Towing an RV for the first time might be intimidating. But with some practice and basic knowledge, anyone can do it. Here’s our beginner’s guide to towing your RV, and everything you need to know before you tow.
Weigh in
The first thing you should know before towing is the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of your RV. This is basically the maximum weight that your RV can carry – including additions such as passengers, cargo, and fuels. You can usually find it on the driver’s side door of your trailer.
Another term you need to know before towing your RV is towing capacity, which is how much weight your vehicle can tow. The GVWR of your trailer must fit within the tow capacity rating of your vehicle. If your trailer weighs too much for your tow vehicle, it will increase the likelihood of accidental damage.
Find balance
One essential step of a beginner’s guide to towing your RV is correctly distributing the weight in your trailer. Weight should be equal side-to-side but should be front-heavy. Having more weight by the hitch will make the tow steadier, whereas too much weight toward the back will make your trailer sway. However – if you add too much weight to the front, your tow vehicle might lift and make it impossible to steer. So, try to find the perfect balance.
Learn to hitch
The most critical part of a beginner’s guide to towing your RV is knowing how to hitch and unhitch your trailer. The process can vary among trailers, so practice hitching and unhitching yours until it’s second nature. The consequences of incorrectly unhitching your trailer can be disastrous – and potentially fatal!
Make it foolproof by creating a hitching and unhitching checklist. And to be extra safe, always check your hitch an hour or so after hitting the road to ensure everything has remained secure.
Know your specs
Before towing your RV, knowing its length, width, and height is essential. The last thing you want is to be on a road you shouldn’t – or physically can’t – drive on. When measuring your RV, make sure to take into account anything on the roof that will add height.
Map it out
Knowing your route ahead of time so you can steer clear of any potential hazards is vital. Do your research and plan to make sure you can avoid low-clearance bridges, tight turns, and narrow lanes. While these things aren’t always avoidable, preparing will help you navigate the challenge, especially if things don’t go as planned.
Take it slow
If you’re towing an RV, get used to going slow. Everything will take longer when towing a trailer – driving, parking, turning, and even braking. Trailer tires come with speed ratings based on the specific model of the tire – exceeding the speed limit can lead to damaged tires or blowouts. So don’t get too hasty, and always take your time.
Keep your distance
Likewise, get used to keeping a safe distancebetween yourself and the vehicles in front of you. When towing a trailer, your dropping distance should be greater than usual. The heavier your load, the greater the distance. You don’t want to cause a fender bender during your vacation.
The same rule also applies to turning while towing… especially right turns! The longer your trailer is, the more room you’ll need.
Brake carefully
Braking is a different experience when you’re towing a trailer. Never brake hard – always ease into it, and give yourself plenty of time and space to stop. Also, remember that the heavier your vehicle is, the more distance you need.
You’ll also need a brake controller installed in your trailer. This connects the brakes in your vehicle to the ones in your trailer. You should feel the trailer pulling your vehicle backwards when you hit the brakes. Always test and practice braking before hitting the road – once you get a feel for it, you’ll be more confident on the road.
Practice parking
For many, parking is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of towing an RV. But all you need is practice. Before hitting the road, practice parking in a large, empty parking lot so you have lots of room to get a feel for the vehicle. You’ll feel more confident once the time comes to park at your camping destination.
Have fun!
This wouldn’t be a very good beginner’s guide to towing your RV if we didn’t tell you to enjoy yourself. After all, that’s what RVing is all about. With a little bit of research and practice, you’ll be a pro RV-tower in no time. If you have any questions about towing your RV, our experts at GNR are here to help. Contact us today!
