New 5th Wheel comes Friday

[MattyDubs2209]

So, I pick up the new 5th wheel on Friday... never have driven a 5th before so I am a bit nervous for the drive home and the eventual backing down the driveway. Any help, hints, or advice?

[fonzie]

you tube videos help.....

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ackup+practice

[geeman53]

Easier towing than a TT, you'll love it !

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Yep, you will love it, no more swaying on the highway when trucks pass you.
Which one did you get?
Welcome to the world of fifth wheels.

[Dakota EV]

Congratulations on you new 5th wheel, you will love it. I still remember my first trip bringing our 5th wheel back home almost two years ago. I was nervous because I too had never pulled a 5th wheel. But the trip home was so smooth and my Truck handled the new 5th wheel beautifully. I was totally impressed and convinced that we had made the right decision to trade for the 5th wheel. While it does take a little time in learning how to handle and back a 5th wheel as opposed to a TT, it was worth it. We are more comfortable in our 5th wheel than we were in our other TT, even though we really liked the TT we had. To me it is easier and quicker to setup my 5th wheel than it was the TT. We took the 5th wheel on a two month trip to the Grand Canyon last year and it was great. We have 6 weeks of camping planned for this year and then we are planning a long trip to Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone and other places next year.

[Tfort]

Just remember you will need to take wider turns with the 5er. They do not track behind the truck like a TT. Everything else is much easier with the 5er. Once you get used to backing it, IMO they easier.


2000 F250 CC 4x4 7.3L diesel

15 Salem Hemisphere Lite356QB

[ccsvolsfan]

Congratulations on the 5er. Go slow, if you don't get it right then just pull up, take a breath and try again. As long as you take it slow, you can't hurt anything. I like to get set at my turn point and just think thru what I have learned. The 5er is much easier than a tt. GOOD LUCK.

[Trudie1]

Exactly as Tfort said 5th wheel will cut shorter behind you, allow extra turning radius. Other than that I am sure you will be very happy with the entire package.

[Majicdoor]

Congratulations on new camper alway a good filling and best of luck with it

[Paulie1138]

I, too am new to this. I finally think I am getting the hang of it, tho. Go find a big parking lot and practice. Pull further out into an intersection before even beginning your turn. If you are turning right, move a bit left as you approach the turn. Remember, the back wheels will turn in tighter than your rear truck tires. The back end of the trailer will swing out a bit as well. Nice to remember in tight spots. Backing it in is different than a TT. Your pivot point is not out behind the bumper anymore, but over the center of your truck's rear axle. The 5'r will not turn until that point changes direction. Once it does, it really begins to take off, and you will have to learn how to follow it thru your backings. Watch your height! Trees will get you! Forget about drive thru's.....LOL! Plan ahead for your fuel stops, as well. Many pumps are not RV friendly! While in the big lot, see how far your swings are when you back up or make tight turns. Best thing I did, added a backup camera. Helps a lot, and helps you with lane changes in traffic. You cannot see the small cars about to blow past you!

Just take it slow and easy! Enjoy the new ride!

As the rest have said, you will really love how the 5'r travels! No sway and equalizer bars to fiddle with, no safety chains, just the hitch and power cables! Easier to hook up to, as you can usually see the pin and hitch alignment far easier than aligning up to the ball.

[mexicoinsuranceeb]

Originally Posted by MattyDubs2209

So, I pick up the new 5th wheel on Friday... never have driven a 5th before so I am a bit nervous for the drive home and the eventual backing down the driveway. Any help, hints, or advice?

To keep your marriage healthy don’t get her to help give you back up directions. I use my yellow chock blocks to help guide me and we're now purchasing a wireless camera to put on the back of our 5th wheel. Good Luck.

[aceinspp]

Yep agree it will tow better but overall ether one for me is fine. Later RJD