Community Forums

Matias44 · 06-20-2021, 02:01 AM

Hi, I’m a 5th wheel newbe. We are just about ready to buy a 32ft 5th wheel, then it dawned on me.

We have a 12ft wide paved driveway that is perpendicular to a 20ft wide road without a shoulder. Will this be enough space to jackknife and back the 5th wheel into the driveway?

Thank you in advance for all you 5th wheel experts!!!

Xmcdog · 06-20-2021, 03:40 AM

Welcome aboard.
I can't see it being a problem. A fiver will jack knife into a tighter space than a TT. Try a few practice runs on the local mall parking Lot.

Ask the dealer to demonstrate in his yard. Just mark out your road and drive with small cardboard boxes or something on hand. Good luck.

Wileykid · 06-20-2021, 05:16 AM

I think you will be able to. One thing you did not mention, is if you have a long bed or short bed, that will dictate how sharp of a turn you can do. Backing into my driveway is not much different, I have a short bed and put a sidewinder on my trailer (36') so I don't have to worry about hitting the truck. Practice first, and have spotters to help.

I went from a tt to a 5th, and one of the biggest things backing up I learned is that the 5th doesn't react as fast, so you need to plan the turn earlier.

CecilD · 06-20-2021, 08:40 AM

I have the exact same scenario as you and it can be done. I have trees creating problems on the passenger side and a block wall on the driver's side so I need a spotter. The cut line is critical for me so I marked a spot that my inside rear wheels need to roll over. I still find myself needing to pull forward and correct the angle a few times for each back in. Once I did it perfectly on the first try but haven't been able to duplicate. I'm glad mine is a driver's side back in, blind side would be an issue for me. Very easy to pull out; one would think it would be just as easy to back in. Good practice for real world backing.

jks · 06-20-2021, 12:32 PM

Perhaps overkill, I measured my parking and turning space, and recreated it on a parking lot. I chalked it out, and used a few cones and practiced. Practice instills confidence.
I went from a pop-up to 35 ft. 5 fifth wheel, and was overwhelmed at first.

slotown · 06-20-2021, 07:14 PM

I too don’t think it will be a problem. But, I do know this, you’ll have tighter that that when you’re out camping.

Arch Hoagland · 06-20-2021, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slotown

I too don’t think it will be a problem. But, I do know this, you’ll have tighter that that when you’re out camping.

Amen!

bddadles · 06-21-2021, 06:01 AM

Don't see a problem.

Elwood58 · 06-21-2021, 06:27 AM

You should be fine. There are a bunch of YouTube videos on backing that even highlight how to pick some visual reference points to help guide you. Your biggest challenges will come if you get in a hurry. Don't!

corn18 · 06-21-2021, 07:00 AM

Here's what I did:

I plotted out the driveway and road with cones (used 8 of them). I plotted it as if the truck and trailer were already in the driveway. Then I pulled out of the "driveway". If I could get out without hitting anything, then technically, I could back it in. Turns out I could not get out without cutting a corner. I'll either have to accept ruts in the yard or put in an apron.