Turning Radius: Fifth Wheel vs. Bumper Pull

[DallasSteve]

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?

[TenOC]

To sum up all the above. The trailer (TT or 5er) pivot at the trailer wheels -- either in a curve or backing up. Thus the wheels "cut the corner" and the tail swing wide. I have more problems with tail swing when turning left and cutting the corner when turning right -- it is a blind side issuer.

[IT_Burnout]

I bought my first 5th wheel last fall with no 5th wheel experience at all. In my mid 60's now, I was a bit nervous taking on something new. I kept telling myself I can do this I drove and towed lots of other stuff in my youth. Being raised in a farming environment exposes you to backing up trailer and farm wagons and trucks. Also had a MH and a 32 TT in the past too.

I explained my nervousness to the older retired state trooper I bought my truck and 5er from after we made the deal on the rig. He was kind enough (very good guy)to ride along when we moved the rig from his house to mine. That was all while it was still in his name and his insurance BTW. His comment to me was swing her wide and make sure your butt passes what ever you are turning past before executing the turn. I have lived by that comment and towed maybe 3000 miles so far with absolutely no problem at all. Backing it up hasn't been any problem and I don't notice that much difference from a TT.

Now my next biggest issue is how high the 5er is and watching for tree branches. I have already knocked a sewer vent off the top of the rig from a low hanging branch. So I am still leaning, but much more relaxed when driving the rig.

BTW I have never had such a good a towing experience as I am having with the Ram diesel. Very happy with the purchase all the way around.

[valhalla360]

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.

[Redwoodcamper]

Use your mirrors. It really isn't that difficult. Swing wide

[corvettekent]

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.

[Durb]

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.

[DallasSteve]

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.

[CarnationSailor]

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.

[Searching_Ut]

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]

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"?

[MFL]

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]

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.