How to Tow a Fifth Wheel Safely

You’ve got the adventure bug. You have decided to tow a fifth wheel to have all the comforts of home on the road. Now, it’s time to learn to tow it safely. Here are a few tips from us at Click It RV - Tri-Cities. When you’re ready to purchase a fifth wheel, visit our Pasco, Washington location. We serve Kennewick, Washington, too. 

Don’t Drive Your Truck in Overdrive

Driving your truck in overdrive when you are hauling your fifth wheel will damage your transmission. It puts a lot of strain on your truck’s engine. By driving in overdrive, you could overheat your truck’s engine. If you want to avoid stopping at a repair shop on vacation, avoid driving in overdrive while hauling a fifth wheel. 

Check Your Tires

Check the tire pressure for both your truck and fifth wheel regularly. If you are going to drive for several days before you reach your destination, check the tire pressure every morning before you leave. If you plan to arrive at your destination in one day, check the air pressure in all your tires before you leave and when you arrive. Tires that are overinflated or underinflated are more likely to explode. This can cause an accident.

Check the Bolts

The nuts and bolts on your trailer’s hitch hold the hitch together. As you drive, these bolts will loosen, so it’s important to tighten them about every one hundred miles. It’s a good idea to grease them when you tighten them. We recommend bringing some WD-40 on your trip. 

Go With the Wind

The more windy it is, the more you’ll pay for gas. Experts recommend that you don’t tow anything if the winds are over 30 miles per hour. Consider waiting for a few hours if it is too windy. 

Use Your Mirrors Properly

The side mirrors that came with your truck were only designed to account for the truck itself. It’s a good idea to buy mirror extenders so that you can see your trailer better. Mirror extenders can be temporary or permanent.

Keep Your Fifth Wheel Under the Weight Limit

Your fifth wheel’s total weight should not exceed the weight your hitch and truck’s manual says it can pull. Before weighing your fifth wheel, fill it with all the people and gear you plan to haul on your trip.

Now that you know more about towing your fifth wheel safely, it’s time to grab one for the road. To shop for your new fifth wheel, visit Click It RV - Tri-Cities in Pasco, Washington, where we also serve Kennewick, Washington residents.