Towing a 5th wheel for the first time

[maggieusf]

I am a 67 year old female. I just lost my husband 6 months ago who did all the pulling of our 30 ft. 5th wheel. I would like to know if I can (or should) consider learning to do this. I don't want to be a danger to myself or others. I have a Dodge Ram 3500 automatic diesel to pull the RV.

[milo]

Lots of great info here. But before you practice the different maneuvers, can you hook up to it by yourself. We just got our 1st 5er and we've been practicing hooking & unhooking in the driveway before we take it out.

[Cummins12V98]

I am sure there are gentlemen you know that would be happy to help you with this!

Men this is a perfect example of why our wives should know how to operate these machines. That way they can keep on enjoying the lifestyle if they so choose.

[bretm151]

I just bought a larger trailer, and have been looking for a good place to "practice". At least one of the Commercial Drives license schools in my town has a travel trailer course. You might find something in your town if you call around.

Good Luck,

Bret

[Nutinelse2do]

Go for it girl! I am learning now, just in case. Best thing hubby taught me, even though it is still really wierd, when backing, keep your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it what way you want the butt of the coach to go. Little movements, not big.
Drove a 39' DP without a problem, but still have ALOT to learn with the fifth wheel.
Find a huge parking lot, a church or something and bring a friend with you to be your second eyes. Get some cones or some kinds of markers so you can do some manuevers. Even if you take a class as people suggested, which is a great idea, practice, then practice more.
Personally, if anything happens to my DH, I will be getting a Class C filled with dogs and towing a dingy.
Have fun and good luck. Check out the single and women's RVr's clubs too. There are a lot of them out there.
Cheryl

[ReneeG]

I think it's great you are considering it. My husband jokes with me saying that when he dies, he's going to come back and haunt me. I told him, he won't be able to find me because I'm going to hit the road with a couple of the grandchildren! For me, even though I've towed the fifth wheel, I would trade the whole setup in and get a Class B+ or small Class C, but that's me. In all our travels, I've seen many women towing. Go for it!

[Halmfamily]

Go for it, we all had to pull our first trailer at some time. Backing will be the hardest to learn but luckily that is only a very small part of the journey. You will be fine and I'm sure your husband is looking down at you proudly for wanting to do this. Good luck and God Speed on your adventures.

[Randu]

My wife drives our rig anytime I want a nap or to just rest my eyes for a few hours. She does great but I do need to work with her on backing and maneuvering around fuel pumps. Randu

[amandasgramma]

I want to hit LIKE LIKE LIKE on all these posts. GO FOR IT! 🙂 As I get on in years I've wondered the same thing -- if something happens to my husband....... I'd like to think I'd go for it, too!

[maggieusf]

I have been given some wonderful advice and tips. Thanks to everyone for your help and encouragement.

[TucsonJim]

HappyKayakers wrote:
If you feel capable of doing it there should be nothing to stop you. Not sure if they still do it but a few years ago LazyDays offered driving courses. You provide the truck and they'll provide a short 5er to tow around their course.

In fact, Lazy Days RV still offers great classes. Since they are in Tampa, they are not very far from you. Give them a call tomorrow at 800-306-4002 and let them know what you need. I'm sure they will be very helpful.

Good luck!

Jim

[diazr2]

Sure you can do it. All you need is the want to. Find a place to practice like someone mentioned you will be amazed at how easy it is. Your biggest obstetrical is going to be if you want to.

[donn0128]

Try to find someone who is willing to teach you everything you need to know first. Then it is practice practice practice. The biggest hurdle you will encounter is backing without a spotter..

[samsontdog]

After my Dad passed away my stepmom started camping again, started driving a 32 ft MH which she had never driven while my Dad was alive. Her first trip was to Wash DC from Calif.She traveled by herself for the next 10 years and never really had a problem. She was on the CB talking to the truckers on all her travels as they looked out for her. She was less than 5 ft tall and 98 pounds.
I would say go for it.

[HappyKayakers]

If you feel capable of doing it there should be nothing to stop you. Not sure if they still do it but a few years ago LazyDays offered driving courses. You provide the truck and they'll provide a short 5er to tow around their course.