If your RV isn't properly connected, you risk major damage to your vehicle, your RV, and potentially to others around you.
The fifth wheel tug test is a simple test to ensure you have a secure connection between your truck and your trailer.
Before starting the test, ensure your RV still has the wheels chocked. If not, put your RV wheel chocks down.
Ensure the kingpin lines up correctly to slide into the pin box.
Reverse your truck to engage the fifth wheel hitch and connect your RV. As you do so, your RV will raise slightly.
Before continuing, do a visual inspection of the hitch to ensure the pin is properly in place.
Then, you can make all other connections for the hitch, like connecting the wiring harness.
Retract your landing gear until there's about a half inch between your landing gear and blocks. Leaving this gap ensures that, should the test fail, your RV won't have too far to go when it falls.
With everything in place, you're ready to carry out the test. Get in your truck and put the truck in gear. Apply just enough gas to give the trailer a good tug.
With everything in place, you're ready to carry out the test. Get in your truck and put the truck in gear. Apply just enough gas to give the trailer a good tug.
If everything is properly connected, your truck won't move forward, and your fifth wheel will stay connected.
Get a video tutorial and more info by visiting the extended story on Camper Smarts.