Fifth Wheel Towing Tips

Fifth wheel trailers get their name from their unique towing hitch design which is called a fifth wheel. This hitch makes fifth wheels easier to tow than many other types of travel trailer, but these RVs are still big and heavy. If you aren’t used to towing a trailer, it can be somewhat challenging to get behind the wheel.

Luckily, with a few simple tips, you’ll have a much easier time towing your fifth wheel. We prepared this short guide to give you that information. For all your RV needs, stop by Howdy Ranch RV. We’re located near Corpus Christi and San Antonio, Texas, which gives us the ability to serve customers in the areas of Laredo, Victoria, McAllen, and Rockport, Texas. Stop by today!

The Tow Vehicle

Because fifth wheels are not self-powered, they require a tow vehicle. But not every vehicle is equipped to tow a fifth wheel. The special design of the hitch makes it so pickup trucks are the best option for towing a fifth wheel. The pickup truck you choose will also need to be authorized to handle the amount of weight you’re planning on towing. Every vehicle comes with a metric known as the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) which sets the upper threshold on how much weight a tow vehicle, trailer, and all its cargo and occupants can collectively weigh. You can usually find the GCWR on the vehicle’s VIN plate, online, or by asking your dealer.

Loading Your Trailer

The way you load the cargo into your trailer might be more important than you might think. It’s best to distribute the weight evenly from side to side so as to avoid not putting too much weight on any given tire. Both wheels on an axle should be holding equal amounts of weight so as to reduce the chance of having tire problems.

It’s also important to avoid having severe imbalances between axles. The point of having multiple axles is that it helps to reduce the weight on any given axle, which reduces the wear and tear on the tires and helps make the trailer more stable.

Remove Distractions

Many drivers get used to the experience of driving and let their guard down. When towing a trailer, it’s important to always keep strict focus on your driving. Keep your hands on the wheel and avoid using your phone. If you have another person with you, let them handle the navigation, climate controls, and even the music selection. Keep all pets kenneled or buckled up and avoid eating while you drive. Towing a trailer always comes with a certain amount of instability and unpredictability, and you don’t want to be caught off guard if something goes wrong.

Take Care of Your Tires

Your tires are some of the most important parts of your trailer and if one blows out, you might be in serious trouble. Before you hit the road, always check to make sure your tires are properly inflated and free from any obvious damage. Look for things like bumps, abrasions, cracks, and foreign objects on your tires. Don’t push your luck by trying to get more life out of a tire that needs to be changed. It’s also worth investing in a tire pressure monitoring system if you don’t already have one because a TPMS will allow you to see real-time updates on your tire status so you can catch problems before they become catastrophes.

Practice the Basic Skills

Like any skill, the best way to get better at towing is to simply practice. If you’re new to towing a fifth wheel, take your RV (unloaded) to a nearby empty parking lot and start to practice the basics. You’ll be able to see how much space you need to make turns without having to risk damaging your RV in real-world driving scenarios. It will also be much easier to learn how to park and reverse when you don’t have obstacles making it more difficult.

Ready to see some fifth wheels for yourself? Stop by Howdy Ranch RV. We’re located near Corpus Christi and San Antonio, Texas, and we proudly serve the areas of Laredo, Victoria, McAllen, and Rockport, Texas.