Powerful Trucks For Pulling Your Fifth-Wheel Camper

what can pull a 5th wheel camper

Fifth-wheel campers are intimidating at first glance, but they are surprisingly easy to tow. They are called fifth-wheel trailers because of the type of hitch required to attach them to a pickup truck. The fifth-wheel hitch is sometimes called a heavy-duty hitch and can be found in the truck bed, near the rear axle. That's why you have to use a pickup truck. Some semi-trucks also tow fifth wheels.

The coupling device is separate from the trailer itself and is attached to the hitch. That makes fifth-wheel hitches a little different from the average trailer hitch. Due to this configuration, there is a jaw mechanism within the hitch that holds the trailer's king pin.

Fifth-wheel trailer hitches can pull vehicles that are 24,000 pounds and up, although this weight total does vary by manufacturer and hitch brand. All fifth-wheel hitches can pivot, so they can adjust to changing road conditions such as bumps, curves, and potholes.

When towing a fifth-wheel camper, it is important to get the weights right. You need to know the weight of your empty trailer and the vehicle's weight once it's connected to the truck. You should also ensure that you never exceed the weight limit.

Characteristics Values
Vehicle type Pickup truck
Hitch type Fifth-wheel hitch
Hitch weight Depends on the model
Towing capacity Depends on the model
Trailer weight Depends on the model
Tongue weight 15% to 25% of the total weight
Hitch installation Permanent or removable
Hitch movement Front to back and side to side

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Know your vehicle's towing capacity

Knowing your vehicle's towing capacity is crucial when it comes to pulling a 5th-wheel camper. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to help you understand your vehicle's capabilities:

Know Your Vehicle's Limitations:

  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Understand the maximum loaded weight your vehicle can handle, including passengers, cargo, fluids, and the tongue weight of any attached trailer. Exceeding the GVWR can lead to unsafe towing and potential damage to your vehicle.
  • Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): This is the maximum weight your tow vehicle can handle when fully loaded with a trailer and all cargo. Make sure your vehicle's GCWR is higher than the combined weight of your 5th-wheel camper and its cargo.
  • Tongue Weight: The force exerted on the trailer hitch by the load is critical. Tongue weight should typically be between 10-15% of the RV's gross vehicle weight.
  • Curb Weight: Know the weight of your vehicle when it's fuelled and filled with fluids but without passengers or cargo. This is essential for calculating towing capacity.
  • Payload Capacity: Understand the weight limit for your vehicle's cabin and bed. Ensure it can handle the tongue weight of the 5th-wheel camper.

Match Your Vehicle to Your 5th-Wheel Camper:

  • Vehicle Type: Typically, a pickup truck is required to pull a 5th-wheel camper due to the unique hitch configuration. Ensure your truck has enough power and torque to handle the weight.
  • Trailer Weight: Know the weight of your 5th-wheel camper, including any cargo. The combined weight of the camper and your vehicle should not exceed the GCWR.
  • Hitch Type: Utilise a 5th-wheel hitch that mounts onto the cargo bed of your pickup truck. Some hitches are permanent, while others can be removed, offering more flexibility.
  • Bed Length: Opt for a longer bed whenever possible. An eight-foot bed provides ample space for the trailer overhang and ensures a secure connection.
  • Trailer Distribution: Ensure proper weight distribution by keeping the loaded tongue weight between 15% and 25% of the total weight. This helps maintain stability and reduces the risk of overload on your vehicle's rear suspension.

Practice Safe Towing:

  • Stay Within Limits: Always stay below your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. It's recommended to keep a buffer of at least 10% to account for miscalculations and shifting loads.
  • Use the Right Hitch: Select the appropriate hitch class for your vehicle and trailer combination. Using the wrong hitch can compromise safety.
  • Braked vs. Unbraked: Consider a trailer with its own braking system, allowing for a higher braked towing capacity and improved control over heavier loads.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Towing a 5th-wheel camper significantly changes the dynamics of your vehicle. Practise towing and manoeuvring in a safe, open area before embarking on your journey.

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Get the weights right

To pull a fifth-wheel camper, you need to get the weights right. This involves several calculations, including the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), tongue weight or hitch weight, and the overall weight of your vehicle and trailer.

Firstly, the GVWR is the maximum loaded weight of your vehicle, as determined by the manufacturer. Overloading your trailer could result in an unsafe towing situation. To avoid this, ensure that the trailer weight rating of your tow vehicle can handle at least the GVWR of the fifth-wheel camper.

Secondly, the tongue weight or hitch weight is the downward force exerted by the trailer on the hitch. For safe towing, keep the loaded tongue weight between 15% and 25% of the total weight. This is important because an improper tongue weight can lead to trailer sway and affect the handling of your tow vehicle.

Finally, consider the overall weight of your vehicle and trailer combination. The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum total weight of a loaded tow vehicle and trailer, as specified by the tow vehicle manufacturer. Ensure that your GCWR is not exceeded, as this could impact the performance and safety of your setup.

Additionally, check the payload capacity of your tow vehicle, which is the weight it can carry, including passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of the trailer. Subtract the curb weight (weight of the vehicle itself) and the weight of passengers and cargo from the payload capacity to determine how much weight you can safely allocate to the trailer's tongue weight.

It is also worth noting that the weight distribution within the trailer itself is important. Loading the trailer correctly by placing more weight towards the front and above the axles will improve stability and handling during towing.

By understanding and calculating these weight-related factors, you can ensure that your setup is safe and within the limits of your tow vehicle and trailer.

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Hitching and unhitching

Hitching:

  • Prepare your vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is compatible with a fifth-wheel hitch, typically a pickup truck. Familiarise yourself with the hitching process by reading the instructions that come with your fifth wheel. Gather all the necessary tools and keep them within easy reach.
  • Chock the wheels: Place wheel chocks on the front wheels of your vehicle for stability and safety. This will prevent any unintended movement of your vehicle during the hitching process.
  • Position your vehicle: Back up your truck until the kingpin on the camper is close to the hitch. Adjust the height of the kingpin using the front-landing gear so that it is slightly lower than the fifth-wheel plate.
  • Open the hitch jaws: Gently open the arm/jaws of the fifth-wheel hitch to prepare for receiving the kingpin.
  • Back up your truck: Slowly back up your truck so that the kingpin rides up the fifth-wheel hitch and into the awaiting jaws. Ensure the hitch is at the right height, and adjust the trailer jacks if necessary.
  • Check the hitch connection: Verify that the hitch jaws have closed securely around the kingpin. You should hear a loud clicking sound indicating a successful connection.
  • Apply the emergency brake: Engage the parking brake on your truck as an extra safety measure.
  • Connect the breakaway cable and power cord: Attach the emergency breakaway cable to your truck bed, and plug in the power umbilical cord to establish the electrical connection between the camper and the truck.
  • Raise the landing gear: Lift the landing gear until they are just off the ground (1 inch or less) to ensure the front of the trailer is supported by the truck.
  • Test the trailer brakes: Manually activate the trailer brakes from inside the truck to ensure they are functional.
  • Release the emergency brake: Disengage the parking brake and gently press the gas pedal to test the connection.
  • Final checks: Raise the landing gear to their fully retracted position and remove the wheel chocks. Perform a final walkaround, checking items such as doors, compartments, and antenna.

Unhitching:

  • Find a level site: Choose a level and stable surface to park your camper after unhitching. Chock the wheels on both sides of the trailer to prevent any unintended movement.
  • Disconnect electrical connections: Disconnect the power umbilical cord and the emergency breakaway cable.
  • Lower the landing gear: Use the motor and inner leg to lower the landing gear until the camper is safely resting on the ground.
  • Release the kingpin: Raise the hitch until you see a gap between the fifth-wheel kingpin plate and the hitch coupler. Unlatch the hitch handle to release the pin from the jaws.
  • Pull forward: Slowly pull your truck forward and away from the camper, ensuring that all connections have been released.
  • Level the camper: Use the front landing gear to level the camper from front to back.

Additional Tips:

  • Practice: Take time to practice hitching and unhitching in a safe and open space before embarking on your journey.
  • Use mirrors: Utilise your side mirrors effectively to monitor the sides and back of your truck, especially when towing the camper. Consider investing in towing mirrors for better visibility.
  • Be mindful of wind conditions: Strong winds can impact the stability of your setup and increase fuel consumption. Avoid driving in high winds if possible.
  • Grease the hitch: Regularly grease the fifth-wheel hitch to maintain proper working conditions and prevent issues such as the hitch getting stuck.
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Practice makes perfect

Know Your Rig

Before hitting the road, it's crucial to understand the dynamics of your tow vehicle and trailer. Practice driving your rig in a safe, open area to get a feel for how it handles. The added weight and length of the trailer will significantly impact your driving experience, so take the time to familiarize yourself with how it responds to turns, brakes, and other maneuvers.

Weight Distribution

Ensure that the weight of your trailer is properly distributed. The weight placed on the truck should be between the rear axle and the cab, eliminating the pivot point and helping to spread the load. Keep in mind that the rear end of the truck will still bear the brunt of the weight, so don't overload it. Check your vehicle's tow rating and match it to the fifth wheel weight for optimal performance and safety.

Hitching and Unhitching

The process of hitching and unhitching your fifth-wheel camper is critical to a successful towing experience. Practice backing up your truck to the trailer and aligning the hitch correctly. Make sure the trailer is securely locked into the hitch before raising the trailer jacks. When unhitching, always remember to lower the trailer jacks and disconnect the emergency brake cable to ensure the trailer remains stationary.

Mirrors and Blind Spots

Invest in a good set of mirrors that extend far enough from your vehicle to see down the trailer's sides. This will allow you to monitor the trailer's tires and walls, ensuring they are in good condition and not running low on air or experiencing any issues. Additionally, consider adding blind spot mirrors to eliminate blind spots and aid in backing up the trailer.

Turning and Cornering

When taking sharp corners or turning, remember that the trailer will track a path inside that of your tow vehicle. Practice turning at different speeds and angles to get a feel for how much space you need. Always go slow and use your mirrors to check that the trailer is clearing the corner safely. Additionally, keep in mind that the back end of the trailer will swing wider than the tow vehicle, so allow extra space when maneuvering in tight spaces or campgrounds.

Wind and Weather Conditions

Be mindful of wind and weather conditions when towing your fifth-wheel camper. High winds can affect the stability of your rig and increase fuel consumption as your truck works harder to move forward. Check the weather forecast before embarking on a trip and try to plan your travels around windy days if possible. If you must travel in windy conditions, be prepared to make more frequent fuel stops.

Remember, practice is key to perfecting your fifth-wheel towing skills. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your rig, understand weight distribution, master the hitching and unhitching process, utilize mirrors effectively, and practice turning and cornering. With repetition and experience, you'll gain the confidence and skills needed to safely and comfortably tow your fifth-wheel camper.

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Plan your route

Planning a route for your 5th-wheel camper trip is an important step to ensure a smooth journey. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to help you plan your route effectively:

Know Your Vehicle's Capabilities

Before planning your route, it's crucial to understand the capabilities of your tow vehicle and 5th-wheel camper. Check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your camper and ensure your tow vehicle can handle that weight. The GVWR is usually listed on a metal plate on the outer left side of your camper. Additionally, refer to your truck's manual to determine its tow rating, which indicates how much weight it can safely pull.

Choose the Right Roads

When planning your route, opt for roads that can accommodate larger vehicles. Keep in mind that you may be restricted to truck routes, avoiding back roads. Use apps like Motor Carriers Atlas or Google Maps to select routes suitable for your 5th-wheel camper's size. Interstate highways are generally a good option, as they are designed for commercial semi-trucks.

Consider Height Restrictions

Be mindful of height restrictions, especially when passing through bridges or overpasses. The average height of a 5th-wheel camper is around 13 feet, and in most states, campers cannot exceed 13' 6" in height. Plan your route to avoid low clearances, and always proceed with caution when approaching an overpass, especially if the clearance height is not posted. Drive slowly and allow for some bounce in your suspension.

Use RV-Specific Tools

Take advantage of RV-specific tools and resources to plan your route effectively. Apps like RV LIFE PRO provide routes developed specifically for RVers, offering ample room for your camper. Additionally, use resources like Campendium.com, which is an RV community-based website that offers reviews and insights on RV locations.

Plan Stopping Points

Determine stopping points along your route for rest, refuelling, and overnight stays. Consider the availability of RV-friendly gas stations and ensure they have sufficient space for larger vehicles. Apps like RV Life Trip Wizard and Togo RV-friendly GPS can assist in finding suitable stops.

Be Mindful of Distance and Pace

It's important not to drive too far in a day. Most RVers recommend not travelling more than 300 miles per day to avoid burnout. Plan your daily schedule accordingly, starting your day no earlier than 9 am and ending no later than 3 pm.

Prepare for Emergencies

When planning your route, identify potential emergency services along the way, such as mechanics or healthcare facilities. Understand that accessing medical care can be challenging when travelling through different regions, so be prepared for extended waiting periods or referrals.

Practice and Be Adaptable

Finally, remember that towing a 5th-wheel camper is different from driving your truck alone. Practice towing beforehand in a safe, open space to get a feel for the added weight and length. Be prepared to adjust your route as needed, whether due to unexpected road conditions, weather, or other factors.

Frequently asked questions

A fifth-wheel coupling refers to a semi-trailer connection to a towed unit, in this case, a camper. Its signature is the raised forward section, which can rise over the back end of the truck.

You need a truck with a fifth-wheel hitch, usually a pickup truck. The fifth-wheel hitch is sometimes called a "heavy-duty hitch" and can be found in the truck bed, near the rear axle. Some semi-trucks can also tow 5th-wheel campers.

You need to know the weight of your empty trailer and the vehicle's weight once it's connected to the truck. You should also know the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your 5th-wheel camper and the towing capacity of your truck.

First, make sure that your truck has enough power to handle the weight of the trailer and that you have enough room in the bed to accommodate the camper as it turns. Then, install a fifth-wheel hitch that matches your manufacturer's guidelines. Finally, check that the "jaws" of the hitch are locked and the kingpin is securely connected before you start towing.

Before you hit the road, practice towing in an empty parking lot to get a feel for the extra weight and length. Make sure to practice backing up, turning, and braking. Always give yourself plenty of space and time to stop, as towing a trailer increases your stopping distance.

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