Triple towing

azdryheat wrote:
I go straight to the source, the towing laws for the state in question. I'm in AZ and the law is under ARS 28-1095, which covers multiple trailers. In short, towing two trailers in AZ is legal so long as the first trailer is a fifth wheel.

Not all state regs are clear is the reason I would go to the source and ask how the state will enforce the reg.
Example my state chapter 14 says; (snip)...
* b. vans, suburbans, blazers or other similar types of vehicles and self-propelled recreational vehicles with a three-quarter (3/4) ton or more rated capacity, may tow a semitrailer and one complete trailer or semitrailer for recreational purposes only, provided the overall length, inclusive of the front and rear bumpers, does not exceed sixty-five (65) feet.*
The last I checked with my area troop hdq they say at this time the state isn't enforcing this part of the code because of the wording 3/4 ton rated capacity hasn't been determined by the state.
I would check with enforcement for any size and weight questions.

Double tow is legal in Indiana with the first tow trailer being a 5er OR a TT. I've seen all kinds of combinations in my state. Usually the 2nd towed trailer is a much smaller trailer, mostly to carry ATV's or motorcycles. I have seen some folks towing a smaller travel trailer with a John Boat, sometimes with a motor, behind the trailer. Indiana does have 1 rule, the entire length cannot exceed 60 feet of any combination of tow vehicle and trailer.

Here's a good informative web site: Click here.

Yes, you can do it if your state permits it. Your trailer will most likely need to have some reinforcement done to the trailer frame for an adequate hitch so the extra weight dragging behind the camper will not rip it to pieces.

One risk though... if your camper is still under warrant, your warranty may be voided if you start welding additional framing to your existing framing. It all depends upon your specific camper if you can actually do it or not. Some campers are so lightweight, it would be death to the camper to attempt it.

But yes, people do it all the time.

The thing you have to ask yourself is if you can move the boat by hand if you get into a situation you can not back both trailers. Most of us can move a small boat by had so that we can get out of the unexpected situation. With a pontoon boat???

Mickey G wrote:
I should have been more clearer.
I have an F350 Dually with a 30'"5th wheel and I want to tow a 16' pontoon behind the 5th wheel.
Michigan allows Recreation Doubles with a special license.
Would this be a problem as long as the weights are good?

If it is legal in your state then get the proper endorsement and go for it.
Do check what is OK on the fifth wheel frame for towing.

What would you consider as "good weights"? I don't think a boat would bother me, but a pontoon boat would be more of an issue IMO. Higher, heavier, more wind catching area, more of everything. As was mentioned a lot may depend on how much distance you're looking at. A few miles wouldn't be a big deal, halfway across the company, maybe not for me.

My brother-in-law pulled an 18 foot vee hull behind his 30' fifth wheel from central Iowa up into Minnesota for quite a few years with no issues. One year he got stopped by a over eager hiway patrolman who informed him he couldn't go into Minnesota. Turns out the regulations mandate that the first trailer be a 5th wheel no longer than 30'. He thought he was fine but the LEO informed him his 5th wheel measured 30'6". Too long.

I should have been more clearer.
I have an F350 Dually with a 30'"5th wheel and I want to tow a 16' pontoon behind the 5th wheel.
Michigan allows Recreation Doubles with a special license.
Would this be a problem as long as the weights are good?

fj12ryder wrote:
Why, oh why do people insist on calling this a triple tow? It is a double tow, easy to figure out: two trailer being towed, ergo, double tow. When you pull just a trailer do you call that a double tow? No, so it is a double tow when you pull something behind a trailer.

If you pull a trailer, another trailer, and a third trailer, that would be a triple tow. 3 trailers would be a triple tow, 2 trailers is a double tow.

It's not confusing, but calling a double tow a triple tow is confusing. Stop it.

I am with you.

I go straight to the source, the towing laws for the state in question. I'm in AZ and the law is under ARS 28-1095, which covers multiple trailers. In short, towing two trailers in AZ is legal so long as the first trailer is a fifth wheel.

Why, oh why do people insist on calling this a triple tow? It is a double tow, easy to figure out: two trailer being towed, ergo, double tow. When you pull just a trailer do you call that a double tow? No, so it is a double tow when you pull something behind a trailer.

If you pull a trailer, another trailer, and a third trailer, that would be a triple tow. 3 trailers would be a triple tow, 2 trailers is a double tow.

It's not confusing, but calling a double tow a triple tow is confusing. Stop it.

JIMNLIN wrote:
Don't mess with a google and use one of the rv websites that don't know the difference in towing double or triples.
ALWAYS go to your local state troop hdq and ask about legal issues regarding towing rv doubles (two trailers),

Don't do as one newby on another rv website and ask his local troop hdq if it was legal to triple tow rv's in his state (TX). Naturally he was told it wasn't. In TX its legal to tow rv doubles or double towing (two trailers) as most states.

This- most people will give incorrect opinions.

Some states it's legal to tow another trailer behind a TT, others require the first to be a 5th wheel. Some don't allow it at all. There are state's maximum length to consider as well.

It's up to you to verify what the laws are in the states you want to visit.