Backing 5th wheel vs Travel trailer

billkaufmann wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:

guidry wrote:
I wouldn't say it's more difficult, just a little different because of the pivot point. You will have a learning curve but the stability towing more than makes up for it! All you will need is a little practice and you'll be fine.

+1. I don't find it any harder backing my 5er vs previous bumper pull. The biggest difference I have found is having to contend with the additional height and making contact with trees. Small price to pay for all the other benefits that come with a 5er.

X2 on trees

X3 - took a tall branch to remind us to also look up.

N-Trouble wrote:

guidry wrote:
I wouldn't say it's more difficult, just a little different because of the pivot point. You will have a learning curve but the stability towing more than makes up for it! All you will need is a little practice and you'll be fine.

+1. I don't find it any harder backing my 5er vs previous bumper pull. The biggest difference I have found is having to contend with the additional height and making contact with trees. Small price to pay for all the other benefits that come with a 5er.

X2 on trees

N-Trouble wrote:
I also do what I would call an "S" move before I'm going to back into a spot to get the back of the trailer pointed in the general direction I want it to turn before I start backing. That will get it turning a little quicker.

No way would I ever go back to a TT...

The "S" move, never thought of it like that. Me and my parents both do that and yes it does make it much easier/faster. Good one.

I also do what I would call an "S" move before I'm going to back into a spot to get the back of the trailer pointed in the general direction I want it to turn before I start backing. That will get it turning a little quicker.

No way would I ever go back to a TT...

jay5er wrote:
You will need to be aware that due to the pivot location in the middle of the P/U box the 5er will be MUCH slower to respond and in a tight campground you might work up a real sweat. Spring 2016 I will be selling a 5er and purchasing a trailer. Safe travels

That is why I pull the back end of the trailer about 10 feet past where I want to back in. I can then back it in with little or no problem.

You will need to be aware that due to the pivot location in the middle of the P/U box the 5er will be MUCH slower to respond and in a tight campground you might work up a real sweat. Spring 2016 I will be selling a 5er and purchasing a trailer. Safe travels

avvidclif1 wrote:

ReneeG wrote:

phillyg wrote:
I've towed lots of trailers of different sizes. I can't say that a FW is more or less difficult than anything else, it's just different and you'll get used to it after a while. Having a good spotter is very important, and using walkie-talkie can really help.

We've had 4 TT's from 19' to 32' and we found the longest to be easier to back. Then we got the 35' FW, it's different. We use walkie talkies and I'm the spotter. DH has had me back it many times as practice and to understand what he is doing so that I know what backing commands to give him. He's also had me hookup, pull it out of storage, and tow down highways and over mountains.

We've tried hand signals (UGH), walkie talkies, and about everything else. I saw a post about a different way and love it.

If the TV is equipped with Bluetooth connect your (driver) phone to it. Have the spotter call on their phone. Hands free communication without push buttons and instantaneous feedback. Slick.

Great idea!

ReneeG wrote:

phillyg wrote:
I've towed lots of trailers of different sizes. I can't say that a FW is more or less difficult than anything else, it's just different and you'll get used to it after a while. Having a good spotter is very important, and using walkie-talkie can really help.

We've had 4 TT's from 19' to 32' and we found the longest to be easier to back. Then we got the 35' FW, it's different. We use walkie talkies and I'm the spotter. DH has had me back it many times as practice and to understand what he is doing so that I know what backing commands to give him. He's also had me hookup, pull it out of storage, and tow down highways and over mountains.

We've tried hand signals (UGH), walkie talkies, and about everything else. I saw a post about a different way and love it.

If the TV is equipped with Bluetooth connect your (driver) phone to it. Have the spotter call on their phone. Hands free communication without push buttons and instantaneous feedback. Slick.

I have towed and backed both. I actually prefer to back my 5er now that i am used to it. You do have to start the turn sooner as the response is slower due to the location of where you are hitched up, however i can make a much tighter turn while backing (almost 90 degrees) comfortably. I found that to get in the same places with a TT required more jockeying around due to the turn radius capabilities.

Make the jump

Go back to drivers ed days and go find an empty parking lot with a couple of trash cans. try different backing in techniques and Practice, practice, practice.

I think you will like the 5er better on many fronts. The main being time it takes to hitch and unhitch.

phillyg wrote:
I've towed lots of trailers of different sizes. I can't say that a FW is more or less difficult than anything else, it's just different and you'll get used to it after a while. Having a good spotter is very important, and using walkie-talkie can really help.

We've had 4 TT's from 19' to 32' and we found the longest to be easier to back. Then we got the 35' FW, it's different. We use walkie talkies and I'm the spotter. DH has had me back it many times as practice and to understand what he is doing so that I know what backing commands to give him. He's also had me hookup, pull it out of storage, and tow down highways and over mountains.