Want a great solution to the safety and cost issues when towing a large 5th wheel rv? For many large and/or heavy 5th wheel rvs, towing with a 1 ton pickup is not the best solution. Many owners of large 5th wheels are exceeding the towing limits of their 3/4 or 1 ton pickup. Towing up a grade and stopping safely become a big problem and a safety issue. Pushing a pickup to or beyond its limits makes it wear out prematurely and increases maintenance costs and breakdowns.
What's the solution? Many owners of large and heavy 5th wheel rvs are converting used semi tractors to rv towing use. These are called "Class 8" or Heavy Duty Trucks (HDTs). Advantages include:
What's the solution? Many owners of large and heavy 5th wheel rvs are converting used semi tractors to rv towing use. These are called "Class 8" or Heavy Duty Trucks (HDTs). Advantages include:
- Increased power for grades and acceleration
- Superior breaking for safe stops, even panic stops
- Longer life, will outlast 2 or 3 one ton pickups
- Designed to pull heavy loads long distances
- Comfortable with air seats, air ride cab, and air suspension
- Roomy cabs with no limit to interior features
- Mileage in the 6-14 mpg range
- Automatic transmissions available
- Up front and ongoing costs are reasonable
The conversion (here's an example) :
An HDT can be used to pull a 5th wheel rv without modifications, however there are a few modifications that that most users undertake. Each will be more fully explained later:
- Singling the axles: By removing the forward rear axle and moving the rear axle forward, you will shorten the wheelbase and turn radius, reduce your length for parking, improve ride, and increase mpg.
- Replacing the hitch: The original commercial hitch will work with 5th wheel rvs. While it rocks, or articulates, forward and backward, it does not articulate side to side. Since it does not articulate side to side, it can cause stress fractures in the frame of your trailer. Some HDT owners use the original hitch for years without a problem. Others get breaks requiring expensive repairs to their 5th wheel frames. The best solution is to replace the original hitch with a hitch designed for towing rvs. While I'll get into this in more detail in later entries, either the hitch on the truck or the pin on the 5th wheel should have air bags.
- Trailer lighting: HDTs use a different system requiring a converter. Hoppy makes the most common.
- Electrical center: Many owners add appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, GPS systems and other electrical appliances requiring 110V AC power. This requires a 110V source which can be supplied by an inverter. Many choose an inverter charger that will recharge the truck batteries when an outside AC source is available. Some add generators that can power truck electrical needs on the road and 5th wheel needs when parked.
