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Old 11-11-2015, 02:49 AM   #1
Jamesadixon48
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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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Old 11-11-2015, 03:06 AM   #2
1retired06
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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.
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Old 11-11-2015, 03:40 AM   #3
jcurtis934
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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
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Old 11-11-2015, 04:59 AM   #4
K0LCB
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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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Old 11-11-2015, 06:59 AM   #5
maximo
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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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Old 11-11-2015, 04:26 PM   #6
Saint
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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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Old 11-12-2015, 04:41 AM   #7
Dam Worker
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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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Old 11-12-2015, 05:19 AM   #8
DarMar
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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.
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Old 11-12-2015, 05:21 AM   #9
DarMar
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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.
I agree totally with your logic!
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Old 11-12-2015, 10:28 AM   #10
PackerFan
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Welcome to the MOC. Agree, go find an empty parking lot and practice first.
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Old 11-12-2015, 01:02 PM   #11
DQDick
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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.
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Old 11-18-2015, 05:00 AM   #12
rames14
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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.
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