Dreaming of hitting the open road with your own cozy travel trailer in tow? Exhilarating adventures and stunning scenery await! But before you hitch up and hit the gas, let’s navigate the exciting (and sometimes daunting) world of towing a travel trailer for the first time.
Admittedly, towing a travel trailer for the first time was the most nerve wracking part of our decision to purchase an RV. If done incorrectly it can be a true safety hazard. But with a little education, and tips from fellow newbies you can confidently hook up your travel trailer and start exploring.
This guide, packed with insider tips, will have you conquering the tow and creating unforgettable memories in your rolling home.
Safety First!
As we mentioned, towing a travel trailer for the first time can be the scariest part of your first RV trip. As long as you are well prepared and following all safety precautions you will be set up for success! While it’s tempting to hook up and go as soon as you have your new RV, a little preparation will go a long way.
Use the right tow vehicle
Choose the perfect partner – a tow vehicle that can handle your trailer’s weight. Overloading is a recipe for disaster, not adventure. If you’re a little confused by tow math, you are not alone! Always check your vehicle’s manual for the maximum tow capacity.
- Consider tongue weight: The tongue weight is the downward force applied to the hitch by the trailer. It’s crucial to ensure your hitch and tow vehicle can handle this weight properly, usually around 10-15% of the trailer’s gross weight.
- Factor in additional weight: Don’t forget to account for the weight of passengers, cargo, and equipment you’ll be carrying in both your vehicle and the trailer.
- Never exceed the capacity: It’s never safe to exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity. Doing so can cause instability, brake failure, tire blowouts, and even accidents.
- Get help if needed: If you’re unsure about your vehicle’s towing capacity or have any concerns, consult a mechanic or experienced towing professional. They can help you choose the right equipment and ensure you’re towing safely.
Get the right equipment
Now, let’s talk hitch lingo. The first part is called the receiver tube – basically a square tube that becomes best friends with your tow vehicle. It comes in different sizes, typically between 1” and 2½”. This is likely already installed on your tow vehicle, especially if your vehicle has a tow package or is rated for towing.
You’ll need to get a ball mount that fits snugly into this tube. These ball mounts have their own classifications, from Class I to Class V, each handling different weights. You’ll also need to consider the drop height that will let you tow your tailer leveled. You want to tow your trailer high enough that it won’t easily hit things on the road, but also level so that it is well aligned.
If you purchased your Travel Trailer from a dealer they should be able to tell you the proper hitch and ball set up. If you’ve purchased from a private party you may need to do a little math and research to find the right hitch and ball set up.
For a full walk through on hitching your travel trailer to your tow vehicle you can read our how to guide here.
Towing 101
Master the basics. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Before every trip make sure to check your tire pressure. Before pulling out for your trip you’ll alway want to do a brake light inspection and make sure they are functioning as they should.
Remember, you are towing thousands of pounds more than a normal drive. Allow yourself ample room between other vehicles. Even with trailer brakes your vehicle and RV will take more time that you are used to when braking. Brake well ahead of time and avoid slamming on the brakes whenever possible.
This is not a normal drive!! When towing a travel trailer you should stay well below the posted speed limit. This will help you control the extra weight of your RV and avoid it fishtailing behind you. Even if the roads are wide open we tend to stay between 50 – 55 mpg on highways. Believe me, if you go faster than that you will feel the wind begin to sway your trailer and need to regain control of the vehicle.
It is better to get somewhere late than not at all. Always factor extra time in to your trip. When towing and driving more slowly you will not make it to your destination as quickly as the GPS may say.
Practice Makes Perfect
Before hitting the highway, find an empty parking lot. You’ll thank yourself later. Practice will help you get accustomed to wider turns and adjust to your new stopping times. It’s also important to practice backing up your trailer. Remember, the trailer goes the opposite direction of the steering wheel. Turn right, the trailer goes left, and vice versa.
Have a friend stand behind the travel trailer to help guide you in backing up into the space. Keep an eye on the back corners of your RV to avoid hitting blind items! I highly recommend purchasing a couple of tow mirrors to add onto your vehicle. These are non permanent mirrors that easily slide onto your existing mirrors when towing. They will greatly extend your range of vision so you can see the back end of your travel trailer.
Plan your route
Knowing your route ahead of time can ease a lot of the trepidation that can come with towing a travel trailer for the first time. If you spend some time researching and planning you can increase your odds of a smooth and successful trip!
Research the route
When you’re on a regular trip without towing a travel trailer, you can easily assume that you can follow all the directions of your GPS. Some roads however, have particular requirements and clearances that make towing a travel trailer a bit tricky – or even prohibit it!
Pop your destination into a system like Google Maps. When you are traveling somewhere unfamiliar you’ll want to look up if the major highways Google Maps has provided allow trailers. If not, look up trucking routes for that same stretch of highway. If a commercial truck is allowed and fits on the road, so will your travel trailer.
Another thing to keep in mind is your travel trailer’s clearance height. This is a number you will want to know by heart. Nobody wants to be that guy who tries to squeeze under a bridge and gets the top of their travel trailer ripped off. You invested too much time and money into your first travel trailer to be that guy! Keep a close eye on clearance signs and don’t be afraid to pull over and find another route if needed.
Plan your gas stops.
One thing that will shock you when towing a travel trailer for the first time is your gas milage. Regardless of your vehicle’s towing capacity and travel trailer weight you will burn through much more gas than when you are not towing. Think about all that extra weight your vehicle has to pull!
On average, you will likely get about 10-15 miles per gallon when towing your travel trailer. Obviously each individual set up will be a little different. The trip itself will factor into this as well. If you’re covering flat stretched of highway out west you’ll get more mpg than if you’re climbing the hills of Vermont. As time goes on and you have more trips under your belt you will get a feel of your vehicle’s average.
Use this average to pre plan where you will stop for gas. There is nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar area with no idea where the next gas station will be. Use Google maps to plan your route with gas stops along the way.
For example: Our Ford Ranger only has an 18 gallon tank and typically gets between 12 and 15 mpg. That means we can usually go between 216 and 270 before needing to stop for gas. We never want to cut it too close so we find gas stations every 150-180 miles of our trip. Our dog Mookie loves this because he gets to hop out and sniff about every 2 hours 🙂
Pro Tip:
When planning your gas stations, try searching exclusively for truck stops. These are typically located on or right off the highway so you don’t have too much of a detour. Since they are built for trucks the layout is wider and there is much more space between pumps. When towing a travel trailer for the first time you don’t want to get stuck in a tight space while fueling up! Just be sure they don’t only offer diesel fuel.
Towing a travel trailer can be a learning curve, but the rewards are endless. Embrace the challenges, laugh at the wobbles (we’ve all been there!), and celebrate the victories (nailing that tricky back-up!).
Now, grab your maps, pack your sense of adventure, and with these tips in hand, you’re ready to conquer the tow and embark on your unforgettable travel trailer journey! Remember, the open road awaits, and it’s yours to explore. Happy camping!
