Towing doubles - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Clayton · RV-Dreams Community Member

Towing doubles

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

Aside from the fact that most fivers aren't rated with the tow capacity to pull a vehicle, I believe it's against the law in many states.

RonandJacki · RV-Dreams Family Member

I know here in Oregon, every time I've seen someone pulling doubles of any description, except commercial vehicles, there is usually a highway patrol accompanying them. oops. Be and check all the state regs where you will be traveling.

Linda · Hostess

Here is a link to some fulltimers that double tow.

http://www.jackdanmayer.com/

The link below takes you directly to the discussion of double towing.

http://www.jackdanmayer.com/registration_and_legal_issues.htm#Double%20Towing

-- Edited by Linda on Friday 27th of November 2009 02:21:08 PM

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

Seen it done, had a friend that towed his boat behind the fiver, and it is legal (with restrictions) in most states on the interstates, but not on some secondary roads.

Jack and Danielle Mayer's site has great info and personal experience.

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are double towing, we did a lot of research and also followed Jack Mayers recomendation. We are double towing a 2009 Chevy HHR (3,200 lbs) it tows 4 down and only have to put it in neutral and turn off the number 8 fuse. We do tow with a Freightliner M2 and it handles everything very well no problems. We do have a brake system for the Chevy HHR also. And have a professional base plate and tow bar system. Double towing isn't for everyone. I have a Class A Lic (CDL) and have towed doubles and triples when I was driving a Over the road Truck. I recomend you do a lot of research and read Jack Mayers web site. GBY......

P.S. As a matter of fact there is a F-350 towing a Carriage lite, towing a GEO Tracker parked accross the road from us now.

-- Edited by Delaine and Lindy on Friday 27th of November 2009 09:28:15 PM

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Delaine and Lindy wrote:

P.S. As a matter of fact there is a F-350 towing a Carriage lite, towing a GEO Tracker parked accross the road from us now.

-- Edited by Delaine and Lindy on Friday 27th of November 2009 09:28:15 PM

Good example of NOT the way to do it.

coal · RV-Dreams Community Member

I pulled my boat behind my fifth wheel for a whole summer and I really did not like it. It's not for everyone, and it's not legal in some places. Or legal in some places but with a proper drivers license.

I would do it again and my rig is setup for it, I even customized the boat trailer, I installed a wide axle so that I could see the boat trailer tires from my mirrors.

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just talked to the Guy across the street who is double towing, The 2000 F-350 is towing a Carrie Lite and its towing towing a Geo Tracker (total weight is 20,000 lbs), has been towing for two years and no issues at all. As I said double towing isn't for everyone, but there are many who are double towing and have been for several years. If you have the right equipment and use professionally built and safe equipment you want have a problem. GBY.......

-- Edited by Delaine and Lindy on Saturday 28th of November 2009 05:34:21 PM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'll just add a couple of small notes to what the others have said.

Keep in mind that you will also be required to fall within the length standards of the states you drive in as well. So, measure the length of the unit from the front of the truck doing the towing all the way back to the most extreme back of the towed unit. That would include any spare or bike racks that may be on the towed unit.

Also, if the roads are anywhere near slick, park it and wait until better conditions. If one is unfamiliar with handling a 3-part unit, it can be very difficult. A towed vehicle "slewing" around will cause the other units to weave as well.

Good luck.

Terry

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

For a lot of information about double towing, go to this URL. Jack Mayer has done his homework and presents it in a calm and knowing manner.

http://jackdanmayer.com/registration_and_legal_issues.htm#Double Towing

Of course, Jack tows with a series 7 Volvo. For him, there is no weight issue.

Clayton · RV-Dreams Community Member

I do not have a weight issue. I am towing with a 08 F450 with 24K Rating. I would come in at about 21k to 22K loaded. We have local State HP that looks for over weight RVers. He enjoys writing tickets for weight.

Went to Jackdanmayor site. Great help. I have been a lurker on this site for about a year and enjoy Howards Journal.

Thanks for info
Clayton

-- Edited by Clayton on Sunday 29th of November 2009 04:26:30 AM

-- Edited by Clayton on Sunday 29th of November 2009 04:27:14 AM

Onawave · RV-Dreams Family Member

Every 5th wheel manufacture I have looked at, the warranty is voided as soon as you install towing hitch on it. And to be honest, there are only about 3 manufactures that I feel is structurally sound enough to try it. (Carriage, NuWa, and Teton)

-- Edited by Onawave on Sunday 21st of February 2010 07:56:56 AM

tntlowrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

I tow a small flatbed trailer with my motorcycle on it. Hitch weight is less than 200 pounds and the overall weight of the trailer with the bike on it is around 1100 pounds. I would not tow anything much heavier.
I agree with the other posts, watch your length and weight on the back of the 5th wheel. I have pulled my rig with the bike trailer to Sturgis since 2004 and have been successful so far.
Pay attention to the road conditions, weather etc. When I stop I do a thorough check of the bike and trailer and do not use excessive speed. Watch those tire pressures and keep em properly inflated. I have a Pressure Pro system and that is one of the best investments I made.
I do know Oregon will not allow doubles. Check the laws and if doubt on towing double, then I would recommend against it.
Keep in mind also that when you stop, make sure you leave a way out as backing up a double would be a challenge.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I had posted earlier, and when I did, I knew of a website that gave quite a bit of information by states related to double towing. I have since found that website again and it is linked below for your benefit.

I don't know how old this information may be, or whether they manage to keep the data updated. Thus, if you are planning on double towing, I suggest you verify the information before going into states where you're not sure of the laws.

I heard of an RV'er that was towing a boat behind his fifth wheel and was stopped by the police. He was forced to drop his boat and trailer and take his fifth wheel out of state first and then go back for his boat and trailer.

Terry

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

As I stated before double towing isn't for everyone. As for onawaves comment that he felt that there were only 3 manufactors that were structurally sound enough to double tow. Teton is no longer in business and the frame under out Mobile Suites is about the largest in the 5th wheel industry (15"). Nuwa uses a C type frame which is (14"). Carriage uses a double tube which is 12", however couldn't check the Royals Internationals 5er. I'm very pleased with our Mobile Suites. If you do plan on double towing make sure you have the proper equipment to do the job. Also be preparied to un-hook and or pay a fine if you over length. Good Luck. GBY....

P.S Our Mobile Suites came from the factory with a 2" receiver (factory option) and wired for lights for the towed equipment.