Need advice for towing w/a fifth wheel for the first time.

[yelbike]

So on this coming Tuesday I am flying out to Arizona to pick up my dads 38' fifth wheel camper and his 2011 duramax. I've never towed anything that big or heavy before nor have I ever towed with a fifth wheel hitch either. I tow almost on a daily basis, typically quite small loads. I have towed 10000 lbs on short haul. This is different as my wife and kids are coming plus it is a cross country trip back home to Winnipeg. For the safety police, I've recently upgraded my licence to a commercial drivers licence so I'm all legal. The truck was professionally set up for this trailer. I have given myself lots of time to drive back. A few years ago we towed from Winnipeg to San Francisco and back, so I not to worried about it. I'm more about getting tips about towing.


What should I expect that's different with a fifth wheel opposed to a bumper hitch?
Any other travelling advice would be great too!

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I have owned a fifth wheel camper for over 10 years so what I am about to tell you is based on that experience...
The most important thing to check is your tires...
Make sure that they are inflated to the max and that they are not dry rotted...
Also, make sure that you keep your speed at a reasonable level...
I would assume that your dad's 38 footer has 17" rims...
My older unit had 15" rims and could only fit st tires...
Needless to say I am not a fan of st tires for fifth wheel campers due to the poor performance and reliability I have gotten out of them...
I think that in most instances pulling in the summer those st can't take high speeds and heat...
This should not be an issue for you...
Just make sure that they are properly inflated and keep your speed around 60 to 65 and you should be OK...
As far as driving and pulling when hooked up the trailer should be level from front to back if possible...
You need approximately 15% to 25% of the trailer weight on the hitch...
Too muck weight on the rear end could get you a little waggy going down the road...
This is pretty much a non issue if your hitch was installed properly in the bed approximately 1" to 2 "" ahead of the rear axle...
I always pulled mine without any water in the tanks also...
Properly set up they are an absolute dream to pull...
You will have no problems at all...
Just run at a safe speed, give yourself plenty of stopping room, and check those darn tires...
Let us know how it goes...

 

[Bladehauler]

A fifth wheel is much more maneuverable , just be aware of your wider turning radius , dont curb your trailer tires and roll one of the rim, check your tire pressure and trailer brakes before you start, measure the overall height and watch those overhead clearances especially at fuel stops !!! Good Luck and be Safe !!

 

[Diamondpilot]

First off they don't track like a BP. They turn inside your trucks tracks so watch your turns. Easy to scrub a tire.

Watch dips and inclines. You can damage the top of the bed and the camper.

Watch your cab corners. Some are possible to hit with some campers if turning too sharp.

Tires, lugs, bearings. Check and service them. Have a bottle jack, 4 way lug, and a spare. If you have a flat go to the next town and replace so you once again have a spare.

Check the truck also. Oil, fluids, tires, ect.

Others gave good advise also.

Chris

 

[realtinker]

check the truck mirrors they may extend out to give more veiwing area . check the truck gear shift lever if it is an allison and there is a "m" gear selection and a "=/-" buttons on lever that is for when you are going down a grade you will be able to up/down shift the trans to save brakes. also check to see if there is a tow/haul option if so use it also actives the eng brake. make sure the jaws of the hitch is in the fully locked position.

 

[RobertN]

Go slow and take your time. Too many people go too fast in too much of a hurry. Just because the towing speed limit is 60 or 70, does not mean you need to go that fast.

That trailer will track waay inside the trucks track; watch curb's, poles etc

Give yourself plenty of safety room. I have been cut off by little compact cars and motorcycles while towing my tractor, and my 5th wheel. Had to get on the brakes real hard a couple of times

Slow down real slow thru construction area's; have had my much smaller 5th wheel(27') bounced around bad even going slow thru rough construction zones(mostly California, where we have horrid roads to begin with).

Try to get where you're going before dark. Backing in, maneuvering, and setup for the night is much easier in daylight.

Slow down...it's not a sports car.

 

[AGRIMAN]

I would suggest checking the lug bolts every 100 miles or so for at least the first part of the trip. I had a issue on my 36'er and started to keep a closer check on them. I checked them before I leave and around every 100 miles or when we stop for fuel or to eat.

I haven't have any more major issues, but there always seems to one or two that can stand a little tightening.

 

[medic0648]

If you have the time pay attention to how semi drivers take turns. If you have 2 turn lanes for the same direction take the 1 farthest out from the center and go almost as far as you can before starting to turn to avoid hitting anyone. If you can to ensure your jaws are locked before raising the jack all the way lock the trailer brakes and gently pull forward to ensure they're locked. Also tests the trailer brakes to ensure they will hold the trailer.

 

[Lou66]

besides all the safety tips everyone has given you.. I would drive it around the block a few times before taking off.. to get the feel of turning,, left then right.. most of my trailers are goose necks,, like then better than a tougue pull.. tracks better and easier to back.. Lou

 

[Stimw]

I have over 40 years driving semi's, make sure you drive with your mirrors! Are you centered in the traffic lane? Line up the side/or tires of the tow with the lines in the road and center your tow in the lane.
If you get into a situation where you know or are not sure you can make it, slow down or stop and be sure!
NEVER make a turn without checking your mirrors! Some idiot will fly up on your side! When they do just stop and wait for them to either back up or go around you.
Patience is rule numbe one. When you get rattled you make mistakes.
As stated, Know you minimum hight and always be aware of any overheads. Especially trees and gas station overheads. It won't hurt to know or have a good idea your weights by total weight and each axle.
After the trip you will find bumper pull so Junior High School!