Towing Tips for a 5th Wheel Camper

A 5th wheeler is a large, tow-behind camper. This type of camper takes its name from its signature "5th wheel" coupling device -- typically mounted in a truck bed -- that is needed in order to tow the trailer. Traditional caravans and motor-homes incorporate a cab and engine as one single unit. When pulling any large trailer, a few tips can help you maneuver safely and efficiently.

  1. Preparing to Tow

    • Before hooking up the trailer and heading down the road, you first need to ensure that your 5th wheel is packed securely. Check that all windows and interior and exterior doors are closed and locked. Unpack any items that you have stowed in cabinets, or items sitting out on a table or counter top. Stow the items in a secure container, or in a storage compartment. If not, you'll have a huge mess to clean up from items being tossed about as you drive. Double check your 5th wheel trailer coupling. Ensure that the trailer is attached appropriately and securely. Also, check the trailer's taillights and taillight wiring harness to ensure the lights are working properly.

    Towing

    • Towing a large trailer is not at all like driving a regular passenger vehicle. Pay attention to lanes of traffic on either side of you, especially when changing lanes. Give yourself more room than needed to change lanes, and signal well in advance of the change to alert other drivers. Only pass slower moving vehicles on a flat grade. Don't attempt to pass on a curve, incline or on uneven pavement with soft shoulders. When braking, apply the brake to allow a considerable amount of distance -- at least twice as much with a regular vehicle -- prior to the stop sign or light. Avoid sharp movements and slow down to take turns at a wide angle.

    Safety Concerns

    • Wind plays a major factor when towing any trailer. Heavy winds can cause the trailer to sway and even tip over. If you're traveling through windy areas and you feel the trailer moving heavily, pull over in a safe location and wait until the wind subsides to continue traveling. If a tire blows out, stay calm and slowly maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. Give yourself enough room from the traffic lanes to get out and assess the damaged tire. Use road flares if this occurs at night, or orange cones to alert other drivers to your position. Engage your hazard lights if stopped on the side of the road for any reason.

    Steep grades

    • When backing up the trailer, remember that the trailer will move to the direction you're turning the steering wheel. Avoid backing the trailer on uneven terrain and steep grades, if at all possible. If necessary, back up slowly and as straight as possible in order to nudge the trailer backward along a straight path. Do not "ride" the brake when braking on steep grades. This can cause heat and friction, resulting in brake burn-outs. Downshift prior to braking on downgrades to assist the brake. Prior to ascending steep grades, downshift to increase power and reduce strain on the transmission. If you're forced to park on a steep grade, engage the parking brake and place parking blocks behind and in front of the trailer wheels for added security.