Before you can enjoy an RV vacation, you'll need to tow your fifth wheel to the campground. There are tricks of the trade that can help promote a safe and stress-free towing experience, which we cover below. For more information or to shop fifth wheels for sale, visit Camping in Style. We are based in Whitby, Ontario, and also serve those in Oshawa and Mississauga.
Stay Within The Weight Limits
Weight limits exist for a reason! They tell you how much weight the tow vehicle and the fifth wheel hitch can safely handle. Exceeding it can result in damage to the rigs or even a dangerous situation on the road.
Check the owner's manual to gather up the empty weights for the truck, hitch, and fifth wheel. Then, find the corresponding limits for the tow vehicle and fifth wheel hitch. Do a bit of math to see how much wiggle room is left for cargo and passengers. Always stick within those limits!
Prepare The Various Tires
The tires on your fifth wheel and tow vehicle need to be in good condition. Otherwise, they could cause dangerous situations (such as a blowout or losing traction).
First, measure each tire's air pressure, preferably when the tires are cold on the day of travel. This will give you the most accurate reading. If the readings don't match the manufacturer recommendations, adjust accordingly.
Next, inspect the tires. Make sure they have enough tread depth and are free of damage. There should be no cracks in the sidewall or foreign objects embedded in them.
Avoid Using Overdrive
A truck's overdrive setting can help boost fuel efficiency and reduce noise, but try to avoid using it while towing a fifth wheel. The added weight of the RV can strain the transmission, which can cause overheating.
Practice, Practice, Practice
New fifth wheel owners are often aching to get out on the open road and embark on their first adventure. But it's important to remember that your tow vehicle will be affected by the massive weight of the fifth wheel. The turning radius will be different, the stopping distance affected, and so on. Take the time to familiarize yourself with how the truck handles with the RV, which will make your future drives safer and easier.
Connect your fifth wheel to your truck, then head over to an empty parking lot. Practice accelerating, braking, turning, reversing, and parking. Once you've built up some muscle memory, you will be better positioned to go on your first road trip with your fifth wheel.
We hope you found this fifth wheel towing guide helpful. If you want to shop fifth wheels for sale, check out the selection at Camping in Style. We are the home of fair prices, great service, and smiling faces! Let our experts make the shopping process easy and help you find your perfect RV. Explore our models online or stop by our dealership in Whitby, Ontario. We also proudly serve those in Oshawa and Mississauga, Ontario.