fifth wheel backing

[travelingcat]

Consider the following. You have two identical trucks and two identical parking sites but two different fifth wheels. What characteristic will cause one of these fifth wheels to be easier to back into it's site?

[Allworth]

"My" trailer is easier for "me" to back (with my truck).

Eventually "your" trailer will be easier for "you" to back (with your truck).

Practice. Practice. Practice.

After four years with the same combination, I sorta have an instinct for where it is going to go. Sometimes it fools me, but most times it behaves.

[Tyler0215]

As a 18 wheel driver for 30 plus years I can tell you that longer is easier than shorter, however, practice makes perfect, or at least better. Slow and easy does it. Don't saw the steering wheel back and forth when backing .Imagine a line that you want the trailer tires to follow from where you start to where you want to end up. Another way to look at it is if you were pulling out of the space how would you do it? Then do it backwards. The only way to learn how to back a trailer is to do it. Parking lot practice is best. Drive in a spot straight, set up some cones, drive out go in a circle and and back in, set up the cones and do it again. You will learn to back up before you get dizzy. Also learn to back without a 2nd person guiding you.

[nickthehunter]

A longer 5er will be easier to back in as it doesn't react very fast and hence doesn't get off track as easy. A shorter 5er will be easier to get into tighter spots because it takes a lot less maneuvering room and "steers" quicker. So the real answer is "it depends".

[valhalla360]

The pin to trailer wheels will change how it reacts slightly but neither is better or worse.

[Racine96]

If it helps you, I am still struggling.

[travelingcat]

I appreciate the serious answers some of you gave to my serious question.

[john_bet]

A longer trailer will be easier to back than a shorter one. Just ask any semi driver.

[hotpepperkid]

Most people over steer to start and then fail to correct in time

[ol_Bombero-JC]

travelingcat wrote:
Consider the following. You have two identical trucks and two identical parking sites but two different fifth wheels. What characteristic will cause one of these fifth wheels to be easier to back into it's site?

Is this kinda like the song title game on ATC?

Answers to your quiz = all very good!..:C

Now *YOU* might add........
just how the "two different fifth wheels" - differ?..:?..:@

Replies didn't add (or ask) if one is a triple axle - like many toy haulers and heavy trailers.

Is your post a "how to do it" - for backing.......or what?..:S

~

[4huskers]

I've found slower is usually better

[Halmfamily]

wilber1 wrote:
Distance between pin and tires will dictate how tight it can turn. Distance between tires and rear of trailer will dictate what you might whack with it.

I like this answer. You made my night.:B

I find it easier to back my 41' fifth wheel than my 20' bumper pull I use, for my Kubota.

[Mike_Taverniti]

Not bragging, but I can back any trailer on to your little toe if you stand still. Just need to practice and have confidence while all those other campers are watching !!

[jepalmer]

PEBSWAS
(problem exists between steering wheel and seat)

[rhagfo]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Length between king pin and trailer tires

And drivers ability.

I can park my 34' 5vr where some can't get their 24' 5vr into.

X3

Longer is easier, and never turn too far, start to straighten out before you think you need to.

Turn from the bottom of the steering wheel, push the direction you want the back of the trailer to go.

[wilber1]

Distance between pin and tires will dictate how tight it can turn. Distance between tires and rear of trailer will dictate what you might whack with it.