Towing an RV requires more than just hooking up your trailer to your vehicle. The right towing and hitching accessories are essential for ensuring safety, comfort, and ease on the road. From weight distribution hitches to sway control bars, this guide will help you understand the essential gear and accessories for towing your RV with confidence.
Towing and Hitching Accessories for RVs: Essential Gear for Safe and Easy Travel
TOWING AND HITCHING
Weight Distribution Hitches
A weight distribution hitch ensures your tow vehicle and trailer stay level by distributing the tongue weight evenly across the axles. This provides a smoother, safer towing experience.
Benefits of a Weight Distribution Hitch:
- Prevents sagging at the rear of the tow vehicle.
- Improves steering and braking performance.
- Reduces trailer sway, increasing stability.
Popular Weight Distribution Hitches:
- Equal-i-zer Hitch: Includes built-in sway control.
- Blue Ox SwayPro: Features chain-based weight distribution for smoother towing.
- Husky Center Line TS: Provides good weight distribution and sway control.
TOWING AND HITCHING
Sway Control Bars
Sway control bars are essential for reducing trailer sway caused by wind, large vehicles, or uneven roads. Some hitches come with built-in sway control, but you can also install a separate sway control bar.
Types of Sway Control:
- Friction Sway Control Bars: Reduce trailer sway by applying friction between the tow vehicle and trailer.
- Dual-Cam Sway Control: Uses tensioned cams to keep the trailer aligned with the tow vehicle.
Recommended Sway Control Gear:
- CURT Friction Sway Control: A simple, affordable option.
- Reese Dual-Cam Sway Control: Ideal for larger trailers.
TOWING AND HITCHING
Trailer Hitch Receivers and Mounts
Your tow vehicle needs the correct hitch receiver and mount to safely tow an RV. Hitch mounts come in different sizes and weight ratings, so be sure to choose one that matches your RV’s weight.
Hitch Classes:
- Class III Hitch: For smaller travel trailers (up to 8,000 lbs).
- Class IV Hitch: Suitable for mid-sized RVs (up to 10,000 lbs).
- Class V Hitch: For large RVs or fifth-wheel trailers (up to 20,000 lbs).
TOWING AND HITCHING
Fifth-Wheel Hitches
If you’re towing a fifth-wheel trailer, you’ll need a specialized hitch that mounts in the bed of a pickup truck. Fifth-wheel hitches provide a stable connection and better weight distribution than traditional ball hitches.
Top Fifth-Wheel Hitch Options:
- B&W Companion: The B&W Companion RV Hitch is a trusted choice for fifth-wheel towing, known for its strength and versatility. It offers a smooth, quiet ride with its adjustable jaws and cushioned head. This hitch easily attaches to the Turnoverball gooseneck system, providing a reliable connection. It's perfect for those who value durability and stability while towing.
- Reese 20K Fifth-Wheel Hitch: The Reese 20K Fifth-Wheel Hitch is designed for smooth towing and reliable performance. With a weight capacity of 20,000 pounds, it offers stability and durability for larger fifth-wheel trailers. Its easy installation and locking mechanism ensure a secure connection, giving RVers peace of mind while traveling long distances with heavy loads.
- Andersen Ultimate Hitch: The Andersen Ultimate Hitch is a lightweight yet powerful fifth-wheel towing option, known for its ease of use and innovative design. Made from aluminum, it weighs significantly less than traditional hitches, making installation and removal a breeze. Its gooseneck connection provides smooth towing and enhanced maneuverability, perfect for RVers seeking flexibility on the road.
TOWING AND HITCHING
Gooseneck Hitches
For heavy-duty towing, gooseneck hitches offer high weight capacity and are typically used for livestock or equipment trailers, but some RVs are also compatible with them.
Gooseneck Hitch Features:
- High weight ratings (up to 30,000 lbs).
- A ball mount in the truck bed for easy coupling.
- Adaptable for certain fifth-wheel trailers using conversion adapters.
TOWING AND HITCHING
Hitch Locks and Coupler Locks
Hitch and coupler locks secure your trailer to your tow vehicle and help prevent theft while parked.
Recommended Hitch Locks:
- Reese Towpower Lock Kit: The Reese Towpower Lock Kit provides added security for towing setups by protecting hitches, couplers, and other components from theft. This kit typically includes multiple keyed-alike locks for convenience, ensuring a snug fit across various towing applications. Durable and weather-resistant, it’s an essential accessory for RVers looking to secure their gear on the road.
- CURT Trailer Hitch Lock: The CURT Trailer Hitch Lock offers reliable protection by securing your trailer to the hitch and deterring theft. Built with a sturdy steel construction and a corrosion-resistant finish, it’s designed to withstand harsh weather. Its easy-to-use, key-operated mechanism ensures a tight fit, making it a must-have for RVers seeking peace of mind during travel and storage.
- Trimax UMAX100 Coupler Lock: The Trimax UMAX100 Coupler Lock is built for maximum security, fitting most trailer couplers to prevent unauthorized towing. Made with heavy-duty steel and a rust-resistant finish, it withstands tough conditions. Its dual-ratchet locking system ensures a tight fit, offering peace of mind for RVers looking to keep their trailers safe when parked or stored.
TOWING AND HITCHING
Tow Mirrors
Tow mirrors provide better visibility when towing a large RV. They extend outward, helping you see around your trailer for safer lane changes and turns.
Types of Tow Mirrors:
- Clip-On Tow Mirrors: Attach to your existing mirrors.
- Slide-On Tow Mirrors: Slide over your current mirrors for a secure fit.
- Replacement Tow Mirrors: Fully replace your factory mirrors with extended versions.
Top Tow Mirrors:
- K-Source Universal Clip-On Mirror: Easy to install and adjustable.
- CIPA Custom Towing Mirrors: Sleek design with a snug fit.
- Dometic DM-2912 Milenco Grand Aero Mirrors: Provide excellent visibility and minimal vibration.
TOWING AND HITCHING
Trailer Brake Controllers
Brake controllers synchronize your RV’s brakes with your tow vehicle’s brakes, ensuring smoother stops and greater control.
Types of Brake Controllers:
- Time-Delayed Controllers: Apply trailer brakes with a set delay after the vehicle brakes.
- Proportional Controllers: Apply the trailer brakes at the same intensity as the tow vehicle brakes.
Recommended Brake Controllers:
- Tekonsha Prodigy P3: A reliable proportional brake controller with easy-to-read displays.
- CURT Echo Mobile Brake Controller: Controlled via smartphone for convenience.
- Reese Towpower Brakeman IV: A budget-friendly time-delayed controller.
TOWING AND HITCHING
Safety Chains and Breakaway Cables
Safety chains and breakaway cables are essential safety devices required by law in many places. They ensure your trailer stays connected if the hitch fails.
Key Features:
- Safety Chains: Attach between the trailer and tow vehicle as a secondary connection.
- Breakaway Cables: Engage the trailer’s brakes automatically if the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle.
Recommended Gear:
- Fastway Zip Breakaway Cable: A coiled design that prevents dragging.
- Reese Safety Chains: Heavy-duty chains with snap hooks for secure connections.
TOWING AND HITCHING
Hitch Accessories and Tools
A few extra tools and accessories make towing easier and more convenient.
Must-Have Accessories:
- Trailer Jack: Helps lift the trailer tongue for easy hitching and unhitching.
- Hitch Alignment Tools: Use a hitch alignment system or camera to make hitching easier.
- Leveling Blocks: Ensure your trailer is level when parked.
- Grease for Hitch Components: Lubricate your hitch to prevent squeaking and wear.
- Torque Wrench: Ensure all hitch components are properly tightened.
TOWING AND HITCHING
Towing Checklists and Apps
Using towing checklists and apps can help ensure you don’t forget any important steps before hitting the road.
Recommended Towing Apps:
- RV LIFE App: The RV LIFE App is a must-have tool for RVers, offering trip planning, GPS navigation, campground reviews, and maintenance tracking in one place. It helps users find the best routes for larger vehicles and discover campgrounds rated by fellow travelers. With offline maps and planning tools, it’s perfect for staying organized on any adventure.
- Towing Checklist App: Helps you complete all pre-towing tasks.
- CoPilot GPS: Offers RV-specific routes to avoid low bridges and tight turns.
TOWING AND HITCHING
Key Takeaways: Tow with Confidence and Safety
Towing your RV safely and efficiently requires the right gear. From weight distribution hitches to brake controllers and safety chains, each accessory plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and stress-free travel. Properly equipping your RV with these towing and hitching accessories will help you enjoy the journey with peace of mind.
RV Expeditioners Pro Tip: Before your next trip, review your towing setup and invest in any missing accessories to enhance safety and comfort on the road. A well-prepared towing system will make all the difference in your RVing adventures.