One of the biggest dilemmas to overcome as an RVer is towing. While buying a motorhome is good, it is not always the cheapest or most practical solution out there. When comparing motorhomes versus trailers, one of the biggest complaints about the former is that you can’t always take a motorhome everywhere. When towing, you can disconnect from your trailer and hit the road in your tow vehicle.
Towing can be a difficult obstacle to overcome, even for a confident driver. Here are tips, tricks, and more when learning how to tow a fifth wheel RV, travel trailer, or something smaller during your travels.
What types of RVs can be towed?
It can tow everything from motorcycle trailers to travel trailers and fifth wheel RVs. You can tow large trailers to double width RVs depending on your tow vehicle. Towing vehicles range from automobiles to pickup trucks and heavy duty trucks. Depending on what you are towing, your towing vehicle will shift to accommodate the additional weight of both the equipment and what you load on it.
Your tow vehicle depends on the RV or trailer you are towing. You need to make sure you meet the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) before hitting the road, otherwise you may cause an accident, damage to your vehicle or RV, or worse. The GVWR refers to the total amount of weight you are towing, including a loaded RV, passengers, anything you tow behind your RV. You need a tow vehicle that drives the GVWR to tow.
Pro Tip: When shopping for an RV, make sure you know whether or not your current vehicle can tow it. If not, you will need to invest in a tow vehicle you can before you bring it home.
Learning to tow
The most important aspect of the trailer is not the trailer itself. It is patience and the ability to adapt. Road conditions change every second you are towing. You should be able to adjust when needed. If you can’t, you shouldn’t be towing. Towing is tough, but once you get used to it, it comes as second nature. The right attitude when learning to tow is the key to learning how to maneuver a trailer or RV on and off the road, no matter where you are traveling.
Some of the most important things to remember when learning to tow include:
- Always remember that you need extra space when turning a trailer when turning right. This will depend on the length of the RV itself, the hitch you have, and how tight you are trying to take the turn.
- Some RVs come with brakes. Learn how to use the brakes with your RV to make sure that when you stop, your RV does too. This is important when you make sudden stops.
- When braking, bend the traditional two-second rule. The larger the RV you are towing, the more space you want between you and the car in front of you to compensate for the weight of the trailer when braking.
- If you are experiencing any trailer sway, you want to stop on the side of the road and inspect the hitch setup. While some swaying is acceptable and common, if you find that the trailer or RV is out of control, something is wrong and must be corrected for safe towing. Consider duplicating safety chains for added protection against swaying.
- When backing up an RV, take it slowly and steadily. Use an observer if available. Take your time and adjust to park properly.
- Depending on the width of your trailer or RV, invest in extra wide mirrors for your tow vehicle. This will give you a better view and cut through blind spots when towing.
Pro Tip: Consider taking an RV towing class before investing in a travel trailer or other RV. By taking the class at a local dealership, you will find out if the trailer is right for you or if you need to consider a motorhome for your travels.
Practice makes perfect
Practicing towing is the most effective way to learn to tow. Many dealers offer classes on how to start towing. You can also find private classes in the states where RVing is the most popular. Taking a class can help you get over your initial fear of towing. If you don’t have anyone who can help you at first. Only by practicing towing can you feel better and more comfortable with it.
