FIRST TIME TOWING AN RV? Watch this first! Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels!

#rv #towing #trucks
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Links to many of the accessories I review and use from etrailer!
www.etrailer.com/infm-big-tru...
RV Towing Upgrades
*Reese Goosebox Gen2: www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel-...
*B&W OEM Gooseball: www.etrailer.com/Gooseneck/B-...
*B&W Fifth Wheel Hitch: www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel/...
*B&W Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch: www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel/...
*Equalizer Weight Distribution Hitch: www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...
*B&W Tow and Stow Hitch: www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/...
*Curt Drop Hitch: www.etrailer.com/Drop-Hitch/C...
RV and Trailer Equipment Upgrades
*RoadArmor Suspension Equalizer: www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf...
*HD Shackle Straps and Wet Bolts: www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf...
*RV Suspension Upgrade (travel trailer, Cargo Trailer): www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf...
*16” G Rated Wheel Tire Combo: www.etrailer.com/Boat-Trailer...
*Goodyear Endurance 15” Trailer Tire: www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wh...
*Goodyear Endurance 16” Trailer Tire: www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wh...
*Furrion Wireless Backup Camera: www.etrailer.com/RV-Camera/Fu...
*Furrion Wireless Side and Rear Cameras: www.etrailer.com/RV-Camera/Fu...
*Phoenix Electric Trailer Jack 4,000 lbs: www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack...
*GlowStep Revolution Steps: www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Campe...
*LCI Solid Steps: www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Campe...
*LCI AutoLeveling System: www.etrailer.com/Camper-Jacks...
*Reese Fifth Wheel Dual Motor Landing Gear: www.etrailer.com/Camper-Jack/...
Must Have Equipment!
*6000 Watt Generator Kit: www.etrailer.com/Generators/e...
*3200 Watt Inverter Generator: www.etrailer.com/Generators/e...
*2000 Watt Inverter Generator: www.etrailer.com/Generators/e...
*30amp to 50amp Power Cord: www.etrailer.com/RV-Wiring/Mi...
*LED RV Replacement Taillights: www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Ligh...
*Fastway Tire Chocks: www.etrailer.com/Camper-Jack/...
*RV Foam Sprayer: www.etrailer.com/Car-Cleaner/...
*RV Soap: www.etrailer.com/Car-Cleaner/...
Truck Upgrades
*Airlift 5000 Airbag Kit: www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Vehi...
*Airlift Wireless Air Controller: www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...
*Access Toolbox Bed Cover: www.etrailer.com/Tonneau-Cove...
*Bedrug Bed Liner: www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Truc...
*Floormats: www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=F...
Disclaimer
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Sponsored items may be in this video. Always research multiple sources before making a purchasing decision. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.

[@BigTruckBigRV]

Let me know what you think of the new intro. I'm trying to determine if I like it better. Thoughts?

[@Denden505]

I personally like the new intro. In my opinion it gives a better first impression of what you are about.

[@pjasyl]

Stay with the current introduction.It's withstood the test of time !

[@johnhernandez4782]

Big Truck Big RV I believe you are in Corpus Christi. I would love to meet up and pick your brain on towing. Intro was great!!!

[@aaronandhayleyskinner3249]

Prefer the older one but new one is fine

[@TheFiremanJoe]

I like them all!

[@Tsiri09]

I wish there were more companies that gave classes in towing RV's.

[@repairvehicle]

Stay at 55mph speed and will have less stress on yourself and truck. Also, slowly but surely you get to your destination safely.

[@luluzyla621]

Yeah most of the time there’s idiots on the roads honking pissed off for going 55 on a highway but don’t let that get to you worry about your self most of the time they cut you off or something but it’s better safe then sorry

[@Big_AlMC]

@@luluzyla621 thats me honking at you with my trailer. FIGURE IT OUT!

[@DJPacoRamirez]

@Big_AlMC lol everyone has different risk levels. Something everyone needs to understand. After all. It's literally "all they have"

[@roydavis2242]

I have taken a friend who bought his first trailer to a mostly empty parking lot and had him drive it around making stops and turns. That was to help him get use to how it turned, cornered and stopped. He thanked me when he took his first trip because it wasn't so nerve racking. I did the same thing for myself when I bought our 45 ft. diesel pusher. Get to know before you need to know.

[@NGLCOCONUTS]

You hit it in the last part of the video, at least from my experience. I use to tow with a 1500, for three years, and every time I towed I’d have anxiety. Since I’ve purchased a 2500 towing is now a pleasure. Of course you still have to be well aware when turning, stopping, low branches and all that good stuff, but man what a difference a bigger truck made.

[@NGLCOCONUTS]

I tried just about everything but the Hensley. I’ve heard good things about it with sway but it’s still not going to improve braking and that always worried me.

[@stevemiller5545]

You probably just saved my life. I just bought a 23 footer single axle.

[@aaronandhayleyskinner3249]

100% spot on with backing. I had pulled different trailers all growing up and when I went to CDL school I was AMAZED at the fact that it was easier (in a way) to back a semi up then it was to back our 10ft mower trailer lol

[@489graves]

So true, squirrelly buggers!

[@andyr5389]

I towed my parents 37' TT for the first time this year, but went several places also. After white knuckling it the first couple jersey walls. The only advise I would give is know your limits of the truck, relax, stress can make it worse, but keep watching all mirrors.

[@LukeEdward]

My first experience towing was on a family trip. At 15, my parents told me to take over and I accidentally went straight through Metropolitan Atlanta, with the family E350 extended length van towing a restored, 19 foot, 1962, single axle Airstream Bambi. ... Right into the deep end. As of now, ain’t no thing. Give me anything, towing anything, and in 10 minutes I’m comfortable.

[@GeorgeBonez]

I tell ya I have pulled bass boats all my life and I even drove an 18 wheeler for about a year before I got my vendor route at Sun Drop. That’s a small soft drink Co in Gastonia NC that a lot of you probably never heard of. I was very surprised even (shocked) at how different it is to pull a travel trail and mine is only 28ft. I had a full size Dodge Durango SUV and my camper dealer told me it was just fine. That was BULLSHIT! Pulling my new camper home for the first time was all it took for me to never try it again with that vehicle lol. I now have a F-250

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

The first towing experience was evil for me. Now it is a piece of cake. Thanks for sharing JD, great information.

[@babranson1]

When I get into traffic, I reduce my speed below the speed limit and increase my following distance so the gotta get there right now idiots can fly by. I tow a bass boat behind my Bighorn 35 footer on rural highways with no problems. I’m just a bit over length.

[@christophermcmichael880]

I used to drive tractor trailer. Backing up a 53' trailer is fairly easy and I've put a trailer of that size in some pretty tight and awkward loading docks. Another way of saying it about backing up a trailer is to make an imaginary path in your mind of where you want the trailer to go. With a long trailer it's more of following it back with the tow vehicle, where with a shorter trailer you're apt to more chase the trailer back, continuous steering corrections. Another thing to consider as well. The longer the tow vehicles wheelbase the longer it will take for the tow vehicle to respond as far as turning radius. I used to pull construction site office trailers and most of them were over width as well over length. Almost just like pulling a mobile home trailer.

[@HaltWhoGoesThere]

This video increased my anxiety of towing for the first time 😆. So many things to worry about! Eek!

[@TommyPMTB]

Hey, I just gotta say thanks. We just purchased our first tow vehicle and travel trailer and your videos have been the most helpful overall throughout the process. You’re great at what you do!

[@gabrielfrias3980]

Having the experience of having towed many different type of vessels I can definitely tell you that the moment you lose the anxiety is the moment you start making mistakes.

[@Big_AlMC]

Not me. Im built different 💪

[@Davidipac]

Your cab lectures are helpful but I wish you could add some visuals or diagrams to illustrate what you are talking about.

[@oceansoul41]

So just bought my first RV and am one of those people who had never towed anything. Yes it is intimidating, and yes I wish I would have purchased a rear camera prior! Just wanted to thank you for the video and confess watching the video it took until the first airline rd exit sign for me to be sure it was filmed in corpus. Lol lived in Rockport/PA/CC since 2006. Sad.

[@dv7431]

First time for the half dozen times is scary. You learn the shakes and shimmys of the TT or 5th wheel they are all different

[@scottjohnson943]

Agree completely - much easier to back my 30 foot RV, than my 10 foot utility trailer. I can't see the 10 foot utility very well in my side mirrors (not until it is nearly sideways), and it looks pretty strange in the backing camera. The only time I am uncomfortable towing the RV is if I am blindly following GPS and end up on some alley-sized downtown street, and suddenly I become extremely aware of how large the trailer is.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Good point

[@suckerpunchable]

He’s descriptions of physics of movement is like a love language

[@herb7877]

You are spot on about towing. Well said & done. I'd give you 2 thumbs up if I could. I think i can say that after 50 years of towing everything from 10' single axle utility with a compact car to a set of triples behind a Class 8 semi and a lot in between. I usually have a little controlled anxiety, complacency can have repercussions .

[@dalemarshall9736]

Rear swing is a big thing. Got sideswiped in a Flying J parking spot by someone brand new to towing a 41 ft toy hauler and not realizing the tail swing until they hit us!

[@seove1]

Wow! It's not my first time but only have 600 miles (2 trips) under my belt. Listening 4 times.

[@terrydouglas5008]

I used to camp host for state parks. Many times a person buys a new rig and has no idea how to park it or hook it up. I was not allowed to do mo than give general advice and could not plug anything in or drive their rig. All of our slits were back in. People don't know where their circuit breakers/fuses are. Some sites have 30 amp circuits others 50. And some rigs are 30 and 50. They make adapters that can switch.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Me too, loved it! I have always wanted to get back to it ASAP! I worked in Morro Bay area, it was Fantastic!

[@patrickmckeethen2143]

Purchased my truck two weeks ago, now looking for the RV. I'm thinking there would be a business in a RV Towing School, model it like a trucking driving school.

[@birdn8707]

It's like I tell all the rookie truck drivers... 1) steer the trailer, not the truck! 2) when in doubt, park it and get out! 3) whatever you do, just dont hit anything!!

[@dramos287]

Best trailer video I’ve seen thank you !

[@earlribaudo4807]

Very, very good video. I think the number one thing when towing a traile or 5th wheel is patience, so down 5 to 10 miles under speed limit. Rember, you are out having fun, you will get to were you are going, it make take an extra fifteen minutes, also rember you are not an eighteen wheeler with all thay experience, and the last is people have no respect for an eighteen wheeler and sure as heck have no respect for you.

[@dominickpratt7756]

Wish I had some of this information before I bought my travel trailer went from towing a pop-up to a 30 Foot travel trailer first tow home was very stressfull

[@trammellstewart45]

I like the new intro. I’d love to see a video about triple towing. I do it all the time with my tt and jet ski and always get crazy looks! It’s LEGAL in TX, people!

[@Blacklistwar]

I'm a truck driver and I agree with you

[@drums2go615]

I like your video that was good information, I have a 3/4 ton Chevy suburban, And I just toad my daughter's new 38' puma, And when big rigs came next to me I was swaying all over the place very scary, I was only doing 50

[@Shredxcam22]

A big problem for a lot of people is they hook up bug trailers behind 1/2 trucks. I learned a long time ago it's better to have more truck than trailer.

[@stevenmich7640]

Lol I tow a 29 footer with my 2021 Ranger

[@mikecochrane9702]

thanks for the detail instructions, easy to understand and good pointers.

[@dancarlin5434]

Something else worth mentioning, with auto sliding hitches the pivot point constantly moves and constantly alters the dynamic with backing up, you can get used to it, but it takes a lot of practice.

[@smoore1962]

Informative video that's overshadowed by the fact you're in my home town of Corpus Christi! YAY

[@johnmatarazzo9178]

Proper equipment weight distribution and slide bar with air bags in the rear to keep trailer level will eliminate sway and trailer wobble check all tires for the right pressure and condition never tow at night if possible and have the correct mirrors

[@edhlavaty6914]

The first time is different, then I bought a new truck and it was a learning experience again for the first time. Now it's no big deal. Just watch crosswind and for some reason the smaller cube vans upset the trailer more than anything. But once you know that you're prepared.

[@randybryant9936]

You make it look easier than it is

[@mountainmedium111]

Thank you! I need this! Are there drivinv classes for towing a 5th wheel. Mine is 36' & I've never towed!

[@tjf1531]

And please do your test driving on other then a holiday weekend

[@theworldaccordingtochris4370]

Overhang, that's the problem with a larger trailer that's supposedly easier to manure. You may have a little longer to gauge your reverse turn but you must know the size of your vehicle.

[@GrindingwithLevi]

I'm a school bus driver... hopefully shouldn't be harder or anything lol... about to buy a 32 foot travel trailer

[@mannypvd2296]

Weight is one factor with the vehicle capacity... what about length? I have a nissan frontier I found a 26ft that is only 4k lbs... wondering about stability with that length. Thoughts?

[@cathysmith9459]

Appreciate the honestly Already had a mishap AT the dealership before leaving the lot. I’m still anxious. But I can’t worry about everyone else who’s driving like lunatics ❤

[@2ndhandsmokingbbq579]

Question: got a new toy hauler and made a 500 mile trip with it. now as I’m making turns u can hear a sharp shrieking noise. Would this be the trailer ball metal on metal noise as I didn’t grease the ball?

[@roseandmiron]

Hey JD thank you for all your videos there are so explanatory and helpful. I recently purchased a B&W fifth wheel hitch for my truck and I remember back on one of your videos way back that you had locked the handles down with paddle locks of some kind on the OEM Puck system. I have an F-350 Super Duty OEM Puck system and I want to lock my hitch down so no one can steal it can you please share with me and let me know what you used I can't seem to find a lock to fit. Thank you in advance

[@philmcintosh2426]

I like the new intro. Looks updated. Maybe change it with different montages every 6 months like a new season?

[@riderrm2505]

Well said

[@lew-e]

Picking up our brand new 33' TT this afternoon. Ive pulled combine heads and things of that sort before but nothing this long. Very nervous. Thankfully my father in law who is a semi driver and owns a 36' camper is coming with to give me some tips and things on the first drive! But, talk about anxiety! Sheesh

[@Jonsurfsup]

Hi .. I just purchased a Rockwood 2615s pulling with an f150 super crew v8 full tow package .. took your advice on the 800$ sway bar and hitch bar .. and it pulls really really well .. but I’m getting a rolling effect eg ( wave feeling when driving motive suck ness like being in a boat ) what would you recommend as an enhancement .. I’ve seen you Vidii on the road master active suspension . Would you say this may help.. I don’t have any sag on the back wheel since e again I followed your rule on 6000lb no longer than 26feet .. really appreciated your help .. you must be one of the most honest and frank guys out in the KZbin world .. thanks for all you videos

[@durango8882]

Thank you

[@seagullsbtn]

Tow often. It's the only way to improve

[@northtrailadventure6054]

Outstanding

[@budlamy3870]

Ok on the new intro.

[@samanli-tw3id]

Larger trailers are easier to maneuver?

[@GGwwJd]

Corpus Christi!

[@jayjdietrich]

This vehicle makes wide right hand turns.

[@scottgriffin2005]

Agree a smaller boat is much different than my 30 foot travel trailer. With my trailer I have to drive no faster than 65 mph. If windy then maybe as slow as 53 mph. Wind makes towing more stressful

[@roywadsworth4452]

question in towing an rv that its gvwr is 26K toung 4700 what truck would i need to saftly tow the rv

[@dopedickinsonbb8359]

Wow lol 😂 lookd up a video randomly to get some knowledge an i instantly recognize the street.. are u from cc? I used to live right there on williams

[@themarsvolta321]

What do you think the max gvwr on a fifth wheel you could haul with a 3/4 ton truck?

[@somefrozendude3475]

I believe your vehicle manual tells you the max gvwr in it.

[@allenquartermain79]

knew this was filmed in Houston in the first 5 seconds, Shipley's confirmed it!

[@elizabethcollins674]

It's Corpus Christi :)

[@gingeryockey7149]

SPID!

[@justindashiell222]

I like that new intro

[@ger13nunyah56]

Nice

[@shawngastiger3886]

5.7 hemi jeep Cherokee tow 7500 is it safe to pull that much?

[@erix4erix]

Thanks

[@TeamHardLife]

Nice intro...

[@11bravozach]

I have towed but my fear is reverse I get alot of anxiety. I haven't really had help or have someone have patience teaching me

[@Deebo99]

Corpus Christi Texas!!!!!! Lol

[@aaronlewis8968]

Big thing is patients been driving a truck for a long time pulling a rv is about the same. The bigger your rig the more people cut you off pull out in front of you. When turning wait thru another light to let traffic clear if you need more room. Yes practice practice and PATIENCE. Oh make sure your not in the situation of being the piss aunt pulling the elephant make sure your tow vehicle can handle the trailer. What I mean dont have a 1500 pulling a big 40ft camper lol

[@kellyabercrombie9769]

Love the new intro except for the music. I liked the old intro music better.

[@stacyreid5077]

I think that maybe you should res how the video that you made several months ago on the different problems on towing each type trailer when you used the dry erase board. Or make a new one using a drone flying above real trucks turning and backing up. Not sure how you could demonstrate the difference in the way wind will effect them unless you shot the video on a windy day.

[@dancarlin5434]

different style hitches can also affect towing characteristics greatly, such as auto sliding 5th wheel hitches, where the pivot point is constantly changing.

[@stacyreid5077]

Dan Carlin great point. Thank you for sharing that I forgot about the way these pipeliners lift their trucks to get to the job sites not only just because the truck is lifted but also different lifts will effect towing

[@dancarlin5434]

@@stacyreid5077 in my experience lifts if done right don't effect towing that much if at all.

[@luannkelly5071]

Intimidated = scared to death!

[@tracker5849]

It's going to be damn scary. Getting one thursday..18ft single axle...anxiety PLUS a person who YELLS AND CUSSES AT YOU WHILE YOU DRIVE..

[@mando40459]

This Corpus Christi Tx !!!

[@easygrillingwithjt8697]

Great info, thanks

[@gjhoddy]

I like the new quick 9 second intro. Good job.

[@slush8668]

is that footage from florida

[@dawson0610]

Looks like south Texas

[@tommason3372]

After watching this video I’m worried about decision fatigue.

[@mccurdytravis]

"You need to understand"

[@ptcclatlptcclatl1683]

How much extra capacity do you recommend for a tow vehicle? Say your RV is 8,000 lbs max weight and a tongue weight of 1,000 lbs. Do I want a tow vehicle capable of towing 12,000 lbs with a tongue weight of 1,400 lbs? What's the safe extra capacity I should look for? Towing an RV through Florida is a whole lot different than Colorado. Should I ad an extra 20% or 30% towing capacity to my tow vehicle?

[@joycemoses2411]

Thank you for the information! Could you please provide the same information using illustrations/drawings or even toy vehicles for clarity? Thanks!

[@babayagajmw2953]

I was under the impression you were gonna actually show how to tow it. Like attaching to truck, lights, etc 😅

[@scotttry4517]

If I'm pulling around 9000 or so lbs I'm going with ram is the 5.7 or 6.4 better in a 2500? Thanks

[@BigTruckBigRV]

If it's a new truck then the 6.4 will be your only gas option in a 2500

[@earlribaudo4807]

Good choice on 2500.

[@kylepokorski6045]

I would always get the 6.4 more power

[@scotttry4517]

@@BigTruckBigRV thank you very much for responding I'm sure we will have more questions it's appreciated and I love your Channel

[@scotttry4517]

@@kylepokorski6045 do you pull with 6.4 .The constant downshifting is irritating pulling with a smaller V8

[@vppnbrent]

If you have experience towing a boat, you have at least a head start.

[@dtimboggs]

Like old logo worth different music....

[@kenp9469]

For what it is worth. I like it better.

[@earlribaudo4807]

Looks like your sending replys, but not getting them.

[@dennisadorno6721]

I have moved and towed heavy equipment for years, Just towed a travel trailer with my 2500HD.....I would rather be in a MACK....No Likey!

[@davidmcconnell8690]

:-)) :-))

[@bettybaluski6886]

Why are you driving around? I picked this video because I thought it would demonstrate what's being discussed not watching you drive.

[@asmodean2042]

Backing a longer trailer is easier than a shorter trailer? I am a Semi-truck driver and that statement is BS. A shorter trailer just involves smaller movements with steering wheel. Bad info being given here.

[@earlribaudo4807]

It's not b.s a 53 ft trailer is so much eaiser to back than a 24ft.Two and a half million miles, pulled all kinds of trls. All different combos. It just takes time to be able to do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@Bob-hi2xh]

New intro is okay....too short though, wanted to see that Raptor crawl

[@Milesco]

I prefer a short intro.