Well, it's almost here. We pick up our new fifth wheel this Saturday. I've never towed one before but I'm sure I'll pick it up. I've towed regular trailers for a long time. Think my only issue will be backing into a spot. I've gotten to where it's a one shot deal with my bumper pull and was kind of proud of that. I'm sure the fifth wheel has different turning characteristics for me to learn. Should be ok. I'm a fairly quick learner. We're pumped.

Congratulations! We too had TT's so had the learning curve of the FW. We did a lot of practice in parking lots at first. DH even had me backing it up so that I, as DW, would know what he is experiencing when I'm giving him direction! It worked. You didn't say what make and model of FW you got. Enjoy it.

Sorry, Brookestone 395RL. I'm "lucky" in that I have a high school parking lot across from my house so plenty of backing practice space. My wife will be practicing as well.

You will love towing that new FW! As for backing, don't worry about the pride, or one shot thing. There are many times it just makes more sense to pull ahead a little, start over backing. It's easier on the tires and suspension, and less chance of hitting cab/trailer.You'll still have the pride of your new FW! CongratsJerry

Before buying the 5er, the most I had ever towed was a 16' utility trailer with a tractor on it. Pulling out of the RV dealer lot, my first thought was "wow, that thing is huge". But after towing it 100 miles home, and "only" jumping one curb, I realized it was actually very easy. Did make me especially aware of the need for wide turns. After a practice session in the high school football stadium parking lot with some cheap orange cones from Walmart practicing backing, I felt comfortable in hitting the road. Enjoy.

BB_TX wrote:Before buying the 5er, the most I had ever towed was a 16' utility trailer with a tractor on it. Pulling out of the RV dealer lot, my first thought was "wow, that thing is huge". But after towing it 100 miles home, and "only" jumping one curb, I realized it was actually very easy. Did make me especially aware of the need for wide turns. After a practice session in the high school football stadium parking lot with some cheap orange cones from Walmart practicing backing, I felt comfortable in hitting the road. Enjoy.x2 on the wide turns. Watch your mirrors when you go around corners and don't be afraid to take a lane and a half if turning into a not-so-wide street. I have to get after my brother on this, both with my FW and with our GN trailer.When you set up your hitch and pin box at the dealer, make sure you have no less than 6" clearance between the bed and the trailer, or you'll have problems. You do want to be level, but you can fudge a bit if it will get you clearance, and be 1-2" nose-high. If you do find yourself nose-high, then you'll have to check to see what you can do to get level and, hopefully, maintain level on the trailer. Also, since you'll be virtually empty, you'll get some squat as you load the FW with "stuff", and that will affect how the FW sits.Lyle

New trailer | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

MFL
Nomad II
Mar 14, 2016
You will love towing that new FW! As for backing, don't worry about the pride, or one shot thing. There are many times it just makes more sense to pull ahead a little, start over backing. It's easier on the tires and suspension, and less chance of hitting cab/trailer.

You'll still have the pride of your new FW! Congrats

Jerry
dwayneb236
Explorer
Mar 14, 2016
Sorry, Brookestone 395RL. I'm "lucky" in that I have a high school parking lot across from my house so plenty of backing practice space. My wife will be practicing as well.
ReneeG
Explorer
Mar 14, 2016
Congratulations! We too had TT's so had the learning curve of the FW. We did a lot of practice in parking lots at first. DH even had me backing it up so that I, as DW, would know what he is experiencing when I'm giving him direction! It worked. You didn't say what make and model of FW you got. Enjoy it.

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New trailer

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