I agree to a point with using the toy trucks. However, remember that on a trailer portion of a semi rig, the trailer wheels under the trailer, are at the rear of the box. On a camper, they are closer to the middle and there is a lot more rear overhang swing. It always helps, when backing into a site, or backing up in general, to get out of the truck, walk around the back of the camper and see how much room you have and if there is anything that is in the way.
Having the extra person to watch your blind side is also very helpfull. Just make sure you tell them exactly what to watch for, or you will get a lot of nervous and unecessary signals. When in doubt, get out and look for yourself! Again, be mindfull of the height of your rig and if there are any low hanging limbs that might tear the AC unit off the roof.
One other thing that I see a lot of people forget. Hang a tag on the handle of your bat wing antenna, telling you it is in the raised position. I've seen a lot of camper pull out of sites with the TV antenna still in the up position, but not for long!
The biggest thing about backing any trailer from the smallest pu to the largest 5er is GO SLOW! Followed closely by don't get frustrated, followed by get out and look or use a spotter w/radios.
I was going to use a toy truck too, but it seemed to me the inability to turn the front wheels and learn how that works reduced the benefit considerably.
longtrailer48 wrote: All the previous posts are valid but, go to the toy store, buy 2' semi tractor trailer, practice on the kitchen table. It will teach you more than you can imagine. You have a birds eye view of exactly how that trailer is going to react that you will never have sitting in the cab of your pickup. You'll be backing up first try in the real thing and nailing it to everyone's amazement!
-Jeff
WOW belive it or not this is how I learned to back up a trailer when I was first driving. It works wonders
Hi Daystar: Check out this web site: www.rveducation101.com Rv education 101 "The RV Book" has some good information on the subject. After that it is practice and more practice. Happy Camping Jim2007
I agree to a point with using the toy trucks. However, remember that on a trailer portion of a semi rig, the trailer wheels under the trailer, are at the rear of the box. On a camper, they are closer to the middle and there is a lot more rear overhang swing. It always helps, when backing into a site, or backing up in general, to get out of the truck, walk around the back of the camper and see how much room you have and if there is anything that is in the way.
Bandaid
True, but if you compare them directly, the distance from the rear tandem on a semi trailer is'nt much different from those on many fivers....
I always do a GOAL check when I get to a site...
GOAL= Get Out And Look....
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 QuadCab 4X4 HEMI
2004 Cougar 285 EFS Fifth-wheel
....and a Dachshund named "Walley"
Thanks, folks, for all your good suggestions. I will try to find an adventurous friend with a 5er to take me to a parking lot and let me try it out so that I can at least get the rig home safely the first time.
Special thanks to balvert to directing me to the BC MV for the PDF. I have downloaded it and will read up.
Also to Longtrailer48, for the toy truck idea. We still have the one my boys were raised on which is now in second life with the grandchildren.
Also, after looking through the forums, I realized that others have asked about backing and got good responses.
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