How many ladies out there driving while pulling their 5th wheel?

[slmayor]

I did my first solo trip last weekend. We had a girl's weekend planned at a casino about 45 miles away down I-5. Had one of my good friends (also a 5'er owner) and daughter with me. After about the first 5 miles, I relaxed and all was fine. I didn't run over anything, cut any curbs or smash any cars. I had pulled horsetrailers and driven the class A's, but not pulled anything that big.
We had the trailer set up in no time, and broke down the next morning as well. Even dumping went smooth.
Still not sure I want to drive in downtown traffic just yet, but now that I know I can do it, I plan to make more "just girls" trips.
I have to say I really like the dually. Didn't even know the trailer was back there. And as wide and as long as it is, it made it easy to remember to swing wide on the turns. Marybeth, you are right! Just drive a "real" truck. LOL

 

[Shadowchek]

Chickie
I was out of town and almost missed this topic. My husband was killed in Iraq two years ago and since then, have learned to do almost everything by myself. A year ago, I bought a Landmark Augusta and a Chevy 3500 DRW and have been out at least once a month since then. My husband's family all have 5ers so if I wanted to be included - I had to get one too!!

I have been to two Heartland rally's so far and am headed to the Oregon rally in June.

I took a driving lesson to become familiar with my rig and how to drive it. I am getting better every time I take it out and more confident of my abilities. I also am learning how things work on the rig although I really do appreciate all the help I have had from the guys. I think every wife should know how to drive towing a their fifth wheel. Stuff happens and there is no guarantee that your man will always be around to squire you around. (As I found out).

Just as a personal opinion - get someone besides your husband to drive with you to teach you how to do stuff. There is more than one method used to teach people how to back up and you need to find a way that makes sense to you. Backing up can be really frustrating and tempers can flare!!!

Good Luck!!

When I first read this thread I thought where is Marybeth our Rally neighbor. I figured you would be right in on this one. Glad to see you chime in and see you are doing well.

Greg

 

[deee2]

Well, DH does the driving because he really enjoys it, and we never go more than 200 or 220 miles in a day. I have pulled it before, but I'm fine with him driving. However, *I* am the one that parks it. It just works better for us. Besides, have you EVER heard of a man who follows directions OR asks for them?? LOL

 

[CrazyScotsman]

My DW will not pull our fiver, she won't even drive the dually on it's own , never mind with a trailer behind it. She always has an excuse not to drive, I had a Jaguar before the dually, her excuse was, " I don't want to scratch it ". I can see why she doesn't want to drive she say's she is directionaly challenged, I can agree with that. We ended up in the middle of nowhere on a trip to Memhis, road construction had you go from the east bound lane over to the west bound side . She took an exit before the construction thinking the road was closed.She woke me up about 10 miles down this skinny little county road. She had no clue where she was, either did I.
I have all the faith in the world in her driving skills, just wish she had as much faith in herself.

 

[Chickie]

Had my first lessen....

Okay...not too bad. DH and I settled at a vacant parking lot (Ollie's old site). Had picked up 4 cones to use in practice. I need alot of practice...not doubt about it. I ran over one cone(good thing they are small). with the back tire of the BH.

I am having difficulty judging the back of the BH for the back in.

When I practiced this first lesson, (in my head) it all went smoothly.

After the 5th try....I think, We concentrated on my right turn and then I finally backed it into a spot.

So, DH and I look forward to more lessons here at the vacant parking lot. I will drive the truck while pulling the BH, on open highway (not city) for now.

I must learn the depth of the truck length when making turns. Our truck is long. I tried that technique, right shoulder to line then turn sharp....not sure about that.

More tips and techniques greatly appreciated if you have any to share.

 

[kakampers]

Chickie...the major thing I learned from a truck driver was to (1) always back in on the driver's side whenever possible, and (2) watch where the back wheel of the RV is going on the pavement, not the back end of the trailer.

If you place the rear RV wheel as close as you can to the point at which you need to pivot the trailer, you will have no problem with the placement of the rear of the trailer. In other words, pull perpendicular to the spot you want to go into, and far enough ahead of it to pull your truck straight to the trailer. Back straight toward your target until just before the rear wheel of your trailer comes close to the corner or edge of your parking place, then cut your wheel hard and the place the trailer wheel just to your side of the curb or spot. The trailer will pivot around this spot (or cone if you're practicing). You then need to bring your truck straight to your trailer, or as the trucker's call it, "chase" the trailer as it goes back into your parking spot.

You will obviously need enough "cut" room for the truck to pivot, and a spotter to watch the back of the trailer so you don't hit something you can't see. However, if you follow this procedure, you can back into a spot that is only 10 feet wide and not have any problem with tail swing. Hope this helps! Have Fun!

 

[BrendaWendell]

Re: I tow 100% of the time.....

Hi there! I've been towing our fifth wheel for four years. I figure if a man can do it so can I !! My husband taught me well, and is very comfortable that we can share the driving. I haven't had any problems with backing up, but it is very helpful for your partner to direct you when its on your "blind" side. I've driven in "downtown traffic" and everything is still in one piece I've towed our friends' travel trailer and much prefer our fifth wheel, better handling for sure. So I say get behind the wheel and start haulin', you'll never regret it, and your husband will appreciate the break
All the best
Brenda

 

[caissiel]

My wife don't drive the unit on the highway but when we park she will handle the truck. I find that in thight camp ground spot its easier for me to be outside and giding her to back it in.

I never knew how usefull it was till we did it 5 years ago. I can guide the backing up from the front of the unit and look all around the unit while we backup.

 

[Travelnman]

My wife pulls our fifth wheel sometimes when we travel. I enjoy the breaks. She doesn't has a problem.

 

[Wharton]

We believe it is imperative that both husband and wife drive and back the trailer. What is someone becomes ill, or in an accident. So many things can happen that you never think of. Go the RV Driving School if you have a concern, they are wonderful instructors and both of you will learn something and gain confidance.

 

[GETnBYE]

If we have an emergency, I can get us home..........first to fifth, fifth to first... alllll the way.

 

[SueJean]

:angel: I don't mind driving our rig around though I usually have to fuss and whine to get my "Cowboy" to get his "tail" out of the "command post". I've driven through towns, on back roads and on various highways. He usually handles the backing up/parking and gas stations - not because I can't, but because I can't stand him "barking" at me while I'm trying to figure it all out.

My favorite driving times are in the late afternoons/evenings as that's when traffic is generally the lightest and my superior night vision is an asset. I have done some very "hairy" drives through CA construction with heavy traffic and one horrendously long night from Barstow, CA to Vegas during the Friday night crush to get to a karaoke competition.

(DannyLee was resting up for the competition. Good thing! If he had been awake during that drive, he might have had a heart attack or something worse. It was horrible!)

I agree with many others in thinking that it's a very good thing for both parties to be able to handle all of the tasks associated with RV life. And yes, that includes the glamorous task of flushing the black water tank!

Blessings,

SueJean and DannyLee with our "tail-gunner" Ariela Grace.

 

[Clymer]

I do all the driving my DH has bad eyes and is my co-pilot. I'm not the best at backing but so far have managed without any problems...just have to go slow. I can also set up and break down everything so no problem. I take the rig to horse shows all by myself....its not hard just a matter of getting used to it and staying alert to traffic.

 

[JohnDar]

Dar is intimidated by the size of the dually, even without the trailer on, so it is highly unlikely she would drive with it hitched. I use her as my spotter when backing up, along with some 2-way radios and me scoping out the spot first. She does take the wheel when I've got the truck lined up near the pin to hitch, and to pull away when unhitching. She used to love driving my Avalanche, though, when we went on trips (no trailer) to Myrtle Beach with it.