Topic: Towing Doubles (Read 12095 times)

ADubois · « **on:** March 01, 2007, 03:51:46 PM »

I've read where it's not legal here in California for a pickup to tow doubles. My question is, are the laws different for a fifth wheel than for a goose neck for towing doubles. Last night I was driving down highway 99 in central Calif. and there was a pickup towing a large horse trailer with an average size cargo trailer behind it.
I've got no interest in doing this myself I'm just curious.
Alan

Superduty17 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 01, 2007, 10:11:35 PM »

Alan, I have been told that in California you can tow a trailer behind a 5th or Goose, but you must have a Class A license. You might want to check with the CA DMV for specifics.

Not sure if I would want to do it, but I have seen quite a few folks doing it over the past few years.

Good Luck

Carl L · « **Reply #2 on:** March 01, 2007, 11:07:09 PM »

Let's try to settle this thing once and for all, or at least for a while.

The CA DMV web site says: No passenger vehicle, pickup truck, or RV may tow more than one other vehicle without a Commercial Class A license, with endorsement.

Commercial Class A license ? Well you can get one if you are a CA resident if you pass a medical exam, a law test, and a driving test with the vehicle you would tow. I recommend a truckers' school to learn. Then you have to get an additional, double tow endorsement for the license. All that requires is a driving exam under double tow.

But I suspect, you ain't gonna do that. So you cannot double tow in CA.

Shayne · « **Reply #3 on:** March 01, 2007, 11:16:35 PM »

Also have a length limit.

Alaskansnowbirds · « **Reply #4 on:** March 01, 2007, 11:23:41 PM »

Carl,

Alan mentioned that it was a horse trailer w/cargo trailer.

Does CA. have any exceptions for agriculture equipment in the DMV code? I know here in AZ there are some.

Just curious.

Carl L · « **Reply #5 on:** March 02, 2007, 01:21:31 AM »

The DMV says:

The most common class of license in California is a basic Class C driver license. With a Class C license, you may drive the following motor vehicles or recreational vehicles (RVs) without any additional endorsements:

A vehicle with two axles that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less
A three-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds or less
Any housecar (motorhome) or RV 40 feet long or less
The above includes all passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs, as well as most trailers and RVs.

If you are a farmer or the employee of a farmer, you may also drive:

Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight of 26,000 pounds or less if used exclusively for agriculture and not for hire

ADubois · « **Reply #6 on:** March 02, 2007, 03:00:26 AM »

Quote from: Carl L on March 02, 2007, 01:21:31 AM

The DMV says:

If you are a farmer or the employee of a farmer, you may also drive:

Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight of 26,000 pounds or less if used exclusively for agriculture and not for hire[/i]

I don't know how heavy that set up was that I saw but depending on how many horses he had and whatever was in the cargo trailer he could have been over 26k lbs.

As far as settling this once and for all I wasn't trying to cause any problems I was just curious. I only asked because I know this topic has been talked about and the answers I've read to the topic have been very knowledgeable on this site. I have no desire to do all that testing as I said in my original post. I was just wondering if there were different rules for goose neck trailers than regular fifth wheels.

Thank you for the answers to my question.
Alan

Carl L · « **Reply #7 on:** March 02, 2007, 05:04:11 PM »

Quote

. I was just wondering if there were different rules for goose neck trailers than regular fifth wheels.

Nope, not unless you are a farmer.

Buy a farm, tow doubles.

AJones · « **Reply #8 on:** March 06, 2007, 11:21:45 AM »

I did some research on this topic a little while back and found that the only thing permitted to be towed behind a fifth-wheel trailer is a boat. I know it makes no sense but, that was it. I have seen several fiver's towing boats that are heavier than my little Honda CRV. In addition, there is a 65 foot limit on the rig. If you see anyone towing longer setups or a fiver pulling a car they could be pulled over. Now whether a police officer wants to bother with this type of violation is another story.

Tony

Carl L · « **Reply #9 on:** March 06, 2007, 12:52:46 PM »

Quote

I did some research on this topic a little while back and found that the only thing permitted to be towed behind a fifth-wheel trailer is a boat.

Yup, fairly common in the middle west. However, it is entirely dependent on the states and varies widely from state to state. Do your research for each state you would tow in.

acokeday · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2007, 09:00:00 PM »

I towed a 29 foot fifth wheel with a Chevy 2500 HD crew cab pick up and pulled a 12 foot toy car trailer about 14,000 miles in '06. Towed from my home in TN to Yuma, AZ and north to Seattle and then back to TN. I am less than 65 feet long, have brakes on middle unit and the tag along weighs less than 2000 lbs. and all legal in TN. I was passed by numerous law enforcement officers, and was never stopped. I stopped counting at 50, the other rigs towing doubles. I can pull through almost any gas station etc. JUST DON'T BACK UP. It works well for me, but I know it is not for everyone. Alan

Ron · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2007, 09:13:08 PM »

You did leave yourself open for a very expensive ticket and storage costs if you were towing illegally in any of the states you traveled in, not to mention the risk of severe liability issues if you had been in an accident even if not at fault. Double towing is not covered under the recipical aggreements between states only divers license.

Shayne · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2007, 10:08:59 PM »

That type of towing puts a big sign on the unit FINE ME CUZ I GOT MONEY TO BURN.

okiejoe · « **Reply #13 on:** May 29, 2007, 02:23:01 PM »

OK, I am a retired commercial truck driver and own a 34 ft 5er and asked a California HP this question, Here is what he said YOU MUST have a valid Class A with combination endorsement (you won't need the air brake endorsement unless you have air brakes) a vehicle 3/4 ton of larger and yes you may pull more that a boat behind it But it would be wise to always make your last unit be the less of weight. Oh, Yes you must stay within the lenght limit.

Carl L · « **Reply #14 on:** May 29, 2007, 03:10:17 PM »

Quote from: okiejoe on May 29, 2007, 02:23:01 PM

OK, I am a retired commercial truck driver and own a 34 ft 5er and asked a California HP this question, Here is what he said YOU MUST have a valid Class A with combination endorsement (you won't need the air brake endorsement unless you have air brakes) a vehicle 3/4 ton of larger and yes you may pull more that a boat behind it But it would be wise to always make your last unit be the less of weight. Oh, Yes you must stay within the lenght limit.

Yes indeed. I would also that California has 2 types of Class A licenses. The non-commercial type is designed for big motorhomes and big trailer hauling by RVers. They cannot tow multiple trailers. The commercial kind is probably the one you had and can so tow with the endorsement.

okiejoe · « **Reply #15 on:** June 06, 2007, 09:38:48 AM »

Yes, you are right. California does have a special license for heavey rv's and motor coaches. Since I drove heavy truck (Doubles) for UPS for 33 years (in Sacramento) I had to have a class A plus an endorsement for combination trailers and air brake endorsement too. My licenses is the typical CDL which is a federal license now (they are no longer controlled by the state) and since my retirement to Oklahoma (hence the okiejoe handle) I have kept it valid just In case I want to supplement my pension some. Well I stop rambling but anyway I am relativity new to rv forum and really like it. you all are so willing to give advice and information. maybe I'll meet some of the forum in the future.

okiejoe · « **Reply #16 on:** August 03, 2007, 12:18:51 AM »

Carl
Just one thing, the Commercial license (CDL) is a federal license and anyone resident or not of California would have to have it. The only endorsement you would need would be the combination endorsement.

Carl L · « **Reply #17 on:** August 03, 2007, 12:45:31 AM »

Quote from: okiejoe on August 03, 2007, 12:18:51 AM

Carl
Just one thing, the Commercial license (CDL) is a federal license and anyone resident or not of California would have to have it. The only endorsement you would need would be the combination endorsement.

CDL is a common acronym for California Drivers License in the state.

The state of California issues 4 levels of drivers licenses: C, B, A, and M. C is the basic drivers license for cars and house trailers. B and A licenses are for for heavier or longer vehicles. The A license is typically the commercial truckers license tho there are non-commercial versions available for folks driving monster 5 wheels rated over 15,000 lbs and TTs over 10,000 lbs. The there is a non-commercial Class B for folks in motorhomes between 40 and 45 feet. There is even a commercial Class C for folks driving light vehicles but with hazmat placard. M is for motorcycles.

The full scoop is HERE.

Alaskansnowbirds · « **Reply #18 on:** August 03, 2007, 10:34:50 PM »

Quote from: okiejoe on June 06, 2007, 09:38:48 AM

My licenses is the typical CDL which is a federal license now (they are no longer controlled by the state)......

When did they change it to a federal license? Where do you get one? I gave mine up in '99 because Alaska wanted $100 to renew one. Back then it was still a state license.

Carl L · « **Reply #19 on:** August 03, 2007, 11:47:17 PM »

Quote from: Alaskansnowbirds on August 03, 2007, 10:34:50 PM

When did they change it to a federal license? Where do you get one? I gave mine up in '99 because Alaska wanted $100 to renew one. Back then it was still a state license.

Here is the straight scoop http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/cdl.htm

It would appear that the Californian licenses meet the federal requirements.

Alaskansnowbirds · « **Reply #20 on:** August 04, 2007, 12:12:09 AM »

Quote from: Carl L on August 03, 2007, 11:47:17 PM

Here is the straight scoop .......

Thanks Carl. From what okiejoe wrote I thought they changed something. He is misstating when he says it's a "Federal License". There is no such thing. Only state licenses that meet and conform with the Federal minimum standards.

Ron · « **Reply #21 on:** August 04, 2007, 09:21:19 AM »

That is what I was thinking since you have to go to the state where you got the CDL to get it renewed and in the case of Texas you have to show up in person at the DMV. Can't renew a CDL on line.

dirtdr · « **Reply #22 on:** September 22, 2007, 11:21:26 PM »

in alberta i can tow my 43 foot long fifth wheel with my 16 foot utility trailer behind with a f-450 pickup legally. I stopped in at the weigh scales for commercial vehicles to make sure. I was a little nervous to pull in as i am a professional truck driver and i know how the DOT can nit pick any little thing they can find to pull a trucker off the road.

Overall length of my unit is 81 feet. it is quite the site to see cruising around within a town like that, taking turns and such.

I can pull both trailers legally throughout canada with my big rigs, but i have to deal with log books and pull into every weigh scale/inspection facility.

note the above caution: DO NOT TRY TO BACK UP!!!! the combination of short truck, long trailer, short trailer is an absolute bear if you have to back her up. Once I was forced to unhook the small trailer and turn around the rig and then spin the trailer around by hand to hook it up again and go the other way.

Ron · « **Reply #23 on:** September 23, 2007, 10:31:33 AM »

I wouldn't recommend trying to drive thatr combination through most states here in the US. Not too many states allow 81 ft.

Carl L · « **Reply #24 on:** September 23, 2007, 12:54:04 PM »

Quote from: Ron on September 23, 2007, 10:31:33 AM

I wouldn't recommend trying to drive thatr combination through most states here in the US. Not too many states allow 81 ft.

California for one will demand a class A, commercial drivers license with a special endorsement. I suspect they honor other state's licenses, but I do not know about Canadian tickets

Furthermore, "passenger" vehicles cannot tow doubles period.

dirtdr · « **Reply #25 on:** September 23, 2007, 11:00:14 PM »

Quote from: Ron on September 23, 2007, 10:31:33 AM

I wouldn't recommend trying to drive thatr combination through most states here in the US. Not too many states allow 81 ft.

after towing this combination only about 1000miles within Alberta, i honestly would not reccomend anyone towing this combination at all - anywhere. the large overhang on the 5er makes for a little bit crazy ride when you get into rougher road. And try to get into a wal-mart parking lot with it - well getting in is usually ok, but then to get out

.It just surprises me that it was actually legal. I do in fact have what is called a class 1 licence here (I can drive any vehicle with the exception of some specialty rigs) but any joe shmoe with a class 5 (standard drivers licence) can hop behind the wheel of my f-450 with both trailers. A little scary really.
It is very common here to see 36-41 foot fifth wheels with a boat or cargo trailer behind them here - towed with a f-250!!!

Carl L · « **Reply #26 on:** September 23, 2007, 11:23:15 PM »

Quote from: dirtdr on September 23, 2007, 11:00:14 PM

after towing this combination only about 1000miles within Alberta, i honestly would not reccomend anyone towing this combination at all - anywhere. the large overhang on the 5er makes for a little bit crazy ride when you get into rougher road. And try to get into a wal-mart parking lot with it - well getting in is usually ok, but then to get out .It just surprises me that it was actually legal. I do in fact have what is called a class 1 licence here (I can drive any vehicle with the exception of some specialty rigs) but any joe shmoe with a class 5 (standard drivers licence) can hop behind the wheel of my f-450 with both trailers. A little scary really.
It is very common here to see 36-41 foot fifth wheels with a boat or cargo trailer behind them here - towed with a f-250!!!

As I said, California makes class-A commercial license holders get a special double tow endorsement for their license. However, in the driving portion the DMV does not want the examinee to bring a double tow to the test -- too damn dangerous. The state will not allow the non-commercial class-A license holders, the ones towing over 15K lbs, to tow doubles at all.

MLCBFarrell · « **Reply #27 on:** September 24, 2007, 08:54:53 AM »

Our daughter and I were surprised to see somebody pulling doubles up ahead of us a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, we were making a turn so we couldn't see more, but it was a truck pulling about a 34' fifth wheel, with a decent sized fishing boat (one with the center cockpit that you can walk around) behind that! We live in VA, looked like the boat may have had MD tags but of course we couldn't be sure. It was the second time I've seen someone towing double in the 7 years we've lived in the area. The first time we saw it, the combo was a pick-up with a pop-up camper, towing a small boat.

I don't think I'd want to try something like that, towing one trailer is enough adventure for my blood!

jacksd3 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 12, 2007, 10:12:33 AM »

Sorry to jump in late. I've been lurking for several months.

I just passed my Commercial Driver's License general skills test and eye test in the state of Massachusetts. The cost was $30 for the knowledge test plus $75 for the CDL. Each endorsement test is $30. The CDL needs to be renewed every two years at a cost of $75. Sounds pricey to me especially since I am not a professional driver just a guy towing my wife's horses around :-)

I got mine because I forsee pulling horse trailers with a GVWR of more than 10,000lbs. The GCVWR won't be more than 26,001lbs but the law is a bit vague and I want to err on the side of caution.

Also, with a couple of endorsements I can fill in for the local school bus driver :-)

bobofthenorth · « **Reply #29 on:** January 06, 2008, 04:13:09 PM »

Quote from: dirtdr on September 22, 2007, 11:21:26 PM

Overall length of my unit is 81 feet. it is quite the site to see cruising around within a town like that, taking turns and such.

Just to prevent someone else from getting in trouble - the above rig IS NOT legal throughout Canada. I think he is actually overlength in Alberta, definitely he is in SK & MB. Recreational doubles - which is what these rigs are called in Canada are not legal in BC but are OK in AB, SK & MB. Don't know about the east. In the provinces where they are legal they are still subject to overall length restrictions which are commonly either 75 or 65 feet. As the poster has noted in a subsequent post, these rigs are a genuine PITA to drive and may be dangerous with the wrong combination of pin weights and overhangs. I've driven them - never enjoyed the experience - and I'm glad I don't do it anymore. It is possible to back them up but that is a major adventure as well.

Thompson · « **Reply #30 on:** April 04, 2008, 10:31:36 AM »

A little late on this but here is a web site that lists some of the towing laws. Be sure to verify these before traveling throught any of the places listed. http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

Carl L · « **Reply #31 on:** April 06, 2008, 07:40:32 PM »

Quote from: Thompson on April 04, 2008, 10:31:36 AM

A little late on this but here is a web site that lists some of the towing laws. Be sure to verify these before traveling throught any of the places listed. http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

But be careful. That table is misleading. CA allows triple towing only with a Class A CDL with a special double trailer endorsement. Unless you have that commercial license you cannot tow triples -- at least with CA plates.

Jim Godward · « **Reply #32 on:** April 06, 2008, 07:53:31 PM »

Carl,

That is aonther one where reciprocity does not apply! :-((

Ron · « **Reply #33 on:** April 06, 2008, 08:09:12 PM »

Quote from: James Godward on April 06, 2008, 07:53:31 PM

Carl,

That is aonther one where reciprocity does not apply! :-((

I think that is a good thing.

M_Neagle · « **Reply #34 on:** July 07, 2008, 10:37:09 AM »

I was involved in an accident while pulling doubles a few years ago. I was approching a bridge with one vehicle oncoming in the distance. On the opposite side of the road before the bridge there was a teeny bopper trying to decide whether she could beat me and should pull out into my lane. I did slow a little as I observed her. At the last moment she gunned it and could have made it but, chickened out. This left her broad side to oncoming traffic just sitting there. I nailed it. She watched the truck go by, the fiver go by, and she nailed it. This resulted in her T-boneing my boat trailer. She was still broadside to the oncoming traffic. To make a long story short, she did do some fancy driving at that point to clear the road. I was stopped and running for her before she got stopped. I was so thankful she was not hurt. She was crying and saying she was in a hurry and so sorry. I calmed her down and called the cops.
The police never said a word about length, doubles, or anything. The report was written as it happened and her insurance fixed my trailer. This happened in TN on Hwy 52 near Portland.

Towing double trailers is as safe as the driver. I know my limitations and never cross them. I have brakes on both trailers and it is amazing how fast I can stop if I have to. I am never closer than 5 seconds to the vehical in front of me. The only other trouble I ever have is somebody passing because of the gap and slowing down.

Bryce88 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 11, 2009, 02:23:29 PM »

I have a class A CDL with double/triple endorsement, Utah issued license, I have my CDL for my job. I know you don't have to have a CDL in Utah to pull doubles (recreational equipment), max length is 65 feet. I have read you have to have different license or endorsements per different state, California being the strictest. My rig is 62 feet long, tv, 5er, and utility trailer with ATV. I am well under my weight limits for my tv. I am wondering where I am legal to pull my rig, do other states recognize Utah CDL's, I would think they would since I am legal to drive a semi interstate. I also have insurance for my rig as described, so that should not be an issue either.

Ned · « **Reply #36 on:** March 11, 2009, 03:42:50 PM »

The issue isn't that other states won't recognize your Utah CDL, they will. The problem is that the consist may not be legal in all other states. You can pull a triple in Utah but not in most other states. It has nothing to do with your CDL.

Bryce88 · « **Reply #37 on:** March 11, 2009, 04:08:01 PM »

I know that my tv, 5er have nothing to do with my CDL, but it sounds like some states that do not allow double towing unless you have a class A licence with endorsement, like California. Would I be able to pull my rig into california with the license I have.

Ned · « **Reply #38 on:** March 11, 2009, 04:44:49 PM »

Each state has its own rules, I don't know the specifics of the CA regs. We have some members here that do know the CA regs quite well and will probably join in here with more information. If the consist is legal in a state, then I would expect you could drive it with your CDL as the licenses is recognized reciprocally by the other states.

S J Strait · « **Reply #39 on:** March 11, 2009, 04:55:53 PM »

Check out this site www.doublehitch.com it is neat don't know if you can run this set up in all states.but it is cool.

Carl L · « **Reply #40 on:** March 11, 2009, 05:18:53 PM »

Quote from: Bryce88 on March 11, 2009, 04:08:01 PM

I know that my tv, 5er have nothing to do with my CDL, but it sounds like some states that do not allow double towing unless you have a class A licence with endorsement, like California. Would I be able to pull my rig into california with the license I have.

1. CA VC Sec. 21715. (a) No passenger vehicle regardless of weight, or any other motor vehicle under 4,000 pounds unladen, shall draw or tow more than one vehicle in combination, except that an auxiliary dolly or tow dolly may be used with the towed vehicle.

2. Towing two or more trailers requires a CDL and a special endorsement.

Ron · « **Reply #41 on:** March 11, 2009, 05:37:47 PM »

It is my understanding that while reciprocally is recognized from state to state towing doubles as well as length and weights are not for non commercial vehicles. There are some states that do not allow any double towing commercial or non commercial.

Bryce88 · « **Reply #42 on:** March 11, 2009, 08:17:33 PM »

Okay, sounds like I should just leave the atv's at home, or check with each state that I will be driving through and destination state. I guess I never realized how free I am in Utah, I can even pull triples in utah at work. We have double belly dumps and double side dumps at work, we call them trains, they are 105' long and we can haul up to 43 ton of material on them, legally down the highway. Thanks for all the info.

kevin · « **Reply #43 on:** March 11, 2009, 09:33:46 PM »

ok just a question here. did you see horse's in the trailer? I'm only asking because I see alot of that around here AR, but they are just delievering trailers to sales lots that way. kevin

acokeday · « **Reply #44 on:** March 26, 2009, 06:53:08 PM »

I responded on March 13, '07 and since then have been from TN to California and back from TN to Michigan, Wisconsin and back. From TN to Maine and all the new england states. All the time pulling two trailers. Have not been stopped yet. I am off to Colorado by way of North Dakota next month. Towing doubles is still legal in TN and I am banking on reciprocity with other states. Alan in Gatlinburg.

Ron · « **Reply #45 on:** March 26, 2009, 11:41:56 PM »

You are just lucky so far if towing in states that do not allow it. Recirocity does not apply on double towing or weights. The real problem would arise if you had an accident and somebody was seriously injured or killed. You may be exposing yourself to serious liability issues. You don't have to believe us just call a couple states that do not allow double towing and ask.

DramDiesel · « **Reply #46 on:** May 29, 2009, 06:36:03 PM »

In CA you need to a commercial class A with doubles endorsement and your max length can't be over 65 feet from tip to tip

BigLarry · « **Reply #47 on:** May 30, 2009, 10:07:19 AM »

I was down at the car wash yesterday sitting next to a Texas DPS weight officer. A fellow walked up to him and asked him about the Texas law for towing doubles. He told the guy that 65 ft. was the max length for the whole rig. He also told the guy that the length is rarely enforced, however if he investigates an accident where a double tow is involved and he finds an over length, illegal hitch, brake or any other violation by the RVer, he throws the book at them.

He doesn't like to see RVer's towing toubles, and feels like their ability to avoid accidents is not good.

Ron · « **Reply #48 on:** May 30, 2009, 12:32:19 PM »

Quote from: BigLarry on May 30, 2009, 10:07:19 AM

I was down at the car wash yesterday sitting next to a Texas DPS weight officer. A fellow walked up to him and asked him about the Texas law for towing doubles. He told the guy that 65 ft. was the max length for the whole rig. He also told the guy that the length is rarely enforced, however if he investigates an accident where a double tow is involved and he finds an over length, illegal hitch, brake or any other violation by the RVer, he throws the book at them.

He doesn't like to see RVer's towing toubles, and feels like their ability to avoid accidents is not good.

Very wise DPS weight officer. Too bad the legislators are not as wise.

chasmosis · « **Reply #49 on:** June 12, 2009, 09:35:01 AM »

I'm interested in more discussion of towing doubles and comments from folks who tow doubles on a regular basis.

I've got a 19 ft princecraft deckboat (aluminum hull). I've had it on the scales with a full tank of gass and all of my usual gear it scales at 3800 lbs. We take it tent camping a couple times a year. I'd like to get out miore but I can't tent camp when it gets too hot.

If I had the $ I'd certainly be looking at an 1 ton srw crew cab and a less than 30 ft 5th wheel (aluminum sided), and looking into towing double.

My boat trailer has surge brakes, and you sure can tell they work when pulling with a pickup or suv. I would think that would also help a lot when towing doubles.

Does anybody know when calculating length of a boat trailer what you actually measure to? Do you count all the way to the tip of the motor in the trailer position or do you just measure to the end of the trailer/boat (whichever sticks out farther).

Carl L · « **Reply #50 on:** June 12, 2009, 05:17:49 PM »

You are proposing to tow a clumsy, unbackable rig that will be right up to 65 feet, if not a bit over. A rig that is outlawed in a number of states. Furthermore, you are subjecting the frame of a trailer to the banging of the surge brakes of a two ton boat and trailer. If you have all options open to you, lose the idea of a truck and 5th wheel trailer and ....

...BUY A MOTORHOME!

kevin · « **Reply #51 on:** June 12, 2009, 06:19:19 PM »

Quote from: Carl L on June 12, 2009, 05:17:49 PM

You are proposing to tow a clumsy, unbackable rig that will be right up to 65 feet, if not a bit over. A rig that is outlawed in a number of states. Furthermore, you are subjecting the frame of a trailer to the banging of the surge brakes of a two ton boat and trailer. If you have all options open to you, lose the idea of a truck and 5th wheel trailer and ....

...BUY A MOTORHOME!

and then what tow a car, and then the two ton boat and trailer?

Wendy · « **Reply #52 on:** June 12, 2009, 07:03:50 PM »

You kinda gotta pick one or the other ..... tow a boat or tow a car. But towing a trrailer (or 5th wheel) and a boat is legal in very few states and is considered to be crazy by most people.

Our option was to buy an inflatable kayak that we can store in the motorhome. Before that, we had one of those port-a-boats that fold up and attach to the side of the motorhome. Another option I've seen is folks who have motorhomes and tow pickup trucks with a boat on top of the trucks; others carry canoes on top of their motorhomes.

Wendy

Marsha/CA · « **Reply #53 on:** June 13, 2009, 08:18:06 AM »

Quote from: chasmosis on June 12, 2009, 09:35:01 AM

I'm interested in more discussion of towing doubles and comments from folks who tow doubles on a regular basis.

I've got a 19 ft princecraft deckboat (aluminum hull). I've had it on the scales with a full tank of gass and all of my usual gear it scales at 3800 lbs. We take it tent camping a couple times a year. I'd like to get out miore but I can't tent camp when it gets too hot.

If I had the $ I'd certainly be looking at an 1 ton srw crew cab and a less than 30 ft 5th wheel (aluminum sided), and looking into towing double.

My boat trailer has surge brakes, and you sure can tell they work when pulling with a pickup or suv. I would think that would also help a lot when towing doubles.

Does anybody know when calculating length of a boat trailer what you actually measure to? Do you count all the way to the tip of the motor in the trailer position or do you just measure to the end of the trailer/boat (whichever sticks out farther).

I have this picture in my mind's eye when I read what you are thinking of doing. If you have to stop hard and fast, I see the 5th wheel going to the left (being pushed by the boat) and the boat going to the right, or vise versa, and both slamming into your truck. If you come to California be prepared, our highway patrol is emphatic about NOT towing doubles. And if you are over 65' from tip to tip, you will get ticketed.

I'm not as familiar with surge brakes as I am electric; but how would you connect the tow connection cord to the truck so that when you apply the brakes, they would work on the boat? Or would you connect the cord to the 5th wheel?

If you did all the calculations for weights, I would bet the 30' 5th wheel and 3800 lbs boat combination would weight more than the truck is qualified to pull anyway.

From my point of view it's a really bad/dangerous idea.

Marsha~

kevin · « **Reply #54 on:** June 13, 2009, 12:29:47 PM »

surge brakes do not need to be connected to the truck, that's why they are called surge brakes. Second what's the difference between what this guy wants to tow, and the people I see with a huge 5er and a 1/2truck pulling them?

mariekie · « **Reply #55 on:** June 13, 2009, 01:35:28 PM »

Quote from: kevin on June 13, 2009, 12:29:47 PM

surge brakes do not need to be connected to the truck, that's why they are called surge brakes. Second what's the difference between what this guy wants to tow, and the people I see with a huge 5er and a 1/2truck pulling them?

Good point!!! I have been wondering the same. Having said that, I will keep my mouth shut for any further opinion on this issue.

Mariekie

Marsha/CA · « **Reply #56 on:** June 13, 2009, 03:16:42 PM »

They are more than likely way over weight too...I'd say the same thing to them.

Marsha~

Wendy · « **Reply #57 on:** June 13, 2009, 03:27:08 PM »

65-foot overall truck/5th wheel/boat combo is going to handle differently from 65-foot overall truck/5th wheel combo, probably much worse. Which is why it is outlawed in most states. It's legal in Colorado and many times we've been passed by one of those truck/5er/boat combos and they always look like they're just barely under control with the trailer swishing one way tne the boat swishing the other way.

Wendy

Carl L · « **Reply #58 on:** June 13, 2009, 04:36:20 PM »

Quote from: kevin on June 13, 2009, 12:29:47 PM

surge brakes do not need to be connected to the truck, that's why they are called surge brakes.

Sure surge brakes are connected to the truck. The connection is mechanical not electrical and the ball and ball mount are the connectors. At least they were on the two ton boat I used to tow.

Quote

Second what's the difference between what this guy wants to tow, and the people I see with a huge 5er and a 1/2truck pulling them?

Damned little. Both are unsafe practices a person can get away with --- for a while.

Alaskansnowbirds · « **Reply #59 on:** June 13, 2009, 07:18:46 PM »

Peg and I live next to a state highway that carries a lot of traffic going to the mountains here in Arizona. On Friday afternoons the road is one RV after another heading for the hills for the weekend. I would guess (from watching the traffic) that about a third of the fifthwheels have another trailer on behind. Most of them have ATVs and camping gear on the second trailer. I even saw one last weekend that was pulling a jeep four down behind the fifthwheel.

Here is a good site that lists the towing laws.

Remember there is NO reciprocity between states as far as towing laws are concerned.

Carl L · « **Reply #60 on:** June 14, 2009, 12:09:34 AM »

Quote

Here is a good site that lists the towing laws.

I would be careful of that site. It lists triple tows as legal in California. Well yes, legal, but only if you have a commercial Class A license bearing a double trailer endorsement. If they can get that state wrong, they may have others out of line.

Ned · « **Reply #61 on:** June 14, 2009, 07:18:52 AM »

Just referring to triple tows is an error. There are very few states that allow a true triple tow, that's 3 trailers behind the tow vehicle. What they're calling triple is really double tow. If you ever see a real triple tow on the road, it's scary, especially in a cross wind.

RoyM · « **Reply #62 on:** June 14, 2009, 10:12:46 PM »

I have seen commercial triples in Alberta, allowed on select highways, but is it ever ugly in a cross wind. The big problem with doubles is weight and the fact the second trailer usually cannot be seen until it pulls out to pass. I can't imagine trying to manoevre one in and out of the typical campground.

chasmosis · « **Reply #63 on:** June 16, 2009, 11:04:37 AM »

So I guess I should have picked it up before but I am clear now that many of you feel that towing doubles is unsafe at any speed/gcvw/length. I apologize for unnecessarily stirring this topic up again.

I've seen enough folks going up and down the road towing doubles and I think that with a short, light 5er and surge brakes on the boat trailer (mechanically actuated hydrolic trailer brakes when the trailer pushes forward on the ball hitch it activates the master cylinder) that you could probably tow a double safely. But there are a lot of ifs, if the 5er trails good, if the boat trailer trails good, if the frame on the 5er is heavy enough, GCVW, length, no hope of backing it up more then a few feet, whipping it, dropping your boat somewhere at a campground parking your 5er then going back to get the boat, Spouse thinking your nuts for even entertaining the thought, etc...

Thats a lot of ifs....I think too many for me.

Taking this all into account, I'm now thinking for my families needs probably a Truck Camper and towing a boat directly behind the truck is a better idea for me. I understand that theres still ifs going that route as well but it seems for my needs there's a lot less.

Take care and thanks for the comments.

Since you guys discuss weights and overloaded trucks an awful lot I figured I drop a link I found about a fella discussing his TC setup. I know this isn't the TC area but seems like he's gone to a lot to "toughen up" a way overloaded rig.
http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=791&Itemid=34

Carl L · « **Reply #64 on:** June 16, 2009, 12:57:11 PM »

Quote

Taking this all into account, I'm now thinking for my families needs probably a Truck Camper and towing a boat directly behind the truck is a better idea for me. I understand that theres still ifs going that route as well but it seems for my needs there's a lot less.

Good thinking. Back in my trailer boating days, camper bearing trucks pulling a lightweight boat was a common sight at lake launch ramps. With due care over gross combined weights, this would seem the way to go.

That said my two-ton, ocean-going 20 foot deep-vee hull was hauled by an E350 van with a 460cc V8. Ya gotta go with what fits.

News:

Author Topic: Towing Doubles (Read 12095 times)