Fifth Wheel Towing Guide
Fifth wheels are popular because they use a unique hitching scheme that makes for a smooth towing experience even when hauling a very large RV. Of course, towing a fifth wheel also has its share of challenges. That’s why the experts at Jubilee R.V. Centre has created this guide to towing your fifth wheel.
Don’t Go Over Your Weight Limit
One thing that’s important to consider when towing an RV, whether it’s a fifth wheel or otherwise, is weight limits. Both the tow vehicle and hitch itself will have their own weight limits. Attempting to exceed these weight limits isn’t just dangerous, it’s also illegal. If you need to weigh your fifth wheel setup to make sure that you’re under the limit, find a truck scale. They can usually be found at highway weigh stations, dumps, and quarries.
Prepare For Mountains
This is something of an edge case, but be very careful when towing your fifth wheel in mountainous regions. Gasoline-powered engines lose about 4% of their power for every 1000 ft of elevation they gain. While the difference normally wouldn’t be large enough to notice, every bit of engine power counts when you’re towing a huge fifth wheel up a steep mountain pass. The added weight of towing a fifth wheel will also increase your stopping distance by a lot, which is important to keep in mind when going down sharp mountainous inclines. Overall, be very cautious when towing your fifth wheel in mountainous areas.
Check Your Tires
Handling a fifth wheel’s weight is hard on your tires. Routinely inspect the tires on both your tow vehicle and your fifth wheel. Make sure that the tread depth is deep enough to provide traction, with no excessive wear, and the tires are kept within the manufacturer recommended pressure range as much as possible.
Get In Some Practice
Overall, towing a fifth wheel can be a challenge, especially if you lack experience. Consider finding a safe place like a deserted parking lot in which to practice your stopping, turning, and accelerating. The more you can get these fundamentals down, the easier it will be to tow your fifth wheel.
Shop fifth wheels at Jubilee R.V. Centre in Kamloops, British Columbia. We’re proud to serve communities like Vancouver and Prince George, British Columbia. We also offer parts, servicing, and financing.