Three Things To Consider When Towing Your RV

Taking your RV on the road gives you a great chance to tour the country without having to find a hotel to stay in when you decide to stop. You can bring all of the amenities of home with you wherever you go. If you are considering an RV that can be towed using a 5h wheel hitch, you can enjoy more flexibility, as you can park the RV and take your truck to local destinations. Before you consider an RV and 5th wheel hitch, here are a few things you should consider.

5th Wheel Hitches Don't Work With All Vehicles

A 5th wheel hitch is designed to sit in your truck's flatbed. They won't work with an SUV because there is no space to position the hitch. If you have an SUV, you'll want to consider talking to your dealership about a towing package upgrade that allows you to tow your RV. A typical sedan won't have the towing capacity to handle the weight of your RV. If you plan to take your RV and a sedan on the road, consider an RV with a towing hitch that lets you bring both vehicles on your trip.

You'll Lose Some Cargo Space

The 5th wheel hitch and the RV will take up most of your truck's available cargo space. If you are planning on bringing hunting, camping or fishing gear with you, try to find room in the RV to store these items. You can also add a luggage rack to your RV, but be sure to measure the vehicle's clearance after you add the rack and your cargo, as the height may prevent you from going under some bridges and underpasses.

Your Truck Will Need To Be Modified

To make room for the 5h wheel hitch, you'll need to perform some modifications to your truck. The tailgate will need to be removed to allow space for the hitch and for the RV to hook up to the truck. If you aren't confident that you can tackle this task on your own, take your truck to a local mechanic to have it removed professionally. Once your RV journey is complete, you can have the tailgate installed again so you can use the flatbed for hauling cargo.

Driving May Be Difficult At First

Learning to drive your truck with the RV attached to the 5th wheel hitch will take some getting used to. You'll need to approach turns more slowly and ensure you have enough space to complete a turn, as your turning radius will be reduced by the attached RV. You may also find it more difficult to navigate your vehicle at high speeds due to the change in weight. Before you head out on a cross-country trip, take a few practice drives in the neighborhood and down a local freeway for a few miles to get accustomed to driving your RV and truck together.

When it comes to towing an RV, a 5th wheel hitch offers the rugged durability you need to take on the open road. If you're interested in learning more, contact a professional like those at Major Tire & Hitch Inc


Share