To safely lift a 5th wheel camper, park on a level surface and use wheel chocks. Position a hydraulic or bottle jack under the lifting points, lift slowly, and secure with jack stands. We have explained the whole procedure with step by step instructions in detail below.
Additionally this blog will cover everything you need to know before towing as well, including the necessary tools and safety tips. After reading this guide you will be able to lift your 5th wheel camper on your own without any problems. Let’s dive into the details of this article!
Understanding Your 5th Wheel Camper
Fifth Wheel Campers offer luxury that no RV can provide. They start from 20 feet long to 40 feet and have much space inside them. They offer you a homelike experience, with large bathrooms and kitchens. Over the recent years, this type of RV has seen overwhelming growth among experienced and new RVs, who tend to purchase 5th-wheel campers.
This RV needs to be towed by a pickup truck, but it needs to be equipped with a unique hitch in the bed of the car, called a fifth wheel hitch.
Know The Towing Capacity of Your Fifth Wheel
Before towing your 5th wheel, know your truck’s towing capacity. The average weight of a 5th-wheel camper is 12,700 pounds when it’s empty. That is a lot of weight, so your car needs to be capable of towing this. Many people don’t realize it and they exceed the weight limits, thinking it’s okay. However, this can lead to engine overheating, faster tire wear, and other problems. If the weight is too much, stopping becomes harder, increasing the risk of accidents.
How Do I Know the Appropriate Truck?
After choosing a 5th-wheel camper, the next and most crucial step is to locate an appropriate truck. You can discover the towing capacities of trucks by inquiring with the dealer or researching on the internet. For a general idea, a half-ton truck can pull fifth wheels, and some of the towing capacity numbers are impressive (such as over 10,000 pounds for modern F-150s).
Necessary Equipment
With proper tools and equipment, you can fasten the towing process. Before towing a 5th wheel, you must have these tools.
- Ratchet
- Socket set
- Crescent wrench
- Drill with drill bits
- A torque wrench
How Is Lifting A 5th-Wheel RV Different From Other Campers?
Lifting a 5th wheel is very different from other campers due to their weight. They are usually taller and heavier and need various tools and techniques to lift them. A 5th wheel camper uses a gooseneck hitch that connects to the truck bed, making it more stable. This requires special jacks and supports. Meanwhile, other campers use ball hitches and lighter equipment.
Now you’ll understand the 5th wheel and how the towing works, so let’s discuss the steps for a 5th wheel hookup.
Steps For A 5th Wheel Camper Hookup
Follow these steps to hookup the 5th wheel camper:
Step 1: Park On A Level Surface
Before towing a 5th wheel, ensure your truck and the 5th wheel are parked on a level surface. This will provide a solid kingpin connection and make it easier to back your vehicle to your trailer.
Step 2: Open The 5th Wheel Jaws
The second step is placing the hitch in the ready-to-couple position by opening the jaws or retracting the locking bar.
Step 3: Slowly Back Up
Now lower the pickup truck’s tailgate and slowly back your vehicle up to the kingpin box of the 5th wheel. Remember to stay away from the kingpin.
We recommend inviting a friend to help you back up and make it easier. Have the person stand off the side, even with the front of the trailer. Agree on signals for forward, backward, right, and left.
Step 4: Adjust Trailer Jacks
This step is crucial; carefully adjust the trailer jacks up or down so that the 5th wheel hitch plate is slightly higher than the kingpin box. The bottom of the kingpin box must be 1/2″ below the top of the 5th wheel head. This allows the pin box to ramp up onto the hitch plate.
Step 5: Engage The 5th Wheel Coupler
Now, slowly back up the truck until the kingpin is fully seated within the 5th wheel head. When it is applied, the emergency brake is. Next, inspect the connection to ensure the 5th wheel jaws are fully locked and engaged.
Step 6: Test The Connection
After the connection is secured, put your foot on the brake pedal, remove the emergency brake, and place the truck in the drive. Then, press the manual activation on your 5th-wheel brake controller.
Slowly let off the brake pedal and let the truck lightly tug at the camper. If resistance is felt, the hitch connection is secure. If not, you will need to repeat the hookup process.
Step 7: Final 5th Wheel RV Checklist
With the truck in park, look through this checklist and ensure your 5th-wheel camper hookup is ready for towing:
- Make sure the handle safety pin is installed
- Install 5th-wheel safety chains
- Make sure the trailer wiring harness is plugged into your truck
- Attach the electric trailer breakaway switch
- Close the tailgate
- Remove the wheel chocks
- Fully retract the trailer jacks
- Test the trailer lights
That’s how to safely life a 5th wheel camper.
Safety Precautions
Here are some tips for safely towing for a 5th-wheel camper. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth towing experience and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Stay within the truck’s towing capacity: Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit for your truck, as this can compromise safety and handling.
- Prepare for mountain driving: Anticipate steep inclines and declines by familiarizing yourself with mountain roads and using lower gears to control speed.
- Inspect your tires thoroughly: Check tire pressure, tread, and condition before towing to avoid blowouts or other tire-related issues.
- Double-check your hitch connection: Ensure the 5th-wheel hitch is securely fastened, locked, and properly aligned to prevent detachment while driving.
- Maintain a slower speed: Drive at a cautious speed, allowing more time for braking and maneuvering, especially in challenging conditions.
By following these tips, you’ll help ensure a safer and more enjoyable towing experience.
Final Words
That is all about “How To Lift A 5th Wheel Camper Safely?”. After following all these steps, you’ll successfully tow your 5th wheel. These safety tips will provide the most comfortable and safe journey for you. However, giving importance to the 5th wheel product quality is crucial. The tires must be strong, lift weight, and bear sturdy roads. For more information about the RVs’ installation and maintenance, visit RVOnWheels!
FAQs
How To Lift The 5th Wheel Camper Without A Truck?
You can lift a 5th-wheel camper without a truck using a motorized trailer dolly. It has strong wheels and an electric motor, allowing you to maneuver the trailer easily with a remote control.
How Do You Raise Your Fifth Wheel RV?
Use an over-under conversion kit to raise your fifth-wheel RV. It involves flipping the axles by placing the springs on top instead of underneath. Ensure you select a kit suitable for your axle diameter.
Can You Pull A 5th Wheel Camper Without A Hitch?
Yes, you can pull a 5th wheel without a hitch, but it’s too risky. There are significant chances, you may lose your load and may cause accidents. Moreover, towing without a proper hitch can significantly damage your vehicle.
Can You Move A 5th Wheel RV With A Forklift?
Yes, you can move a 5th-wheel RV with a forklift by carefully lifting it from the frame. But it’s not recommended, as it’s unsafe and not OSHA-compliant. Chains or pins are usually required.
