Got our offline date for our Wildcat 312QBX for 8/8. I ordered from RVW in OH and I am willing to drive from FL to pick it up (to save the $1669 delivery fee. My wife and I are having scheduling conflicts that might prevent her going with me. Am I crazy to drive by myself for 14-15 hours(one way)without her expert help? I would probably stop half way on the way back. But then would have to do all the parking/backing/pulling by myself.This is my first 5th wheel, it's only 35', coming from a 24' hybrid TT. Does a second set of eyes really help? I'm sure after the PDI and them helping with the hook/unhook procedures I will feel more comfortable, but it would be nice to hear her calming voice of assurance.Also, what do I need to bring with me (as far as what will not be included). I have hitch, power surge protector, typical camping items?Thanks in advance.

nole_trainer wrote:Got our offline date for our Wildcat 312QBX for 8/8. I ordered from RVW in OH and I am willing to drive from FL to pick it up (to save the $1669 delivery fee. My wife and I are having scheduling conflicts that might prevent her going with me. Am I crazy to drive by myself for 14-15 hours(one way)without her expert help? I would probably stop half way on the way back. But then would have to do all the parking/backing/pulling by myself.This is my first 5th wheel, it's only 35', coming from a 24' hybrid TT. Does a second set of eyes really help? I'm sure after the PDI and them helping with the hook/unhook procedures I will feel more comfortable, but it would be nice to hear her calming voice of assurance.Also, what do I need to bring with me (as far as what will not be included). I have hitch, power surge protector, typical camping items?Thanks in advance.If that 14/15 hour trip is =with= her, that should be an easy 10-12 hour trip by yourself. :-) If you have your rig set up level, you wouldn't even have to unhitch when you stop; just crawl in and rack out. Wouldn't even need sheets, just a sleeping bag and some TP. :-)Lyle

I guess it depends on how comfortable you were towing your Hybrid. If you were very comfortable its probably not a big deal to do it on your own. I picked up my fifth wheel on my own and brought it back to the house and backed it in with no-one around. I was a little concerned but I was going from a tent trailer to a 30' fifth wheel and I was only 2 hours from home. I am trying to think back to my pick up date and I am guessing I would have asked a buddy to join me for a road trip if I was going 15 hours. If finding someone failed, I probably would have done it alone anyways.

I prefer towing and parking at home alone. DW goes in the house until I park. Then she comes to help unload.

You can do it yourself. Just be sure the trailer & truck are level when you hook-up. There will be several overnight sites/stops that you'll not even have to backup or unhook. Go for it.

Im much better with no help and prefer it that way.I will get out and look if needed.Aside from a little boredom without having someone to talk with its really no big deal.Backing a fifth wheel is somewhat different from a travel trailer but much easier in my opinion after you learn the pivot points cuz they never change.

picking up our new 5th wheel, need advice | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

Bamaman11
Explorer
Jul 31, 2014
Don't forget to stop on the GA/FL state line south of Valdosta and fill your fuel tank up.

Florida's double tough on pocketbooks for gasoline & diesel. The fuel tax partially makes up for lack of a state sales tax.
d-mac1
Explorer
Jul 30, 2014
nole_trainer wrote:
Sturgeon-Phish wrote:
Do you have a GPS for navigation? That can take a lot of stress off when you are looking for unfamiliar exits and the like. And you can mute the GPS.
Jim

I found a great app "ALLSTAYS - Camp and RV", of course phone GPS, Garmin GPS unit, and my truck has navigation. I think I might be on navi overload. Plus I work with mapping all day long. So, I probably will get lost. Fortunately it's all interstate for 98%

I use that app to plan my routes. But I have a Garmin nuvi trucker gps in my truck which you can put in your height, weight, length, axle weights, etc. It will only take you down routes that you are ok on, but use your brain too.

BTW...good one on the Taco as your TV. :-)
laknox
Nomad
Jul 29, 2014
nole_trainer wrote:
rseymour21 wrote:
14 to 15 hours?!? I'd spend at least a couple days returning, In No Hurry!:B

That's google time :) But I just made reservations at the 1/2 way point just incase......

Why? Isn't that what the FW's for? :B

Lyle
nole_trainer
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
rseymour21 wrote:
14 to 15 hours?!? I'd spend at least a couple days returning, In No Hurry!:B

That's google time :) But I just made reservations at the 1/2 way point just incase......
rseymour21
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
14 to 15 hours?!? I'd spend at least a couple days returning, In No Hurry!:B
spud1957
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
You will be amazed at the difference towing the 5th wheel over the TT. They are a joy to tow. Came home last weekend with 20 MPH crosswinds, didn't feel a thing. Only new it was windy by looking at the trees.
Duke-44
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
I bought my 'first new' 5ver from a place in OH. Everything went well except the promised delivery date. Somehow a delivery driver picked up the wrong unit from the factory (didn't thoroughly check the VIN #) mine was headed to Canada when the mistake was found. So that delivery was held up a day. We found out in route. They put us up in a hotel for the extra night. The dealer took most of the next day doing dealer prep on our unit.

So make sure the unit is on their lot before you leave.
laknox
Nomad
Jul 29, 2014
Mote wrote:
Sounds like you have the truck to do the job. Should be an easy drive back down to Florida. The only I would add would be to make sure the camper battery is charged up and a little fresh water in the tanks for the overnight stop on the way back home.
Enjoy and post some pictures of the rig when you get it hooked up.

Don't forget the TP! Napkins are =rough=! :-)

Lyle
Mote
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
Sounds like you have the truck to do the job. Should be an easy drive back down to Florida. The only I would add would be to make sure the camper battery is charged up and a little fresh water in the tanks for the overnight stop on the way back home.
Enjoy and post some pictures of the rig when you get it hooked up.
nole_trainer
Explorer
Jul 29, 2014
tahoemc wrote:
Congrats on making your purchase. About 3 yrs ago we upsized from a 23' TT to a 31' 5r. There is a difference in towing, as you will feel more weight "in" the truck. However, towing the 5r seems more stable as there is a lot less sway and turbulence.

I would hook/unhook a couple of times with your service person (not the salesman) to make sure your comfortable with that process. I think I would rather tow by myself the first time to minimize distractions.

From what I can tell, your attitude, sense of humor and previous experience will serve you well for you inaugural trip. Just take your time, check and recheck, and have fun!

Thanks! Will do! Getting all my ducks in a row: insurance, first night hotel, second night campground, half way back campground (maybe, might be tempted to drive all the way back)

Photos to follow......