DCNKY
Kentucky
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Joined: 06/08/2009
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I am a rookie and need some advice on backing my fifth wheel. I had a travel trailer for years with no problems. This fifth wheel is a different duck however. Any advice for backing this thing???
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Biggziff
Upstate, NY
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Joined: 12/28/2004
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Everything happens slower so backing takes a little getting used to, but after a few times you should have it down.
Me and my 3 girls
2010 Cougar 293SAB
05 F250 CC LWB SRW 4X4 Lariat V10
"Loki" (130# Rottie)
RIP 04-23-07 "Cheney" (22# Smooth Fox Terrier)
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MSGTRETIREDCSP
Burlington, Colorado
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Joined: 03/23/2006
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Just take your time and you'll get the hang of it. I always get out and check my surroundings before backing into a camp site. Check for any obstructions and especially remember to look up (tree limbs). If you have a short bed truck and no slider hitch, beware of any contact you 5th wheel may make with the back cab of your truck.
But the most important, BE NICE to your wife while she's giving you directions on where to back.  Just enjoy and don't get stressed by it. Everyone has started out at one time or another, and many of us have plenty of FUBARS to talk about.
2008 Ford, F-350, CC, 6.4 PSD
2003, 2955 Montana 5th Wheel
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korbe
Northern California
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Joined: 11/20/2009
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Some people will recommend that you go to a vacant parking lot and practice. Personally my practice time was just backing up at the sites. After you do it a few times, it should get easier. One bit of advice I would recommend is that you & your DW have an understanding of how she can help you. BTW,while we are camping I always get a kick out of watching the communication (or lack thereof) of people backing into a spot with the DW out in back directing traffic.
2004 F250 SD PSD
2004 Crossroads Cruiser CF25RS
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fordsooperdooty
Orange Kounty Kalifornia
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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Same here when I made the transition from 6 TT's to a new 5er almost 6 years ago! It took most of the confidence I had when backing a travel trailer completely away, the first time I backed (or tried to back!) our new Jayco into my driveway! Neighbors came outside and set up lawn chairs and one guy sold cold beer and hot dogs to the assembled gallery.
Seriously, it took 4 tries as opposed to one or two smooth moves with the 'ol TT. I took the precaution of towing it to my kids school, and practiced for about an hour. Really helped get a grasp on the new technique involved in working a 5er into a tight space. It swings differently, slowly at first, then quicker...so you have to steer to compensate for that. Different swivel point and different set of physics.
You'll "get it" soon enough! But for God's sake, get it right by practicing BEFORE going to a crowded campground and attracting a crowd of slack jawed fellow campers!
7th new Jayco in 30 years! Loved 'em all!
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DCNKY
Kentucky
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Man it's great to know I'm not the only one who has had this experience. Whenever i bring my fifth wheel home....my neighbors also come out to watch. My next door neighbor walked outside with a beer,sat down on his porch and got a great laugh. I got out of my truck walked over to him...called out to his wife to bring me a beer and sat down next to him. You should've seen his face. We all laughed.
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DCNKY
Kentucky
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Seriously though. thanks a lot for the advice, especially concerning the part about being nice to the wife. I've had some pretty stressful times trying to back this thing up.
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southernsky
Ponchatoula La.
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Joined: 03/30/2005
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Well guess I'll just get the ice chest and some beer ready cause I'm bringing a new 5th wheel home this weekend...Should be interesting...
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Pond Jumper
North Texas
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Joined: 01/19/2008
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I don't even let my wife out of the truck anymore. Just too embarrassing!! DW would be waving her arms doing hand signals that no person on earth could understand, just for the amusment of the other campers I guess, because I could never see her in my mirrows.
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crickeydog
Marietta, Ga.
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Joined: 01/29/2004
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DCNKY wrote: Any advice for backing this thing???
Practice and experience.
Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!
USAF RETIRED
2006 GMC 3500 CC DRW D/A LBZ 4X4 SLT,PREDATOR, VOLANT CAI, FS-2500 OIL FILTER'S.
1997 FORD F-350 CC DRW 7.3 XLT, STOCK.
2004 HR PRES 30SCD
CHEROKEE & CHEYENNE MINI DOXIE'S.
LOADED LIKE A FREIGHT TRAIN, FLYIN LIKE A JET PLANE.
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