Fifth Wheel Towing Tips
Fifth wheels are one of the most popular types of RVs on the road, and for good reason. Modern fifth wheels come in all different shapes and sizes, and at a variety of price points. But with all the new fifth wheels on the roads today, there are also a lot of new fifth wheel drivers. And considering the fact that fifth wheels are often large, heavy, and not always intuitive to drive, that can present some hazards.
Driving a fifth wheel doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience if you’re willing to learn a few tricks and practice some of the basics in a safe environment.
Read on to learn our best tips for fifth wheel towing. If you’re still looking for the perfect fifth wheel for your family, stop by Golden Gait Trailers & RVs in Concord, North Carolina, near Charlotte.
Towing Vehicles
Towing a fifth wheel requires having the right tow vehicle. The tow vehicle will need a fifth wheel hitch because otherwise it won’t be able to attach to the trailer. The fifth wheel hitch is a type of hitch that sits in an open- or flatbed truck. Because the hitch sits in front of the rear axle, it gives the tow vehicle quite a bit more control. It also means the weight is distributed between both of the tow vehicle’s axles, so you don’t have to be as careful about how you load your RV.
In addition to having a fifth wheel hitch, you’ll need a truck with an adequate gross combined weight rating, or GCWR. The GCWR is the top threshold for how much weight the tow vehicle can control, and it takes into account cargo weight, weight of the passengers, weight of the vehicle, and weight of the trailer. You should be able to find the GCWR listed next to the vehicle identification number. If not, you can look it up online or ask your dealership.
Loading Your Trailer
In order to be safe while driving on the road, you’ll need to make sure the weight is distributed correctly throughout your trailer and tow vehicle. The most important consideration for a fifth wheel is that the weight is distributed evenly from side to side so as to avoid putting too much pressure on any one tire. It’s also helpful to take your trailer to the weigh station to get an idea of how the weight is distributed between the axles. If you have a severe weight imbalance from front to back, you’ll need to redistribute the cargo weight. It’s best to have the majority of the weight farther forward on the trailer because the farther back the center of gravity sits, the less stable the trailer will be on the highway.
Remove Distractions
Whenever you’re towing a trailer, it’s important to remove any distractions from the task at hand. Turn off your cell phone and give the control of things like climate control, music, and navigation to your copilot. Make sure any pets are secured in their crates or at least leashed down and secure. If you are riding with children, make sure they stay under control. Turning around to scold or calm a child can be dangerous!
Take Care of Your Tires
Tires are extremely important for towing because the extra weight involved with towing can quickly lead to a blowout. This is especially true if the weight is distributed unevenly or asymmetrically from one side to the other. This will cause one side of the tire to wear out faster and travel an uneven distance when going around corners. It’s worth it to invest in a tire pressure monitoring system because a tire pressure monitoring system will allow you to keep track of your tire’s inflation from moment to moment.
Practice Makes Perfect
The only way to really get better at towing a fifth wheel is to put in some time behind the wheel. Of course, you don’t want to risk the safety of yourself and your family, not to mention the major financial investment you just put into buying a trailer, by getting all of your practice on your first trip out. Instead, try taking your trailer to a nearby empty parking lot. You don’t need to put any cargo in it at first because you want to get used to the basic mechanics of driving with the extra length and breaking point. Practice backing up, parking, turning, and navigating tight spaces. When you’re more comfortable, head out onto the freeway for a few exits to get a sense of how it accelerates and brakes at higher speeds.
For all your fifth wheel needs, stop by Golden Gait Trailers & RVs. We’re located near Charlotte, North Carolina, in Concord, and our team of RV experts will make sure you leave with the equipment and knowledge you need.