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Lets see those 5th wheels

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  #3856  
Old 05-11-2024, 08:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Desert Don
Please inform me, what is the big deal about being able to turn so tight with these heavy trailers? Doesn’t that kinda tear up the suspension? Just asking.
My 350 DRW or my 3500 DRW will pivot my 5er tighter than I want.
I'm with you Don. I have a short bed, B&W Companion (non-sliding) hitch, and a Lippert Turning Point (rotating) pin box. The first time I made a turn to check fiver nose to truck cab clearance I chickened out way before I got to 90 degrees. It seems to me you'd be smearing the trailer tires at the very least, and maybe stressing the frame too. But, I do see where lots of guys say they need to make a 90 degree turn to back in from narrow streets or clear obstacles. I'm not picking a fight about it, but glad I've been able to avoid the need so far!
 
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  #3857  
Old 05-11-2024, 08:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Desert Don
Please inform me, what is the big deal about being able to turn so tight with these heavy trailers? Doesn’t that kinda tear up the suspension? Just asking.
My 350 DRW or my 3500 DRW will pivot my 5er tighter than I want.
Agreed. Having recently broken a suspension hanger bracket, I'm a lot more conservative in how tight I make the trailer turn in order to minimize the stress on the suspension.
 
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  #3858  
Old 05-11-2024, 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Desert Don
Please inform me, what is the big deal about being able to turn so tight with these heavy trailers? Doesn’t that kinda tear up the suspension? Just asking.
My 350 DRW or my 3500 DRW will pivot my 5er tighter than I want.
I used to have to drive to the end of my road and turn around in the cul de sac to back into my driveway and this is what happens when you make 90+ degree turns multiple times. The lateral stress on the hubs caused 2 hub seals to leak, destroyed all 4 of my brake assemblies and bent the hanger for my suspension equalizer. Having an F450 and turning that tight causes more harm than good. If you have a driveway that tight you are going to be causing a ton of stress on your frame, tires, axles and suspension every time.


 
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  #3859  
Old 05-11-2024, 09:55 AM
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every once in a while you have no choice, but as a general rule I try to avoid the sharpest of turns.

One reason to get a RV GPS or a truckers GPS.
 
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Old 05-11-2024, 12:06 PM
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And since my Raptor is a triple axle I definitely avoid sharp turns like the plague. Although it has happened a few times. I also use sattelite view on google maps a lot if I have any questions or doubts.
 
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Old 05-12-2024, 06:58 PM
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Home for the next week.



 
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Old 05-13-2024, 08:20 AM
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Originally Posted by BWST
Kevin, you have a nice rig sir. I think buying used is the best value on these RVs. Can you tell us if you experience any forward/backward jerking or chucking when you tow with this hitch and pinbox? I have a similar setup, with the Rota-flex version and steel AUH. I get a little bit of jerking when I go over rough road at times.

Do you plan to install a lockout kit on your pinbox? It's really just to limit the angle the rota-flex head can take relative to the AUH ball, and does allow some movement.

Agree in turning the coupler 180 degrees to gain side rail clearance, and though we try to avoid turns that tight to reduce strain on the trailer suspension, it's sometimes necessary.
Thanks! So far, it's been very smooth, although I haven't gotten to tow it very far yet. No complaints about the ride, though. If I keep the AUH setup, I'll get the lockouts. I'm still on the fence about keeping it or swapping it out for a Gen-Y. I did have the coupler reversed 180 degrees at first, but I hated how close to the tailgate the trailer was when hooking up. There's maybe three inches of clearance, so you'd better be square (or put the tailgate up when you get close). I decided that extending the length was the lesser of two evils.
 
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Old 05-13-2024, 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Desert Don
Please inform me, what is the big deal about being able to turn so tight with these heavy trailers? Doesn’t that kinda tear up the suspension? Just asking.
My 350 DRW or my 3500 DRW will pivot my 5er tighter than I want.
I agree 100%. That's why I tried it in the dirt. I have no intention or desire to turn sharp, but I wanted to make sure that it doesn't destroy my bed rails. I also live at the back of a cul de sac, so I have to make a u-turn to get in front of my house. It sucks, but what are you gonna do...
 
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Old 05-20-2024, 11:22 AM
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Picked this up last F


riday.
 
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  #3865  
Old 05-20-2024, 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by KevinLK
I agree 100%. That's why I tried it in the dirt. I have no intention or desire to turn sharp, but I wanted to make sure that it doesn't destroy my bed rails. I also live at the back of a cul de sac, so I have to make a u-turn to get in front of my house. It sucks, but what are you gonna do...
A friend of mine also lives at the end of the cul-de-sac. He has a bent axle on his fifth wheel and the suspension shop said it's due to turning too tight too many times. All they do is trailer suspensions and some big truck alignments. I had my trailer suspension worked on there. They're expensive, but they know what they're doing.
 
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Old 05-20-2024, 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by HRTKD
A friend of mine also lives at the end of the cul-de-sac. He has a bent axle on his fifth wheel and the suspension shop said it's due to turning too tight too many times. All they do is trailer suspensions and some big truck alignments. I had my trailer suspension worked on there. They're expensive, but they know what they're doing.
Not that I want to have to call them, but what's the name of the shop (just in case)? Looks like you're in my neck of the woods.
 
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Old 05-20-2024, 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by KevinLK
Not that I want to have to call them, but what's the name of the shop (just in case)? Looks like you're in my neck of the woods.
Denver Spring and Suspension

Nicole is the one that usually runs the front desk. She's very knowledgeable. Her husband owns the shop.
 
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Old 05-20-2024, 12:50 PM
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have you tried to back down the road from the turn into your cul-de-sac?

 
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Old 05-20-2024, 01:30 PM
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Originally Posted by senix
have you tried to back down the road from the turn into your cul-de-sac?
I have thought about it and after seeing the damage above that tight turns can cause, it's worth thinking some more . I'd have no problem as long as someone doesn't come up behind me as I'm trying to get backed onto our street.
 
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Old 05-20-2024, 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by KevinLK
I have thought about it and after seeing the damage above that tight turns can cause, it's worth thinking some more . I'd have no problem as long as someone doesn't come up behind me as I'm trying to get backed onto our street.
You just have to accept the fact that they are just going to have to wait a few minutes
 
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