What do I need to check before towing a fifth wheel for the first time?

Verify your hitch is properly installed and the kingpin is locked, check all trailer lights and turn signals, test trailer brakes, confirm tire pressures on both truck and trailer, check wheel lug torques, verify your mirrors provide adequate visibility, and do a complete walk-around looking for anything loose or unsecured.

How do I know if my fifth wheel hitch is locked properly?

After coupling, visually inspect that the hitch jaws are fully closed around the kingpin. Most hitches have an indicator that shows locked vs unlocked. Try to pull forward slightly — the trailer should not separate. Then insert the safety pin or locking mechanism. Always do a tug test before driving.

Do I need a special license to tow a fifth wheel?

In most US states, a standard driver's license is sufficient for personal-use fifth wheel towing. However, some states have weight thresholds that require additional endorsements. Check your state's DMV requirements, especially if your combined vehicle weight exceeds 26,000 lbs.

How fast can you drive with a fifth wheel trailer?

Most experts recommend staying at or below 65 mph when towing a fifth wheel. Many states have lower speed limits for vehicles towing trailers, typically 55-65 mph. Check local laws and drive at a speed that feels comfortable and controlled — slower is always safer when towing.

First-Time Fifth Wheel Towing

Q: How do I hook up a fifth wheel trailer?

Lower the trailer landing gear to match your hitch height, back the truck under the trailer until the kingpin enters the hitch jaws, verify the jaws are locked around the kingpin, connect the trailer wiring harness, connect the breakaway cable, raise the landing gear fully, and test lights and brakes before driving.

Q: What mistakes do first-time fifth wheel towers make?

The most common mistakes are: not checking that the hitch is actually locked on the kingpin, forgetting to raise the landing gear before driving, not connecting the breakaway cable, underestimating turning radius, not practicing backing up, and ignoring weight limits. Take your time and use a checklist every single time.

Written by a towing industry expert

The short answer: Your first tow doesn't have to be stressful. Here's what to check, how to hitch up, and what to watch for.

Before You Leave Home

Check truck tire pressure (including spare)

Check trailer tire pressure (including spare)

Verify hitch is properly secured to truck

Test all truck lights work

Check engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid

Verify trailer brakes are charged (if electric)

Pack wheel chocks and leveling blocks

How Do I Hook Up a Fifth Wheel Trailer?

Every single time

1. Prepare the Hitch

Open the hitch jaws

If slider, ensure it's in the forward (towing) position

Remove any covers or locks

2. Back Under the Trailer

Lower tailgate (or remove if needed)

Raise trailer front jacks until kingpin is slightly above hitch

Back truck slowly until kingpin is over the jaws

Stop when you feel the kingpin contact the hitch

3. Connect

Lower trailer jacks until kingpin drops into hitch

VERIFY jaws are closed and locked (look AND tug test)

Insert safety pin/clip if your hitch has one

Raise front jacks fully (clear of ground)

Connect 7-way electrical plug

Connect breakaway cable to truck (not hitch)

4. Verify Connection

Do a pull test — pull forward slightly against trailer brakes

Get out and visually confirm kingpin is fully seated

Check that hitch indicator (if equipped) shows locked

How Do I Test My Trailer Lights and Brakes?

Have someone watch or use your phone

Test These Lights:

• Running/marker lights
• Left turn signal
• Right turn signal
• Brake lights
• Reverse lights

Test Brakes:

• Pull forward slowly
• Apply trailer brake controller manually
• Feel for trailer braking
• Test regular brakes too

What Should I Check on My Final Walk-Around?

Every. Single. Time.

All slide-outs retracted

Awning secured

Entry steps retracted

All exterior compartments closed and locked

Roof vents and antennas down

LP tanks OFF (some leave on for fridge)

Wheel chocks removed

Shore power disconnected

Front jacks fully raised and pinned

Rear stabilizer jacks up

No one inside the trailer

What Should I Know About Driving with a Fifth Wheel?

Take it slow at first

Speed

Most people stay under 65 mph. Your truck can go faster — your trailer probably shouldn't. Check your trailer's speed rating on the tires and in the manual.

Following Distance

At least 4 seconds behind the car ahead. More in rain or mountains. You need a LOT more stopping distance.

Turns

Wide turns. The trailer cuts inside your truck's path. Swing wide or you'll clip curbs, signs, and other cars.

Backing

Hand on bottom of steering wheel. Move your hand the direction you want the trailer to go. Go slow. Use a spotter. Get out and look if unsure.

Wind

Fifth wheels handle wind better than travel trailers, but you'll still feel it. Slow down in crosswinds. Keep both hands on the wheel.

What Mistakes Do First-Time Fifth Wheel Towers Make?

Not verifying the hitch is locked

The #1 cause of trailer separations. Always look, tug, and verify the indicator.

Forgetting the breakaway cable

This cable applies trailer brakes if it separates from the truck. Attach it to the truck frame, not the hitch.

Leaving jacks down

People have driven miles dragging their front jacks. Expensive damage. Check every time.

Not sliding the slider (short bed)

If you have a manual slider, you MUST slide it back before tight turns. Trailer will hit your cab.

Get the free towing setup checklist

Plus weekly tips from someone who actually works on these rigs.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We're not that kind of site.

Community

Questions & Answers

Got a question?

Ask below and we'll answer from real-world experience. No automated chatbot BS.

Keep Reading

Related Guides

🛻 Special Situations

Special Situations

Short Bed Towing Guide

Sliders, rotational pin boxes, and cab clearance solutions for 5.5' and 6.5' beds.

Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra puck systems — which trucks have it and which hitches work.

Read guide →

🚪 Special Situations

Special Situations

Tailgate Solutions for Fifth Wheels

What to do about your tailgate when towing a fifth wheel — solutions for every setup.

Read guide →

Ready to find your hitch?

Tell us your truck and we'll show you compatible fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches.

Find Hitches for My Truck