The longer the trailer is the easier it is to back and make small adjustments then get back under the trailer. It was much easier for me to back up a 53 ft trailer than a 12 ft trailer
Excellent points, really! I'd like to add my two cents in that I think the specs on the truck relating to towing capacity are for level pavement. If you're going to be towing in mountainous terrain, you may want to consider upsizing the truck an additional 1/2 ton capacity just for the power train capability. I see many truck/rv combinations that struggle going up I-17 to Flag and in the hot AZ summers, that can stress the engine cooling system. A technique I use when backing to determine how far back I can go is to place a traffic cone at the point where I want to stop. I place it down the left side of my rig such that the rear bumper of my rig will hit the cone. I make sure I can see the cone in my mirror. When the left rear corner of my rig tips the cone, I stop.
Great advice, thanks for sharing. Yeah I hate the I17 hills headed to flag!! Always delays from slower vehicles which is hard for other slow vehicles who can’t afford to use the gas pedal going up those hills
EXCELLENT explanation of driving, Towing and backing. Thanks for explaining it in a way not to hurt people's egos that are trying to get out as cheap as possible. As an OTR truck driver and a fifth wheel owner it's very important to go through the process as safely as possible not only for you and yours but also the innocent folks around you. Awesome Channel love your videos especially the trip out through Quanah Texas. Stay safe and happy travels one mile at a time*
To get comfortable backing a trailer go to a big parking where theres no traffic set up cones or plastic buckets and just practice until your comfortable with it I always try to start of at a 45°angle from the space I'm trying to put the trailer. And always try to do a sight side back meaning always try to back from the drivers side unless you cant. It's always a good idea to if your unsure get out and look in the back and sides especially if their are low branches or other trailer on your blind side meaning the passenger side. And one last thing always always read your signs there are bridges that even a 5th wheel cant get under especially on the east coast. And one last thing never try and turn around in a place that's not big enough to turn you can do sever damage to your trailer if you try and turn in a place to small
Thank you for this video. My husband and I are heading on a two week vacation with our new 5th wheel at the beginning of July. I am inspired to try driving our truck and 5th wheel since watching your videos. I know I can do it.
Because of you I decided to learn how to hook up and haul our 5th wheel. I’ve done everything except backing into the site. I’ve practiced backing up with my husband but it’s so confusing and I get frustrated. I’m not giving up though. My son and I were camping for 5 days and we did the hook up and hauling home without my husband and then once we were back home I unhooked, leveled and set the 5th wheel back up. I’ll get there with the backing up someday.
Great advice and you can buy a one ton truck without it being a dually but for what you are doing full time,I believe a dually is the right choice. You are right about that. And it is kind of like driving a semi tractor trailer and you do have to account for the trailer not tracking in the same tracks as your truck tires. Learn to make wide turns safely. Practice,practice,practice. I love your channel and your advice to fellow travelers and wannabes or thinking about beings. Hope you see you out and about someday. Stay safe and have fun out there. God bless.
Thank you Miss Peterson for providing this unique opportunity to ask questions and receive a response in video format. well done. Shall put you on my list for special dispositions. your gifts especially your wisdom deserves attention.
Pippi, I imagine driving that 5th wheel is like a tractor trailer rig, just slightly smaller. I towed a U-Haul trailer with my pickup truck and backing into a parking spot to load furniture was frustrating. It is an art that takes practice. Keep up the great videos!
Great info. I learn a lot from you about pulling 5th wheel. I've towed regular trailers but never 5th wheel. I know exactly what you mean having a spotter just to keep from hitting stuff. Thanks for posting.
Great questions and very well explained answers, Pippi! I admire how you effortlessly pronounced "dual rear wheels" - so many people get tongue-tied saying those three words.
I have a Ram 1500. I pull a 32 foot hitch pull, not a fifth wheel. Having said that you are absolutely correct about checking specs for truck and trailer. When I have Beth, our dogs, a couple of well fed friends, water, and a well stocked larder in the trailer, I am crowding the upper limits of what my little truck can safely manage, but I am okay. It would be nice to upgrade to a 2500, but I'm an old dinosaur on the cusp of retirement and I got what I got. Don't need no stinkin' truck payments at this point. Don't need a walker either, so I guess it evens out. Always enjoy your videos! 😆
Wait wait turn left no no no I mean right turn right no that's not what I meant. 😂🤣😂 I drive semis where I work and I train guys and the one thing I tell him is how to do it and then turn them loose and then when they're done I tell them what they did wrong and right. I never interfered unless it was to keep them from hitting something cuz they would get frustrated. Great video pippi.😊
I had a few people offer to help me backing into a campsite just driving an extended van. I thanked them but said I just got the van and needed to jump out now and then so I could learn the angles. They didn’t seem to take offense.
Princess Pippi and the traveling fans.....i honestly don't want to retire right now, but you have made me think of how I want to... i love lakes... so i would take trips coast to coast and lake to lake...
On the video about the slide repair , you tuber nomadic fanatic, had a slide problem on his class a motor home and called out a mobile r v repair service, wasn’t sure what state he was in but it was a big help for him!
I pull a 40 ft. 5th wheel with a F350 but NOT a dually. Dually will handle sway a little better. Sway is more of a problem for a trailer than a 5th wheel which why they have anti-sway hitches.
I had a one ton dually truck n a fifth wheel rv but for the life of me I just could NOT figure out backing 🥴 no matter practice time again. Just me. Sold the truck n I camper host in Ohio where I live n my brother a truck owner n driver pulls it to my campsite 🏕 for me (he’s a sweetheart) I love how easily Pippi you learned it n took control!
I can relate to having others trying to direct you when you don't need it! I hate it, unless I am unsure of overhead height. Love your explanations. We have a 31ft (1/2 ton rated) 5th wheel with 1600 lb pin weight and my 16 Ram 2500 Cummins short bed pulls it effortlessly. If we had one the size of yours, I would definitely prefer a dually.
Hello Pippi! Great Video! When are you doing a live chat? So much info! So much passion! ❤️ You're so independent, and POSITIVE! you leave me speechless ❤️
@@PippiPeterson ha..! i got a reply! *blushes* you're so beautiful...!! ❤️ i believe your beauty comes from all that determination 🔥🔥 Oregon misses you...!!! #staySafeBeSafe
So when you take a left turn, you have to swing hard right or if you have to take a right turn you have to swing way over to the left so you don’t hit the curb. I’m just curious to know because I’ve never driven with a fifth wheel. This is my first time And I’m also wondering what that looks like when you have cars in the opposite lane when you’re taking that right turn do you have to wait till they go by so you can take a way to turn into the other lane to get the camper around so you don’t take out the curbs
Great video Pippi. It is a hassle to figure out what your vehicle can pull or haul, factoring in all the loaded weights and tire capacities, getting the tow vehicle and the trailer weighed, balancing the front to back and side to side loads, it is a job and a half. But, once it's done you have the peace of mind that you are legal and safe. As long as you don't exceed the speed rating of the tires, which I feel most people don't pay attention to. They are running 75-80 mph on a tire rated for 65 mph. Result: blown tires.
Vehicle Tow and Load Ratings are not suggestions. They’re the Law. A fact that the Police and your insurance company will explain to you if you ever have a incident. Even if it’s not your fault. They can deny your claim.
Pippi, great video, lots of good tips. I wanted to ask, can you please put your email addy in the video description like you do all your links? That would be awesome as I for one, cannot remember hardly anything anymore. You are such an inspiration for other women who may be intimidated to drive, pull, repair their RV's and experience your adventures.
jamie B thank you Jamie, but I will never remember that. If it’s in the description, like the links, I can always use that reference, just like I do the links. I am 62 and my memory ain’t like she used to be.
Hi Pippi, I saw DEF in home Depot today as I have seen you use. It cost $12.99 plus tax for the box. How many of these boxes does it take /vs gallons of diesel fuel you use? Just trying to see what the actual cost per mile your fuel costs you.
Great video since I'll be retiring soon, I'm debating on what kind of rig I'll be going with so this video was very helpful thank you again for your experience 👍
Really, also just watch a Semi Truck, when they Corner, and how they take a wide swing, for the Tractor, to allow for the Rear of the trailer to Track correctly.... Practice, Practice.. Plus using a Duel wheel is Safer, as it helps in Traction and safety in that you have an extra Tire, in case of a Flat tire..... Pippi your the best in Info, Keep the shiny side up....
Another good resource would be your state's CDL driver's manual. Lots of good info therein in addition to just maneuvering your rig. Pick it up at DMV office or find online.
03:00 The shorter the trailer the closer it tracks to the tow vehicle. Also the shorter the trailer the more difficult it is to back.
The longer the trailer is the easier it is to back and make small adjustments then get back under the trailer. It was much easier for me to back up a 53 ft trailer than a 12 ft trailer
Very true. The trailer is less sensitive to steering inputs from the tow vehicle.
What a happy pleasant person to watch talk.
Thank you!
Excellent points, really! I'd like to add my two cents in that I think the specs on the truck relating to towing capacity are for level pavement. If you're going to be towing in mountainous terrain, you may want to consider upsizing the truck an additional 1/2 ton capacity just for the power train capability. I see many truck/rv combinations that struggle going up I-17 to Flag and in the hot AZ summers, that can stress the engine cooling system.
A technique I use when backing to determine how far back I can go is to place a traffic cone at the point where I want to stop. I place it down the left side of my rig such that the rear bumper of my rig will hit the cone. I make sure I can see the cone in my mirror. When the left rear corner of my rig tips the cone, I stop.
Great advice, thanks for sharing. Yeah I hate the I17 hills headed to flag!! Always delays from slower vehicles which is hard for other slow vehicles who can’t afford to use the gas pedal going up those hills
EXCELLENT explanation of driving, Towing and backing. Thanks for explaining it in a way not to hurt people's egos that are trying to get out as cheap as possible. As an OTR truck driver and a fifth wheel owner it's very important to go through the process as safely as possible not only for you and yours but also the innocent folks around you. Awesome Channel love your videos especially the trip out through Quanah Texas.
Stay safe and happy travels one mile at a time*
To get comfortable backing a trailer go to a big parking where theres no traffic set up cones or plastic buckets and just practice until your comfortable with it I always try to start of at a 45°angle from the space I'm trying to put the trailer. And always try to do a sight side back meaning always try to back from the drivers side unless you cant. It's always a good idea to if your unsure get out and look in the back and sides especially if their are low branches or other trailer on your blind side meaning the passenger side. And one last thing always always read your signs there are bridges that even a 5th wheel cant get under especially on the east coast.
And one last thing never try and turn around in a place that's not big enough to turn you can do sever damage to your trailer if you try and turn in a place to small
Pipi, love ya!! I love the fact that your strong, smart, and open minded.Any significant other that comes your way will be blessed.
Thanks
Oh well, not many guys are comfortable with a strong woman by their side, it’s intimidating to guys.
Thank you for this video. My husband and I are heading on a two week vacation with our new 5th wheel at the beginning of July. I am inspired to try driving our truck and 5th wheel since watching your videos. I know I can do it.
Because of you I decided to learn how to hook up and haul our 5th wheel. I’ve done everything except backing into the site. I’ve practiced backing up with my husband but it’s so confusing and I get frustrated. I’m not giving up though. My son and I were camping for 5 days and we did the hook up and hauling home without my husband and then once we were back home I unhooked, leveled and set the 5th wheel back up. I’ll get there with the backing up someday.
Awesome and congratulations! Yes, you will get there!! 😄
A good set of properly adjusted mirrors help. Over time and mileage one develops a spacial awareness skill set. Safe Travels!
Great advice and you can buy a one ton truck without it being a dually but for what you are doing full time,I believe a dually is the right choice. You are right about that. And it is kind of like driving a semi tractor trailer and you do have to account for the trailer not tracking in the same tracks as your truck tires. Learn to make wide turns safely. Practice,practice,practice.
I love your channel and your advice to fellow travelers and wannabes or thinking about beings. Hope you see you out and about someday. Stay safe and have fun out there. God bless.
I agree with you. Spotters are just to keep you from hitting something.
Safe travels and good health.
Thank you Miss Peterson for providing this unique opportunity to ask questions and receive a response in video format. well done.
Shall put you on my list for special dispositions. your gifts especially your wisdom deserves attention.
Thanks
Great advice! Agree with all you have shared.
Very well said. People need this kind of help. Thank you. 👍🏻🤗
Awesome Pippi n love the videos
Pippi, I imagine driving that 5th wheel is like a tractor trailer rig, just slightly smaller. I towed a U-Haul trailer with my pickup truck and backing into a parking spot to load furniture was frustrating. It is an art that takes practice. Keep up the great videos!
Pippi. You're so resourceful, love your channel. Enjoy every videos you've produced.
Thank you so much! 😄
My !! You are so interesting and give such sound and easy to understand advice,You are always spot on with what you say.
Thanks so much!
Great info. I learn a lot from you about pulling 5th wheel. I've towed regular trailers but never 5th wheel. I know exactly what you mean having a spotter just to keep from hitting stuff. Thanks for posting.
Great questions and very well explained answers, Pippi! I admire how you effortlessly pronounced "dual rear wheels" - so many people get tongue-tied saying those three words.
I do too! It takes a moment to say it 😂
I admire all your skills!👍💪🎉
Thank you
Good questions, good answers, and great to have a bonus Pippenings ^^
I’m in my 60’s and I still learn so much from you sweet gal!
MommaFaye
Aww thanks so much Mamma Faye ☺️ I’m glad to hear it.
Your hair looks perfect =) Hell yeah, thats great advice for a new 5th wheel driver!
I have a Ram 1500. I pull a 32 foot hitch pull, not a fifth wheel. Having said that you are absolutely correct about checking specs for truck and trailer. When I have Beth, our dogs, a couple of well fed friends, water, and a well stocked larder in the trailer, I am crowding the upper limits of what my little truck can safely manage, but I am okay. It would be nice to upgrade to a 2500, but I'm an old dinosaur on the cusp of retirement and I got what I got. Don't need no stinkin' truck payments at this point. Don't need a walker either, so I guess it evens out. Always enjoy your videos! 😆
Wait wait turn left no no no I mean right turn right no that's not what I meant. 😂🤣😂 I drive semis where I work and I train guys and the one thing I tell him is how to do it and then turn them loose and then when they're done I tell them what they did wrong and right. I never interfered unless it was to keep them from hitting something cuz they would get frustrated. Great video pippi.😊
Good idea!
I had a few people offer to help me backing into a campsite just driving an extended van. I thanked them but said I just got the van and needed to jump out now and then so I could learn the angles. They didn’t seem to take offense.
Princess Pippi and the traveling fans.....i honestly don't want to retire right now, but you have made me think of how I want to... i love lakes... so i would take trips coast to coast and lake to lake...
Best of luck!’
Great questions very informational good job pippi
Thanks for the great information. Great video!
On the video about the slide repair , you tuber nomadic fanatic, had a slide problem on his class a motor home and called out a mobile r v repair service, wasn’t sure what state he was in but it was a big help for him!
I pull a 40 ft. 5th wheel with a F350 but NOT a dually. Dually will handle sway a little better. Sway is more of a problem for a trailer than a 5th wheel which why they have anti-sway hitches.
You make it look soooo easy! It would scare the bejeebers out of me to haul that rig. Continued safe travels to you and the pups.
the way I was taught to drive a truck and trailer was to take all you can get when turning a corner.
I had a one ton dually truck n a fifth wheel rv but for the life of me I just could NOT figure out backing 🥴 no matter practice time again. Just me. Sold the truck n I camper host in Ohio where I live n my brother a truck owner n driver pulls it to my campsite 🏕 for me (he’s a sweetheart) I love how easily Pippi you learned it n took control!
You go girl, you figured it out on your own.
I can relate to having others trying to direct you when you don't need it! I hate it, unless I am unsure of overhead height. Love your explanations. We have a 31ft (1/2 ton rated) 5th wheel with 1600 lb pin weight and my 16 Ram 2500 Cummins short bed pulls it effortlessly. If we had one the size of yours, I would definitely prefer a dually.
Wow great info. We are thinking about going from our class A to a 5th wheel.
Good luck in you decision!
Only park in pull through sites with big rigs😃
Love the info.....we much prefer to pull a 5th wheel.....I find it easier to maneuver ....love your spirit
Thanks for the heart....
Hi Pippi, you are most likely closer to 55 feet long trailer and truck. Another DYI for you is to put a rear camera on the back of the fifth wheel. :)
Hello Pippi! Great Video! When are you doing a live chat? So much info! So much passion! ❤️
You're so independent, and POSITIVE! you leave me speechless ❤️
Aww thanks
@@PippiPeterson ha..! i got a reply! *blushes* you're so beautiful...!! ❤️
i believe your beauty comes from all that determination 🔥🔥
Oregon misses you...!!! #staySafeBeSafe
So when you take a left turn, you have to swing hard right or if you have to take a right turn you have to swing way over to the left so you don’t hit the curb. I’m just curious to know because I’ve never driven with a fifth wheel. This is my first time And I’m also wondering what that looks like when you have cars in the opposite lane when you’re taking that right turn do you have to wait till they go by so you can take a way to turn into the other lane to get the camper around so you don’t take out the curbs
Well explained.
Love your brogue!!! You rock!!
Great video Pippi. It is a hassle to figure out what your vehicle can pull or haul, factoring in all the loaded weights and tire capacities, getting the tow vehicle and the trailer weighed, balancing the front to back and side to side loads, it is a job and a half. But, once it's done you have the peace of mind that you are legal and safe. As long as you don't exceed the speed rating of the tires, which I feel most people don't pay attention to. They are running 75-80 mph on a tire rated for 65 mph. Result: blown tires.
have you checked your roof to see if it needs any work i work on rvs and they get pretty expensive to replace
A dually will give you more stability in high cross winds and also when a semi passes you.
I have not experienced stability problems with my 2500 or my 3500 SRW with 32' or 36' 5th's.Been all over the country with a total of over 60K miles.
I have no problem at all with 35ft. and 10k pulled by F-250 gas
Vehicle Tow and Load Ratings are not suggestions. They’re the Law.
A fact that the Police and your insurance company will explain to you if you ever have a incident. Even if it’s not your fault. They can deny your claim.
Does your truck have a goose neck hitch...or "5th wheel"....
Don't you have cameras on your dually that help you back into spaces?
On my dually I can’t see out of it when I’m connected to my trailer but the trailer has one too. It’s definitely useful
Pippi, great video, lots of good tips. I wanted to ask, can you please put your email addy in the video description like you do all your links? That would be awesome as I for one, cannot remember hardly anything anymore. You are such an inspiration for other women who may be intimidated to drive, pull, repair their RV's and experience your adventures.
share@pippening.com ❤️
jamie B thank you Jamie, but I will never remember that. If it’s in the description, like the links, I can always use that reference, just like I do the links. I am 62 and my memory ain’t like she used to be.
Hi Pippi, I saw DEF in home Depot today as I have seen you use. It cost $12.99 plus tax for the box. How many of these boxes does it take /vs gallons of diesel fuel you use? Just trying to see what the actual cost per mile your fuel costs you.
I use a box’s worth about ever 1600 miles
If it's your full time home go with the dually. Go with diesel for power and fuel economy.
Great video since I'll be retiring soon, I'm debating on what kind of rig I'll be going with so this video was very helpful thank you again for your experience 👍
👍
Where's the steering wheel in your fifth wheel? I had mine installed in the bathroom so I could multi-task while driving.
I have a question. How did you get to be so adorable?
💜😇💜
😃👍🏻👊🏻
Always make wide right turns
Really, also just watch a Semi Truck, when they Corner, and how they take a wide swing, for the Tractor, to allow for the Rear of the trailer to Track correctly.... Practice, Practice.. Plus using a Duel wheel is Safer, as it helps in Traction and safety in that you have an extra Tire, in case of a Flat tire..... Pippi your the best in Info, Keep the shiny side up....
Thanks Dave
Another good resource would be your state's CDL driver's manual. Lots of good info therein in addition to just maneuvering your rig. Pick it up at DMV office or find online.
Pippi you are my hero, I have a total crush on you, but I’m really gay, so we can be besties!
Besties are the besteses! ☺️
your ring light is to strong