All you 5th wheel towing gurus,

I will be picking up a new 5th wheel camper the end of this week, a Heartland Elkridge 30RLT Max. A couple questions as I've never towed with a 5th wheel before. Do I set up the towing in the truck the same way as i would conventional towing? Also, will the trailer reversing aids function the same? While speaking of backing up the trailer, is maneuverability much better with a 5er compared to conventional?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

 

I guess for me to answer your Q, you need to clarify "set up the towing in the truck". What are you refering to here?

 

I should of explained better. In reference to putting all the measurements in the information display to save the trailer to the truck.

 

Your inside trailer tires will be more likely to clip corners and curbs, a gooseneck doesn't follow a vehicle quite like a conventional trailer. A gooseneck is really better for towing in most other aspects though. Don't turn to sharp or your camper could hit the cab of your truck. Also be leery of off angle ramps and turns so the camper doesn't hit the top of the bedsides on your truck.

 

You will love towing a 5th wheel so much better than a conventional trailer. Like previously mentioned if you have the 6 3/4 box be carefull on tight turns but they will have to be really tight. Personally I would tow a fifth over conventional any day of the week

 

The trailer setup doesn't include goosenecks and 5vers. Only conventional trailers up to 30' (from the hitch)

 

I did think about the turning issues, so i'm having a pullrite superglide 2700 16k hitch installed for backing up, and the 5er has Tight turn technology in the front cap, basically the cap curves in on itself in where otherwise it would meet the cab of the truck.

 

If the trailer you are getting has the tight curve you definitely will not need a pullrite. I would get a manual slider because I don't think you will ever need it but if you do get into a really tight situation you have it. Imo

 

The only thing I am concerned about is the pin weight, which is 2270, and my truck is rated at 2281 which is on the door sticker. To remedy this I ordered the Air Lift Load Lifter 5000 Air Helper Springs. I did not get the ones with the Jounce bumpers internal to the bags.

 

Posted to wrong thread.

 

The 5th wheel trailer is all around easier to tow and move around in traffic. In fact it’s light years ahead of bumper pull trailers. Should you install the goose neck life gets even better but that’s down the road. Enjoy your new rig ....have fun. I never stayed at state parks I dislike their rules, those other places will treat you as a customer. I love Indian reservations, casinos, buffets, and RV parks.

 

Rummaging through the basement...someone is responding to a 2017 thread.

 

GVWR 13,500 lbs, nothing scary

 

I never trust those numbers. You’ll be easily over the GVWR. When you hook up go the cat scales with a full tank and weight the rig. At least you’ll have some knowledge about where you stand.

 

Air bags won't change the ratings, tire or axle capacities on your truck, but can assist with managing loads if used properly. I am certainly not telling you if you are OK or not - that is up to you... but here are some things to consider regarding payload. Your payload, will be everything that is put into the truck - the pin weight, the weight of your hitch (superglide ~150#), people, stuff/accessories in truck, fuel, etc. Note the trailer pin weight listed is only the average dry, unloaded weight for that model. As a general rule, when you are fully loaded up, the pin weight will likely be closer to 20% of the trailer GVWR (i.e. closer to ~2,700# for that unit and maybe more if you travel with water in the tank). I've found it is extremely easy to push the GVWR of the trailer, and use the CAT scales to understand how loading differently affects the numbers against the GVWR of the trailer, truck & trailer axles/tire load & pin weights. It is very easy to use the CAT scales with the phone app - never have to get out of the vehicle, payment via paypal and the weight ticket is emailed. I tend to go across on most trips, and definitely if I've switched anything up or moved things around in my loading routine.