Fifth wheels are a specific type of towable RV that provides you with a higher degree of comfort, featuring residential-style surroundings. Their unique hitch system means that fifth wheels require a little getting used to, although they are surprisingly easy to tow. Here are some tips for safely towing your fifth wheel on your camping trips.
Don’t Go Over Your Limits
Both your truck and your fifth wheel are going to have weight limits that you can’t exceed. Putting too much weight on your trailer can damage it and even cause a tire blowout, which is not something you want to mess with. A too-heavy trailer can also harm your truck’s engine due to the strain the weight places on it. Make sure that you’re being mindful of what you load onto the trailer and use a weigh station if you’re not sure whether you’ve exceeded the limit.
Watch For Hills & Mountains
Going over the Rockies with a fifth wheel can be done, although you’ll want to go slow and steady to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of others around you. Avoid putting your truck into overdrive, as this wears down the engine.
Your truck’s engine will lose about 4% power per 1000 feet you climb, so you’ll need to shift into a lower gear. As you descend, look for runaway truck lanes that you can pull into if your brakes don’t work like they should.
Stop by our location in Vernal, Utah, to check out our amazing stock of new and used fifth wheels for sale. Talk to one of our sales team members about our financing options for your fifth wheel purchase.
B&D RV Center is a third-generation family-owned RV dealership serving the Tri-State area. We know the kind of freedom and adventure you are looking for, so we are proud to carry a large selection of new and pre-owned RVs. We welcome our customers coming from Salt Lake City, Utah; Grand Junction, Colorado; and Rock Springs, Wyoming.
