stevem4134
Chicago
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Joined: 04/27/2010
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Have a 2011 F250 crew cab short bed. Never owned a fifth wheel or trailer before. A total newbie. Considering a fifth wheel. A RV salesman told me that it is harder to back-up a fifth wheel when using a hitch such as the Pullrite Superglide. Is there much or any difference in backing up a fifth wheel when using an automatic slider compared to a manual slider? Does the sliding affect the technique used?
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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Joined: 10/17/2007
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The sliding does not affect the technique in any way. But backing a 5th wheel is a little different. Usually takes more to get it started to turn. Then you have to catch up to the turn pretty quickly with the truck.
'12 F350 SB, CC, SRW, 6.7 PSD, 3.55 RAR, 6 spd auto, Ultimate Lariat pkg
2011 Open Range 393RLS 14,250 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
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C.B.
APPLETON WI USA
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Joined: 12/15/2003
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Backing up anything takes practice. Backing a 5th wheel with any hitch takes extra practice if you've only backed bumper hitch trailers. No need to fear it. Just find a BIG parking lot and get used to it and you'll be fine.
C.B.
PS Instead of boxes water filled plastic milk jugs work.
CBVP2004~FORD~F350~CC~LARIAT~SRW~SB~4X4~6.0D~
AUTO~PULLRITE 16K SUPERGLIDE~DEMCO GLIDERIDE~
PRODIGY CONTROLLER~C-BETR MIRRORS~
CB Family Fleet
Butch&Barb 13CedarCreek~Duane&Holli 05CedarCreek~Kris&Katy 06Cherokee~ Brian&Maia 11 Laredo
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SWD
Land of Living Skies
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Just make sure the silder mechanism is in good working order. Have seen a few that were not and that resulted in a creased cab! Otherwise the backing up etc for a fifth wheel is easy. I have both types of trailers and after some practice you will be able to master it.
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agesilaus
North Florida
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I plan to spend an afternoon in an empty parking lot when we buy our 5ver in April. I'll bring some empty boxes or something as barriers and practice backing up. I expect to be semi-competent after that.
You might think about doing the same. From what I hear you have to adjust to the fact that a 5ver reacts slowly at first to changes but then turns more rapidly. There are some videos up on youtube that you might want to look at.
Glendale Titanium 29E34TS fifth wheel
2012 Ford F-350 4WD Lariat 6.7L
PullRite OE Series Super5th 18K
Superbumper
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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SWD wrote:Just make sure the silder mechanism is in good working order. Have seen a few that were not and that resulted in a creased cab!
Don't let statements like this scare you. This might be an issue with a manual slider. Not really an issue with an automatic slider like the SuperGlide. The way they are built, they are pretty failsafe. Meaning, if you turn, it must slide.
The SuperGlide, like any other hitch, does need normal maintenance and lubrication. And it is a really fine hitch.
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jasult
Central NJ
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we all had to start learning how to back up trailers at some point.
It was not an option to be included at birth 
You will master it after you practice practice practice.
Once you learn the basics, all trailers can be mastered.
The shorter the trailer, the more it can be tricky.
I have been backing up trailers since 12 years old.
Now in my very late 50's I think I have a handle on it and then some.
Jim & Georgeanne + Lucie the beagle
"excavator" on the DieselStop.Com
1996 F250 Powerstroke, Baby Swamp injectors,BTS Trans TW Chip,210,000 miles,
1995 Fleetwood Wildness 30 ft 5ver
Our Camping Pics and 5ver Album here
Our Gettysburg trip 2010
Williamsburg, Va
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nosticks
Tampa, Fl
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I have a F-250 extended cab short box and a Reese manual slider. I have never used the slider, but it's nice to know I can if I were to get into a ultra tight spot.
As far as backing up, it's different from a travel trailer or boat trailer, but I think much easier. I didn't practice, I just jumped in and went, but I've had plenty of tow experience on regular trailers. You'll get use to the different pivot point, how much to lead it and how quickly to follow through as the turn begins. Only other advice I could give is slow and easy when you are backing and it doesn't matter if it takes you ten tries to put it where you want it, you're not being graded. Every situation will be a little different. You'll do fine. Oh, one more thing, be mindful of your overhead clearance, ask me how I know that. Ouch, no, don't ask.
NoSticks
2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4x4
2010 Montana Mountaineer 324RLQ
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woodworker59
Florida
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Joined: 02/17/2012
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My advice is always go slow and if in doubt get out and look things over. I always get out and do a walk around checking my equipment and site before backing in. Go slow and you will do just fine.
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Veebyes
Bermuda & Maryland
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Joined: 11/24/2003
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It is not hard at all, once you learn how. Even then every once in awhile it will make a fool of you, usually getting into an easy site & having lots of spectators around watching.
When you screw up be sure to ask the spectators for a parking score. A good way to make light of having a bad day. You might even try charging a beer for the show. It works.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter
2007 Alpenlite 34RLR
2006 Chevy 3500 LT, CC,LB 6.6L Diesel
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