We are looking to purchase our first 5th Wheel Camper. We live in Iowa and are able to have a total length of 70'. We have a 19' Lund we will be hauling behind the camper. We have looked at various brands and are being told the warranty will be voided if we add a hitch to the camper. We see a lot of people doing it and are willing to take the risk beings how the warranty is only for 12 months. But we question the durability of the frame of various manufacturers if they aren't willing to stand behind their camper being used to pull a boat. Looking for any advice or personal experiences on brands that have worked for towing a boat. The brands we have been looking at are Chapparal, Cougar and Elkridge. Open to other brands though!!!Thanks!!

djhstevens wrote:We are looking to purchase our first 5th Wheel Camper. We live in Iowa and are able to have a total length of 70'. We have a 19' Lund we will be hauling behind the camper. We have looked at various brands and are being told the warranty will be voided if we add a hitch to the camper. We see a lot of people doing it and are willing to take the risk beings how the warranty is only for 12 months. But we question the durability of the frame of various manufacturers if they aren't willing to stand behind their camper being used to pull a boat. Looking for any advice or personal experiences on brands that have worked for towing a boat. The brands we have been looking at are Chapparal, Cougar and Elkridge. Open to other brands though!!!Thanks!!There are a few models that come with a factory-installed hitch that are rated to tow. If you do mod your trailer, wait until the factory warranty is over or they might decline =any= warranty work, frame-related or not. If you do add a hitch, you need to have a sub-frame built to support the hitch. This sub-frame =should= extend to =at least= as far as the rear spring shackles.Lyle

Do you have any idea what brands will put it on from the manufacturer? The few we have seen installed by the mfr are 1 1/4" receivers and they will not be able to handle our boat. Looking for 2" receiver.Thanks for your quick reply.:)

Our HitchHiker has a factory hitch. Look up Nuwa.com. They cost more than the ones you're looking at, but you can get a used one from the factory in Chanute, KS that will probably be better than lower quality ones new.

Yep HitchHiker. Factory hitches. Most manufactures null the warranty. Get a good used one there better than lots of the new ones out.

We had one put on our Jayco when we bought it. Since we had the dealer install it, if it voided the warranty it would be on their shop.

Looking for a 5th Wheel to double tow, need advice

28 Replies

Gray_Fox
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
HitchHiker in Chanute KA They deal with different brands but they have the best shop to get work done. HitchHiker is one of the best brands made.
cummins2014
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
wing_zealot wrote:
Just me, but unless you know something about structural engineering, steel yield strength, size and shape of framing members vs. twisting moments; I would be very leery about adding a hitch to any 5er that didn't come with a rated hitch. You may very well be using up all of the built in safety factor when you tow something. It could be one of the most costliest mistakes you ever make. And if your 5er is called an "Lightweight", "Ultra-Light" or any variation, you're playing with fire if you ask me. They ain't making frames like they used to, it's all about light and cheap now.

Hardly playing with fire, but you do need to know how to reinforce the frame .
GON2SKI
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
On our 2014 factory ordered 27-5L, I was told by the local dealer that Northwood Mfg. would no longer be installing hitches for double tow. There previous offered two year warrantee is now only one year. The dealer said I could add a hitch but during the first year my warrantee would be void so I decided to wait and possibly add one this year or might downsize some toys as not getting younger! Northwood still make their own frames which is a big plus for strength.
frizzen
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
Check towing.com for state by state regs on double towing.

I put a hitch on the back of my 03 Laredo 25 footer. I braced it to minimize twist on the I beams. No problems yet.
Martyn
Nomad
Jan 20, 2015
I double tow with a Chaparral - made sure I had a welding shop fabricate a heavy duty box structure to fix the hitch to. Thousands of miles double towed - no problems. Main issues are to make sure the hitch is sturdily fabricated and that you stay with in your GCWR and length limits. With my rig I am at 67ft - Colorado allows 70ft
transamz9
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
I have installed a hitch on all three campers that I have owned and pulled 4-5,000# behind every one of them with no problems whats so ever.
pyoung47
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
Our Wildcat came with a receiver. I'd like to pull a trailer but have yet to work up the courage. A guy just pulled in here with a big fiver pulling his ATV on the back all the way fro Minnesota to RGV.
phillyg
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2015
Some of the FW frames are barely able to handle the weight and stress of the house built upon them and that's the reason warranties are voided. It might be better for you to look at used FWs that are out of warranty already. Then find someone capable of properly designing a custom hitch receiver for you.
57_Panhead
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
I consulted with Jayco warranty department prior to having a custom hitch installed on our Jayco 31.5RLTS with Dexter frame. They stated that the only issue with warranty would be if the frame failed where the hitch was installed and the failure could be a result of the hitch assembly. I later had our trailer at the factory for a crack in the side wall at the bedroom slide and they made no mention at all of the hitch being an issue. Fixed the sidewall and covered everything under the 2 year warranty. And all is right with the world.

Steve
wing_zealot
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
Just me, but unless you know something about structural engineering, steel yield strength, size and shape of framing members vs. twisting moments; I would be very leery about adding a hitch to any 5er that didn't come with a rated hitch. You may very well be using up all of the built in safety factor when you tow something. It could be one of the most costliest mistakes you ever make. And if your 5er is called an "Lightweight", "Ultra-Light" or any variation, you're playing with fire if you ask me. They ain't making frames like they used to, it's all about light and cheap now.