When pulling a pop-up camper, travel trailer or 5th wheel you should always :
Account for your vehicle size when turning. The front and rear wheels will track paths much farther apart than those of a car.
Allow more time to brake, change lanes and merge onto a busy highway because large vehicles take more time to accelerate and slow down than small ones.
Match the proper tow vehicle to your RV. Most full and mid-size family cars can pull a trailer; so can today's popular vans, SUVs and light-duty trucks. Check the maximum weight it can pull.
Use the correct trailer hitch, and make sure it is installed correctly. This small expense in comparison to what your are towing can make your camping trip enjoyable or can ruin it for you and everyone else on the road with you.
Connect brakes and signal lights. Make sure that the trailer's brakes, turn signals and taillights are synchronized with the towing vehicle.
Back up with care. By placing your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, the trailer will move in the direction you turn your hand. (For example, to move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right.) Once the trailer is moving in the proper direction, avoid any sharp movements of the steering wheel.
It's also wise to have someone stand outside the vehicle to make sure the driver avoids any obstacles not seen in the mirrors. If another person is not available, the driver should inspect the area behind the vehicle. Doing so can prevent surprises and accidents.
You do not need a special license to drive or tow the vast majority of RVs. It is a good idea to practice backing your unit in an open area with the use of cones.
