The best part is when you pull so far forward (I do the same thing) is when someone behind you stops in front of your space cause they thought you were going right on by :) Had to get out a couple of times in places that didn't have wide pathways to ask the guy to back up, but it's all in fun, got to look at it that way, at least I do. :)

Me Again wrote:
One of the tricks to backing a 5th wheel is that you have to pull forward a lot farther than with a bumper pull before backing up!!!

Chris

I agree.

My Dad told me that piece of advise many, many years ago. We would be at a campground watching the comings and goings and he would say, "that guy will have trouble backing in, he's not far enough forward." And sure enough that was the case.

When I got my first 5er I pulled up quite aways past my campsite. My wife said, "what are you doing?" I said, "just watch". Backed in no problem. I have to catch myself sometimes though and make sure to pull far enough down the "lane". It seems too far at times (compared to a bumper pull) but it is usually the best way to go.

Enjoy your new rig....:)

Practice is about your only useful weapon. I just moved from a 38' motorhome to a 40' fifth wheel. Just like it took me a while to manuver the motorhome in tight areas, and then back it up with a trailer attached, I am back at the start with this one. I have towing experience and it is very much like any of the tags I have and continue to tow, it really is just getting used to its reaction time for turning and its overall length then anything else.

Congrats on your new camper. I is really beautiful. We bought a Big Country in August and are very pleased with it. Heartland seems to be a very good company.

As for backing in-give it time and plenty of patience :)

breeno wrote:
I have a very happy family. Really pleased with it so far.

Also, I'm pretty amazed at how well this combo tows -- such a stress-free experience compared to the travel trailer + 1/2 ton. Now, if I can just figure out backing this thing up...



More photos found here

No problem backing, use pull-thrus and don't get into a spot where you have to back up. :B

Seriously it's not hard, just different, and takes practice. As I told people when I drove a big rig, there is a reason this thing has 13 forward gears and one reverse, it ain't meant to go backwards...

Great looking setup..

Very nice. DH found just the opposite - it's more responsive than the 32' TT we had. What really helped us both - him in backing and me in understanding "what was taking him so long" - was to go to a local school parking lot, setting up cones, and practicing backing. DH learned a lot that day, but more importantly I did. It's not so easy, even though I knew for sure just what he had to do from where I stood back there! :o

Nice coach, nice truck, best hitch available for Ford prep. Congrats on the entire rig!

When you can back in a tight spot in the dark, using wife with flashlight,as a spotter, the day time backing will be easy!

Happy travels,

Jerry

Congrats, it is a good life.