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

Lantley
Nomad
Jul 28, 2014
I have have been on a few solo trips it can be done no problem. Take your time and don't hesitate to get out and look when necessary!
d-mac1
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
According to what I see, its 12'6" tall. Make sure your route doesn't have anything lower than that. If semi's take your route, you'll be good cuz they're 13'6".

It will back up different from a bumper pull, but just be careful.

Do you have a brake controller in your truck?

With GVWR of 12k per Forest River, I'm going to guess it weighs around 10.5k empty and puts around 1.5k on your truck. Do you have enough truck?
rtazz17
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
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.
WE-C-USA
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
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.
donn0128
Explorer II
Jul 28, 2014
I prefer towing and parking at home alone. DW goes in the house until I park. Then she comes to help unload.
maxum1989
Explorer II
Jul 28, 2014
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.
laknox
Nomad
Jul 28, 2014
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

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picking up our new 5th wheel, need advice

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