โApr-17-2017 02:05 AM
โApr-18-2017 10:35 AM
Bumpyroad wrote:
do NOT blindly follow your GPS. get a state map at each state entry welcome center or AAA
bumpy
โApr-18-2017 09:05 AM
โApr-18-2017 08:58 AM
work2much wrote:djgarcia wrote:GPG52! wrote:
Welcome to the 5'er family.
1- check and double check your hook up, do safety walk around before you start and at every stop.
X1-- make sure to do the "Bump test" every time you hook up the 5th wheel. Lower your front jacks so they are about 2 inches off the ground then use your electric brake to lock up the wheels on the 5th wheel and then just move your truck forward with a couple of tugs just to make sure you are hooked up correctly.
3- anticipate traffic ahead and keep a reasonable distance
X1-- stopping a 5th wheel takes a lot longer than what we are used to when driving our cars.
4- make sure to adjust your mirrors, I like to be able to see my trailer tires when I turn, this way I know where I'm tracking.
X1 -I visually scan the tires about every 10 min. to make sure is all ok. When you stop at rest stops, put your hand on the wheel hubs to check for heat. Warm is ok! If you can't keep your hand on the hub, you might have bearing issues.
5- be aware of your overhead clearance, most roads now have sufficient clearance but gas stations may not.
X1-- I prefer to use truck stops for fuel to avoid height and crowding situations. ie. Flying J or Pilot fuel stations.
7- Some parking lot practice is always a good idea.
Most of all enjoy. GPG
PS: I like the center lane especially where the on ramps are short and busy, this avoids having to deal with jack rabbit drivers trying to out run you so they do not get behind a rig ... (my pet peeve)
If you don't have an "Exhaust Brake", strongly encourage you to install one. Makes a big difference coming down hills:)
Do they make exhaust brakes for gas engines?
OP, what trailer are you matching to your truck?
โApr-18-2017 08:55 AM
Durb wrote:
Remember, being a Newbie, you will owe us an update on the tow home.
โApr-18-2017 08:54 AM
DownTheAvenue wrote:
Make sure you strictly follow the truck's break in requirements for towing. They will be listed in your owner's manual. Usually, they want 500 miles on the vehicle before towing, and the first 500 miles towing at reduced speeds. But read your manual and be sure.
โApr-18-2017 08:53 AM
DownTheAvenue wrote:
Make sure you strictly follow the truck's break in requirements for towing. They will be listed in your owner's manual. Usually, they want 500 miles on the vehicle before towing, and the first 500 miles towing at reduced speeds. But read your manual and be sure.
โApr-18-2017 08:36 AM
djgarcia wrote:GPG52! wrote:
Welcome to the 5'er family.
1- check and double check your hook up, do safety walk around before you start and at every stop.
X1-- make sure to do the "Bump test" every time you hook up the 5th wheel. Lower your front jacks so they are about 2 inches off the ground then use your electric brake to lock up the wheels on the 5th wheel and then just move your truck forward with a couple of tugs just to make sure you are hooked up correctly.
3- anticipate traffic ahead and keep a reasonable distance
X1-- stopping a 5th wheel takes a lot longer than what we are used to when driving our cars.
4- make sure to adjust your mirrors, I like to be able to see my trailer tires when I turn, this way I know where I'm tracking.
X1 -I visually scan the tires about every 10 min. to make sure is all ok. When you stop at rest stops, put your hand on the wheel hubs to check for heat. Warm is ok! If you can't keep your hand on the hub, you might have bearing issues.
5- be aware of your overhead clearance, most roads now have sufficient clearance but gas stations may not.
X1-- I prefer to use truck stops for fuel to avoid height and crowding situations. ie. Flying J or Pilot fuel stations.
7- Some parking lot practice is always a good idea.
Most of all enjoy. GPG
PS: I like the center lane especially where the on ramps are short and busy, this avoids having to deal with jack rabbit drivers trying to out run you so they do not get behind a rig ... (my pet peeve)
If you don't have an "Exhaust Brake", strongly encourage you to install one. Makes a big difference coming down hills:)
โApr-18-2017 06:23 AM
โApr-18-2017 06:02 AM
Forrest1975 wrote:
Hello everybody. Just got a 2015 Ram 2500 6.4 hemi and will be going to get my first fifth wheel this week. I will be driving from Perry, Iowa to Key Largo, Fl by myself and this will be my first experience towing a fifth wheel. . I am looking for some general advice for a first timer. Wondering if there's any routes I should avoid (planning on following gps) advice for campgrounds gas stations etc. also if anybody is towing with the same truck any advice on using tow mode, manual or auto etc would be greatly appreciated.
โApr-17-2017 07:52 PM
โApr-17-2017 04:47 PM
โApr-17-2017 03:19 PM
โApr-17-2017 09:57 AM
โApr-17-2017 09:11 AM
Forrest1975 wrote:
Hello everybody. Just got a 2015 Ram 2500 6.4 hemi and will be going to get my first fifth wheel this week. I will be driving from Perry, Iowa to Key Largo, Fl by myself and this will be my first experience towing a fifth wheel. . I am looking for some general advice for a first timer. Wondering if there's any routes I should avoid (planning on following gps) advice for campgrounds gas stations etc. also if anybody is towing with the same truck any advice on using tow mode, manual or auto etc would be greatly appreciated.