Community Forums

Hurk · 01-09-2017, 07:50 PM

I've been driving a 39' DP pulling a vehicle and am quite comfortable driving in the city, highway and backing into campsite. How about a 39' FW how does it compare. I would think the maneuvering would be a little more difficult. Is it much of a learning curve

Jim
Chilliwack BC
2007 Cayman

MGrawe · 01-09-2017, 07:56 PM

Apples and oranges to compare them but as for skill level, if you can handle a 39' DP you can learn a 5er. Have driven alot of both; there are pros and cons to each. Sometimes it's better to "bend in the middle"...

lanerd · 01-09-2017, 08:03 PM

A 39' 5er will be considerably longer due to the truck needed to pull it. That 39' will turn into 50 - 55 feet.

And as mentioned, driving a dp is totally different than driving a truck pulling a large trailer. Completely different characteristics. If you've had experience pulling a large trailer before, then you shouldn't have a problem....if not, then you will have a learning curve to attend to. Only commonality between them would be both are large vehicles that require a lot of space to travel. Driving a dp will provide you with the experience needed....no learning curve there. But turning, backing, and just going down the highway will be different.

Good luck

Ron

Monacoach · 01-13-2017, 06:31 AM

The fw bends in the middle which really helps. First tip :::::: in the beginning never never blind side into your site if possible. When approaching your site and it is on your right side, pass the site get turned around so the site is on your left side. Have your spotter on the passenger side of your fw while your eyes are mostly focused on your the driver side trailer wheels and where they will track. Most iimportantly and this is the same with the dp. If dw says stop then stop! and dont run her or him over. The last point is especially important if your spotter is the cook.

Army Nurse · 02-04-2017, 10:55 AM

Our combined length of 2014 Ram 3500 dually and Montana HC 340BH is 57' bumper to bumper. It's easy to drive down the highway (while maybe not as comfy as a 40' DP), but can be a bit of a challenge to back up in parks with narrow roads. That Ram's front end needs a little space to swing the front end and get the trailer to go into the slot. Still, it's doable.

Wolffox00 · 02-04-2017, 09:42 PM

We just came from a 36' motor home to a 2017 Ford F350 King Ranch DRW and a Grand Design Solitude 40 1/2' 5th wheel. I have no problem pulling or backing it.