After 7 years of RVing, we thought backing into campsites would be second nature. What we quickly learned is that backing a motorhome & backing a fifth wheel are two completely different skills.... Thanks to our video/channel sponsors: RV Mattress by @BrooklynBedding Save 30% off with our code GRATEFUL at checkout: https://rvmattress.com/grateful @etrailer - we love being able to get the right RV gear at a great price AND having someone who can walk us through EXACTLY what we need! Check out these great products/services mentioned in today's video: King Pin Tripod: https://www.etrailer.com/Camper-Jacks/Ultra~Fab-Products/UF19-950500.html?etam=a0034 *Moryde* Stabilzers: https://gratefulglamper.com/stabilizer ⛺️ Thousand Trails Camping Pass: http://gratefulglamper.com/thousandtrails Mopeka Sensors: https://gratefulglamper.com/mopeka Camco Orange Sewer Ramps: https://amzn.to/4xsSwcQ Zero G Gray Hose: https://amzn.to/4ux43oI Rhino Blaster with Gate Valve: https://amzn.to/4460Z8b Watermelon Smash Tank Treatment: https://gratefulglamper.com/unique IKEA Brush: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/pepprig-dust-pan-and-brush-gray-10527087/ Magnetic Hook for steps: https://amzn.to/4v5BQq7 ETrailer: https://gratefulglamlper.com/etrailer On just our second trip in our brand-new 2026 Coachmen Chaparral, we pulled into the campground feeling confident. But it didn't take long to realize that all those years of experience behind the wheel of our motorhome didn't automatically translate to our new fifth wheel. In this video, we're sharing the reality of the learning curve that comes with a new RV. From backing challenges to campsite surprises, this trip reminded us that even experienced RVers can feel like newbies again. If you've ever switched RV types, you know exactly what we're talking about! Let us know in the comments—what was the biggest adjustment when you changed RVs? Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFuE6zYaSBoN3jDDgxuVRgw/join Our preferred resource for RV accessories is https://gratefulglamper.com/etrailer. Allow their customer support to help you get the right accessory for your specific RV. The ONLY 💩 waste tank 🧻 treatments we use and recommend! https://gratefulglamper.com/unique Who are the Grateful Glampers? Watch our intro here: https://link.gratefulglamper.com/intro 🏔 OIn 2017 we bought our first RV and it all changed! 🎒 Want ideas for MUST-have RV gear? Check out our Amazon store! We have idea lists to help you outfit your RV, make RV easier, and more! https://video.gratefulglamper.com/amazon/gratefulglamper OR Check out all the DEALS we have arranged with our partners on products and services for RV Living and travel: https://gratefulglamper.com/partners/ 💙 Grateful Glamper Insiders💙 https://gratefulglamper.com/insiders Join the most amazing RV community ever. Get our welcome pack in the mail, invitations to meet-ups, access to giveaways, and let us follow you in our secret Facebook group with over hundreds of other Insiders. We'd love to get to know you too! 💬Join the conversation with other RVers on our FREE Discord channel! https://gratefulglamper.com/discord 🌎 Visit our blog for more campground info, Reviews, and RV Living Tips: https://gratefulglamper.com/blog/ ▶︎ Subscribe for more: https://video.gratefulglamper.com/youtube/channel/followus ▶︎ Grateful Glamper Playlists: RV Life Favorites (START HERE) https://link.gratefulglamper.com/rvlifefavorites RV Tours: https://link.gratefulglamper.com/rvtour RV Newbies: https://link.gratefulglamper.com/rvnewbies ALL LOCATIONS: https://link.gratefulglamper.com/locations ▶︎Watch more Top Voted Videos from Grateful Glamper: 10 DIY Organizing Ideas From Ikea! https://link.gratefulglamper.com/ikeaorganization Kicked Out Of Our Campground! https://link.gratefulglamper.com/kickedout Top 5 Best Campgrounds In America (MUST SEE Campsites for RV Living) https://link.gratefulglamper.com/top5campgrounds 📱 UPDATES on Social 📱 https://link.gratefulglamper.com/facebook https://link.gratefulglamper.com/instagram https://link.gratefulglamper.com/youtube Grateful Glamper, All Rights Reserved Disclaimers: Coachmen RV and Forest River do not endorse or promote any products used for modifications or alterations shown in this content. Any such products were added after the purchase of the unit and are not included with the original purchase. Coachmen RV and Forest River are not affiliated with, and do not endorse or promote, any third party products or services that may be referenced or featured within content showcasing Coachmen RV or Forest River units. *This channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV or travel experts. We share our opinions and what works for us, but you should do your own research. #rvlife #rvlivingwithkids #gratefulglamper
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That’s the absolute problem, especially with Florida. There’s a lot of permanent people living in RV parks and RVs that don’t move much. I wanna go to a campground that doesn’t look like a mobile home park. Thanks for sharing your adventure
Slow is fast. You need to help guide him with oversize signals (think how they direct an airplane at the airport when it's on the tarmac). Be behind the trailer using the backup camera or walkie talkies or your cell phones. Ben put your hands on the bottom of the steering wheel, turn the wheel left & the trailer will go left (not fast) and right for right. Practicing with cones in an empty lot is a good idea.
🙏🏻 Thanks to our video/channel sponsors: 💤RV Mattress Save 30% off with our code GRATEFUL at checkout: /grateful Thanks to eTrailer - we love being able to get the right RV gear at a great price AND having someone who can walk us through EXACTLY what we need! Check out these great products mentioned in today's video: King Pin Tripod: /Camper-Jacks/Ultra~Fab-Products/UF19-950500.html?etam=a0034 *Moryde* Stabilzers: /stabilizer
When backing always steer towards your trouble.
I used to really enjoy your content, but now your content is almost entirely ads. Please re-evaluate.
Why are we not talking about the alien in the doorway? I rewound twice. 😂😂😂
Use the bottom of your steering wheel for steering the 5th wheel without thinking too much when backing
Practice Practice 😊❤
They say the larger the fiver, the easier they back😏. We’ve had our 34” for 20 years…. FOREVER I was going at it wrong (too many videos). Have found it works best for ME is to aim truck into site as we go past and swing right till rear end is well past entrance.. You then have a decent angle to back.. Not jackknifed off the bat
When you are in a tight spot, move the truck back and forth in shorter distances than you actually have room for. That way, the steering will pivot and maneuver quicker than the rear axle will. Like doing a 3 point turn on a 2 lane highway.
When we had our 44ft 5th wheel we had to get a non-commercial class-A license in California. To do that you have to pass a backing up test as well as doing what is called a docking procedure (in 70ft of space and 12ft wide). This means learning your tail-swing and insuring you know your pivot point. Highly recommend finding an empty area and setting up cones spaced for this type of test, as many campgrounds are close to the dimensions I’ve mentioned. There are some great videos on backing & docking a “big rig truck”, which will help you with the 5th wheel. I want to mention - we had the F450 DWR which has a MUCH better turning radius than the F350. I would recommend checking to ensure your extra stability items are not altogether restricting the flex movement 5th wheels need. On our 5th wheel, the manufacturer recommended not using some stabilizer as your rig does need to flex in some places (such as the smaller slides) and conditions. Although I have to say we didn’t have hardly any movement with the jacks and snap pads. We permanently mounted gate valves on all our dump pipes. This makes it so much easier to be sure your tanks are closed. We had the propane gauges like Ben installed and loved them. Highly recommend getting carpet sections that attach with springs (easy to clean) for your main steps.
Tips? Go practice backing up.
You know those orange marker flags you out in the ground ti mark drainage ditches at driveways? I picked up a few of those and ark where I need to be. I put one at the edges of the pads and the furthest one back is where I stop the rear of the camper. So far so good.
Mor-Ryde makes a hitch-mount variant that works well. If it were me, I'd get the hitch-mount version for the rear and use your current set for the front.
Without kids feels weird just give it more time. When thet fly nest etc etc wake up call. Can be good thing and sad thing
I really love your channel. Funny comment about losing the kids 😂. Funny banter between you two.
I’m so glad I have a simple setup, no slides no hookups except power if I decide I was it I don’t need it
We have the aluminum thing for our steps and 2 scissor jacks with an impact for long stays in the middle of ours.
The longer the Rv the harder it is. You also need to make sure before you put levers down check to be sure your basement’s will open and not hit anything. That goes for slides as well
Biggest advice don't over think it