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THEHOFF · 11-05-2019, 07:51 PM

This is Our first 5th wheel and it’s 42 foot with a Megacab short bed and it does fine, however it also has a backup camera on it and I try to avoid too tight of places.

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Divingbiker · 11-05-2019, 08:43 PM

I've had both. Our DP motor home is much easier to maneuver.

Having said that, since you have committed to your tow vehicle already, you will quickly adapt to the 5th wheel and it soon will be not big deal to put it into most camp sites.

Your adventure awaits. Get the 5th wheel and hit the road!

twogypsies · 11-05-2019, 09:18 PM

We had both and the motorhome was definitely easier to cut turns into a campsite. It depends on the wheelbase, also. We had 276" with our 40'. Not much of an overhang at all.

IC2 · 11-06-2019, 05:14 AM

We have only had TTs and 5ers and have to say watching folks with their 'A' motor homes that they are easier to get into a tight spot. Your 5er is not only 40 feet long, you have 15-20 feet of tow vehicle that also needs to be added to the overall length, In some cases, the combo acts like stuffing a snake in a bag - you don't know which way it's going regardless of your experience and skill set. I can back a semi with ease (thanks, Uncle Sam). A fiver takes more concentration due to wheel location.

We like the 5er, considered an 'A' but there are other points that kept us with a 5er

DKRITTER · 11-06-2019, 06:45 AM

Early this summer we sold a 40' 5th wheel and a LB 1 ton and bought a 43' MH.

The difference is nothing short of astonishing. Like has been said the far better turning angles of the MH make maneuvering simple. Youtube has many videos of both.

For example backing in to our driveway with the 5w was a 20 minute multistep process, now with the MH it's a couple of minutes and 2 steps.

skypilot_1 · 11-06-2019, 07:57 AM

One of the things Ive observed watchin trailer (5er or TT, doesn't matter which) folks backing into a site is they don't use all their limited steering angle available. Meaning they don't turn the steering wheel to lock when maneuvering.

They back in and pull out several times and their tires are always in the same track on the ground.
Use all you got is my motto

When I back "I cheat" Meaning if possible, I always want the drivers position to be on the inside of backing turn so I can watch the trailer tires as I know where I want them. My DW takes care of where the rest of trailer is. Im just steerin the tires. She finds what I could hit first and watches that area. Doesn't run around like a chicken with head cut off weaving her arms. Works for me.