ependydad
Columbia, MD
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Joined: 10/17/2011
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My history is that I got a job with a kayaking company and was thrown into a so-called "trailer training" where you had to back a trailer into a parking space while 5-6 people shouted instructions through the window. I worked that for a couple of years - got OK with backing the trailer into it's parking spot (same spot, same approach, always). After that, I bought a pop-up and towed it a bit last year for 10 trips and about 1,500 miles.
This year, we've bought a dually and have ordered a 41' fifth wheel. I'm a little nervous and am starting to wonder how can I learn to tow/park this thing without actually having ownership of it yet AND before I get out to the wild road with it where there are real obstacles.
I've looked at the RV driving schools, but none of them are conveniently located to me. I've kicked around just going to truck driving school but not actually testing for my CDL. Just go through the classes + hands-on portions. OR.. just going to pick this thing up (100 miles away) when it comes in and making the best of it with some parking lot time.
2013 Sabre 36QBOK
Truck: 2012 Ram 3500 Crew Cab DRW w/ 4.10 gears and 8' bed
FW Hitch: B&W Turnover Ball + Companion hitch
Nights Camped: (2013: 10, 2012: 52, 2011: 28)
Blog about learning to RV, mishaps and adventures
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bpounds
Whittier CA
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Joined: 12/12/2010
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Parking lot practice. You've got some trailer time already, and it won't be that different. If you know someone, neighbor or whoever that has a fiver, ask them to ride along.
2006 F250 Diesel
2011 Keystone Cougar 278RKSWE Fiver
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sharker6
fulltime KY, NC, FL, MA, TN
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Joined: 11/05/2006
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Not a fiver owner but, a parking lot and an hour and you'd know how to do it. There's no better requirement than good tow mirrors and practice.
2009 30' Fleetwood Wilderness, 2008 F-250 Super Duty FX4 stump puller
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five'er
Canada
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Joined: 09/25/2006
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Your biggest risk is the height. Watch for low clearances such as tree limbs, AC units hanging out of buildings etc.. If you are going to damage something I'm sure that will be the root cause. Also remember with a rig that size you're going to need time. just because you are able to keep up with traffic in town for example doesn't mean you should speed through the city like you'd do in a car. Take your time keep your space and you'll be just fine.
When I got my CDL years ago it was $2500 for the course, I can't imagine what it would be now.
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Mile High
Denver, CO
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Joined: 02/05/2008
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You just wait till you see that monster connected to your truck! 
Going from a pop up to a 5er is a big step - you'll be fine but expect some sweaty palms and self doupt when you see the shadow you cast. I stood there in awe the first time pleading to Mr. Wizard to take me back to my TT  .
By the end of the season it was second nature although I still have a little trouble backing.
2006 Ford F350 4X4 SB CC SRW Powerstroke 6.0
2013 Redwood 36RL - full paint - disk brakes
"Comparison is the thief of joy! - Theodore Roosevelt"
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hallock5
Texas
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Joined: 01/30/2012
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Pull-thrus. 
2008 Jayco Eagle Superlite 28.5RLS
2002 Ford 4x4 SuperCab 7.3 (Jr International) Diesel
Sad to say, time to sell to a good home.
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rasteck
Northern California/East Bay
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Joined: 08/01/2005
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Make really WIDE right turns.
Go slow.
Get out and check.
Don't be afraid to stop, pull forward and go again.
Find a really big empty parking lot and put out a couple cones.
You'll be fine. Congratulations on the new rig!!
2000 Ram 2500 SLT/Laramie 24V CTD 2WD QCSB PacBrake, Smarty 
2011 Colorado 320BS-FW 36'
EZ Flex + wet bolt
Curt E5 with R5 slider, Prodigy P3
Air Lift 5000's, Load Controller II
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dupreet
High Point, NC
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Joined: 08/03/2007
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X? on the height. You will be somewhere in the 13' range. Get a ladder and tape measure and get yourself an accurate measurement. Anything posted within 6" of that needs to be approached with some level of care. It's not just obvious things like gas station canopies. Keep an 'active' eye out for tree limbs and other potential hazards. I live on a road that has several older power poles that are bowed out towards the road. You don't think about them in a car or truck, but I have seen box trucks come within an inch or two of clipping them with the tops of their boxes!!
In addition to parking lot practice, I recommend getting out on highways and get a feel for the rig in traffic. Once you get comfortable, move to busier 2 & 4 lane roads. I was 15 1/2 with a learners permit driving thorugh the streets of downtown Halifax Nova Scotia with our 12-pax van and 29' travel trailer...that was a trial-by-fire!!
Have fun!
Todd
Todd
1993 Ford E-350 pushed by a 1988 Wilderness 24' TT
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Drivr
Seabrook, NH
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Joined: 07/09/2004
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Never pull into a crowded parking lot where your only choice might be to back out. Always scope out an area that you have to pull into and figure out how your going to get out. Wide turns, your going to have almost 60ft of rig when that fiver is hooked to your dually. But most of all just take your time and dont sweat it.
2005 Ford F350 dually with airbags
2009 Heartland Bighorn 3055RL
http://www.bowleyfamily.com
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chuker
Alberta, Canada
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Joined: 07/07/2011
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I had never towed a trailer before and I started with a 28ft fifth wheel. I was nervous about pulling the trailer and about backing up, but I spent half a day driving forwards and backwards down the lane at my in-laws farm and I drove around town a bit. I then took it home and backed it into my driveway at home without too many problems and parked it in many different sites the first year.
Get the feel for it in a parking lot and you should be fine. Don't forget the wide turns. Enjoy.
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