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Fifth Wheel Towing Safety Tips

Jan. 4 2022 Safety By Camp Site RV

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Chances are, your fifth-wheel, towable RV will be like a home on the road, with few outside amenities required. If you're planning a family vacation, read on to learn the top safety tips before breaking in your new fifth-wheel RV. To learn more, contact Camp Site RV in Cresco, Iowa, serving Cedar Falls, Iowa, Rochester, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Practice First

Before tackling the long-haul journey:

  1. Consider taking the fifth wheel out for a test run or two, especially if you haven't towed one before.
  2. Find an empty parking lot and practice backing up, turning, and braking.
  3. Make sure you're comfortable handling the extra weight and length of the fifth wheel before hitting the open road.

Equipment and Tire Check

Make sure all the equipment inside the RV is secured before setting off. You'll also want to make sure the tires on both your truck and fifth wheel are adequately aired. Inspect each tire with a tire-pressure gauge and refer to the owner's guide for the proper psi. Finally, check the tires for wear and cracking. To make things easier, you can invest in a tire-pressure measuring tool that automatically checks the pressure for you.

Know Your Weight Limit

Most fifth wheels can tow up to 24,000 pounds. Check the owner's manual to see how much your fifth wheel weighs. You'll have to add up how much you're taking with you, as most owner's guides only list the fifth-wheels empty weight. You can also weigh your RV on a dump scale, or you can rent a CAT scale.

Plan Ahead for Difficult Terrain

Even in flat country, you'll most likely come across a hill or something more significant. For mountain driving, take into account your engine losing 4% of power for every 1,000 feet of altitude. While diesel trucks won't have this problem, gas trucks should lighten the load as much as possible before a rugged, uphill climb. Remember to go slowly and lower your truck's gears.

Watch Out for Overdrive

Don't be tempted to use the overdrive. While overdrive reduces noise and improves fuel efficiency, it can cause damage to your truck when hauling a fifth wheel. Towable RV manufacturers advise against using the overdrive because it causes transmission strain with the added weight.

We wish you a safe and happy RV Journey! Discover all the newest and preowned fifth wheels by contacting Camp Site RV in Cresco, Iowa today. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can answer all your RV questions for our clients in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Rochester, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin.