# Travel >> Transportation >> RV

How to Keep the 5th Wheel From Going Up and Down

Anytime you tether two dissimilar vehicles, as in a truck and a fifth wheel trailer, conditions exist for bounce and sway. When the truck goes over a bump or pothole, or is being driven too fast, the energy created is passed from the truck to the trailer and back again. As the fifth wheel goes over the same bump or pothole, a second round of energy is spread over the vehicles, in the opposite direction. The different vehicle sizes plus a rigid hitch can cause the truck to bounce up and down from the energy aftershocks.

Instructions

- 1
  
  A pick-up truck must be large enough to tow a fifth wheel trailer.
  
  Match your truck's towing capacity to your fifth wheel. For safety, you should never tow a fifth wheel that exceeds the towing capacity of your truck. The truck should be able to tow more than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the fifth wheel. If the truck has a lower GVWR and Gross Axle Weight Rating, you risk bouncing and swaying, an unsafe condition. Find towing information in the owner's manual.
- 2
  
  Simply driving at a slower speed can ease bouncing problems.
  
  Drive slower. Excessive speeds when towing a fifth wheel can cause bouncing and sway, particularly when driving on a rough road.
- 3
  
  Load distribution is very important to prevent bounce and sway.
  
  Distribute the weight in the fifth wheel as evenly as possible. Do not put heavy items too far behind the axle, as extra weight in that area will increase trailer sway and bumping. The same applies to having a top-heavy load in the trailer.
- 4
  
  Try to anticipate stops.
  
  Allow more distance than you think you need for stopping. Keep brakes in prime condition, and have brakes installed on all wheels of the fifth wheel trailer. Anticipate stops and switch to lower gears so brakes can be used with a light touch.
- 5
  
  Truck stops along the interstate may have truck scales.
  
  Weigh the fifth wheel king pin, truck and trailer on a truck scale. Use the Fifth Wheel Weight Calculator (see Resources) to determine safe weights. According to the website Changin' Gears, a vehicle manufacturer's stated weight is often inaccurate.
- 6
  
  Air springs help cushion bounce from towing a fifth wheel.
  
  Install air suspension bags, air springs, an equalizing hitch or a suspension enhancement system. Which system you choose depends on the size and make of your truck. These devices help distribute weight and use air or special springs to help prevent truck bouncing. Spend some time researching the various choices; talk to RV mechanics and fifth wheel owners.
- 7
  Reduce tire pressure if the fifth wheel is not loaded. The PSI can be reduced 10 to 15 percent, reducing bounce. Fully inflate tires when the fifth wheel is loaded.