If you’re one of the many Americans who own a 5th wheel camper, you know how much fun they are to take on trips. But, unlike other recreational vehicles, fifth wheels have unique maintenance requirements to keep them functioning safely.
Here are three 5th Wheel RV Maintenance Safety Tips to check out before you go on your next camping trip. Performing these maintenance tasks will help you keep your towable trailer safe and in tip-top shape:
Tip 1: Inspect Your Fifth Wheel’s Kingpin to Avoid Disaster
The kingpin is the part of the trailer that couples with the hitch on your truck, and it is subject to a lot of wear and tear, especially if you are RVing full-time. If your kingpin is not properly maintained, it can fail, causing the trailer to become detached from the truck while driving down the road.
There are a few things you can do to inspect your fifth wheel’s kingpin and make sure it is in good condition. First, take a look at the kingpin for any visible damage. If there are any cracks or other damage, it is likely time to replace the kingpin. Second, check the grease fitting on the kingpin. This fitting should be checked regularly and greased as needed to keep the kingpin properly lubricated.
Tip 2: Is Your RV’s Break Away Cable Working?
Your break away cable engages your RVs breaks in the even that your RV detaches from your tow vehicle while hich is designed to detach your RV from its tow vehicle if the two become separated. Here’s how to test your break away cable to make sure it’s working correctly.
Check the condition of the cable itself. Look for any fraying or wear and tear that could cause it to fail. If you see any damage, replace the cable before continuing.
Tip 3: Don’t Forget to Maintain Your 5th Wheel Hitch!
Before you use your fifth wheel hitch, inspect it for any signs of damage. After that, check that the bolts and nuts are tight and secure. Keep all moving parts clean and sufficiently lubricated.
Alternatively, if you don’t like the idea of fifth wheel grease getting on everything, you can use a fifth wheel lube disk.
5th Wheel RV Maintenance is Important
All RVs need regular maintenance but fifth-wheels have their own unique maintenance requirements.
Ensuring that your RV’s kingpin, break away cable, and hitch are in proper working order will ensure that you are able to safely enjoy your camper for many years to come.
We hope you have fun on your next camping trip in your fifth wheel! Stay safe out there!
