How to Back a Fifth Wheel Trailer
Fifth wheel trailers can sometimes present problems for drivers who must back the popular camping and recreational vehicles into position. Because the trailers can veer in unexpected directions, many drivers unfamiliar with trailer operation believe fifth wheels maneuver erratically when backing. With a little basic knowledge and trailer understanding, however, you can easily back a fifth-wheel trailer into position.
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Things You'll Need
- Fifth-wheel trailer
- Vehicle with proper towing abilities
- Friend or spotter (optional)
Instructions
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Place your vehicle in park. Before backing up, be sure to look around, become familiar with your surroundings, and gain an awareness of any obstacles or pedestrians that may get in your way while backing up.
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Position your spotter, if you have one, outside the vehicle so he can help you properly gauge your progress as you are backing. Your spotter also can help clear your path of animals or pedestrians.
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Put your left hand at the bottom of your steering wheel. According to Popular Mechanics magazine, the 6 o'clock position on the steering wheel provides the best control and flexibility when backing up. Grasp the wheel firmly to ensure it does not slip.
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4
With your foot firmly on the brake, engage the reverse gear on the towing vehicle.
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If your fifth-wheel trailer is short enough to see over, put your right hand behind the front passenger's seat and turn around to peer out the rear window. If the trailer is too tall to see over, you may need to face forward and look at your mirrors to gauge direction.
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Begin backing up. Release the brake and slowly begin moving the vehicle and trailer backward.
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Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. For example, tf you move the wheel to the left, the trailer also will move to the left. The same goes for the right. Continue slowly and carefully maneuvering the vehicle and trailer until you are in the desired position.
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Put the vehicle in park and engage the parking brake. With the vehicle and trailer in the proper position, park the vehicle and activate the emergency brake.
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Tips & Warnings
If possible, use a friend or bystander as a spotter to help with backing up. Make some practice attempts before backing a long way, and exercise patience when backing up. If you do not have a spotter or friend, attach small flags to the rear of the trailer for use in judging the trailer's actual position.
Always clear the area through which you will be backing, as collisions with pedestrians or animals can cause seriously injury or death.
