How I Back Up the Fifth Wheel

[Ray Keymaster Vancouver Island Cheers: 7 507]

Wrote an article on Love Your RV explaining our method to back in our fifth wheel trailer.

http://www.loveyourrv.com/back-fifth-wheel-trailer/

What tips and tricks do you use, let us know!

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RVHH Chief Cook and Bottle Washer - LoveYourRV.com

[Anonymous Cheers: 0]

Hi Ray, I’m new to your site and just got back into RVing. Had a Class C years ago, and purchased a used Jayco Eagle fiver a few months ago. I was OK with it as long as I could find a pull through site, but when it came to backing, I usually got in trouble. Your article saved me, particularly the part about setting up so that you are backing in to the site on the driver’s side so that you can see what you are doing. I’m actually becoming a pretty good backer! Thanks for your help.

[Ray Keymaster Vancouver Island Cheers: 7 507]

Hey Ken, thanks for joining.  I remember when I got the new fifth wheel the first thing I looked for was info on towing and backing up. I’m glad I could help you with the article.

RVHH Chief Cook and Bottle Washer - LoveYourRV.com

[CBreaze Ontheroad (Cindy) Member Sedona, AZ Cheers: 101]

I had to learn how to back our 23 ft travel trailer while on the road. Thanks to main campsite host, Bobbie at the Grindstone CG at Mt. Rogers, VA, I am really good at backing.  He was so patient, calm, and clear with the set-up and directions!  From what I’ve been told, Palm Springs is going to be a good challenge, dodging palm trees?

Is a 5th wheel about the same for backing as a TT?

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[Ray Keymaster Vancouver Island Cheers: 7 507]

Hey, CBreaze it’s not too bad. A few spots there are tight but most are easy, half are pull thrus. I don’t think you’ll have any problems with your setup, navigating around the park. I find the confusing thing is that some roads are one way and some two way, but they give you a map.

A fifth wheel tracks a little different than a bumper pull travel trailer because the pivot point is on the hitch in the bed of the truck further forward. This makes it act different in corners, the trailer will track a little inside of the trucks path, so we need to give a little extra room in the corner, also it takes a little longer for the trailer to start turning during the backing up.

Cheers Ray

 

RVHH Chief Cook and Bottle Washer - LoveYourRV.com

[Anonymous Cheers: 0]

CBreaze, The closest thing I’ve pulled to a travel trailer are a horse trailer and a U-Haul trailer, but one thing I’ve noticed about backing the fiver is that once you’ve started the trailer turning, you need to start straightening your truck pretty quickly or you’ll turn too far with the trailer. Slow, slow; practice, practice. Do it enough and you don’t have to think too much!

Have fun in PS. Wish I were going, but Arizona’s not too bad right now. Quartzite is coming up–haven’t missed it in over 30 years.

Ken

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