Fifth wheels are towable recreational vehicles with a special hitching system that juts over the back of your truck. These huge rigs boast spacious floor plans, with lots of areas for sleeping and storage so your passengers and your gear can be comfortable. Some of these RVs even resemble residential homes with all of the amenities they offer.
As useful as fifth wheels can be, you still need to know how to safely haul them from place to place before you head out on your next adventure. Read on to learn more about how you can safely tow your fifth wheel.
Prepare For Mountains
When you’re driving through the open roads, you have to be ready to encounter some mountains and high altitudes. If you have a gas truck, its engine will usually lose about four percent of its power for every 1,000 feet in elevation you climb. If you have a diesel truck, this won’t be the case. It is critical if you have a gas truck to make your rig as light as possible by removing supplies that you can pick up at your destination. Also remember to lower your truck’s gear when you start climbing steep inclines and go slowly.
Avoid Using Overdrive
It may seem like a good idea to use the overdrive setting in your truck to reduce wear and tear as you’re hauling your fifth wheel because it will reduce noise and improve fuel consumption. However, it is recommended that you don’t rely on this function because the added weight of the trailer will strain your transmission and potentially lead to overheating over time.
If you have questions about safe fifth wheel towing or want to get personalized shopping tips, visit The Great Outdoors RV. Our expert staff are happy to help however we can, and we look forward to serving you at our location here in Greeley, CO.
