Steve,
One thing you definitely have to watch out for is having the fifth wheel too far forward. Depending on the trailer you're coupled up to, the landing gear can snag one of the mud flap brackets. When I hauled a container last year, that happened to me. I straightened it out and you can't tell that it was bent at one time, but talk about being upset.
Now, with my own trailer, I experimented. With the Reitnouer, I can have the fifth wheel set all the way forward and practically do a 90 degree tractor to trailer orientation with no problems. I would recommend that you find out what the capabilities of your tractor and trailer combination are. Don't find out like I did bending a bracket in the process.
When I'm driving around with the trailer, just practicing maneuvers, I keep the fifth wheel slid all the way forward. It makes for easier turns and backing.
|