Michigan double tow

rjxj wrote:

GordonThree wrote:
Next time I see a state trooper at work I'll ask if they're not busy.

Thank you
It's probably just the way they worded it that at first made me think what the heck, is this something I haven't seen before? I asked at sec of state but it's their job to hand you the test and take the money. So it's probably nothing unusual but people do get confused at first.

And if you took the test, you noted that one of the answers was inconsistent with the study pamphlet they have. IIRC the question was on total length. The pamphlet says 75ft. The test provided 3 answers, 60, 65, and 70 ft. No place for none of the above. The SOS lady marked me off for writing in 75ft and was not interested in seeing the pamphlet I got in their office. Oh well, it was the only one I "missed" and still got the license endorsement.

I double towed a jet ski trailer behind my 5th wheel and just used the regular safety chains on the jet ski trailer attached next to the ball at the back of my 5th wheel. Towed that combo all over Michigan with never a problem from the authorities who often passed me on the roads.

I think if your safety chains are properly rated and attached securely in a conventional manner, and all other aspects of the hitching system are proper, you'll be just fine.

If anyone is going to write you a ticket for something, they'll be looking for anything that looks unsafe or out of the ordinary.

Attaching your safety chains the far right and left ends of the bumper and/or trailer, would definitely look out of the ordinary. Plus, the chains would have to be rediculously long and dragging the ground to be able to make a turn...

One thing about laws-

There's the SPIRIT of the law, which is to make us more safe. Then there is the actual WORDING of the law, which is often written by someone who has no knowledge of the subject, and that is where the confusion starts!

GordonThree wrote:
Next time I see a state trooper at work I'll ask if they're not busy.

Thank you
It's probably just the way they worded it that at first made me think what the heck, is this something I haven't seen before? I asked at sec of state but it's their job to hand you the test and take the money. So it's probably nothing unusual but people do get confused at first.

Next time I see a state trooper at work I'll ask if they're not busy.

Sheesh, that's a good question. Here's the context

Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.721 subsection (3) wrote:
(3) A vehicle or trailer towed or drawn by a vehicle shall be attached to the vehicle with forms of coupling devices in a manner so that when the combination is operated in a linear alignment on a level, smooth, paved surface, the movement of the towed or drawn vehicle or trailer does not deviate more than 3 inches to either side of the path of the towing vehicle that tows or draws it. The vehicle or trailer shall also be connected to the towing vehicle by suitable safety chains or devices, 1 on each side of the coupling and at the extreme outer edge of the vehicle or trailer. Each chain or device and connection used shall be of sufficient strength to haul the vehicle or trailer when loaded. In the case of an implement of husbandry with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, the safety chains or devices required under this subsection shall conform to the federal motor carrier safety regulations requirements contained in 49 CFR 393.70(d)(5).

I've never seen anyone with safety chains setup that way, they're on either side of the coupler on both the trailer and vehicle. Must be something that's seldom enforced.

Take note, it doesn't stipulate to double-towing, it appears to apply to any form of towing with a vehicle and a trailer?

Subsection (5) talks about double towing.

subsection (5) wrote:
(5) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a pickup truck with a towing rating equal to, or greater than, the weight being towed, equipped with a fifth wheel assembly that conforms with the standards prescribed in the motor carrier safety act of 1963, 1963 PA 181, MCL 480.11 to 480.25, towing attached with a semitrailer designed for recreational living purposes may tow an additional trailer or semitrailer under the following conditions:

(a) The additional trailer or semitrailer shall be attached as provided in subsection (3). The safety chains described in subsection (3) shall be securely attached at the extreme outer edge of the attached trailer or semitrailer with a locking mechanism. The towing vehicle hitch shall be of substantial material and shall be attached in a proper and skillful manner to the frame of the towing vehicle.

(b) The total length of the pickup truck, semitrailer designed for recreational living purposes, and additional trailer or semitrailer, and load, shall not exceed 75 feet on any highways in this state.

(c) The gross weight of the additional trailer or semitrailer towed or drawn shall not exceed the empty weight of the pickup truck or the empty weight of the semitrailer.

That would seem to indicate the folks living the high life driving their huge DP that is towing a truck that is towing a boat are driving an illegal combination, as the DP doesn't have a fifth wheel assembly.

Some context would be nice. Are you referring to the safety chains on a trailer towed by a 5th wheel?