svedspx
SoCal
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rjsd1 wrote:Hamops wrote:I found that if put my slider hitch in "maneuver", so that the kingpin is behind the rear axle centreline, I'm able to backup our 5vr more easily.
Ditto. The only problem I have is backing up on the blind side (passenger side).
I do the same thing. I'll slide the hitch back when I get to the campground if there is going to be some "maneuvering" to get the 5r in the camp spot.
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dpgllg
South West Pennsylvania
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I think it comes down to what you are used to. I have towed boat, jet ski, car dollies, and utility trailers all bumper pull prior to purchasing my fiver. I think that we all forget about the learning curve we had when we first started towing. For people used to backing a bumper pull the first few times with a 5er were eye openers. What made it difficult is you had to relearn when to turn the wheel and how much. Once you learn how the 5er responds it is no problem. People get frustrated when they can't just do it on the first pass if it is something they have already been doing.
Now that I have gone through the process I do not consider it harder or easier just different.
And as many have stated practice, practice, and more practice.
2006 2500HD Chevy 6.0 Gas Ext Cab Short Bed
2004 Flagstaff 8528BHSS 5th Wheel
Dear Wife, two daughters (21 & 16,) and four dogs
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paztruck
San Diego, CA
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I like this question, I just had to move both the boat (bumper pull) and my 5er over the week-end. The 5er did take a little to get used to but so did the bumper pull trailer. Backing is almost an art. But which is easier is that old addage it is about 6 and 1/2 dozen to the other. They each have their own characteristics, the bumper starts to turn quicker but once the 5er starts turning it turn sharper. It is much easier to put a 5er in a tight spot and more accurate than the bumper pull. But I think to truely answer the question, the one you are used to is the one that is easier... IMHO
2006 F250 Extended Cab, Long Bed, 6.0 PSD, Tow Package
2006 Keystone Springdale 242
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nelsoje
Mt Airy, Maryland
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paztruck wrote:But I think to truely answer the question, the one you are used to is the one that is easier... IMHO
I totally agree with you. I have a 10' long utility trailer that I used to whip around all of the time. When I got my 30' TT and started getting good at backing, my 10' trailer suddenly became difficult!
The major challenge for me is the speed at which the trailer reacts to turns of the wheel. This is just as much a function of length as it is the location of the pivot. And let's not forget, the length of the TV has an impact. And even the turning radius of the TV. When I traded my Yukon XL (Suburban) for my CC SB F250 I had to relearn how to back my 30' TT.
Lee & Jessica
Zachary, Eliza, & Violet
2009 Sierra 335QBQ, Reese 15K slider
2008 Ford F250 6.4L PSD CC SB
A few pics of our 5er Sierra 335QBQ
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paztruck
San Diego, CA
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nelsoje wrote:And even the turning radius of the TV. When I traded my Yukon XL (Suburban) for my CC SB F250 I had to relearn how to back my 30' TT.
I did forget but now I remember I was used to backing the boat with the windstar then got the f150 and had to learn to back it once again. If I had backed the boat with the F250 LB I probably would have been learning only once again, since I have 2 trucks it was much easier to move the boat with the F150 since the 5er needs the F250. So yes it does get down to what you are used to. I remember backing a jetski once what a pain that was, it really turned quickly and there wasn't much room for error. Longer trailer, longer TV and pivot point all play into the physics of backing the trailer.
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Earl E
Trekking around the Country
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Jayco-noslide wrote:I've had both and I agree that the 5er might be harder to learn. But once you learn, I think the 5er may actually be more maneuverable. You just have to learn to start the turn of the wheel well before you want the back to turn and to not turn the wheel as much as you think you need and to start correcting the other way before you think you need to. Also, clearing objects on the side requires attention. But, the 5er has so many other advantages.
This is great advice. The other bit I learned when an "expert" put my fiver into a space I had been trying to get into for 30 minutes is to make sure you are far enough in front the space to crank the TV as hard as you can to start the turn. In a trailer you start making a slow turn as you back up. In a fiver you crank really hard to get it started making the turn, then immediately back off or you won't be able to get it straighten out. Don't know if that makes sense, but it works great.
Northwoods Arctic Fox 32 5S Fifth Wheel
2007 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Diesel
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one_strange_texan
Beaumont, TX
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Just my opinion, but keep in mind the very things that make a fifth wheel less responsive initially during backing make it much more stable and easy-riding when pulling forward, especially at high speeds down the road.
How much of your time do you spend backing vs moving forward at higher speeds down the road?
one_strange_texan
Beaumont, TX
2005 Montana 3295RK
2004 Dodge Diesel 2500 4WD
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jetboater454
FL
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"How much of your time do you spend backing vs moving forward at higher speeds down the road?"
Well I have seen one that I think it was about even.Had about 4 people(first major mistake)helping him back into a site.About 45 minutes later he was in but half way over the patio.
"If momma not happy  ....Who cares.I have my TH AND my toys  .
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racquet9
Mountain Iron, MN
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We have a 37' fifth wheel and our TV is a crew cab long box DRW truck. We have had this unit for a year now and it is the first 5ver that I have ever backed up. There is no sewer hook up were we have been staying at for the last two summers so we have to go and dump our tanks. Upon returning I have to make a 90 degree turn off the street when backing down the driveway. The turn is on my blind side. The biggest problem is the track of the TV and not the trailer as there are ditches on both sides of the driveway. Having a class 8 HDT as a TV would make these things more maneuverable. The long wheelbase of pickup makes getting the turn started and and stopped so slow.
2006 Chevy 3500 LT3 D/A LBZ CC LB Dually. Xtreme floor mats, Luverne Side Steps with Dually Box Extendtions, Banks 4" Monster Exhaust (no muffler), Banks Ottomind 6 Tuner, Banks Speed Brake, Cameo F36FWS, full timing with our 2 Shelties
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racquet9
Mountain Iron, MN
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jetboater454 wrote:"How much of your time do you spend backing vs moving forward at higher speeds down the road?"
Well I have seen one that I think it was about even.Had about 4 people(first major mistake)helping him back into a site.About 45 minutes later he was in but half way over the patio.
Takes me quite some time to get situated as DW is a stickler about having the trailer in just the right spot. Perfectly parallel with the picnic table or the pad or what ever she thinks the trailer should be lined up with. 
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