Top Tips for Towing Your Fifth Wheel
A fifth wheel trailer is perfect for the occasional traveler who wants to enjoy weekend camping or trips to the lake. These lightweight RVs are easy to handle and tow, and at a fairly low price point, a good value for almost any traveler. There are a few things you need to know when it comes to towing your fifth wheel trailer, however. Here at The Outpost RV in Middlebury, Indiana, we serve Kalamazoo, Michigan and we have helped hundreds of other travelers get into the best fifth wheel for all of their outdoor adventure needs.
Tips for Towing Your Fifth Wheel Trailer
Pay attention to the weight limit
Your truck's towing capacity matters when it comes to safely towing your fifth wheel RV. If you try to go over your truck's weight limit, you will likely face the unfortunate circumstance of having your hitch break on the road. That can be a costly repair, and one that will definitely put a damper on your truck. When factoring in your truck's towing capacity versus your RV's weight, don't forget to include the weight of cargo and passengers that you're hauling.
Know Your Altitude Limits
If you plan to take your fifth wheel into the mountains, it is important to be aware of the effects of altitude on your towing performance. For every 1,000 feet in altitude that you travel, the gas engine in your towing truck loses three percent of its power. That means that your truck's motor has to work harder to pull the trailer. It helps to put the truck into a lower gear to make the trek easier. In addition, avoid carrying heavier gear as this will make it harder to tow your trailer.
Avoid Using Overdrive
Most pickup truck drivers are tempted to use overdrive to increase fuel economy and decrease wear and tear on their trucks for long drives. While this seemingly makes sense, it can cause some real damage to your transmission when your hauling a heavy trailer behind you and driving in overdrive. This can lead to a sticky overheating situation and a trip to the mechanic that can ruin your entire trip.
Check Tire Pressure
Your tire health is essential to the safe operation of your vehicle, and nowhere is that more evident than when you're pulling your fifth wheel behind you. The weight of the camper can do some serious damage to your tires, so it pays to check the tire pressure before, during and after your trip. Keeping a tire pressure gauge on hand is a good idea because even short drives require attention to your tire health.
When it comes to towing your fifth wheel, there is a lot to remember if you want to stay safe on the road. Here at The Outpost RV in Middlebury, Indiana, we serve Kalamazoo and love helping customers just like you find the fifth wheel of their dreams. Stop in for a test drive today.