Fifth Wheel Towing Tips

When towing a fifth wheel, you must take extra precautions to ensure your safety as well as the security of your cargo on the road. The following tips can help!

Know Before You Tow

Before you hit the road on a vacation, practice driving with your fifth wheel attached to your tow vehicle. For example, you can practice starting, stopping, turning, and driving at different speeds in an empty parking lot or low traffic residential road. This will help you get used to how the weight of the RV affects your tow vehicle's turning radius, stopping distance, and so on.

Inspect Your Fifth Wheel and Tow Vehicle

Look over your RV and truck to make sure they are ready for the journey. Check the tire air pressure, the fluid levels, the braking systems, and so on. By doing this pre-vacation inspection, you'll have time to address any issues that you uncover.

Follow Weight Guidelines

Your fifth wheel’s weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your tow vehicle. Be mindful of this limitation when packing all of your camping gear!

Watch Your Speed

Always tow your fifth wheel at a safe speed. Fast acceleration and sudden braking can cause instability and potential accidents. Slow down when approaching curves or turns, as fifth wheels are prone to swaying at high speeds due to their size.

Following these simple tips will help you have a safe journey. If you're in the market for a fifth wheel, visit Sun & Fun RVs. We carry a range of fifth wheels for sale and can help you find the best match for your travel style. We are based in Tiffin, Iowa, and also serve those in Iowa City and Davenport.