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

[newbury]

If he has a regular tailgate make sure it is down when you unhook and pull away.

One of the reasons I got a "discount" on my dually was that the owners wife didn't.

 

[henryswe]

When I was new with my 5th wheel the instruction I got was back up into the hitch and your good to go. I have since then saw the bed of a lot of trucks bashed down from the 5th wheel falling on the bed of the truck that looked just like mine did. The best advise I can give you is make sure the hitch is latched on the 5th wheel before you lift the front jacks. Very humbling but glad nobody got hurt. Had to replace the bed of my truck.

 

[dhagood]

make sure you have enough distance between the vehicle in front of you. the easy way to do that is to stay in the right hand lane and go 5 mph slower than the traffic flow. if you have plenty of time to make the trip, take plenty of time to make the trip: slow down. pulling a load is all about being able to stop without hitting things whenever necessary. the easiest way to not hit things is to slow down.

 

[yelbike]

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!

Thank you very much for the tips and this one in particular. Funny thing was i was thought the fifth wheel tracked better not worse than bp trailer. Makes sense as the fulcrum point is moved further forward. I'm really thankful i started this tread. Open and close tailgate for loading, watch for curbs, use mirrors to center yourself, slow down with increased stopping business, pre trip tire and trailer check. Did i miss any?

 

[Xfaxman]

Thank you very much for the tips and this one in particular. Funny thing was i was thought the fifth wheel tracked better not worse than bp trailer. Makes sense as the fulcrum point is moved further forward. I'm really thankful i started this tread. Open and close tailgate for loading, watch for curbs, use mirrors to center yourself, slow down with increased stopping business, pre trip tire and trailer check. Did i miss any?

The Duramax does have Tow-Haul mode, the button is on the end of the shift lever, you can push it anytime, moving or stopped.

I would recommend driving a 2011 before you go, so you know where all the buttons and switches are.

Fivers do pull better, just swing in farther when turning.

more good info here: RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Fifth-Wheels

 

[wmonroe]

Can't really add much to the good advice you've been given so far. One thing you might consider is before you get started on your trip is finding a large empty parking lot and practice a few turns and such to get a feel for how the camper will track. Also might want to drive the truck a little empty first if you haven't driven it before.

I've had a fifth wheel camper and just sold it about 2 years ago and also have a gooseneck trailer and those that said they to better than a bumper pull are definitely correct. Just be careful and take it easy, remember it will take you longer to stop.

Good luck with the trip.

 

[yelbike]

Thanks for the advice. I have driven the truck unloaded before. It feels very similar to my Lincoln lt til you stomp on the gas pedal. Those duramax are nice and powerful trucks to drive. Lucky for me the former owner of a large Winnipeg dealer is staying at the same RV park and has agreed to give me a crash course ( hopefully no pun intended) with RV. As usual thanks to the tbn community for the great tips, it help calm the nerves.

 

[CliffordK]

One thing that I was told.

When you turn a corner, for example a left hand turn.
Drive STRAIGHT as far as it seems possible, then crank your steering hard to the left.
You can't turn the trailer too sharp, and you'll do ok getting around the opposing cars.

 

[yelbike]

Just did pretrip inspection. Well wish me luck. Leaving AZ now.

 

[newbury]

Don't post on TBN while driving

Good luck, keep it upright and find low cost fuel!