A Women's RV Forum run by Women RVer's!

My husband has recently passed away and now getting ready to go on the road. We have always spent our summers rving but I have never went by myself. I am ready to try this out by myself does anyone have any tips on pulling a 36 foot 5th wheel, or any tips on the set up. Thanks Becky

Hi Becky,
Sorry for your loss! But very glad that you're going to do this on your own. Many of us out there, some of whom pull a 5th wheel - so I'll leave the answering of that question to them.

Glad to have you with us and hope to see you often, in here, and hopefully on the road and at a gtg (get together) one day.

Hi Becky! Welcome to our forum and I, too, am very sorry for your loss. Quite a few women on this forum (including myself) set out RVing after the loss of a spouse. I don't have any towing tips (I'm a motorhome girl myself), but I just wanted to welcome you and invite you to join in on the fun.

Welcome, Becky! So glad you found us and decided to join our ranks. Also nice to have another gal out our way here in the NW.
Not sure what kind of support you are needing with pulling a 5ver but ask away. Some of us use to travel in one, and some others still are. I am sure they will be more than happy to share their knowledge.

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Hi, Becky!

I'm sorry for your loss. But we're glad you joined us. I tow, but I think my little trailer could fit in your "neck" ! So, no advice to offer from this neck of the woods.

Tell us a little more about yourself...any 4-footed children? If you're read any of the past posts, you'll know WE LOVE PICTURES!!!

We'll look forward to learning more about you!

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Hi Becky,

Sorry about your loss, but happy you are going to trying rving on your own. I don't think you regret it. I think it is already in your blood.

I tow a 35' 5th wheel with my 4 door 3/4 ton diesel truck. I was used to towing boat trailers, horse trailers and cattle trailers and on occasion pulled travel trailers in the past. So, towing a 5th wheel was natural for me. I am still practicing the backing up, because I "cheated" sometimes by not using my mirrors (being totally dependent on using them) all the time to back up. Since my 5th is 12 plus feet in height, I totally dependent and use my mirrors to backup, along with getting out the truck to check my blind side and back when I don't have any assistance in backing up. Actually, most of the time I prefer to not have any assistance unless i am familiar with or know the person is knowledgeable in backing up procedures.

Always take your time! Don't let anyone get you in a hurry! "Hooking up" the 5th is easier than a bumper type hitch (in my opinion). Make wide turns. Use your mirrors! I never drive faster than 65, but usually stay closer to 60 mph. Practice turning, backing, stopping, etc in a large parking lot using. May I suggest taking an rving driving course to gain confidence and skills.

Happy you have joined us here.

Please feel free to PM me or ask questions here if you have any questions. I happy to share my experience with you.

Hi, Becky, welcome. What part of ID are you in?

I tow a 31' 5th wheel behind an F250 Ford Diesel. Carolyn summed things up just about the way I would have. Be sure that you know how tall your 5th is at the highest point. They are easy to tow and hook up. Feel free to contact me as well if you have any particular questions.

Welcome to the forum, Becky! Sorry about your husband's passing, but glad you still want to get out there and enjoy the country.

Welcome to the boards. I'm like Mitch- my trailer is tiny compared to yours. Practice, practice, practice. I drive about half the time and still need practice at backing. But every time is easier.

Welcome to the forum! You have come to a supportive place where independent women drive all sizes and types of RVs, so I'm sure somebody can give you advice and encouragement for your questions. I too started RVing after my husband died in 2003, and love it so much I sold my house and started full-timing last year.

When and where do you plan to travel this year?

Welcome Becky,

I tow a small trailer with a van so it doesn't really compare with your larger rig. Never go above 60 and try hard to not have to back up. Consider joining a Good Sams chapter that camps close to where you live. It will give you a group to meet up with locally. A couple of trips close to home and you will probably be ready to head out for a longer trip. The WomenRV get togethers are also lots of fun.

It is great getting all the advice. Thank you everyone. Are there any groups around the northern Idaho panhandle? I'm close to Couer D' Alene Idaho. Would really like to find some other rv era in this area.