Pulling/camping in a fifth wheel (rookie)

LongRangebugler · #1 03-07-2023, 08:33 AM

Just bought a fifth wheel for camping , with two kids and the wife I can’t tent it anymore , it’s too much . I have experience hauling pull behind trailers and Quad trailers and such but never a fifth wheel … just got an auto slide hitch . Any tips or tricks in general from some of you more experienced RV-ers out there . I’ve just been researching and learning as I go . I guess I’ll have to teach the old lady how to signal me to back in … that sounds fun 😕

IL Bar · #2 03-07-2023, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LongRangebugler

Just bought a fifth wheel for camping , with two kids and the wife I can’t tent it anymore , it’s too much . I have experience hauling pull behind trailers and Quad trailers and such but never a fifth wheel … just got an auto slide hitch . Any tips or tricks in general from some of you more experienced RV-ers out there . I’ve just been researching and learning as I go . I guess I’ll have to teach the old lady how to signal me to back in … that sounds fun 😕

I’ve pulled 5th wheel for years. You’ll love it over a bumper pull. They handle way nicer. I’ve never had an auto slide hitch so can’t help you on that. I’ll assume you got it since you have a truck with the 5.5’ box? That should help you so you don’t hit your cab while jackknifing.

graham1 · #3 03-07-2023, 08:56 AM

I always found the 5th wheel way easier to park.
Just gotta be mindful not to turn to sharp and take out the back of your cab.

HVA7mm · #4 03-07-2023, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LongRangebugler

Just bought a fifth wheel for camping , with two kids and the wife I can’t tent it anymore , it’s too much . I have experience hauling pull behind trailers and Quad trailers and such but never a fifth wheel … just got an auto slide hitch . Any tips or tricks in general from some of you more experienced RV-ers out there . I’ve just been researching and learning as I go . I guess I’ll have to teach the old lady how to signal me to back in … that sounds fun 😕

Use a couple of two way radios (or cell phones) instead of flailing arms when backing into a spot, it's a marriage saver, lol.

CNP · #5 03-07-2023, 09:53 AM

The trailering aerodynamics on a 5th is different than a pull trailer. The forward position of the 5th wheel, positioned over top of the truck box, can create a wind storm in the box and anything not tied down can end up on the highway. This is dangerous for everyone on the road.

Unsecured stuff that is located forward in the box of your truck is the most likely to go overboard.

Be safe, stay safe.

nast70 · #6 03-07-2023, 10:04 AM

Not sure of the hitch brand type you bought, but ALWAYS do a visual check to make sure your hitch bar/jaws are locked. Me personally, will always have a bar type hitch (DSP, locally made too). In my mind it's simple with fewer moving parts that can fail. If you watch youtube vids on 'high hitch' fails, they are almost all jaw style hitches. Its also good practice to do a pull test before the landing gear is up. Tons of vids on youtube for the test.
I see way too many 5vers not leveled properly. That's a recipe for disaster, for both the trailer and your truck box. The trailer must sit level, and you need a minimum 6" between the top rails of your box and the trailer bunk. Any less and you will pucker your butt when you see how much it moves just going in and out of a parking lot.

Etownpaul · #7 03-07-2023, 10:57 AM

I only tow a bumper pull travel trailer but I get the trailer into the final approach for the parking spot then get the wife to back it in while I guide her via cell phone speaker phone.

I find it easier to have the more experienced person being the eyes of the operation and giving the directions. My trailer has a few scars to support this theory.

Ackleyman · #8 03-07-2023, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LongRangebugler

Just bought a fifth wheel for camping , with two kids and the wife I can’t tent it anymore , it’s too much . I have experience hauling pull behind trailers and Quad trailers and such but never a fifth wheel … just got an auto slide hitch . Any tips or tricks in general from some of you more experienced RV-ers out there . I’ve just been researching and learning as I go . I guess I’ll have to teach the old lady how to signal me to back in … that sounds fun 😕

Wife waiving hands all over...the road to domestic 101.
Get out, have a good look and check for things that will damage trailer such as water hydrant , [leave room for slide] overhead tree's etc. Get unit as straight as possible , move slow and get out a few times to observe if spot is a bit tight. Back her in.....yourself.

jstubbs · #9 03-07-2023, 01:01 PM

Buy/borrow a couple pilons, grab the wife and hit an empty parking lot and practice backing up plus coordinating spotting hand signals and instructions.

And then when you’re parking for real: don’t be afraid to take it slow and get out to check incessantly. What’s the difference if it takes you 20 mins to park instead of 2 anyway if there’s less damage and stress?

As well: get in the habit of always, every single time, if you are going to move the trailer, take the five seconds to ensure the trailer kingpin is locked into place on the hitch, and that your jack legs aren’t down. Then same deal when unhooking or Hooking up, always ensure your tailgate is down. All it takes is one time being in a rush to wreck your tailgate, crush your box, wreck your jack legs, etc that are all painfully expensive mistakes that are SO easy to avoid.

fordtruckin · #10 03-07-2023, 01:07 PM

First off you have to have an adequate tow vehicle, aka giant lifted diesel 1 ton with stacks running on a least 35s ha! In reality I have limited experience with 5th wheels but yes be careful backing up when you turn so you don’t pop your back window out or crush your cab. I’ve a couple friends who did not realize this and their trucks have record of what they learned!

Bigwoodsman · #11 03-07-2023, 01:15 PM

Lots of good backing advice. Getting out and checking often if you are unsure is the best advice.

Make a list and follow it for hooking up. Here's what I do.

1. Make sure the rear stabilizer jacks are up.
2. Make sure all slides are stowed
3. Take care of all hoses, electrical cords. Make sure they are where they belong.
4. Back up close to the trailer. Get out open your tailgate, eyeball the fifth wheel to the king pin.
5. Adjust your front jacks to the proper height so that your fifth wheel doesn't have to pick up your trailer or that the trailer is to high for the fifth wheel.
6. Slowly back up until the 5th wheel is locked to the pin. Get out and eye ball this.
7. Raise your front stabilizer jacks just so they clear the ground. Hook up your break away cable and power cable
8. Perform a tug test. Do this by engaging your trailer brakes and pull forward with your truck to ensure the fifth wheel is properly locked
9. Fully raise your stabilizer jacks and pick up your chalk blocks.
10. Take one final walk around to ensure nothing is left hanging or in the way of you moving your unit.

Others may add or do things differently, but this works for me.

BW

ghfalls · #12 03-07-2023, 01:35 PM

And remember that you can take out your cab corner and rear window making a sharp turn when driving g forward, not just in reverse. Especially if your truck is a short box. Buddy of mine did it twice in 3 seasons. I’ve always ran a long box and it can even get real close.

jcrayford · #13 03-07-2023, 01:45 PM

Going on 12 summers now with 3/4 ton Megacab diesel, 30' 5th wheel, 16K Pullrite auto-slider.

Not once have I been concerned about trailer/truck cab contact as when I picked up the trailer day one, I had the dealership manager guide me back into a 90* turn to see where the trailer would come to the cab of the truck. At 16* off center, the Pullrite started sliding backwards and pulled the 5th wheel leg away from the cab. When finally at 90*, the clearance between back of cab and side of trailer was about 16-18". Your clearance will differ as I doubt you own the exact same trailer as mine (some 5th wheels are built with rounded corners to help with clearance), but this gives you an idea as to how the auto-sliders work. It would be best to have another set of eyes when doing this and GO SLOW.

As for backing into a spot, we have a standard practice down. Park on the road before backing in. Both get out and walk into the site, looking on both sides for anything that may contact the trailer and looking up too. At the back of the site, when we determine how far back we want the trailer I leave a kick mark on the drivers side and have the wife stand over the mark, straddling it. Make sure to estimate the placement of the kick mark so that you're going to be fairly level when you hit the mark.

As long as I can see her, she's watching for overhead contacts and I'm concentrating putting the back corner of the trailer right down the middle of her. The entire process take 3-4 minutes including walking the site and backing in (on a typical site that is). If it's more involved, then an extra set of eyes to watch front end swing of truck near trees, etc is needed.

And as it's been mentioned before, this is one time where excess speed is NOT your friend. But the 5th wheels do back up and pull nicely. They react slower to input than bumper pulls. You shouldn't have to go from one wheel lock to the other when maneuvering. Just pull ahead 3-4' if you feel jack knifed and straighten out, then continue backing in.

J.

Ebrand · #14 03-07-2023, 01:51 PM

Buy a fifth wheel tailgate.

Or take your tailgate off.

NEVER use tall blocks ( a few short ones to level are ok ) under your front jacks.

jcrayford · #15 03-07-2023, 01:52 PM

Forgot the easiest thing (if you already didn't know this)

Place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. Want the back of the trailer to go left? Swing your hand left.

Youtube demonstration at 2:00 minute mark

J.

Smokinyotes · #16 03-07-2023, 02:08 PM

I’m not sure about your auto sliding hitch but I have a pullrite super glide. Works well to keep you from hitting the cab but as soon as the truck gets turned 18 degrees off the trailer it starts to move back on its own. So just remember if your driving through a tight campground and your making a left turn to stay far right because the trailer does not track the same as the truck.

IMO I would rather back a fifth wheel any day over a bumper pull.

walker1 · #17 03-07-2023, 02:27 PM

Lots of sound advice here. I will add:
Try to have the hitch installed in front of the axle or at least in line with it. With a shortbox this may be difficult. Any weight you need to add to the box try to do so in front of the hitch. If you get some "chucking" then your pin weight is to light and there is too much play in your hitch. I much prefer the jaw wrap design over bar for this as I have had both and the BW Companion IMO is the best.
PAYLOAD. You have towed before but now with a fifthwheel the pin weight is being carried by the truck...... yeah you are still pulling the trailer behind I know but this is why the fifthwheel requires the truck to have the payload. IMO this is the best way for stability towing a trailer .
Weigh everything to see you are in line. Most don't do this and have no idea what they weigh going down the road. Easy info to find at a scale and on the B pillar of your truck. It is easy to be over weight with a fifthwheel after loaded for travel...... don't listen to the salesman but you already have the trailer and truck right?
As mentioned when backing up, the fifth will be slower with the reaction turning than a TT but it catches up. You just need some reps.
What did you buy for trailer and truck? Enjoy

If you have a 6'6 box and rounded corners on the cap of your fifthwheel you will not need the slider but that is extra insurance for your peace of mind but usually a very heavy hitch..... ask me how I know????

big zeke · #18 03-07-2023, 04:44 PM

You should find the towing even easier than with a bumper pull, sway is reduced even in strong crosswinds. Bigwoodsman has a great list of steps for hooking up, might be a good idea to print them off so you can follow then from memory. Couple other ideas:

-make sure your power cord is stowed away (tuck mine into the hitch from the rear) when you pull away from the trailer when parking. I once left it to dangle, it got caught on some junk in the box and I tore the cable out of the trailerside JB when I was about 6' away

-Make sure the trailer is level and blocked (in both directions) before operating a slide, it may jam otherwise. Annual slide lube is a good idea.

-Many folks have good advice on trailer hitting the cab when backing...a good idea. I'll add you need to pay attention when pulling steep uphill and approaching a level road; as the truck reaches the road there will be a point where the truck will be level and the trailer is pointing uphill. This will risk the rear of the box contacting the underside of the trailer overhang. If there is only a few inches between the truck boxside and the trailer overhang this can happen very quickly and the truck box, right above the tail light, will lose every time

-

antlercarver · #19 03-07-2023, 05:08 PM

When we decide where to park, I do it all after scouting the site. Her job is to stop me if I may hit something.

Pulling is easy, parking is where interesting poop happens. We have camped in many sites between Inuvik and Mexico north to south and from north end of Vancouver island to the Maritimes going west to east.

LongRangebugler · #20 03-07-2023, 07:00 PM

Right on . These are all very good tips . I appreciate it coming from all
Of your experience. I will definitely make a checklist and print it out , and I will definitely drag the wife to an empty parking lot for a little practice, can’t hurt . All suggestions will be noted .
Equipment I have is a 2022 powerstroke f350 tremor package with the 6’6” box , a 21k Demco autoslide hitch , and a 30’ 2012 elk ridge fifth wheel at 8000lbs . I figured to get a autoslide for peace of mind ,for backing into tight spots , I can be a bit shall we say forgetful sometimes lol so I want one less thing to be thinking of rather than getting out and screwing around with a Manual slide hitch.

Any tips for pulling that thing through the mountains ? Was thinking of going to radium … I’ve only really pulled through flat prairie or around grande prairie area out hunting .
Thanks again all .

jstubbs · #21 03-07-2023, 08:21 PM

That truck won’t even feel that trailer behind it, even up a steep mountain grade. Just make sure the trailer brakes are working and don’t drive faster than you feel comfortable. Have fun

Ackleyman · #22 03-07-2023, 08:24 PM

Use tow haul mode.

Chris84 · #23 03-08-2023, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LongRangebugler

Right on . These are all very good tips . I appreciate it coming from all
Of your experience. I will definitely make a checklist and print it out , and I will definitely drag the wife to an empty parking lot for a little practice, can’t hurt . All suggestions will be noted .
Equipment I have is a 2022 powerstroke f350 tremor package with the 6’6” box , a 21k Demco autoslide hitch , and a 30’ 2012 elk ridge fifth wheel at 8000lbs . I figured to get a autoslide for peace of mind ,for backing into tight spots , I can be a bit shall we say forgetful sometimes lol so I want one less thing to be thinking of rather than getting out and screwing around with a Manual slide hitch.

Any tips for pulling that thing through the mountains ? Was thinking of going to radium … I’ve only really pulled through flat prairie or around grande prairie area out hunting .
Thanks again all .

Last year my truck was stolen and a buddy of mine let me borrow his 2022 F350 and he had the Demco 21K autoslide hitch. My trailer is a bit heavier than yours but around the same length. You won't even notice it behind the truck. It pulls so nicely and the Demco hitch was great. You'll be happy pulling the fifth wheel. I'm going on 6 years pulling mine and I've certainly enjoyed it.

One piece of advice though that I'll give is when you are parking, unhooking and setting up, it seems (at least with my family and friends) like people want to help out. The gesture is nice but I like to do my own thing so I know nothing gets missed and I can concentrate on what I'm doing.

I can't speak to the towing in mountains, pretty much a prairie camper through and through.

Happy towing!

Chris

jcrayford · #24 03-08-2023, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LongRangebugler

Right on . These are all very good tips . I appreciate it coming from all
Of your experience. I will definitely make a checklist and print it out , and I will definitely drag the wife to an empty parking lot for a little practice, can’t hurt . All suggestions will be noted .
Equipment I have is a 2022 powerstroke f350 tremor package with the 6’6” box , a 21k Demco autoslide hitch , and a 30’ 2012 elk ridge fifth wheel at 8000lbs . I figured to get a autoslide for peace of mind ,for backing into tight spots , I can be a bit shall we say forgetful sometimes lol so I want one less thing to be thinking of rather than getting out and screwing around with a Manual slide hitch.

Any tips for pulling that thing through the mountains ? Was thinking of going to radium … I’ve only really pulled through flat prairie or around grande prairie area out hunting .
Thanks again all .

Use cruise on the flats, right foot in the hills. Trailer tires are rated for 100 kph. Keep them at or under 100 kph and they won't heat up unless there's alignment issues.

Fuel mileage will severely deteriorate above 100 kph. Keep it calm and create space for yourself.

When towing on a divided highway, you will always find me in the right lane doing 100 kph. All the other race cars drivers are going around me, nothing but clear lane ahead of me. When on single lane highway, I do the speed limit and usually everyone gets ample chances to pass me.

Trailer brakes or not, that's a unit that will require extra stopping distances. Eyes way ahead and you shouldn't have to rely on heavy braking.

My Dad always said "Tow like your Mother is in the vehicle with a backhand at the ready". This is good advice - I can count the number of times on 3 fingers in 12 years heavy braking has been required.

Sounds like your upcoming summer is going to be a blast! Enjoy.

J.

colroggal · #25 03-08-2023, 09:48 AM

In addition to visually verifying your 5th wheel jaws are locked one should also perform a tug-test. Connect your electrical line, lift the dolly legs about an inch or two clear of the ground, hold the trailer brakes on full and gently try to pull ahead. Do this two or three times and do it every time you hook up.

Additionally, put a padlock on the 5th wheel release handle - you wouldn't believe how many Jack-heads out there believe it to be the height of amusement to yank open your jaws while you're in buying Doritos. And even still, visually check it every time you get back to your truck.

Colin

walker1 · #26 03-08-2023, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LongRangebugler

Right on . These are all very good tips . I appreciate it coming from all
Of your experience. I will definitely make a checklist and print it out , and I will definitely drag the wife to an empty parking lot for a little practice, can’t hurt . All suggestions will be noted .
Equipment I have is a 2022 powerstroke f350 tremor package with the 6’6” box , a 21k Demco autoslide hitch , and a 30’ 2012 elk ridge fifth wheel at 8000lbs . I figured to get a autoslide for peace of mind ,for backing into tight spots , I can be a bit shall we say forgetful sometimes lol so I want one less thing to be thinking of rather than getting out and screwing around with a Manual slide hitch.

Any tips for pulling that thing through the mountains ? Was thinking of going to radium … I’ve only really pulled through flat prairie or around grande prairie area out hunting .
Thanks again all .

Yeah you have a great combo there and probably only around 60% of your overall ratings which is some nice buffer.
Your box is actually 6'9 as it is called 6 3/4. Some men say length counts!!!!!
Where your pin weight will be light it will not squat your truck a lot so just watch for your angle between the two. Aim to have 6" clearance between truck bed rails and underside of front of fifthwheel. If angle is off adjust height of your hitch in bed accordingly as most have some leeway there.
In mountains you will need the exhaust brake and you will have to experiment with it. The Ford is not as aggressive as the duramax or cummins but is still just awesome . Can never have too much truck or too much braking!!! These trucks can pull crazy amount of weight but stopping and cooling is also key.
I have a 2017 Platinum 350 and haul a 2014 Voltage 3305 toyhauler 40 footer past 8 years and love it. Did so first with a 2012 and knew the braking was not what I wanted but in 2015 Ford upgraded turbo and big difference.
Enjoy the rig and pm if any questions.
Rob

Greatwest · #27 03-08-2023, 08:01 PM

Watch the uneven ground, slight ditches, approaches, going from a low road pulling onto a high road, etc. Go slow so you don’t crunch the sides of your box when the trailer and truck are at different heights it can get close to you box sides. The slower you go the less it rocks and gives you more reaction time. I’ve been close a few times and I’m sure if I would have been going faster it would have contacted the top of the box sides. You will love pulling fifth wheel over bumper hitch. My first trailer was a 33’ bumper pull second trailer was a 35’ fifth wheel. I am way more relaxed pulling the fifth wheel.

scooterj · #28 03-08-2023, 08:46 PM

Great tips! I am also a new 5th wheel guy, have a 25 footer. I bought a short one so I can eventually tow a boat behind it. Any tips for this?

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

Greatwest · #29 03-08-2023, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooterj

Great tips! I am also a new 5th wheel guy, have a 25 footer. I bought a short one so I can eventually tow a boat behind it. Any tips for this?

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

Make sure you roll the awning in before you take off. Lol

barbless · #30 03-09-2023, 11:34 AM

"Wife waiving hands all over"

Some good examples of this are at boat launches. Grab a lawn chair

"Make sure you roll the awning in before you take off." Lol Have seen it happen before.
Some really good advice and hints here. As mentioned take it slow. The more you do it the better you will get and will build your confidence. The walk around and site observance is important. Anytime I get out of my vehicle no matter where I always do a walkaround. I check my hubs for heat, tire condition and a up and down eyeball of the truck and unit. I do not have a fifth wheel any more but have pulled many different styles and lengths from a tent trailer to Super "B"s. Backing the Super B was a good challenge a first but practice was the key.