Is it Safe to Tow Fifth Wheel With Slider Hitch Slid Rearward in Maneuvering Position

Updated 08/22/2020 | Published 08/19/2020

Question:

can you safely tow your fifth wheel with the hitch set back in the maneuver position?

asked by: Fernando D

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you're at low speeds, such as trying to maneuver around a campground then yes, that's fine. However, it's not safe to operate on the road with the slider slid rearward because doing so transfers the fifth wheel's pin weight behind the rear truck axle. This lightens the weight on the front axle of the truck which greatly reduces steering and braking performance. Since the front wheels do about 75% of the braking, this is very important.

expert reply by: Mike L