Select an appropriate towing vehicle per the manufacturer's recommendations for the trailer. Evaluate the vehicle's suspension and brakes as well as its weight capacity. Just because a truck can carry 1,000 pounds in the bed doesn't mean that it will be able to carry 1,000 pounds of tongue weight without significant modification to the suspension. The tow vehicle and hitch must be able to support 25 percent of the gross weight of the trailer. Ideally, use a pickup truck with a bed no less than eight feet long that does not have a plastic bed liner.
Follow the manufacturer's directions to install the trailer hitch. If you decide to weld the installation brackets to the frame, have it performed by a certified and experienced welder.
Position the trailer's king pin so that it sits ahead of the truck's rear axle in the bed, if you're only towing while driving on highways. For driving and maneuvering around more narrow spaces, such as campgrounds, and if the fifth wheel hitch is equipped with a slider, reposition the king pin to sit behind the rear axle. This will allow you to turn tighter corners while towing.
Inspect the trailer and bed hitch before hooking up to the tow vehicle. Look for signs of rust or cracks. Remove old, dirty lubricant and apply a new coating using either a plastic lube plate or chassis grease. Examine the electrical connector for the trailer's lights for corrosion, and test the lights with the help of an assistant.
If you have no experience driving with a trailer, set aside some time and practice in a vacant lot before towing on the open roads and highways.
Before embarking on any driving trip, research the roads you will be taking for restrictions on bridges and tunnels.
Drive at moderate speeds to lessen strain on the vehicle and trailer, and avoid situations where you would be forced to drive faster than you are comfortable. Slow down when driving over bumpy conditions, such as railroad tracks or uneven roads.
Avoid sudden, jerky steering maneuvers when turning. At curves and corners, make wider, slower turns.
Signal well in advance before passing slower vehicles or changing lanes, and allow extra distance between you and the other vehicle as you enter the lane. Only pass on level terrain with plenty of room and never pass on steep hills or slopes.
On long downgrades, apply brakes at intervals rather than holding the brakes down continuously. Downshift to assist with braking. Also use lower gears to increase power when climbing an incline.
When braking or stopping, always anticipate the change in speed, downshift, and apply the brakes early and slowly. Never brake suddenly, as this risks accidents and damage.
Use slight movements of the steering wheel to back the trailer into a spot. If possible, have an assistant stand outside to signal to you and guide you.
Park by applying the parking brake, then shifting the transmission into "Park" before removing your foot from the brake pedal. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, after applying the parking brake, turn the vehicle off either in first or reverse gear.
Place blocks at the front and rear of the trailer's wheels before uncoupling the trailer.
