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Your Complete RV Towing Guide

By Mike Chudd on September 03, 2021
RV

Towing an RV requires practice and patience. You'll be hauling extra weight behind your tow vehicle, so it's crucial to follow safe driving practices to transport your rig from one place to another. 

  • Choosing the Right Towing Vehicle: Different vehicles have different towing capacities, so it's essential to consider the size and weight-handling capacity of your tow vehicle when selecting an RV. If you're using a mid-size truck as your towing vehicle, it should be able to handle a maximum capacity ranging from 5,000 – 7,000 lbs. On the other hand, a full-size truck can handle weights between 9,700 and 13,200 lbs. For heavier cargo, you'll need a heavy-duty or ultra-duty truck as your towing vehicle.
  • Selecting the Appropriate Hitching Method: Depending on the type of RV you choose, you'll need a hitch of sufficient strength to attach your rig to your tow vehicle.
  • A weight-distributing hitch: This hitch, also known as a load-equalizing hitch, takes some pressure off the rear of your vehicle and distributes the tongue weight among all the wheels. A non-weight distributing hitch: These hitches, also called weight-carrying hitches, distribute the weight throughout the bumper and frame of your vehicle and are used for towing small- to medium-sized RVs. A Gooseneck hitch: This hitch attaches an RV to the bed of a pickup truck (towing vehicle) and provides improved stability to handle heavier loads.
  • Braking Techniques: When hauling your RV, it's essential to maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles on the road. Braking is also unique when towing an RV, so it's crucial to have a control system that allows you to adjust your RV's brakes. Take it easy until you have the perfect settings for your trip.
  • Parking Your RV: When parking your RV at a campground, keep in mind its extra length and weight. Reserve your spot ahead of time to ensure you can park your RV without any problems.
  • Other Important Tips: Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. You should have sufficient time to react if the rig in front of you suddenly applies the brakes. Keep a moderate speed and signal your maneuvers in advance. If your RV starts swaying due to a sudden gust of wind, stay calm and keep moving straight by pointing the nose of your tow vehicle in the right direction. However, if you encounter high winds, pull over to the side and wait it out.

Towing an RV can be a fun and exciting experience, but it requires practice and patience. Before hitting the road, it's crucial to choose the right towing vehicle, select the appropriate hitching method, and understand proper braking techniques. Remember to maintain a safe following distance, signal your maneuvers in advance, and keep a moderate speed. When parking your RV, make sure to reserve a spot that can accommodate its length and weight. And if you encounter strong winds while driving, stay calm and pull over to the side until it's safe to continue. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a safe and enjoyable RV adventure.