We’ve all made mistakes while towing (some more costly than others 😬). What’s one lesson you’ve learned the hard way or a tip you swear by? Drop your story in the comments, let’s help each other avoid disasters on the road! 👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more RV tips, hacks, and advice to make your RV life safer and smoother! www.youtube.com/@rollinwithrver?sub_confirmation=1
Wow, this was an eye-opener! I’ve been towing my RV for a few years, but I definitely learned a couple of things I’ve been doing wrong. One mistake I made early on was not double-checking my hitch connection before hitting the road, let’s just say it didn’t end well 😅. Thanks for the tips, they’ll save a lot of people from costly mistakes!
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s so easy to overlook something like double-checking the hitch connection, but as you said, it can really make a big difference. We’ve all had those ‘learning moments’ on the road, and it’s great that you’re now extra cautious about it! 😅 Glad you found the video helpful, our goal is definitely to help RVers avoid those costly mistakes and enjoy safer travels. Wishing you smooth and stress-free towing on all your adventures! 🚐✨
KNOW YOUR EXPERIENCE LEVEL WELL BEFORE YOU HIT THE ROAD WITH A TRAILER OF ANY SIZE! GET A FRIEND THAT YOU KNOW HAS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND\OR A PROFESSIONAL TRUCKER TO GUIDE YOUR TRAINING.
I've been towing trailers since (before) I got a license. I'm apalled by the number of rigs where the tow vehicle is squatting, or the trailer is on a huge upward angle. GET THE CORRECT STINGER/BALL, and center your loads to make your tow vehicle and trailer BOTH as horizontal as possible. The last thing I do is move my trailer a short distance then go back and recheck the chains and also lift up on the 'hitch'. No, I could never lift it off, but I'm listening and feeling for it being 'loose'. BTW, I'm 75 now.
@@kathleenredick275 What an impressive wealth of experience you bring to towing! Your advice about keeping both the tow vehicle and trailer level is absolutely critical for safety and stability. It’s shocking how often people overlook this, leading to dangerous sway, wear on the hitch, or even accidents. Getting the right stinger/ball and properly balancing the load are simple steps that make a huge difference. Your tip about double-checking the hitch by listening and feeling for looseness is a great habit that many could benefit from adopting. It’s these small, thoughtful practices that come with experience, and they can save someone from a disastrous mistake. At 75, you clearly have years of valuable knowledge to share. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone towing for the first time? I bet your insights could help both new and experienced RVers tow with confidence and safety!
Laws require that in order to drive a truck or ride a motorcycle you have to have training and a special license but any halfwit with a normal license can hook to a fifth wheel or tag along camper trailer and drive anywhere with no training or special license, why ????
It ticks me off that "any nitwit" can buy a huge motorhome and drive wherever he wants without learning how to drive it. Why did I have to pass 3 written and a driving test to drive the same sized vehicle commercially? 😮
Great question! It's true, driving a truck or riding a motorcycle requires specialized training and a license, but towing something as complex and potentially dangerous as a fifth wheel or travel trailer doesn't. Why is that? One reason could be that RVs fall into a legal gray area, where they're considered recreational vehicles rather than commercial ones, and there’s no uniform federal regulation. This means the responsibility often falls on the driver to educate themselves. But here's the catch: towing mistakes can be catastrophic. From overloaded trailers to improper hitch setup or not understanding sway control, the consequences can range from costly damages to life-threatening accidents. Should laws change to require specialized training or a license for towing RVs? Or is it up to the RV community to push for better education and awareness? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
I get where you're coming from, and it's a question a lot of experienced drivers ask. The difference often boils down to intent. Commercial drivers are held to higher standards because they’re transporting goods or passengers for profit, which comes with stricter safety regulations. But when it comes to personal vehicles, even ones as massive as a motorhome, the rules are surprisingly lenient. The issue is that size and weight don’t care about intent. Whether you’re driving commercially or recreationally, handling a vehicle that large requires skill and awareness. Without proper training, new motorhome drivers can unintentionally put themselves and others in danger.
IT IS WISE TO BUY AND HAVE A PROFESSIONAL TO INSTALL AN ANTI- SWAY BAR TO YOUR VEHICLE OR HITCH ASSEMBLY TO BETTER CONTROL SWAYING OF VEHICLES AND TRAILERS!
That’s such an important tip, an anti-sway bar can make a huge difference when it comes to towing safely! It’s one of those things that a lot of people don’t think about until they experience that first terrifying sway on the road. Did you notice a big improvement in stability after installing yours? I’d love to know if you’ve had any specific towing situations where it really saved the day. Also, do you think this is something every RVer should invest in, even for smaller trailers, or is it mostly necessary for larger setups? I’m sure a lot of people reading this would appreciate your insight!
It only makes sense to BE CAREFUL ABOUT SPEED WHEN DRIVING WITH A TRAILER! WHEN FEELING AN ABRUPT CHANGE TUG OR PULLING ON A TRAILER, IMMEDIATELY LET OFF YOUR GAS PEDAL - DO NOT HIT YOUR BRAKES! LET TRAILER AND TOW VEHICLE SLOW ON ITS’ OWN AND USE YOUR EMERGENCY FLASHERS TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS! LET YOUR RIG STABILIZE AND THEN PULL OVER OUT OF TRAFFIC WHEN YOU HAVE SPACE TO SAFELY BRAKE AND ASSESS ANY DAMAGE AND CHECK ADJUST TRAILER CONNECTION, TIRES AND INTERIOR LOAD AND SECURE ANY LOOSE ITEMS. ALL PETS AND\ OR PASSENGERS SHOULD STAY INSIDE OF TOW VEHICLE UNLESS THERE IS PHYSICAL DANGER OR INJURY!
Such excellent advice, thank you for sharing these important safety tips! Driving with a trailer definitely requires extra caution, especially when it comes to speed and handling unexpected situations. Letting off the gas instead of slamming the brakes is such a key move that many people don’t realize could actually save them from a major accident. Do you have any personal stories where following these steps helped you avoid a disaster? Or maybe a time when you learned this lesson the hard way? It’s so helpful to hear real-world experiences like yours, it could really make a difference for someone new to towing! Also, do you have any specific tips for securing interior loads to prevent them from shifting during travel? That’s something I’ve heard can make a huge difference in preventing those sudden pulls and tugs.
The hitch and coupling look so much different from those we use in Europe! We dont't have any chains. If the trailer decouples, its brakes will be triggered by a wire which will be torn off. Swaying is controlled by technology, like the AKS or electronic trailer control systems. Our top speeds with trailer can be 80 or 100 km/h. All heavy trailers over 750 kg must have brakes.
That’s so interesting! It sounds like European towing systems are quite advanced with built-in sway control and automatic braking through the breakaway wire. Over here, the safety chains are an extra layer of protection if the trailer decouples, but I love the idea of a system that triggers the brakes automatically. Do you find the technology like AKS and electronic trailer control systems reliable in preventing sway? And how does the 80-100 km/h speed limit work out for longer trips? I imagine it’s much safer at those speeds. Would love to hear more about your towing experience in Europe, what are the biggest challenges or mistakes people encounter over there
You're absolutely right, crossing your safety chains isn't a strict requirement anymore in many places, but it's still highly recommended by towing experts. Why? Crossing the chains can create a cradle under the hitch in case it disconnects, helping to keep your trailer from hitting the ground. However, not everyone follows this practice, and some even argue that newer hitch designs or chain setups make it unnecessary. But here’s the kicker: towing regulations and best practices vary by state, and what works for one setup might not work for another. So, what do you think? Should crossing the chains still be considered the gold standard for trailer safety, or are modern setups good enough without it? Share your thoughts, especially if you’ve got firsthand towing experience!
0:27 axle ratio #1 to look at and never trust what a salesperson says, full size trailer full size truck, also where are you towing flats lands ,gong over the doner pass on I-80 or the ' ike on I-70, how many people in the tow car and buy a base model not many opts= more payload and towing
That’s a great point about axle ratios being the first thing to check, salespeople often gloss over it, but it’s critical for safe and efficient towing. Full-size trailers and trucks can look great on paper, but it’s a whole different story when you’re towing through places like Donner Pass on I-80 or the Ike Gauntlet on I-70, where steep grades really push your setup to its limits. And you’re spot on about payload, people tend to overlook how quickly added passengers, gear, or options eat into it. Going with a base model truck gives you the best shot at maximizing payload and towing capacity. What’s been your experience towing in challenging conditions like the Rockies or Sierra Nevada? Did you feel confident in your setup, or did you learn the hard way about weight, ratios, and payload? I’d love to hear how others handle this and if anyone has tips on balancing performance and safety when towing heavy loads.
@@rollinwithrver asked a lot of questions ,tow a 25' airstream 5600lbs /800 hitch with ram 4x4 single cab 5.7 hemi axel 3.45.. wt total is 11600 with 2 and mos worth of gear, tip allways empty black and grey tanks my water tank is allway has just few gallons , 2 bikes, went west on I 80 Reno to sac just gear down the gear you down shift to go up a hill you use going down and make lot of so cal to Vegas to yellow stone on I-15 and the most important tip ., your towing not racing , and I service my rig good point about constant ck the mirrors looking done the road . my fav tip is when in large cities take the belt way or newer freeways 4 lanes I move over to the 2 nd from the left when a freeway merges with a another freeway when traffic is very heavy never know when someone will slow to change lanes to get to the off ramp but when one is out on the open hi way let the truckers pass you. we take a lot of old U.S. highways that run along the interstate
another tip if you tow rig has a gauge set up to monitor water temp, transmission temp , oil temperature all at one screen write them down when I Start out and monitor it all day , I all so tighten up all bolts , double ck if one winter drives their tow truck ck and ck for rust and if frame and body are getting rusted buy a newer truck and Start fresh new hitch I like soild sway bars over chains when I Hear the sound of the bars on the trailer mont I know im level stand back and look ' im level or does it look odd the Tonge should never never push the back down of the tow truck down never towed a 5 th wheel or drove class a ,b, c, motors coach no info to share
Great point! The placement of trailer wheels can significantly affect stability and towing safety. Have you ever experienced issues with this design while towing? What adjustments or tips would you recommend to make such setups safer? Let’s dive into the details and help fellow RVers avoid potential disasters!
We’ve all made mistakes while towing (some more costly than others 😬). What’s one lesson you’ve learned the hard way or a tip you swear by? Drop your story in the comments, let’s help each other avoid disasters on the road!
👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more RV tips, hacks, and advice to make your RV life safer and smoother! www.youtube.com/@rollinwithrver?sub_confirmation=1
Great video. Hopefully those who need it will watch more than once. ❤
Thanks for watching! I hope it helps everyone stay safe and informed on the road.
Wow, this was an eye-opener! I’ve been towing my RV for a few years, but I definitely learned a couple of things I’ve been doing wrong. One mistake I made early on was not double-checking my hitch connection before hitting the road, let’s just say it didn’t end well 😅. Thanks for the tips, they’ll save a lot of people from costly mistakes!
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s so easy to overlook something like double-checking the hitch connection, but as you said, it can really make a big difference. We’ve all had those ‘learning moments’ on the road, and it’s great that you’re now extra cautious about it! 😅 Glad you found the video helpful, our goal is definitely to help RVers avoid those costly mistakes and enjoy safer travels. Wishing you smooth and stress-free towing on all your adventures! 🚐✨
KNOW YOUR EXPERIENCE LEVEL WELL BEFORE YOU HIT THE ROAD WITH A TRAILER OF ANY SIZE!
GET A FRIEND THAT YOU KNOW HAS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND\OR A PROFESSIONAL TRUCKER TO GUIDE YOUR TRAINING.
I've been towing trailers since (before) I got a license. I'm apalled by the number of rigs where the tow vehicle is squatting, or the trailer is on a huge upward angle. GET THE CORRECT STINGER/BALL, and center your loads to make your tow vehicle and trailer BOTH as horizontal as possible. The last thing I do is move my trailer a short distance then go back and recheck the chains and also lift up on the 'hitch'. No, I could never lift it off, but I'm listening and feeling for it being 'loose'.
BTW, I'm 75 now.
@@kathleenredick275 What an impressive wealth of experience you bring to towing! Your advice about keeping both the tow vehicle and trailer level is absolutely critical for safety and stability. It’s shocking how often people overlook this, leading to dangerous sway, wear on the hitch, or even accidents. Getting the right stinger/ball and properly balancing the load are simple steps that make a huge difference.
Your tip about double-checking the hitch by listening and feeling for looseness is a great habit that many could benefit from adopting. It’s these small, thoughtful practices that come with experience, and they can save someone from a disastrous mistake.
At 75, you clearly have years of valuable knowledge to share. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone towing for the first time? I bet your insights could help both new and experienced RVers tow with confidence and safety!
Laws require that in order to drive a truck or ride a motorcycle you have to have training and a special license but any halfwit with a normal license can hook to a fifth wheel or tag along camper trailer and drive anywhere with no training or special license, why ????
It ticks me off that "any nitwit" can buy a huge motorhome and drive wherever he wants without learning how to drive it. Why did I have to pass 3 written and a driving test to drive the same sized vehicle commercially? 😮
Great question! It's true, driving a truck or riding a motorcycle requires specialized training and a license, but towing something as complex and potentially dangerous as a fifth wheel or travel trailer doesn't. Why is that? One reason could be that RVs fall into a legal gray area, where they're considered recreational vehicles rather than commercial ones, and there’s no uniform federal regulation. This means the responsibility often falls on the driver to educate themselves.
But here's the catch: towing mistakes can be catastrophic. From overloaded trailers to improper hitch setup or not understanding sway control, the consequences can range from costly damages to life-threatening accidents.
Should laws change to require specialized training or a license for towing RVs? Or is it up to the RV community to push for better education and awareness? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
I get where you're coming from, and it's a question a lot of experienced drivers ask. The difference often boils down to intent. Commercial drivers are held to higher standards because they’re transporting goods or passengers for profit, which comes with stricter safety regulations. But when it comes to personal vehicles, even ones as massive as a motorhome, the rules are surprisingly lenient.
The issue is that size and weight don’t care about intent. Whether you’re driving commercially or recreationally, handling a vehicle that large requires skill and awareness. Without proper training, new motorhome drivers can unintentionally put themselves and others in danger.
In Pa for class A you have to pass license requirements
IT IS WISE TO BUY AND HAVE A PROFESSIONAL TO INSTALL AN ANTI- SWAY BAR TO YOUR VEHICLE OR HITCH ASSEMBLY TO BETTER CONTROL SWAYING OF VEHICLES AND TRAILERS!
That’s such an important tip, an anti-sway bar can make a huge difference when it comes to towing safely! It’s one of those things that a lot of people don’t think about until they experience that first terrifying sway on the road.
Did you notice a big improvement in stability after installing yours? I’d love to know if you’ve had any specific towing situations where it really saved the day.
Also, do you think this is something every RVer should invest in, even for smaller trailers, or is it mostly necessary for larger setups? I’m sure a lot of people reading this would appreciate your insight!
It only makes sense to BE CAREFUL ABOUT SPEED WHEN DRIVING WITH A TRAILER!
WHEN FEELING AN ABRUPT CHANGE TUG OR PULLING ON A TRAILER, IMMEDIATELY LET OFF YOUR GAS PEDAL - DO NOT HIT YOUR BRAKES! LET TRAILER AND TOW VEHICLE SLOW ON ITS’ OWN AND USE YOUR EMERGENCY FLASHERS TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS!
LET YOUR RIG STABILIZE AND THEN PULL OVER OUT OF TRAFFIC WHEN YOU HAVE SPACE TO SAFELY BRAKE AND ASSESS ANY DAMAGE AND CHECK ADJUST TRAILER CONNECTION, TIRES AND INTERIOR LOAD AND SECURE ANY LOOSE ITEMS.
ALL PETS AND\ OR PASSENGERS SHOULD STAY INSIDE OF TOW VEHICLE UNLESS THERE IS PHYSICAL DANGER OR INJURY!
Such excellent advice, thank you for sharing these important safety tips! Driving with a trailer definitely requires extra caution, especially when it comes to speed and handling unexpected situations. Letting off the gas instead of slamming the brakes is such a key move that many people don’t realize could actually save them from a major accident.
Do you have any personal stories where following these steps helped you avoid a disaster? Or maybe a time when you learned this lesson the hard way? It’s so helpful to hear real-world experiences like yours, it could really make a difference for someone new to towing!
Also, do you have any specific tips for securing interior loads to prevent them from shifting during travel? That’s something I’ve heard can make a huge difference in preventing those sudden pulls and tugs.
And always be ready to engage your manual trailer brake controller, especially downhill on steep grades.
The hitch and coupling look so much different from those we use in Europe! We dont't have any chains. If the trailer decouples, its brakes will be triggered by a wire which will be torn off. Swaying is controlled by technology, like the AKS or electronic trailer control systems. Our top speeds with trailer can be 80 or 100 km/h. All heavy trailers over 750 kg must have brakes.
That’s so interesting! It sounds like European towing systems are quite advanced with built-in sway control and automatic braking through the breakaway wire. Over here, the safety chains are an extra layer of protection if the trailer decouples, but I love the idea of a system that triggers the brakes automatically.
Do you find the technology like AKS and electronic trailer control systems reliable in preventing sway? And how does the 80-100 km/h speed limit work out for longer trips? I imagine it’s much safer at those speeds. Would love to hear more about your towing experience in Europe, what are the biggest challenges or mistakes people encounter over there
Crossing your travel trailer chains is no longer the norm. They can be crossed, but it is not a requirement.
You're absolutely right, crossing your safety chains isn't a strict requirement anymore in many places, but it's still highly recommended by towing experts. Why? Crossing the chains can create a cradle under the hitch in case it disconnects, helping to keep your trailer from hitting the ground.
However, not everyone follows this practice, and some even argue that newer hitch designs or chain setups make it unnecessary. But here’s the kicker: towing regulations and best practices vary by state, and what works for one setup might not work for another.
So, what do you think? Should crossing the chains still be considered the gold standard for trailer safety, or are modern setups good enough without it? Share your thoughts, especially if you’ve got firsthand towing experience!
0:27 axle ratio #1 to look at and never trust what a salesperson says, full size trailer full size truck, also where are you towing flats lands ,gong over the doner pass on I-80 or the ' ike on I-70, how many people in the tow car and buy a base model not many opts= more payload and towing
That’s a great point about axle ratios being the first thing to check, salespeople often gloss over it, but it’s critical for safe and efficient towing. Full-size trailers and trucks can look great on paper, but it’s a whole different story when you’re towing through places like Donner Pass on I-80 or the Ike Gauntlet on I-70, where steep grades really push your setup to its limits.
And you’re spot on about payload, people tend to overlook how quickly added passengers, gear, or options eat into it. Going with a base model truck gives you the best shot at maximizing payload and towing capacity.
What’s been your experience towing in challenging conditions like the Rockies or Sierra Nevada? Did you feel confident in your setup, or did you learn the hard way about weight, ratios, and payload? I’d love to hear how others handle this and if anyone has tips on balancing performance and safety when towing heavy loads.
@@rollinwithrver asked a lot of questions ,tow a 25' airstream 5600lbs /800 hitch with ram 4x4 single cab 5.7 hemi axel 3.45.. wt total is 11600 with 2 and mos worth of gear, tip allways empty black and grey tanks my water tank is allway has just few gallons , 2 bikes, went west on I 80 Reno to sac just gear down the gear you down shift to go up a hill you use going down and make lot of so cal to Vegas to yellow stone on I-15 and the most important tip ., your towing not racing , and I service my rig good point about constant ck the mirrors looking done the road . my fav tip is when in large cities take the belt way or newer freeways 4 lanes I move over to the 2 nd from the left when a freeway merges with a another freeway when traffic is very heavy never know when someone will slow to change lanes to get to the off ramp but when one is out on the open hi way let the truckers pass you. we take a lot of old U.S. highways that run along the interstate
another tip if you tow rig has a gauge set up to monitor water temp, transmission temp , oil temperature all at one screen write them down when I Start out and monitor it all day , I all so tighten up all bolts , double ck if one winter drives their tow truck ck and ck for rust and if frame and body are getting rusted buy a newer truck and Start fresh new hitch I like soild sway bars over chains when I Hear the sound of the bars on the trailer mont I know im level stand back and look ' im level or does it look odd the Tonge should never never push the back down of the tow truck down never towed a 5 th wheel or drove class a ,b, c, motors coach no info to share
Trailer wheels too close to the middle, design is dangerous
Great point! The placement of trailer wheels can significantly affect stability and towing safety. Have you ever experienced issues with this design while towing? What adjustments or tips would you recommend to make such setups safer? Let’s dive into the details and help fellow RVers avoid potential disasters!
@rollinwithrver look to semi trailers and where their wheels are compared to RV's Trailers and take note that they don't have sway issues
just a bunch of bla bla bla😮
Thank you for watching!