New fifth wheel driver.
Would anyone like to share some wisdom when driving a fifth wheel for the first few trips ? Again, wisdom is the best advice.
Forum Discussion
Veebyes wrote:
Don't ever get overconfident. Even after hundreds of backins it still knows how to make an idiot of you every once inawhile.
X2 just about the time you think you got this you don't start to straighten out quick enough.
Several great suggestions so far!
When backing steer from bottom of the wheel, push the direction you want the back of the 5er to go. I prefer to Palm the wheel and use the mirrors, I avoid turning my head and looking back, mirrors, mirrors, mirrors learn to use them. I also "palm" the wheel when backing, makes for smoother control. Also DW only watches for the idiots that would walk behind a backing trailer. There are many times at the storage yard where I am by myself
Start to straighten out as soon as the rear starts to turn, it will keep turning for a while.
Turning do as truck drivers are instructed go deeper before turning either left or right, don't drift into the next lane. Keep in mind also that a 5er tows about 4' to 6' shorter than a TT.
Always turn from the most outside turn lane, this applies to both left and right turns.
Remember you are likely 13'+ tall, watch for low overhead.
