Monitor your trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to help improve your fifth wheel's ride quality. Remember that ride quality can be affected by the load your trailer is towing. Always verify your GVWR, which is the maximum weight that both your truck and fifth wheel should never exceed. This number includes fuel, passengers and cargo. Keep your fifth wheel's loads within limits, since overloading can affect the trailer leaf springs and tires and cause poor handling or loss of control during emergencies.
Drive slowly, carefully and remain vigilant for potholes and sudden obstacles in the path of your fifth wheel. Take wider turns at curves and corners. Always anticipate the need to slow down or brake, by avoiding sudden stops, which can cause bucking motions or even jackknife the trailer.
Study your trailer brake controller's user manual. A brake controller sends a signal every time you brake, telling the trailer's brake system how much power is needed to stop the fifth wheel. Monitor your trailer brake controller settings and adjust them higher or lower according to the weight you are towing. Make a few test stops each time you get ready to tow. Remember that the heavier your load, the higher your adjustment should be set to. This will minimize the chances of your wheels prematurely locking up while you are traveling.
Consider adding an after-market air ride suspension kit to your fifth wheel trailer hitch. Air ride suspension acts in place of a trailer's standard springs. One type of air ride suspension consists of a set of rubber air bladders that can be easily adjusted to handle any load. Another device known as an air ride fifth wheel hitch pin can be added at the hitch, between truck and trailer. This will further reduce vertical motions caused by driving on uneven surfaces.
