back up your fifth wheel

the easy way

by Lucinda Belden

by Lucinda Belden

by Lucinda Belden

by Lucinda Belden

a fifth wheel doesn't back up

like a motorhome

a fifth wheel doesn't back up

a fifth wheel doesn't back up

It seems logical to turn your truck wheels in the opposite direction of where you want to turn, then back up and straighten so your fifth wheel can go straight in. 

Image: @stanleyz, iRV2 Forums Member

That's because your RV wheels are still turned. Those wheels are not pointed straight like your truck’s.

Unfortunately, that's not how a fifth wheel moves.

pro

tip 1

Place your hands at the bottom of the steering wheel, thumbs pointed out. Then turn in the same direction want the rig to go.

3 back up situations

(AND HOW TO CONQUER THEM)

Arrow

3 back up situations

(AN3 back up situations (AND HOW TO CONQUER THEM)D HOW TO CONQUER THEM)

This is what you can expect when backing up a fifth wheel

backing in straight

1

backing in to the left

2

backing in blind (to the right)

3

pro

tip 2

A partner is helpful when you're backing up a fifth wheel.

pro

tip 2

tip 2

tip 2

tip 2

tip 2

tip 2

tip 2

bACKING IN STRAIGHT

This requires plenty of space.  Pull all the way forward so all your tires are aligned straight.  Then gradually back in without turning your truck tires..

bACKING IN left

Having a partner stand at the back left corner of your target.

Pull past the parking spot. Then turn your truck wheels to the right.

Back up until your truck is at a wide ‘v’ to the RV.

bACKING IN left

Turn steering wheel to the left of your target). Then back in.

Ask your partner: are you going in the right direction?

Correct and straighten out your RV tires. Then back up.

cont.

bACKING IN  to the right

You will back up into your blind spot to get into your campsite.

See the Backing In Left instructions. Do them in an opposite manner.

A partner is critical for this one.

pro

tip 3

Ask your partner to use the same hand movements and directional words every time you back up.

the more you practice  the easier it gets.

the more you practice  the easier it gets.

the more you practice  the easier it gets.

the more you practice  the easier it gets.

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