Planning my FIRST FW trip since the 80s

[catherines_mama]

well.. when I was a Girl Scout we used to tent camp at FW. Now (ok.. Im only 26) that seems like an eternity ago.

Well.. now I have a 3yo and my mom and stepdad are buying a 5th wheel. we are VERY excited about the camper itself. But I'm even more excited b/c it means we get to camp at WDW.

My mom cannot park the dulley (she'd take out a tree or two), and stepdad isnt into WDW (however I tell my mom to have my DD ask him and he wont be able to say NO.. LOL). We'll have to figure out those logistics. So... It will be the 3 (maybe 4 if my sis joins) gals!

Any advice on a 1st timer with a 5th wheel full of gals... I'm hoping for a late winter trip. I took DD (just she and I) to WDW this past Feb and loved the weather and the lines.

I'm SOOO excited! YAY

 

[kaguilbeau]

Oh boy, what fun!

I'm sure this will be fun for you. I can pull our 5th wheel with our F250 crew cab. That is easy enough. But I've never attempted to back it up - and probably never will. I'm convinced, though, that if I had to, I would ask the CM at the registration or a camping neighbor.

The chances are good that when Dad hears you girls are determined to go, he will insist on being there to supervise what happens to "his" camper. I often offer my husband to fly down and tell him I'll pull the camper (I can take off work more days than he can) - but he cringes at the thought of me doing something to harm his lovely truck and camper.

As for advice, use the camper for weekend trips to a close by park. Even practice pulling it, especially pulling into gas stations and up to (and away from gas pumps). Learn how to hook up sewer and other connections. Sounds yuk, but sometimes I tell hubby "just get the camper on site for me" - and I'll do the rest. He'll go on his lunch hour and park camper on site. I'll go later and hook up connections, set up outside area, etc.

Read these boards and other camping forums. Do a search using the search feature above. It doesn't matter how old the thread is, a lot of the information on pulling campers and camping itself won't change.

We really enjoy going the first week of December. Parks are awesome with decorations - and crowds are considered low.

Have fun and keep reading and learning!

 

[Memph1s]

There are a couple of pull thru sites now that would let you avoid the backing in thing. Practice is the key. If you have an open parking lot around where you can practice backing into spots. You can use ropes or a couple of garden hoses to mark out an area and practice backing in to your "camp site."

 

[MrKTI]

I think FW folks will back in for you if you ask.

They made us this offer awhile back when we expressed concern about a difficult site.

Of course, being a typical ego driven male, I said "no way, I would rather back over Mickey and family !!!!" ... but that's my problem (I am taking medication for this affliction).

Seriously, I think they will dispatch someone to help if you ask, and seeing as whomever they send works there, they probably know what they are doing.

John

 

[my3princes]

Just practice. It really isn't hard. We tow a 30ft TT with a 25 ft but. DH and I swap off and we can both back it into a camp site with no problem. I have had a lot of experience with towing trailers, beginning when I was very young with a small trailer behind a tractor (very good way to start out, concept is the same). We also tow snowmobiles. The most difficult thing for me is gas stations. You really have to think it through because while it is easy to pull up to a pump there is not always room to drive out which requires backing into traffic. Just think ahead and you'll be fine.

 

[happycat]

I am single boomer female who lives in and tows a 5th wheel I bought two years ago. It was a new experience for me as well.

One piece of advice. Ask for a good "spotter". Only use one spotter. Make sure you know what their signals mean. Are they directing you to turn your steering wheel or point you 5'r wheels. There is a difference. Learn what it is.

I think the suggestion of a few practice runs at local campgrounds is a good. Mainly because when you are very new, setting up camp is more time consuming on your first few trips out, than after you become familiar. You don't want to spend all your time at the World doing this! Go to rv.net and ask someone to email you a checklist for setting up and breaking down camp and hitching and unhitching. (I would but my computer is behaving badly) There is nothing hard about hitching, unhitching, setting up, or breaking down, but there is a sequence of events and it's not good to forget any of them. Without a checklist, people can start talking to you and you just forget. Also it's a lot to remember at first. Read your manuals on the basic operations of the appliances, hot water heater, pump, fridg, et.

Keep in mind no one ever just pulls up and backs in, it can take several back up and pull forwards to get into many sites. I have had some good spotters and I have backed into sites by mostly keeping my eyesy on the spotter. (One I trusted of course)

With 3 or 4 gals everyone should have an assignment or two from the checklist. There is inside prep and outside prep.

Wide turns, watch for dips, trees, and get comfortable with your side mirrors!

Have an excellent adventure!!