Towing a Fifth Wheel

[Big_Shoe]

I have towed a boat and a travel trailer for many years, but, for the first time in my life I will be towing a fifth wheel. I would be happy to read some advice from those of you who have plenty of experience in this area....the Do's and Don'ts.

Thanks in advance.

[shepstone]

I love towing the fiver, its the most effortless towing I have done. Unlike our old TT's which where white knucle rides when the tractor trailers went drafting by, wd hitch and all.

[Big_Shoe]

I have had the fifth wheel out a couple of times. It has a different feel sitting on axle as opposed to the bumper. As for backing, I really haven't found that much difference. I always have a spotter, just in case, and I always take it slow and easy. I found that rushing seems to get you more dents and scratches.

Thanks for the comments....maybe I will see you out there somewhere.

[JeepCB]

For whatever it's worth......always remember to drop tailgate when disconnecting!! Or get a tailgate with a notch. :S

[mtofell1]

Like the other said, the 5th tows nice with the weight over the rear axle as opposed to it hanging off the bumper. The backing and turning is different. After driving both quite a bit I can't say one was easier or harder... just different. In reading the posts about starting turns sooner/later/etc I suppose it's true. To me it's just something you figure out super quick, as in the first turn you make or the first time you go to back up. I had towed TTs first and I remember my first time with a 5th I had to pull forward and start again a couple times and then it's like second nature. One of those things you just have to do to understand what people are talking about.

[Cummins12V98]

rhagfo wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
IMHO the ONLY good thing about a TT is they are much easier to backup than a 5er.

Well the secret to that is to have very little experience backing a TT, before getting a 5er. 🙂

Probably true!

I could backup a TT or any tow behind trailer very quickly and accurately. Even after years of towing the 5er I still am no where as good as with a TT.

[rhagfo]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
IMHO the ONLY good thing about a TT is they are much easier to backup than a 5er.

Well the secret to that is to have very little experience backing a TT, before getting a 5er. 🙂

[Cummins12V98]

IMHO the ONLY good thing about a TT is they are much easier to backup than a 5er.

[Farmerjon]

All of what others have said. But it does back and follow differently (better but different) My suggestion is to practice If you have room at home practice turning into your drive and driving into and backing out of your space. Put it in forward and back out and then back it in and drive out forward. Just practice and you will find it is really easy to put it where you want it.

[rhagfo]

Well you have a lot of TV for that 5er so pulling should not be an issue. You don't state if you have a 6.0 gas or a Dmax for power, but with a GVWR of less than 9,500# either will do a fine job of pulling it.

The 32' of the 5er will tow shorter than that more like 28' as part is over the bed. Stable, Stable, Stable, is one of the great benefits of pulling a 5er.

Hitching as mention before make sure you have the pin locked and do NOT high hitch!!!

[edbehnke]

like my wife says, 'think tall and wide'.

[Carlos___Ranae]

phillyg wrote:
Triple check that the hitch locks on the pin; don't ask me why I know. Always do a pull test, i.e., manually set the FW brakes on the controller and tap the accelerator to ensure the hitch is locked; again, don't ask me why I know. Otherwise, I think you'll find the FW tows easier than a TT, boat or utility trailer.

X2 on triple checking the pin.

[N-Trouble]

The size of the 5er on the back of your truck will have you a bit nervous the first time. Take it slow making wider than normal turns. After a few miles you'll have the cruise set kickin back sippin on a cold one:)

Let us know what you think. Enjoy the new 5er.

[goducks10]

Just watch your corners. A 5th wants to track inside more than TT. Also when backing up you need to start your correction turn sooner. Other than you just need to check your rear view mirror cause it'll tow so nice you'll almost forget it's there.

[phillyg]

Triple check that the hitch locks on the pin; don't ask me why I know. Always do a pull test, i.e., manually set the FW brakes on the controller and tap the accelerator to ensure the hitch is locked; again, don't ask me why I know. Otherwise, I think you'll find the FW tows easier than a TT, boat or utility trailer.