Towing a 5th wheel

[pattega]

I have been living in my 5th wheel for about a year. I have recently purchased a truck to tow. I drove a class A briefly years and years ago but have no experience with 5th wheels or any kind of trailer for that matter. I'm starting from square one. Driving down the street doesn't scare me. But I could use some help with set up, turning and backing. Does anyone have any experience with driving schools for RVs? (I'm located in East Texas but planning on moving to Central TX shortly). Are there books or Videos you would recommend? gail

[Tin_Pusher]

Campinfan wrote:
And remember you have to turn wider as the 5ver tracks to the inside of what a travel trailer does (it turns sharper than a TT).

Especially want to NOT curb the tires. Hard on 'em 🙂

[craig7h]

Heres one link that may help you.

http://www.newbiedriver.com/articles/Backing/Backing.htm

The best to do is before you go anywhere plan on hooking up and taking you and the unit to a large open parking lot. Bring some traffic cones, have someone else drive a car or truck. Once in the parking lot, spend many hours (bring lunch) backing and turning using the cones etc as guides and problem areas. I think you will find this action much more helpful than anything else.

[navegator]

If you drove class A some time ago you might yust be alittle rustty, a calss A bob tail is close enough, yust take your time and check your mirrors often, always try to back into the RV spot on your left side, your right side mirror will be useles and as stated above before backing get out look at the site and then make shure you "LOOK UP" I have seen a lot of trees and branches rip trailers.

The only thing you have to always have in mind is that your RV will swing its tail in a wider arc than a cargo trailer due to to placement of the axel location in order to balance the wheigt.

navegator

[azrving]

I'm new to 5er's too. I went to a cat scale so they had a large lot with painted lines so I spent some time practicing backing in. I have never been real good with mirrors and practice hasn't made me perfect but it's helped. You got me thinking now so I'm going to hook up and practice again before I head out. Thanks.

[Campinfan]

Search Youtube for videos. There are some good ones there on backing. And remember you have to turn wider as the 5ver tracks to the inside of what a travel trailer does (it turns sharper than a TT). And follow Jaxom's advice. It takes a few times but it gets better rather quickly.

[Jaxom]

Until you get used to backing up the rig...remember G. O. A. L. Get Out And Look.
Practice in a big empty parking lot.
Good Luck.