How similar is backing long trailers with a fullsize SUV vs backing a truck?

Better than nothing. The articulation point is different with a 5th wheel. The same basic technique is used but applied differently.

WTH give it a shot and then tells when you learn on a 53’

 

Unless you have a 48-53ft trailer to put behind it, neither. An suv or a pickup with a short bumper pull trailer doesnt back up like a semi truck does. A pickup and a long gooseneck kind of do, but your wheelbase is still different.

If you have no experience backing up trailers, learn on what you're going to drive. You wont develop any bad habits beforehand.

 

Personally I would not practice on a bumper pull in any length. The pivot points are simply different. If you get the backing perfect with a bumper pull, you will have to unlearn it, then learn a fifth wheel.
Much better to simply start with a blank slate.

 

I'm going to disagree with just about everybody else and say at least then you know the basic principals of backing with a trailer, sure the pivot point and how it actually acts will be different, but at least you won't be turning the wheel left and wondering why the trailer isn't doing what you want.

 

FORGET IT.

Backing a wee camper or tiny trailer IS NOT THE SAME.

Your BIG tractor is almost 20 feet that trailer is another 53.

The only thing you will learn is wheel this way trailer that way always.

Now stop it playing with small stuff. Get a big rig and learn to back.

Remember the longer the trailer is the EASIER it is to back. You can stick it anywhere.

 

About all it will help with is the correct direction to turn the steering wheel. You're better off waiting for a full size rig to practice with. Just like people who have never driven a clutch before learn to shift a semi faster than those who drive clutch in a car. Completely different animal.

 

A 30 foot RV is pretty typical anymore, though I'd hate to pull one that long on the bumper, I've seen more than a few 40 foot goosenecks. Why do you think everybody and their brother has a one ton diesel anymore?