Recommendations For Skid Rollers on 39 Foot Forest River 5th Wheel

Question:

Hello! We own a 2011 355QBQ Forest River Sandpiper 5th Wheel, roughly 39foot overall length, and my question is in regards to what specific type of skid roller to use, either frame or hitch mounted, that will assist in prohibiting drags and scrapes while backing down our driveway. The rear hitch height is approx. 30inch from the ground and my concern is that while backing down the slight decline approx. 20 off the road onto the flattened part of the driveway, the rear hitch will drag and scrape due to the long wheel base. The 5er is currently parked on level ground but we will be moving in a few weeks so I have yet to try this first hand but with the overall length, low hitch height, decline of the driveway, along with the rear stabilizer jacks hanging from the frame in the rear, I thought to ask the experts before causing unwanted damage when trying to back it down the drive. I have read many of your expert replies on various topics and have found them quite useful so any assistance or feedback you can provide would be much appreciated. Thanks!

asked by: Lance W

Expert Reply:

I would recommend the Ultra-Fab Skid Wheels, part # UF48-979013, for your 39 foot Forest River 5th Wheel. These larger 6-inch diameter wheels will bolt onto the frame of your 5th Wheel to help prevent the tail from dragging.

The longer the RV/5th Wheel, and the greater the distance between the rear of the RV/5th Wheel and the back axle, the greater the forces the skid wheels will have to deal with. This is why the larger, stronger skid wheel like those used on the Ultra-Fab # UF48-979013 are recommended for RVs or 5th Wheels greater than 34 feet in length.

The smaller # UF48-979020 roller, you have referenced would probably work, but you would get more life out of the larger skid wheels.

expert reply by: Jeff D