Fifth Wheel Towing Tips

There are plenty of perks of owning a fifth wheel. These versatile campers offer stable towing, secure hitch connections, and easier maneuvering as compared to basic bumper-pull recreational vehicles. If you’re thinking about joining the fifth wheel family, but have some reservations about the towing process, look no further. Minneapolis Trailer has crafted this guide to essential fifth wheel towing tips which will help you become a pro in no time! If you have any questions or you are looking for some quality fifth wheels for sale, feel free to get in touch with us at our dealership in Rogers, Minnesota.

Choosing the Right Tow Vehicle

First and foremost, you need to choose the right tow vehicle to match your unit. Remember that fifth wheels are not the same as bumper-pull models, which can be paired with just about any vehicle for towing. Because of the way the hitch is located and installed, you must have a tow vehicle with an open or flatbed, like a pickup truck. Make sure that your tow vehicle can handle the weight of your fifth wheel. This means you’ll probably need a pickup that can haul at least half a ton, if not more.

Hitching and Unhitching

After you’ve chosen a tow vehicle, you’ll need to find the right hitch and install it. This step shouldn’t be too difficult because most truck manufacturers make hitches built specifically for each make and model that they offer. If you go with the hitch that’s built for your truck, you’ll save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress. These hitches won’t require any modification like grinding, cutting, drilling, or welding for installation. While the hitch installation may seem fairly simple, we do recommend having it done professionally so you know it's secure. 

You can start by lining up the back of your truck with the front of your fifth wheel. Start slowly reversing. As you get close, adjust the hitch height using the front jacks. Ensure that the hitch is set to receive mode, meaning that the jaws are open and ready to accept the connecting kingpin. Continue reversing until you hear a clicking sound, which will indicate the two parts are now connected. You can now go back and lock the receiver in place with the cotter pin. For first-timers, this may seem tricky but allow yourself time to practice and you’ll get the hang of it.

Weight Restrictions

You’ll always want to be aware of your fifth wheel’s weight when towing. A good starting point is to get familiar with your gross combined weight rating (GCWR). This rating represents just how much weight your truck can support, which includes the cargo and passengers. Unnecessary overloading can make for dangerous driving conditions and even increase your chances of a tire blowout. Once you’re on the road, you’ll want to keep a safe traveling distance, avoid slamming on the brakes, don’t cut corners, or pass slow drivers. 

Tire Pressure

Tires are one of the most critical elements in the towing process. If your tires aren’t properly maintained, you risk a blowout and decreased fuel efficiency. You can use a tire pressure gauge to check your tires before and after you load up. Pay attention to the tread because you don’t want any excessive wear and tear, which can mean that the weight isn’t balanced. Maintaining the quality of your tires will ultimately lower your chances of a blowout on the road.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to get comfortable at towing your fifth wheel is to practice. Take some time to relearn the basics, like braking, turning, parking, and reversing. These basic driving concepts require different methods of execution when you’re towing a huge fifth wheel. You can’t go wrong with practicing your high-speed driving on the highway as well.

We certainly hope that this guide to towing a fifth wheel has been useful. If you have any questions or you want to check out the newest fifth wheels for sale near Minneapolis, MN, get in touch with us at our dealership. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you find the right model at the right price. Minneapolis Trailer proudly serves the Twin Cities, so stop by today!