First time pulling a fiver...any pointers?

[Pourme]

~

Today I signed the papers on my first fifth wheel. I plan to pick it up next week, the hitch is on order. Having owned a TT for 10 years, along with a 16' enclosed work trailer & a 8' utility trailer, I'm actually pretty adapt at pulling and backing the tow behinds.

I'm thinking about this fiver. It has a Revolution hitch that is supposed to protect me from jack knifing into the cab. I'm wondering how my experience with a TT will translate to all aspects of handling the fifth wheel. The box of the fifth wheel, from bumper back, is only about three feet longer than mt old TT.

Is there any wisdom those of you that have gone before me can impart to me?

We will leave on our maiden voyage Thursday. Bandit's Roost, Wylkesboro, NC, is an hour from home, so it's not a long or involved voyage. Probably the perfect test run for us.

Thanks
Benny

[tomkatb]

You will love the fifth wheel towing in comparison. I was shocked at how much easier. However, I had a substantial tow vehicle compared to the past experiences with long boat trailers. Our trucks built in stability control and the fiver just feels like a single unit. No sway. No white knuckles.

Towing long fivers is tricky to get used to backing up. They do not pivot as easy. No big deal. Have a spotter. Practice. Remember to tell the spotter to look up. Them tree branches are after you. We are 1 for 2.

It is possible to hit the tow vehicle with any fiver. Frankly going beyond about 80 degrees is unwise...The frame is stressed and the tires scrape sideways. I have some wonderful marks at our house.

[68 Whiskey]

Pulled TT's, horse trailers and goose neck horse trailer (varying lengths) with sleeping compartments. I really enjoy pulling a 5er myself. The big thing you need to watch is the tail swing. Yep agree, spotter and practice.

[Big Bill]

X2. Our turning radius is just alittle longer than your TT but will handle better

[NMWildcat]

If you unlock your revolution hitch, it puts the pivot point back 22", so your turning point won't be much different from a TT if the hitch to trailer axles distance is about the same.

Otherwise, yes comparable length fivers turn a tad slower than a tt but nothing major.

You will be fine.

[robbiels7]

I agree with the tail swing also it won't follow you on turns like a bumper pull it will track early . Your pivot point is at the wheels. If you have pulled a trailer for 10 plus years. You will be fine.

[LegacyFB38]

Originally Posted by robbiels7

I agree with the tail swing also it won't follow you on turns like a bumper pull it will track early . Your pivot point is at the wheels. If you have pulled a trailer for 10 plus years. You will be fine.

2X


Turn "Wide, then Tight".

[dcheatwood]

1. It will not react as quickly as a tt when backing.
2. It cuts corners in turns more than a tt. So you'll need wider turns.
3. If you have tow mirrors with upper and lower mirrors, set the lower ones wide to see the trailer tires when turning. You can watch how close the tires and trailer are to curbs and signs.

[Pourme]

~

Thanks for the tips....It will be a learning experience, I'm making mental notes as I read your comments several times over.

[Cover Dog]

The longer the trailer, the slower it will react when backing up. If you do fine with an 8’ trailer you’ll be a pro with the 5th wheel.