Towing a mid-profile vs a full-profile 5er?
Is it easier to haul a mid vs full profile fifth wheel? We never owned one...not even a TT, so we feel intimidated about pulling period, so we want to buy one that would be the easiest for a beginner...
Forum Discussion
TucsonJim wrote:
Feeling intimidated is a good thing. It means you understand that it's not as simple as hooking up and heading down the road with no worries at all. A mid profile FW (like I own) can be intimidating to pull, and if you don't approach towing in a careful manner, you can be overwhelmed and get yourself into a lot of trouble. Typically, the smaller the trailer (TT) or fifth wheel (FW), the easier the job.
First things first though. What ever you purchase, make sure that you properly match it to your tow vehicle (TV). Get an understanding of towing capacity, axle weight ratings, payload capacity, tire capacity, etc. before you think about purchasing a towable product. It is very unnerving to find out that you purchased a TT or FW that exceeds the capacity of your TV. If fact, it can be downright dangerous. If you don't understand every nuance of matching a TV to a towable product, do not proceed until you do.
Once you have the properly matched TV and FW, it's time to get some training. Ideally, you can find a friend or relative who can take a trip with you while you learn the basics. Some dealerships even have training for new owners. Once you're hooked up, head to an empty parking lot and learn the subtleties of turning and backing up. In fact, I'd recommend putting out some traffic cones and learning how to maneuver through them. It's so easy to turn too quickly and hit a curb or gas pump if you haven't practiced.
Finally, ask questions here and we'll try to help as much as we can. The learning curve is quick, and if you start out carefully and plan accordingly, it can be a real joy to join the RV world.
Jim
Thank you!! Excellent advice!!
