How to Pull a Boat Behind a Fifth Wheel
Summertime brings out the vacation spirit and wanderlust in those who wish to travel to far-off destinations. Hauling a fifth-wheel trailer can be part of that vacation regimen. When the destination involves a seashore, lake or river, it can mean bringing along a boat. Hauling a boat behind a fifth-wheel trailer requires a few extra precautions that the owner should undertake before taking the journey. Proper towing and driving preparation can make the vacation enjoyable.
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Things You'll Need
- U.S. Department of Transportation Towing Laws pamphlet
- Department of Motor Vehicles Towing Guide and Laws
- Traffic cones (if applicable)
Instructions
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Obtain a copy of your state towing laws and regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation, or a guide from your local Department of Motor Vehicles. You can visit a website that furnishes the information, such as that contained at NSA Products Inc., which lists state towing laws for RVs. A number of factors -- such as total triple-towing length, weight, occupancy and snow chain requirements -- will be listed. Review your insurance policy to determine whether triple-towing coverage is included.
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Size your fifth-wheel hitch to the boat trailer and weight for minimum and maximum towing capacity. Class 4 hitches have a weight and strength rating of 7,500 pounds, while boats and trailers that exceed 14,000 pounds will require a class 5 hitch. Bumper hitches should be avoided if possible, in favor of welded frame hitches that provide extra support. Hitch ball diameters should exactly match the hitch socket dimensions; i.e., a 2-inch ball for a 2-inch socket and a 2 1/2-inch ball for a 2 1/2-inch socket.
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Practice driving and maneuvering the fifth wheel, with the boat attached, in a vacant parking lot. Set up some traffic cones and practice making several shallow and tight turns, observing how much turning radius you need for the maneuvers. Practice backing up, watching your side mirrors to keep both the trailer and boat in line and tracking properly. Use slight adjustments on the steering wheel at first, until you can gauge the turning reaction of both vehicles behind you.
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Service your tow vehicle properly before you leave. Get an adequate tuneup to ensure the engine will perform at its maximum horsepower rating. Have the brakes checked for adequate lining and leak-free hydraulic lines, calipers and wheel cylinders. The stress and demands on the cooling system will be amplified, so have your radiator checked for leaks, proper coolant proportion and level, along with a cooling system pressure test. A complete cooling system flush and coolant replacement will ensure that no overheating condition exists while you are on the road. Check the trailer wheel bearings on the boat and fifth wheel for proper condition and lubrication.
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Keep your vehicle at moderate speeds, at or below the speed limit, to avoid trailer sway or wandering. Avoid sudden braking maneuvers that might cause skidding or jackknifing of the trailer. Make wide sweeping turns at lower speeds, to avoid trailer lean and skidding. Always start off in the lowest gear and gradually accelerate up through the gears until you reach a comfortable cruising speed. Jack-rabbit starts and sudden acceleration will put undo stress on the hitches, transmission and clutch.
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Keep your tow vehicle at reasonable and safe lengths from traffic ahead, and allow extra distance for sudden stops. Slow down when approaching construction zones and areas where the pavement has potholes or rain ditches. Be aware that your trailer wheels extend out past your tow vehicle's wheel base width, so compensate by keeping your vehicle nearer to the center line, to avoid running the trailer wheels over the shoulder and curbs.
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Use hand signals at intersections, especially blind intersections where visibility is a problem with cross traffic. When parking your tow vehicle and trailers, do so on a level grade and firmly set the emergency brake, with the vehicle in "Park" or in gear. Chock all trailer wheels, back and front, to avoid slip or drift. Obey all traffic laws. Take frequent breaks, pulling over into rest areas after long driving periods.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult the state regulations for occupancy when towing a fifth-wheel trailer and boat. Some states prohibit passengers from riding in fifth-wheel vehicles, and some allow it, but only with strict conditions.
References
- Photo Credit Andy Reynolds/Lifesize/Getty Images
