Fifth Wheel Towing Tips

A fifth wheel ranks in at the top of RV types for luxury. Fifth wheel models often come with the best amenities, spacious interiors, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. So what’s the drawback for this ultimate luxury RV? Many people are put off by the large size and don’t want to have to deal with towing a larger vehicle. But that shouldn’t deter you from having the best the RV world has to offer. Towing a fifth wheel can take some time and patience, but with the right preparation and practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Check out RV Four Seasons Virden’s best tips for towing a fifth wheel and if you’re still trying to find that perfect model, stop by our showroom today. We proudly serve the areas of Virden, Brandon, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Regina, Saskatchewan.

Using the Correct Tow Vehicle

Before you try any towing whatsoever, make sure you have the right tow vehicle. Unlike other towable RVs, you must have a pickup with an open or flatbed. The hitch gets installed here, so there isn’t really a way around this. You may find a couple other types of vehicles that will pass, but fitting them for a fifth wheel hitch is usually more hassle than it’s worth.

Your tow vehicle will need to be able to haul your fifth’s weight and talk to your preferred car dealership about finding the right tow vehicle if you need a new one. Odds are you’ll need something that can haul at least half a ton, if not more. Ask them about fifth wheel hitches, too. Most car manufacturers will make hitches specifically for their models so there’s less cutting and welding involved.

Hitching and Unhitching

With the right tow vehicle in hand and the hitch installed, which you can ask a professional to do rather than trying to wrestle with it yourself, you’ll want to make sure you hitch your fifth wheel to your tow vehicle correctly. As unruly as it may seem, hitching a fifth is actually incredibly easy and after a while you’ll probably be able to do it on your own.

Line up your fifth wheel so it’s perfectly straight with the fifth wheel and back it up. As you get closer, adjust the height of your hitch using the front jacks so it will line up with the receiver. Make sure your hitch is in “receive” mode, or that the jaws of the hitch are open and ready to accept the kingpin. Continue backing up until you hear a “click” to indicate the two pieces now fit together. Lock the receiver in place with the cotter pin and you should be done. If you want to be sure, tow your fifth wheel around the block a few times to make sure it won’t come unhitched while in motion.

Respect the Weight

One of the biggest changes you’ll have to get used to is the extra weight you’ll be hauling with a fifth wheel. Because of this, you won’t want to overload your fifth wheel from the start. Be mindful of how much weight you can safely tow down the highway and know your gross combined weight rating, or GCWR. This is the total weight of your tow vehicle, fifth wheel, cargo, and passengers. There are legal limits to your GCWR, so stop by a weigh station to make sure you know what yours is before each trip.

That extra weight is also going to make driving a bit more difficult. You won’t be able to maneuver your rig as easily as you normally would. Quick changes like accelerating, braking, and turning won’t be possible anymore so give yourself plenty of space when you’re on the road.

Keep an Eye on your Tires

Your tires are just as important to your fifth wheel as they are to tow vehicle. Make sure you’re taking good care of them and replacing them when they need to be replaced. You can either use a tire pressure gauge or install a tire pressure monitoring system that will alert you to any potential problems. While you’re checking pressure, check the treads for unusual or excessive wearing or damage. Remember that trailer tires don’t last as long as your tow vehicle tires so keep a close eye on them.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to get better at towing a fifth wheel is to practice. Give yourself plenty of time to become more confident before the day of the big trip. Start by finding an empty parking lot to practice the basics, like turning, reversing, and braking. You can also practice highway driving by finding a low traffic time of day and work on high-speed driving, follow distance, and merging. There are a number of strategies you can employ, but the point is to spend a lot of time behind the wheel so you can feel confident.

A new fifth wheel should be full of opportunities uninhibited by the RV itself. Don’t let the big size intimidate you into settling for a less comfortable model. Your all-out camping experience deserves the all-out luxury RV. If you’re still looking for the perfect fifth wheel or if yours needs maintenance and repairs, stop by RV Four Seasons Virden. We welcome all RV owners from the regions of Virden, Brandon, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Regina, Saskatchewan.