New 5th Wheel Owner

[DaveAK]

I just purchesed a 5th Wheel 2012 Cougar 327RESWE. Taking it out for the 1st time this weekend. Looking forward to having a nice living area when I get to my destination (about 80 miles) but a little apprehensive about pulling it (I traded a 23 foot travel trailer. Any suggestions on things to be carefull of?

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi Dave, and welcome to IRV2! You'll make it fine with the 5er, just take it slow and easy until you get the feel of it! Good luck & God bless!

[TXiceman]

Just remember that a 5er will track and cut inside the turn and not follow the trucks track, so swing a bit wider on the turns. Als0, if you have a short bed truck, watch sharp turns and make sure you break ot the truck window or put a goonie in the cab.

Ken.

[BCooke]

Just remember the 5er will cut the corners so take them wide.

[DaveAK]

Thanks for the tips, I'll find out Saturday if I' ready for prime-time. Really looking forward to enjoying the larger trailer once I get it parked. I made sure I have a pull-through for the first outing!

[Tootall]

Good idea. Practice backing up where you have PLENTY of room. I'd use a large parking lot.

[DaveAK]

Well, I survived the first trip in the new 5er (and so did the trailer). It took longer at the RV Dealer than expected to pick up the trailer (we found a couple problems that had to be corrected), so it was dark and raining when we go to the park. But all went well with the unhitching and getting it set up. Then we spent the rest of the weekend working inside arranging things and playing with our new toy. Next trip we'll be able to relax. Pulling it is as easy as I'd been told.

Thanks for everyone advice!

[shortlance]

After pulling a 5er you'll never want to go back to a trailer. Don't be afraid of a back in space--there are always campers around that are always ready to help out. We all had to go thru our first time. After you back in once you will find it eaiser to back a 5er then a trailer.

[RVluvin]

Double check that tailgate, make sure its up. Careful with what you place in the bed of the truck, especially close to the gate if your using the stock tailgate, a very strong wind current is created back there. A good habit to develope when raising the front jacks, lift them only about 1" off the ground, then place the truck in gear and pull forward a little, just to make sure your connected, then raise them all the way up. Chalk the wheels, the 5er will drag the front landing gear even on a slight incline. Hope this helps, congrats on the new 5er.

[DaveAK]

I appreciate all of the helpful information. We are leaving out tomorrow morning for a week-long trip. We are only going about 300 miles from home, then spend several days at the Seven Feathers RV Resort in S. Oregon. I'm anxious to get the new 5er out on the open highway and see how she performs. We took her out just for an over-night stay last weekend to check her out before our longer vacation. Handled very well in the mountains!

I'll post after we get back next week with an update on how we did.

[tinkerreknit]

After years of pulling a TT, I just got a 5th wheel in July. My biggest concern has been height clearance. I like the mountain campgrounds and the rural roads, and I find that I have to plan ahead for low clearances and watch carefully for obstructions. I have a low clearance database in my GPSr, but it doesn't include all - or even most- low hazards. My 2nd biggest problem is backing off a city street into my driveway. I can just barely do it with inches to spare. I plan on widening the driveway this winter.

[vcbinca]

We also, after years of trailer moved to a fifth wheel after I lost control and flipped our 31' Komfort. Totaled both the excursion and trailer. I like the drive much better, alot less stressful and I can share the driving more often. We were going to make this change in a year...the accident just accelerated our decision.
Our 5th wheel has alot more room and we are loving it.

[gdbontly]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortlance After pulling a 5er you'll never want to go back to a trailer. After you back in once you will find it eaiser to back a 5er then a trailer.

Totally agree regarding pulling a 5th over a trailer, but backing is another story (at least for me). I pulled a trailer for many years and could back that thing up with complete precision. The 5th backs up totally different, and old habits die hard. I'm finally getting the hang of backing the 5W, but it has taken me a lot of practice. Be patient!

[K-Star]

when you raise your landing jacks 1" off the ground and put it in drive to check the connection, manually lock your trailer brakes using the brake controller. This will provide "resistance" that will verify you are hitched correctly. However prepare yourself for other RV'ers to come running yelling "YOUR TRAILER BRAKES ARE LOCKED UP". Happens to me almost everytime.