Fifth Wheel Towing Guide
Fifth wheels are known for being big and spacious, with plenty of sleeping spaces and storage room. These are some of the biggest recreational vehicles you’ll find on the market, which is why it’s important to know how to safely tow them from one place to another. At White Sands RV, we want to help you stay safe on the roads, so we’ve created this brief guide for safely towing your fifth wheel. If you have any questions, get in touch with at our dealership in Summerdale, Alabama.
Weight Capacity
Most fifth wheel hitches can handle a weight limit of about 24,000 pounds, but you should never assume your RV’s limit! It’s important to make sure you know the capacity of your rig before you start towing it. You should figure out how much your fifth wheel weighs when it’s empty as well as when it is full and hitched up to your truck.
Start by figuring out what your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is for your tow vehicle, which indicates the weight your entire unit should not exceed. This will include the tow vehicle, the towed vehicle, the passengers, and the cargo weight. Check out your owner’s manual for this information, and find a dump or quarry scale to measure the trailer when it’s full and hooked up.
Inspect the Tires
The tires on your fifth wheel should be in near perfect condition before any trip. Use a tire-pressure gauge to make sure all tires are aired up to the recommended psi levels found in your owner’s manual. Check each tire for tread depth and make sure there are no cracks in the sidewall or any embedded objects in the tread. If you want a simpler process, install a tire-pressure measuring device.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’ve never hauled a fifth wheel before, we suggest putting in some practice with your truck and trailer before you hit the road on a trip. Take the setup to an empty parking lot and try reversing, turning, braking, and parking. You’ll need to be comfortable driving with the extra weight and length your trailer adds and practice is the best way to do this.
We hope that this guide helps you safely tow your fifth wheel on all your camping trips! If you’re still looking for that perfect model, check out our website to start browsing our wide selection of fifth wheels for sale. Our staff at White Sands RV is ready to help you with all your camper needs. Contact us today at our location in Summerdale, AL. We proudly serve all those in Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL, so get in touch with us today!