Space required to back in compared to MH

We have more than enough room on the slab. Its small by most resort standards but more than adequate at 65*35. Plus some over hang in the back (up to 3ft).

We have a very wide area around our property (especially the sides) for over hang / slides so if the rear of the fifth wheel needs to go back into another property or dead space between lots to get the triple axle on the pad its not an issue. There is nothing really impeding it once we remove a bush.

As far as space across the road. There is a good angle we can take that will put the pulling truck over another person's lot (they are aware and don't care we'll lay down some plywood to protect the grass) which should allow us to back up into our space at a good angle (not too sharp at all). I think it should be well over 65ft likely more, bring the fifth back into the lot until the towing truck clears my front neighbors planter and then start cutting the wheel to turn the truck and the fifth. Pull forward some, back up some and hopefully smack dab where we want it.

I added about 10ft to the front of our MH and if we make some landscaping changes (pull a bush) we should have enough room and more importantly a good angle. I realize the truck can't really push the fifth if it jack knifes out too far.

I'm more of a worry wort than anything else. Buying a 145k 5th and not really knowing if it will fit is pretty ballsy or stupid but I figure it will fit even if we have to detach and re attach the truck a few times to get it in.

Once its in, its not really expected to move much if at all.

I should just take some pictures and post them. I think I might just do that. and provide some measurements.

Thanks for being so helpful folks I'll get back to you with pics tomorrow.

mudfuel07 wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
The only 'restriction' I have incurred is enough room for front of truck to swing.

I can get 5'vr into some really tight places BUT that front swing of truck is factor that makes it easy or harder.

As mentioned MH will swing quicker/tighter..........with 5'vr you may have to 'reposition' more before getting into site.

I will completely agree with this, you really have to watch the front of the truck. I've taken out many a bush and small trees when backing in. Luckily, I have a replacement bumper on the front.

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Heck, bushes and small trees - no big deal; cars, other people's campers, light poles and those pesky concrete site markers are the problem.

Another consideration other then backing in the campsite is your slides.
Do you have enough room to deploy all your slides to full extension, and not hit anything. Just another consideration for you.
Best of luck,
Scott

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the input.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
The only 'restriction' I have incurred is enough room for front of truck to swing.

I can get 5'vr into some really tight places BUT that front swing of truck is factor that makes it easy or harder.

As mentioned MH will swing quicker/tighter..........with 5'vr you may have to 'reposition' more before getting into site.

That is where the room is needed. Mine is a long bed crewcab. They don't get any longer. We, & I say We because it can't be done without the DW being my eyes in the back, have stuffed the trailer into all kinds of small spaces. It takes time & cool heads.

I think you have to compare apples to apples. You have a 43 Ft MH and want a similar size. It depends on how you define similar size. If you mean a 43ft 5th wheel and then add the amount of the truck that extends beyond the pin box you will now be in the upper 50ft to 60ft total length. If you mean useable interior space without the MH drivers compartment then you can go with a smaller 5th wheel and thus a smaller overall length which of course is easier to fit into a tight spot.

I made a set of marker pylons out of some large plastic planters, glued some of those little battery powered candles in the tops so I can have something to guide me day or night if I have to back into a space on the passenger side. I use them whenever we return from RVing and I have to jockey the 5th wheel into place alongside our house, it's a very tricky spot with rain gutter/eaves hazards, gas meters and in front of a large rollup door in a hangar that needs to be kept clear. You can buy collapsible pylons at RV stores, mine are cheaper though.

SandSOrrell wrote:
I have a 37' FW and pull it with a long bed 1 ton drw PU that is 23' front bumper to rear. Figuring a 3' overhang of the FW over the truck bed, the whole rig is 57' front bumper of the truck to rear bumper of the FW. So, unless you have a TOAD or a MH that is more than 57' (you said 45 I believe), I would say that I would need more room to back my FW in. But that is me. I'm fairly new at this and my backing skills are OK when the trailer rear-end is in mirror on my left side. But the other way, "ahem...". If you have lots of experience backing trailers (like maybe being a over-the-road trucker), you might be OK.

That would be my thought as well. Whenever I have a problem getting into a spot, room to maneuver the truck is invariably the issue. I seem to spend as much time making sure I don't hit a rock, tree, ditch etc with the front of the truck as I do watching the 5th.

Is it easier than a MH? Couldn't say.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
The only 'restriction' I have incurred is enough room for front of truck to swing.

I can get 5'vr into some really tight places BUT that front swing of truck is factor that makes it easy or harder.

As mentioned MH will swing quicker/tighter..........with 5'vr you may have to 'reposition' more before getting into site.

I will completely agree with this, you really have to watch the front of the truck. I've taken out many a bush and small trees when backing in. Luckily, I have a replacement bumper on the front.

Owened MH's, TT's and 5th wheels. TT's are the hardest to park. I've never had problems getting MH's and fivers in the the same CG's. Of course I'm old and have plenty of practice!