MH vs 5th-wheel for backing into site

[Mitch52656]

We sometimes have a difficult time getting our 41ft fiver into sites. Thinking about a MH and one of the main reasons is backing into site.

 

[Ex-Calif]

Hard to argue that a 5W or TT is easier to back in than a trailer-less MH.

But of course some will - LOL...

 

[Skookum]

I'd look for more pull-through sites when possible, just to ease things anyway.

Backing is a skill that has to be learned and practiced. If you can, practice some more. It's not easy!

Backing a motorhome is easier, and it's really easy when you have a camera on the back so you know exactly where the end is.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

If you find backing a trailer challenging, then maybe you would do better with a MH. It's not so much that one or the other is "easier", but rather which technique you are more familiar/comfortable with. The MH technique is basically the same as your car, just bigger. The trailer is a different technique that you may not have perfected.

 

[Laura & Charles]

My only RV experience has been with class A’s; but I have a lot experience backing trailers (including a 30’ tri-axle). Backing either takes practice/experience, but a motorhome will more be natural at first. (Though with a class A you’ll have to become used to sitting on the steer axle.. something you’ll get used to going both backwards and forwards.)

I had a job driving a forklift for a while. They steer with the rear wheels. That was a great experience for getting the knack of backing.

 

[Larry N.]

We sometimes have a difficult time getting our 41ft fiver into sites. Thinking about a MH and one of the main reasons is backing into site.

Some good responses above, but with a motorhome it depends- you don't back at all with a towed vehicle (maybe 2 or 3 feet IF you're straight and gentle), but even with one you must disconnect before getting into a back-in site, so that still leaves the MH the easiest to back, but adds another factor for overall consideration. The MH has always been my preference though, for other reasons.

 

[Lou Schneider]

A tip for backing a 5th wheel (or any RV trailer). Make the wheels go where you want them to end up. The rear end will swing back and forth due to the long overhang so if you try to drive the rear bumper to where you want it you'll just get frustrated.

 

[Alaskansnowbirds]

When backing a trailer, steer with one hand. Put your hand on the BOTTOM of the steering wheel. Move your hand in the direction that you want the back of the trailer to go. As soon as the trailer starts to move in that direction, center the wheel then slowly start to move the wheel in the opposite direction so the tow vehicle follows the trailer.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Agree with the above comment; if you have difficulty backing a trailer then a motor home will probably be better for you. Although .....???? I have seen some folks have a great deal of problem backing motor homes too, especially when the sites are tight. BUT ... my 41 foot fifth wheel ain't no pop-up either!

However, only 1 time in 5 years did I not take a camp site with the Fifth Wheel. We were able to move to a different on. Actually, the site ended up being too short, not that it couldn't be navigated. So, picking your spots to camp is really 50 percent of the equation.

Good luck!

 

[Ray-IN]

I've owned a 30' 5er and a 40' 5er, a TT, and now this MH. Kirk is right with his analogy of car/MH. My MH is much easier to back into a spot than any of the others. But backing a trailer is all about initial positioning and practice. Always choose to back in from the driver side when possible, backing in from the passenger/blind side is harder usually.
Having a spotter and both of you knowing the same hand signals is vital.

I'd guess 9 of 10 backing a trailer do not pull forward enough during initial positioning. This causes problems later. The solution is practice repeatedly in a vacant parking lot. Pick a set of lines and back between them from the driving lane.
FWIW, you can back a 5er into a site you cannot drive out of, when you get good. It requires more room to drive around a corner than back around one.

 

[Ex-Calif]

Some good responses above, but with a motorhome it depends- you don't back at all with a towed vehicle (maybe 2 or 3 feet IF you're straight and gentle), but even with one you must disconnect before getting into a back-in site, so that still leaves the MH the easiest to back, but adds another factor for overall consideration. The MH has always been my preference though, for other reasons.

True with a flat toad I am sure. I was able to back my car dolly about 30 feet, but that's a huge trick to get done.

My proudest moment was in a spectacularly crowded Flying J. I had gassed and "parallel parked" my class A and motorcycle trailer out of the way against the perimeter curb behind another rig to go inside and buy some road food.

I came out to find some fool had double parked blocking me in. Rather than wait I backed 20 feet made a 90 degree turn and then backed another 100 feet or so.

All perfect with 100 eyes watching. I felt like a boss...

 

[jims94vmx]

some
long MH have a very large swing in front when backing in. Each has its pluses and minuses.