Wannabee

[campaholic52]

Wife and I just got back from a 2700 mile road trip with our '03 F350 6.0 dually extended cab that has all the major issue resolved,I think! We would like to be full timers after I retire. We have never owned a camper or fifth wheel. I bring up a camper because I'm not sure which would be a better fit. We experienced countless road construction sites with minimal room for the width of an 18 wheeler or fifth wheel. I know there ultimately is enough room but the stress of driving with something that wide, I'm not sure I would enjoy the adventure. Are my fears unfounded? Where does one get the training/experience needed to not be a danger on the road. Thanks for the advice.

[avvidclif1]

campaholic52 wrote:
Wife and I just got back from a 2700 mile road trip with our '03 F350 6.0 dually extended cab that has all the major issue resolved,I think! We would like to be full timers after I retire. We have never owned a camper or fifth wheel. I bring up a camper because I'm not sure which would be a better fit. We experienced countless road construction sites with minimal room for the width of an 18 wheeler or fifth wheel. I know there ultimately is enough room but the stress of driving with something that wide, I'm not sure I would enjoy the adventure. Are my fears unfounded? Where does one get the training/experience needed to not be a danger on the road. Thanks for the advice.

Locate a marker on the front of the truck that when you sight across it to the side or center of the road you know where you are in the lane. The black windshield washer button on the hood is my marker. When it's in the center of the lane the truck and trailer are centered. Don't focus on it just check it to confirm position, it's better than mirrors. Check the mirrors frequently for what's behind you, not for position. Also look way ahead of the truck and drive to the center of the lane.

It won't take long.

[MTPockets1]

Most fifth wheel trailers are 8 ft wide (96"), same as your dully. Some trailers do go to 102" wide, but still as has been stated, if your mirrors clear there is room for the trailer.

[rhagfo]

campaholic52 wrote:
Wife and I just got back from a 2700 mile road trip with our '03 F350 6.0 dually extended cab that has all the major issue resolved,I think! We would like to be full timers after I retire. We have never owned a camper or fifth wheel. I bring up a camper because I'm not sure which would be a better fit. We experienced countless road construction sites with minimal room for the width of an 18 wheeler or fifth wheel. I know there ultimately is enough room but the stress of driving with something that wide, I'm not sure I would enjoy the adventure. Are my fears unfounded? Where does one get the training/experience needed to not be a danger on the road. Thanks for the advice.

Did any look as bad as this State highway in Oregon speed limit 55 normal speed 60?

[C-Bears]

I drove truck tractor/trailers at a very young age. However, the first time I hooked up my F350 SRW to a 39' FW the "thing" looked pretty big in my mirrors. My advise would be to pre-plan your routes the night before and use a good RV GPS unit. While pulling a large FW you have to PAY ATTENTION by constantly watching all traffic around you and behind you. I completely enjoy pulling my fiver down the road but I only do about 300 - 325 miles per day. I never want to start getting tired or daydreaming while towing so we try to get off the road by 3pm. If you are retired and/or full time what is the hurry anyway?

[campaholic52]

Thanks to everyone who responded! I guess I'll just jump "head first" into a fiver the camper idea is versatile, but too small.

[CenTex]

It would not do you any good to op out for a camper as they are also 8' wide the same as a fiver. Go for the fiver and enjoy the extra room you will gain. The more you pull it the more comfortable you will get with it. I have an 18 wheeler that I take to truck shows and I pull a 53' trailer with it, my total length with the long wheelbase truck is over 70 feet. I always come to attention when ever I get to one of those areas where the lanes are narrow, not a lot of fun but you will do well as long as you keep your brain engaged.

[JW_of_Opechee_S]

If the duelly fits the fifth wheel will fit too. You will get comfortable in no time.

[wandering1]

Tent trailer campers and pop up campers are not that wide. Travel trailers and fifth wheels are about the same width as your dually rear fenders. Whats the problem, have you hit something with your dually rear fenders?

[rhagfo]

GrumpyandGrandma wrote:
Use your mirrors and keep an eye on the FW/TT tires as well as the sides of the unit. CDL classes tell you to check mirrors every 15-20 seconds.

I never look back in the mirrors in narrow lanes, a quick glance for traffic is all. I look ahead and stay centered or slightly right in the lane. If your mirrors clear the rest will clear!
Is the F350 not a daily driver? If not drive it more often you will get comfortable with the size, from then on it will be easy.

[GrumpyandGrandm]

Use your mirrors and keep an eye on the FW/TT tires as well as the sides of the unit. CDL classes tell you to check mirrors every 15-20 seconds.

[Randu]

Not sure of any defined training as I'm sure 90% of us just did it and learned on the fly. I started with a 24'5th and had white knuckle grip the 1st 10 miles of the 30 mile trip home. The start was a simple turn out of the dealer lot and then a merge to the highway. Glad I got used to it on the highway as I was able to feel it out for lane placement and where things were in the mirror. 10 miles later I was relaxing and it was a easy drive the rest of the way. 2 turns in town and I quickly learned about turning wide as I jumped curb the 1st time I turned right at a traffic light. Backing into the back yard was a real trial and error exercise but again you will quickly learn what works and what don't. I kept trading up in trailer size and weight in a few foot increments and almost no difference once you learn on the first few outings. 36' and 16,800# trailer now but had 34', 33', 27 ' rigs on the way up.
(Spent and lost $$ on each trade so better to spend extra time deciding what you want and need right at the start).
Randu

[Jay_Pat]

campaholic52 wrote:
We experienced countless road construction sites with minimal room for the width of an 18 wheeler or fifth wheel. I know there ultimately is enough room but the stress of driving with something that wide, I'm not sure I would enjoy the adventure. Are my fears unfounded? Where does one get the training/experience needed to not be a danger on the road. Thanks for the advice.

I assume you are describing, driving between two concrete barriers. Could be describing a very narrow two way traffic thru construction area with barriers.

My experience, is to simply slow down to a speed that you are comfortable with. I have found these construction areas, are not that long. Better safe than sorry.

If you are meeting a lane of traffic that is very narrow and a big truck is hogging the stripe, I slow down even more and might even stop. Usually, the oncoming truck will get over to their side. You could give them an outside the window, hand signal to slow down and signal to move over. Better safe than sorry.

Hope this is helpful!!
Pat