Fifth Wheel Hauling Tips
Before you can enjoy your vacation, you will need to haul your fifth wheel to the destination. There are several important steps involved in this process, which help ensure a hassle-free and safe towing experience. We've created the following beginner's guide to fifth wheel hauling. If you have any questions or want to visit a fifth wheel dealer in Washington, head over to Broadmoor RV. Our dealership is based in the Tri-Cities, Washington, and we proudly serve those in Seattle and Spokane as well.
Understand The Relevant Weight Limits
The first step is knowing the weight limits for your tow vehicle and for your fifth wheel. Overloading can create a huge safety risk, not to mention a big risk of damaging either rig.
You will need to know:
- The full weight that the truck can handle
- The full weight that the fifth wheel and its hitch can handle
- The weight of the fifth wheel when it is empty
- The weight of the fifth wheel when it is hitched and full of cargo and passengers
The tow vehicle and fifth wheel owner's manuals will tell you the empty weights. Use a dump or quarry scale to measure the full weight of the fifth wheel and tow vehicle setup.
Know How To Handle Mountains
Many iconic road trips throughout Washington, or the surrounding areas, involve traveling through mountains. It's important to understand how to navigate those inevitable elevation changes.
If you are driving a gas truck, take note. The engine will lose about 4% of its power with each 1000 feet gain in elevation. When you climb steep routes, lower your truck's gears and proceed slowly. It's also wise to keep your cargo as light of a load as possible. Consider picking up supplies closer to your destination at nearby grocery stores once you pass through the mountains.
Avoid Overdrive
The overdrive setting may be tempting. True, it can help reduce wear, reduce noise, and improve fuel efficiency.
But there's a reason that fifth wheel manufacturers recommend against using overdrive. Remember that the added weight of the fifth wheel will strain the transmission - and can cause overheating after a while.
Keep Tires In Great Condition
The tire condition plays an important role in the success, and safety, of the fifth wheel hauling experience. Fortunately, it's easy to check the health of your tires.
First, measure the tread levels and compare against the manufacturer recommendations. Tread wears down naturally over time. Eventually, it becomes too worn to maintain the necessary traction. When this happens, it's time to replace the tires.
Second, measure the air pressure and ensure it matches the manufacturer recommendations. Use a tire pressure gauge when the tires are cold for the most accurate reading.
Third, look for signs of damage. Make sure there are no cracks in the sidewall or embedded objects.
Practice Before A Long Trip
Hauling a fifth wheel is a skill. Like other skills, it takes practice to perfect. If you are new at fifth wheel hauling, don't start off with a several hour journey. Instead, dedicate time to practicing.
Find an empty parking lot. Try accelerating, braking, reversing, and parking. Get a sense of how your truck handles when the weight of the fifth wheel is attached. Figure out the turn radius of the full set-up. Once you feel comfortable and experienced hauling a fifth wheel, then you can successfully handle a longer trip.
Ready to visit a fifth wheel dealer in Washington? Check out the selection of fifth wheels for sale at Broadmoor RV. Our expert staff can walk you through the options and help you select the perfect match. We also offer parts replacement and a service department to keep your RV running well. Whatever you need, you can find with us! Our RV dealership is located in the Tri-Cities, Washington. We also proudly serve those in Seattle and Spokane, Washington.