How to Tow a Fifth Wheel RV
Fifth wheel RVs are equipped with a gooseneck hitch that hooks to the bed of a heavy-duty truck in order to be towed. Not just any truck will do when towing fifth wheels, however; you must use a truck with a maximum towing capacity that exceeds the weight of the fifth wheel. In addition, short bed pickups, stepside pickups and pickups with bed liners can not be used for towing a fifth wheel RV.
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Things You'll Need
- Heavy-duty truck with sufficient towing capacity
- Tire Blocks
- Fifth wheel trailer hitch
Instructions
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1
Block the trailer wheels by placing tire blocks behind the wheels. Lower the tailgate. Adjust the trailer height, using the trailer pins on the pin box, to the height of your truck so that is rests approximately 1 inch below the fifth wheel hitch head. Pull the release handle on the hitch so that it is in the open position.
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2
Back up your truck slowly and carefully until the kingpin (the hitch portion on the RV) becomes seated securely in the hitch head (the portion of the hitch setup on your truck). Close the safety latch and secure it with the latch pin. Plug in the cable for the brake lights and lift the landing gear (the bars that hold your RV in a level position) up 1 inch above the ground by turning the crank that lifts it. For fifth wheels with a remote control landing gear set-up, push the button that raises the landing gear.
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3
Test the hook up by pulling forward slowly with your truck. If the hook up does not come loose, put the landing gear in its driving position, close the tailgate. Remove the RV wheel blocks.
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4
Practice driving with your fifth wheel hooked up, paying particular attention to the width and length of the entire package that you are towing, as well as the limitations of your side view mirrors. Always check your mirrors and consider any possible obstruction before changing lanes, turning or backing up.
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5
Back your fifth wheel up by putting your truck into reverse. If you need to point the RV in particular direction, turn the wheel in the opposite direction to do so. Anticipate the movement of your vehicle with the added weight, as well as the movement of other vehicles around you in order to avoid collisions. Always brake early when you need to slow down or come to a stop; the added weight will not allow you to stop on a dime.
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Tips & Warnings
According to RV Buying Tips, it is a good idea to take lessons from an instructor who can teach you the proper fifth wheel towing techniques. This instruction is often available at RV dealerships.
References
- Photo Credit lake mead national recreation area 14 image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
