1st 5th wheel

[Kablewizard]

Hey there all you pros, its time for some helpful advise to a newbie. I know there are a few others out there that are afraid to ask, but we are afraid not to ask. We are going to get our first 5er, we have had several TT and they track real close, I know that because of the tracks in the mud.

I have been told that a 5th wheel tracks only about half way, My concern is we like to go to a few places that have some snaking hilly roads with turns of 90+ degrees what should I be aware of?

If you have any other first timer suggestions please let us know.

[Kablewizard]

Hey there all you pros, its time for some helpful advise to a newbie. I know there are a few others out there that are afraid to ask, but we are afraid not to ask. We are going to get our first 5er, we have had several TT and they track real close, I know that because of the tracks in the mud.

I have been told that a 5th wheel tracks only about half way, My concern is we like to go to a few places that have some snaking hilly roads with turns of 90+ degrees what should I be aware of?

If you have any other first timer suggestions please let us know.

[450Donn]

A fifth wheel because of it's pivot point will turn inside your truck somewhat. I have also had TT and believe me the Fiver is much easier to maneuver around, once you get used to it. It does turn a bit slower at first, but when it starts to turn it turns faster.

[TXiceman]

Kablewizard, the 5er will track inside your truck tracks, so you have to swing a bit wider on the turn. It does take a small amount of time to get use to the way it tracks. Best thing to do is find a open parking lot and make some practice turns and practice backing.

Once use to the 5er, you will find that you can put it into some places that you would never get a TT.

Since you are towing with a short bed, be sure to watch the corner of the cab and the trailer in tight turns.

Smooth roads .

Ken

[Stylin']

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TXiceman:
Kablewizard, the 5er will track inside your truck tracks, so you have to swing a bit wider on the turn. It does take a small amount of time to get use to the way it tracks. Best thing to do is find a open parking lot and make some practice turns and practice backing.

Once use to the 5er, you will find that you can put it into some places that you would never get a TT.

Since you are towing with a short bed, be sure to watch the corner of the cab and the trailer in tight turns.

Smooth roads .

Ken </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

In addition to this good information, don't forget to watch carefully when going up or down the inclined ramps and approaches to gas stations and such. Sometimes the clearances between pickup box and trailer get pretty close.

[Kablewizard]

Thanks for the kelpful info so far everyone. I will give me some things to think about and practice. Ken we also got a Super slide hitch, I have not read the book yeton how it works but I was told it will move when I need it to.

I guess I will have to figure out a parking lot befor I get to all the hills on the way to camping on Saturday.


Any more ideas?

[Ray,IN]

HI JIM! Each 5er/tow truck combo is different. Our old 5er and truck, the rig we had at the rally in Branson about 5 years ago, was easy to handle and turn. Our current rig, see below, is much harder to maneuver in tight corners. On a 90* turn the 5er wheels run about 6' inside the trucks rear wheels track. Sudden dips and inclines at service stations can make me nervous about smacking the bed rails, but so far so good. The clearance is about 6", which is the minimum suggested by Reese. If you plan to use hilly backcountry roads, I would suggest more clearance.

[cwsoules]

I have McKesh mirrors with the large round accessory mirror. When turning I watch the round mirror as it gives me the best idea on where the trailer wheels are. Look up also, recently I brushed a gate because I was not looking. Turning requires planning and care but it is not nuclear science.

[K-Star]

I took an RV driving course that is taught at a truck driving school. They taught me that when your shoulder passes the point you are turning around (i.g.: a corner), start cutting the wheel to make your turn. Hasn't failed me yet. Also, When turning right from a two lane road to a one lane road you will have to swing left a bit to give yourself more room. If there is a traffic light I stay in the right lane and let my TV move into the left lane. This get you the left lane and blocks other from getting on your right side, thus blocking that side. Perfectly legal for trucks (assume for us too) - it's called "capturing the intersection".

I figure what works for a 48' or 53' trailer will work for my 38' trailer.

[Kablewizard]

Thanks for the tips , they sure help. Cheri talked me into going to a place with a lot of 90 degree plus turns on a 2 lane road. The only time it was scary is when I couldn't see what was coming. I kept the truck on the right edge when making left turns, I stayed in my lane except for a few real sharp ones, but on the right turns my tire had to cross the yellow a bit to keep from running off the road and hitting the side of some hills. The Speed limit was only 25 so it was OK. I waved at all the drivers who knew I was coming and waited for us to come around the corner.

We spent 2 days putting things away and didnt take any pictures. I will be adding them next Monday when we get back from the get togeather.

Thanks again.

[The Big Kid]

One thing to think about is that you can probably go to a shorter length 5th wheel to still have the same amount of living space as the previous travel trailer.

This in itself will help your cause. Unless you are like us and go to a bigger 5th wheel to keep the overall ($ferry$) length the same, with the most living space.


You will find that you can get a larger 5th wheel into spaces you could get your TT into with a little patience and carefull backing.