backing into tight spot

WoodGlue wrote:
Try this method!

The Scoop

WoodGlue

Where do I get a convertable sports car that will pull my 28'er?

The video is kind of right and works if there is plenty of open space but you will notice there are no obsticals across from the site. With a narrow driving area the "scoop" won't work.

A more through approach for a narrow site is a "Z" turn.
- Approach as close as possible to the side your site is on.
- As the rear wheels pass the site, turn hard away from the site and continue until you run out of space ahead.
- Turn toward the site and continue forward until rear of the trailer is slightly past the site.
- You may need to play with where to start and end the turn depending on the wheel base of the rig and how wide the road is.
- You should end up with the trailer angled toward the site and the truck angled to the trailer.

The biggest issue, I see with people switching from a bumper pull to a 5th wheel is the start of the turn is very slow by comparison. By doing a Z-turn, you prime the turn by having the truck already at an angle to the trailer.

Assuming you have mirrors and a spotter, I could care less which side I back into.

I do recommend setting up hand signals so there is no need for yelling between you and the spotter.
- If you can't see the spotter, you hit the brakes and don't release them until you see the spotter directing you. The spotter is in charge with your only authority being to stop if you don't feel comfortable.
- We use:
- Fist held up for stop.
- A steady rotating of the hand for continue back.
- Point left or right for where the BACK of the trailer needs to go.
- Hands held apart to indicate additional distance (when close)
- An up & down chopping motion to indicate straighten out.

This should help but if there isn't much room it can take a lot of back & forth and frustration. I would ask the owner to address the situation or ask for a refund and find another storage yard.