We were driving out of Columbia, MO when DH nonchalantly slipped in a suggestion that "this is as good a time as any" for me to take my inaugural turn at towing our 5th wheel. So, we pulled over, switched places in the F350, and off we went.
I managed about an hour, much of which was through SE St. Louis. Made multiple highway changes as well as a series of turns so we could gas up and eat lunch.
With just over 6 weeks of experience as an RVer, it will be awhile before I can move from the novice to experienced category. Still, it feels good to have successfully completed such an important milestone as my first time towing the RV.
cherylbrv said
10:58 PM Jun 14, 2013
Congratulations! I haven't gotten to the point of even buying my RV but driving it is high on my anxiety list! PS: with a screen name like that, is the road safe with you on it? ;) Just kidding.
GENECOP said
11:28 PM Jun 14, 2013
Well done.....many happy miles ahead for you.
nightsky said
11:57 PM Jun 14, 2013
Congratulations Sally!
Even after years of towing, albeit smaller trailers, I'm still not super comfortable going through major cities, especially those I'm unfamiliar with. But, I'm not super comfortable going through them in a car or the truck either. lol
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
12:39 AM Jun 15, 2013
It will become second nature to you if you drive often enough. Trying to get my darling wife to take the wheel for awhile is tough.
Terry and Jo said
01:24 AM Jun 15, 2013
Sally,
Let me assure you of something. You NEVER want to get over confident with driving/towing a large rig. I used to drive 18-wheelers, and we used to say that as soon as one thought they had the experience to say that had the thing licked, that would be when we were at the point of being dangerous. ALWAYS be driving with the idea that something could go wrong or a traffic situation could change instantly. That way, if an accident occurs in front of you, you are more likely to be prepared.
Overconfidence leads to dangerous circumstances.
Now, all that said, congratulations on your new accomplishment. Are you now ready to attempt the backing in scenarios?
Terry
PIEERE said
02:03 AM Jun 15, 2013
All right!!! Way to go!!! Take your time; go easy; and be safe!!!
SnowGypsy said
07:10 AM Jun 15, 2013
Always good to read something encouraging like this but when I looked at the screen name "RunsWithScissors" it was kind of funny. I mean, talking about being safe and everything.
-- Edited by SnowGypsy on Saturday 15th of June 2013 07:10:53 AM
RunsWithScissors said
12:31 PM Jun 15, 2013
Terry, appreciate your admonitions for safe driving. All are "spot on."
As for backing in, DH did it for the first time the other day. I'll give it a go in the first nice, big, open space we find. (No point in pushing my luck, eh?) :)
Ckerr said
05:10 PM Jun 15, 2013
Great job -- especially with the fueling stop. That can be one of the more hair raising experiences...
LibertyLinda said
04:30 AM Jun 16, 2013
I can tell you, that you are an inspiration for me! We have a Class A now that kind-a freaks me out when I drive it~I last about an hour on long trips, on the highway, so hubby can catch a nap, and that is it. I feel awful that I can not contribute more!
But we are getting a fifth wheel soon. I drive our dully a lot and just feel more comfortable in a pick-up. I can only pray that will translate into a 18k+ thing towing behind it!
Best of luck and keep trying it! I imagine, practice helps
RunsWithScissors said
12:42 PM Jun 16, 2013
Ann, before we'd even taken delivery of our 5th-wheel, we got Mark Polk's video (RV Education 101) "Tow Your 5th Wheel Like a Pro." I found watching that to be good prep, not only for performing driving maneuvers but also for proper hitching/unhitching.
Steady, deep breathing also helped. :)
Terry and Jo said
02:19 PM Jun 16, 2013
Ah, Sally.
I must add to the kudos you are getting. I just looked at your signature and you did you first drive of a fifth wheel with one that is wider than most. The Suites are 102" wide, thus 6 inches wider than the majority of other fivers.
Good job, Girl!!!
When Jo pulled ours for the first time, she did a good job as well. However, she has had the experience of towing trailers on the farm, so her accomplishment was mostly with regards to towing a wider trailer.
Terry
WestWardHo said
02:23 PM Jun 16, 2013
Sally,
I am so impressed........your inaugural thru St. Louis!!!
I hitched up......once!
Sherry
Lucky Mike said
02:24 PM Jun 17, 2013
Taaaa.........Daaaahhhh!!!!!!..................
Congrats!!!
more fun than the day you bought your unit is the day you get to Drive it!!!.........
I did it! I did it! I did it!
We were driving out of Columbia, MO when DH nonchalantly slipped in a suggestion that "this is as good a time as any" for me to take my inaugural turn at towing our 5th wheel. So, we pulled over, switched places in the F350, and off we went.
I managed about an hour, much of which was through SE St. Louis. Made multiple highway changes as well as a series of turns so we could gas up and eat lunch.
With just over 6 weeks of experience as an RVer, it will be awhile before I can move from the novice to experienced category. Still, it feels good to have successfully completed such an important milestone as my first time towing the RV.
Congratulations Sally!
Even after years of towing, albeit smaller trailers, I'm still not super comfortable going through major cities, especially those I'm unfamiliar with. But, I'm not super comfortable going through them in a car or the truck either. lol
Sally,
Let me assure you of something. You NEVER want to get over confident with driving/towing a large rig. I used to drive 18-wheelers, and we used to say that as soon as one thought they had the experience to say that had the thing licked, that would be when we were at the point of being dangerous. ALWAYS be driving with the idea that something could go wrong or a traffic situation could change instantly. That way, if an accident occurs in front of you, you are more likely to be prepared.
Overconfidence leads to dangerous circumstances.
Now, all that said, congratulations on your new accomplishment. Are you now ready to attempt the backing in scenarios?
Terry
Always good to read something encouraging like this but when I looked at the screen name "RunsWithScissors" it was kind of funny. I mean, talking about being safe and everything.
-- Edited by SnowGypsy on Saturday 15th of June 2013 07:10:53 AM
As for backing in, DH did it for the first time the other day. I'll give it a go in the first nice, big, open space we find. (No point in pushing my luck, eh?) :)
I can tell you, that you are an inspiration for me! We have a Class A now that kind-a freaks me out when I drive it~I last about an hour on long trips, on the highway, so hubby can catch a nap, and that is it. I feel awful that I can not contribute more!
But we are getting a fifth wheel soon. I drive our dully a lot and just feel more comfortable in a pick-up. I can only pray that will translate into a 18k+ thing towing behind it!
Best of luck and keep trying it! I imagine, practice helps
Steady, deep breathing also helped. :)
Ah, Sally.
I must add to the kudos you are getting. I just looked at your signature and you did you first drive of a fifth wheel with one that is wider than most. The Suites are 102" wide, thus 6 inches wider than the majority of other fivers.
Good job, Girl!!!
When Jo pulled ours for the first time, she did a good job as well. However, she has had the experience of towing trailers on the farm, so her accomplishment was mostly with regards to towing a wider trailer.
Terry
I am so impressed........your inaugural thru St. Louis!!!
I hitched up......once!
Sherry
Congrats!!!
more fun than the day you bought your unit is the day you get to Drive it!!!.........