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11-11-2015, 03:49 AM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Fairview
Posts: 15
M.O.C. #18011
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new owner
We are new owners of a 2016 Montana 3160RL. Since I have not pulled a 5th wheel for nearly 20 years, I thought it would be good for me to attend a RV driving school to refresh my skills ( or lack of ) and become more comfortable operating our new toy. This costs $450, but I am thinking this would be money well spent. They will cover maneuvering, backing, open road driving, etc. Anyone else done this, or should I just go to an empty parking lot and practice backing and turning until I feel comfortable.
Thanks for your help.
Jamesadixon48
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11-11-2015, 04:06 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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Do whatever makes you comfortable, but a couple of hours in an empty parking lot first will likely convince you to hold on to your $450.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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11-11-2015, 04:40 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Pensacola (mail forward service)
Posts: 3,198
M.O.C. #13740
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Agree that it is what makes you comfortable the most. You plled before, so you know how easy it can be to cut a corner and run over a curb, etc. A trucker friend and an empty lot with markers can work well to restore confidence and remember the secrets to backing in all situations. That said...does the school have an instructor that used to be a trucker and has tons of backup experience in tight situations and do they use your truck and tow vehicle so the experience really applies to your setup? John
__________________
2012 F350 6.7 L dually, 2013 3800RE with 6 pt leveling, Sumitomo 17.5" load range h tires, Samsung 18 cu ft residential fridge, 8k Morryde I.S. with disc brakes. Full timing since 2012.
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11-11-2015, 05:59 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Arroyo City
Posts: 3,110
M.O.C. #13395
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CONGRATULATIONS !! I think if you pulled before, you can still. Kinda like riding a bicycle, a little wobbly at first, but it soon comes back
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11-11-2015, 07:59 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ione
Posts: 582
M.O.C. #11371
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Rear view mirrors, rear view mirrors. Pulling, RV tracks in on turns. Backing, I always try to back into the drivers side. As others have said, practice and save your money.
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11-11-2015, 05:26 PM
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#6
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Established Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Snohomish
Posts: 10
M.O.C. #18028
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Welcome to MOC.
I am a first time 5th wheeler as well, but have been pulling a TT.
I plan to follow the same advice that the others have suggested here by doing some parking lot training. I then plan to use that $450 towards getting a wireless rear facing camera. 
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11-12-2015, 05:41 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: West Richland
Posts: 1,253
M.O.C. #17164
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I agree with what Frank said. Use your mirrors and when backing into spots it is much easier to be using your driver side mirror and window. You are able to see everything better. Some times you don't have a choice so practice until you are comfortable.
Tom Marty
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11-12-2015, 06:19 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Brandon
Posts: 3,944
M.O.C. #1034
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Welcome to the MOC family. When you get behind the wheel you will be surprized just how fast your level of comfort returns. I would suggest the parking lot experience first.
__________________
Darwin & Maureen DeBackere
Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada
2011/3500/Silverado/4x4/DRW/Duramax
2017/3721RL/Legacy Pkg./Pressure-Pro 
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11-12-2015, 06:21 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Brandon
Posts: 3,944
M.O.C. #1034
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Saint
Welcome to MOC.
I am a first time 5th wheeler as well, but have been pulling a TT.
I plan to follow the same advice that the others have suggested here by doing some parking lot training. I then plan to use that $450 towards getting a wireless rear facing camera.
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I agree totally with your logic!
__________________
Darwin & Maureen DeBackere
Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada
2011/3500/Silverado/4x4/DRW/Duramax
2017/3721RL/Legacy Pkg./Pressure-Pro
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11-12-2015, 11:28 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Pahrump
Posts: 2,523
M.O.C. #1081
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Welcome to the MOC. Agree, go find an empty parking lot and practice first.
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11-12-2015, 02:02 PM
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#11
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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Welcome to the forum. I did the parking lot, but a single friend of ours took the class and it seems to have been worth the money for her.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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11-18-2015, 06:00 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,190
M.O.C. #1920
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Welcome to the MOC. That $450 will buy a lot of accessories. Find a nice parking lot and refresh yourself. You'll be surprised how quick it comes back.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames plus Meg - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar+ Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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