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08-20-2018, 11:19 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
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Parking Problems When Backing
Hi, folks.
We are new to 5th wheeling and have only taken out our rig once. Our problem is parking when we have to back into a parking space.
We have practiced parking, but still find backing our rig into a tight parking space very difficult. E.g., we will be able to back half way into a parking space, usually at a slight angle; then, we just need to go straight back to finish parking, but can't seem to get our rig to move straight back no matter which way we turn the wheel.
Any suggestions that you might have about backing a 5th wheel would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
The Newbies
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08-21-2018, 12:55 AM
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#2
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: S. Cali.-MT
Posts: 80
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Welcome to the forum.
Learning to back a 5w can indeed take some skill and practice. Often it slowly develops as an art form.
Mainly because the pin is directly over the TV rear axle, so there is a delay both in jacking, and chasing the trailer with the tow vehicle. The tail swing on bumper pull hitches gives you more of a head start.
Many inexperienced backers rely on staying neutral to long, once they're jacked adequately. So experiment with chasing the trailer a little sooner.
Plus, there is no shame in taking multiple stabs, or points of a star back and forth. It's all about safety and protecting your equipment.
Keep up the good work, it'll go smoother the more you do it.
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J&J
DRV Suites ES-38RSSA #9679
GM Denali 3500HD-Max 4x, CC, 8' DRW
EZGo-txt, Yamaha-G22E
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08-21-2018, 09:15 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Home Prescott, Az
Posts: 1,019
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Practice, practice and more will get you looking like a pro, but it normally takes time. I used to find I didn't pull far enough forward before making the inital start to backing up, or not pulling far enough forward on the second attempt. Once i got the feeling of where I really needed to start the process, it got easier. I bet that first year I gave folks a pretty good show, but as time went on and I got better, I could put that trailer in spots I never would have thought possible. It is not a contest, so just take your time and practice.
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2013 Tiffin Allegro 34 QFA
2015 Cadillac SRX (towed)
2019 Tesla Model X
1991 Avanti Conv
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08-21-2018, 10:40 AM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
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Thank you all for the advice.
I guess we'll just have to get back out there and practice, practice, practice.
Though my wife says she's done with parking the fifth wheel. Sigh. ; 0 )
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08-22-2018, 10:02 AM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Where we park it
Posts: 2,838
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GOAL: Get Out And Look. Several times, have a spotter and use mirrors. And try to get a spot where there aren't any spectators...goes much easier!
Good advice up above.
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2016 Tiffin 40 QBH
2015 38RSSA, traded
2005 TK3 #1869, 10 yrs of memories,
2017 F450 KR--one more Ford is it
2009 F450 4x4-died; 2010 F450-retired
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08-22-2018, 11:04 AM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Oregon Coast
Posts: 49
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MtnTrek has it pretty much, once the 5er starts to move in the desired direction start to straighten back out, otherwise you will never catch up with it.
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Russ & Paula & Beagles Belle
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 6.7 CTD Aisin 3.73's
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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08-22-2018, 12:28 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Home Prescott, Az
Posts: 1,019
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The other thing we learned over the years was my wife was my spotter, always!! She had to be in my mirrors and me see her, and if she disappeared I stopped till I saw her. She kept me out of trouble from hitting a bush, tree, picnic table, power stantion or her. With her hand signals I knew where she wanted the back end of the trailer. Everyone can come up with the signal that works for them, but some sort of signal should be used, yelling isn't one of them.
__________________
2013 Tiffin Allegro 34 QFA
2015 Cadillac SRX (towed)
2019 Tesla Model X
1991 Avanti Conv
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08-23-2018, 12:18 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
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Thanks to all the great people who have been kind enough to share their wisdom with me. Much appreciated.
BruceD
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08-26-2018, 11:14 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 19
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I recommend going to a large empty wide open parking lot and practice putting it between the lines. Also I watch the trailer tires not the rear of the trailer. You eventually will fine the way that works best for you and your assistant
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08-27-2018, 08:01 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 300
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I live on a busy street and when I want to park my RV next to my house this really helped a lot:
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Glenn 2008 36TK3 #4571
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08-27-2018, 06:39 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
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backing !!
Soafter driving truck for 18 years, backing you would think comes natural..But I found a 36 foot 5th wheel is not the same as a 53 foot trailer..MY Solution was quite simple..... I bought a Yellow tor strap.. 30 footer. I lay it out on the drivers side where i want to back in.. and just guide the wheels accordingly. Just like the parking lines at a whorehouse !! TRY IT
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08-27-2018, 07:34 PM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
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Great video. Very helpful.
Many thanks.
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08-27-2018, 09:59 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 39
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This helped me understand several things about backing a 5er. Most have been mentioned above.
-Starting in the right place
-Unwinding the turn at the right time
-Fix errors early. Most errors can't be fixed later like on as bumper pull.
https://www.loveyourrv.com/back-fifth-wheel-trailer/
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08-28-2018, 08:11 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Georgia
Posts: 158
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Great advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by morzio
Soafter driving truck for 18 years, backing you would think comes natural..But I found a 36 foot 5th wheel is not the same as a 53 foot trailer..MY Solution was quite simple..... I bought a Yellow tor strap.. 30 footer. I lay it out on the drivers side where i want to back in.. and just guide the wheels accordingly. Just like the parking lines at a whorehouse !! TRY IT
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That’s great advice although I’ve never backed in at a whorehouse. Most are pull thru’s. (Ain’t autocorrect great?)
Having a target makes backing much easier. The only thing I’ll add is when you pull forward keep going until your truck and trailer are parallel if possible.
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08-28-2018, 03:56 PM
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#15
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stripit
The other thing we learned over the years was my wife was my spotter, always!! She had to be in my mirrors and me see her, and if she disappeared I stopped till I saw her. She kept me out of trouble from hitting a bush, tree, picnic table, power stantion or her. With her hand signals I knew where she wanted the back end of the trailer. Everyone can come up with the signal that works for them, but some sort of signal should be used, yelling isn't one of them.
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While backing up, my wife and I will communicate via cell phone. She will stand behind the camper and give me directions. Of course this only works if the tow vehicle has a hand free ability.
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08-28-2018, 05:05 PM
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#16
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 5
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Thanks to all the kind folks who have pitched in to help us. Much appreciated.
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08-28-2018, 06:36 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 300
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We visit a few places without cell phone reception so we have walkie-talkie's.
__________________
Glenn 2008 36TK3 #4571
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08-28-2018, 07:29 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Home Prescott, Az
Posts: 1,019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbird
We visit a few places without cell phone reception so we have walkie-talkie's.
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And we were where no cell phone, dead battery in one walkie talkie, so we reverted and stayed with hand signals. Worked for us.
__________________
__________________
2013 Tiffin Allegro 34 QFA
2015 Cadillac SRX (towed)
2019 Tesla Model X
1991 Avanti Conv
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