Fifth Wheel Towing Guide
Fifth wheels are a great way to visit new destinations in a fun and unique way. However, getting there can be a little tricky, especially for first-time owners. Towing one of the big fifth wheels may seem difficult at first, but with the right mindset and a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
The experts at Lakeside RV Sales have provided some towing tips to help you get started, but if you need additional advice, stop by our dealership in Anderson, SC, and talk to one of our staff members about some of their personal tricks.
Weight Distribution
The way your fifth wheel acts at highway speeds is going to determine how far you feel comfortable traveling, and which roads you choose to get there. Generally, the larger your camper the more you’re going to feel the effects of wind and passing traffic on the road.
To make sure you don’t experience uncontrollable sway on the road, you need to make sure that at least 10% of your fifth wheel's weight is tongue weight (weight supported by the tow vehicle’s axle). If you load the rear of your camper too heavily, your rig might begin to drift on its own, which can have you dangerously weaving across lanes. That’s why you should load your unit in a balanced manner and keep an appropriate amount of the weight focused forward.
General Driving Tips
Learning to tow a fifth wheel is a process of its own, but you’ll have to re-learn some driving habits. Learn to give others the right of way more often, slow down your speed, and make sure you’ve got plenty of room between your bumper and the back of the next car.
Keep in mind that while your tow vehicle may be able to stop on a dime, a fifth wheel will not. A brake controller doesn’t automatically match the pressure you put on the brakes of your tow vehicle, instead, the brake controller starts with a light application that ramps up the longer you keep the brake depressed. This means that if you’re giving yourself plenty of room to slow down, you’ll maintain great control, while sudden stops will put all of the pressure on your tow vehicle. You should make sure you leave plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle ahead. When you can tow your camper without stress, it really makes your RVing experience more comfortable and fun.
We hope that these tips will help you to tow a fifth wheel with ease. If you are looking for more tips and tricks, visit Lakeside RV Sales in Anderson, South Carolina, and talk to our knowledgeable staff. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Charlotte, NC, and Greenville, SC.