Another member posted a question about learning to drive a Class A motorhome and one of the issues that was raised is learning to turn a corner without clipping the curb with the back wheel or hitting oncoming traffic. That is an area that concerns me, but I'm looking at picking a trailer instead of a motorhome.That brings me to my question. I will probably pick a trailer about 35 feet long, which is pretty long. I'm guessing it's complicated to turn corners at intersections with a long trailer, too. How different is it if the trailer is a fifth wheel instead of the same 35-foot length "box" hitched to a bumper?

A 5th wheel will be a lot easier. Just remember that the front axle of the trailer needs to be at the start of the turn before you start turning the truck.

A FW will cut inside the turn more than a bumper pull. If you have room, you can go farther into the corner before turning. In some cases you may have to swing wide before turning, if traffic is shortening your turn area. It does not take long to figure it out, but turn slowly until you do.Yes, a longer FW will cut even more inside the trucks turn.Jerry

corvettekent wrote:A 5th wheel will be a lot easier. Just remember that the front axle of the trailer needs to be at the start of the turn before you start turning the truck.Can you tell us your definition of "the start of the turn"?

As mentioned, a 5er cuts inside the corners more so you have to swing wider. Another thing to keep in mind involves how much trailer you have aft of the trailers wheels. As the nose starts turning, the tail end swings out which could get you in trouble.

MFL wrote:A FW will cut inside the turn more than a bumper pull. If you have room, you can go farther into the corner before turning. In some cases you may have to swing wide before turning, if traffic is shortening your turn area. It does not take long to figure it out, but turn slowly until you do.Yes, a longer FW will cut even more inside the trucks turn.JerryX2 - A 5th wheel is definitely not easier than a bumper pull to turn around a corner, but then again, it is not difficult to do once you get used to delaying the start of your turn as long as possible.

Turning Radius: Fifth Wheel vs. Bumper Pull | Good Sam Community

corvettekent
Explorer
Jun 25, 2017
A 5th wheel will be a lot easier. Just remember that the front axle of the trailer needs to be at the start of the turn before you start turning the truck.
MFL
Nomad II
Jun 25, 2017
A FW will cut inside the turn more than a bumper pull. If you have room, you can go farther into the corner before turning. In some cases you may have to swing wide before turning, if traffic is shortening your turn area. It does not take long to figure it out, but turn slowly until you do.

Yes, a longer FW will cut even more inside the trucks turn.

Jerry
CarnationSailor
Nomad
Jun 25, 2017
corvettekent wrote:
A 5th wheel will be a lot easier. Just remember that the front axle of the trailer needs to be at the start of the turn before you start turning the truck.

Can you tell us your definition of "the start of the turn"?
Searching_Ut
Explorer
Jun 25, 2017
As mentioned, a 5er cuts inside the corners more so you have to swing wider. Another thing to keep in mind involves how much trailer you have aft of the trailers wheels. As the nose starts turning, the tail end swings out which could get you in trouble.
CarnationSailor
Nomad
Jun 25, 2017
MFL wrote:
A FW will cut inside the turn more than a bumper pull. If you have room, you can go farther into the corner before turning. In some cases you may have to swing wide before turning, if traffic is shortening your turn area. It does not take long to figure it out, but turn slowly until you do.

Yes, a longer FW will cut even more inside the trucks turn.

Jerry

X2 - A 5th wheel is definitely not easier than a bumper pull to turn around a corner, but then again, it is not difficult to do once you get used to delaying the start of your turn as long as possible.
DallasSteve
Nomad
Jun 25, 2017
CarnationSailor wrote:
MFL wrote:
A FW will cut inside the turn more than a bumper pull. If you have room, you can go farther into the corner before turning. In some cases you may have to swing wide before turning, if traffic is shortening your turn area. It does not take long to figure it out, but turn slowly until you do.

Yes, a longer FW will cut even more inside the trucks turn.

Jerry

X2 - A 5th wheel is definitely not easier than a bumper pull to turn around a corner, but then again, it is not difficult to do once you get used to delaying the start of your turn as long as possible.

Wow! I'm glad I asked. I thought it would be easier to turn a corner with a 5th wheel.
Durb
Explorer
Jun 25, 2017
The overall length of truck and trailer combined with my 31' 5er is shorter than our 25' OAL travel trailer was so that is something to be considered. The bumper pull did track more faithfully to the truck than the 5er in turns. I've hopped a couple of curbs during my 5er learning curve.
corvettekent
Explorer
Jun 25, 2017
CarnationSailor wrote:
corvettekent wrote:
A 5th wheel will be a lot easier. Just remember that the front axle of the trailer needs to be at the start of the turn before you start turning the truck.

Can you tell us your definition of "the start of the turn"?

The point that the curb starts to curve.
Redwoodcamper
Explorer
Jun 25, 2017
Use your mirrors. It really isn't that difficult. Swing wide
valhalla360
Navigator
Jun 25, 2017
No real difference in "difficulty" (TT, MH or 5er) just swing it wide when possible. Yes, the 5th wheel will cut a little further inside but not a big issue.

If you have space, waiting until the trailer tires reach the spring point (where the curbline starts to curve) is fine but not typically neccessary unless it's a really tight situtaiton.

Your typicall lane is 12'. Start all the way to the left side (or even cheat a couple feet into the nex lane over. That gives you an extra 4' allowing you to start your turn earlier. Then carry out as far as you can before cutting the wheel.

Go out to a big empty parking lot with some cones and practice if you are nervous. It's really not that hard.