5th wheel trailers are known for their unique shape with projecting front section. They may have an odd shape, but they are designed to have plenty of room for your family and friends.
You can carry this massive home on wheels anywhere you want. You just need to secure the trailer to your flatbed truck with a 5th wheel hitch, and you are good to go.
Though 5th wheel trailers are very popular and have ample space, it might be challenging to tow them if you are doing it for the first time. But you don’t have to worry anymore. Here are five tips that will help you while towing your 5th wheel trailer.
- Make necessary enhancements to your truck exhaust.
As most trucks have a straight exhaust pipe, it can create a problem when attaching your trailer to the truck. The exhaust is more likely to scrape against the trailer and blow the smoke directly at the trailer, damaging its paint. That’s why many truck owners modify their exhaust system and reroute it to another direction. If your truck has a straight exhaust, too, you might need to consider rerouting it.
- Check the trailer weights before starting your journey.
Though many latest 5th wheel hitch models can carry around 20,000 pounds of weight depending on the brand, it’s crucial to check the weight of your trailer before you hop onto the road. You can visit the trailer manufacturer’s website or check the owner’s manual to find out the trailer’s weight.
The trailer weight isn’t the only thing you should worry about. You also need to check the combined weight of your truck and trailer to get an idea of what you will be dealing with when you are on the road.
It certainly isn’t easy to pull that much weight and navigate through traffic and winding roads. If you still don’t have any idea, the best bet would be to weigh it on a heavy-duty CAT scale that is used to measure massive weights or oversized vehicles like semis.
- Be extra cautious while driving on high terrains.
Nothing beats the view from the mountain top. If you plan to carry your trailer to a higher altitude, you might have to be a little more cautious. Climbing the slopes puts an additional load on your truck’s engine. As diesel engines might pull the weight, you cannot say the same thing about gas engines.
If you plan to travel through mountainous terrain, it would be better to shed some weight on the trailer to avoid any problems. You can reduce the water or stick to only essential gear while heading out. You can also buy your essentials once you cross the higher terrain.
- Double-check the hitch
It would be a nightmare to see your trailer travelling itself on the road. It might lead to severe accidents, and a lot of your money goes in vain too. To avoid that, you should double-check the 5th wheel hitch to ensure that the locking mechanism is perfectly locked and there’s enough moving space between the truck cab and the hitch to ensure free movement.
- Make side mirrors your best friends.
While towing a trailer, your rearview mirror gets blocked, so you are only left with side mirrors. You’ll need to rely on the side mirrors of your truck while turning or doing other maneuvers on the road.
Towing a massive trailer can be challenging for beginners. With proper techniques, little practice and such helpful tips, you can quickly master the art of towing your 5th wheel trailer.
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