I've always been amazed by the people who tow a RV and their boat at the same time, but I'm curious if it changes how you drive? Can you back-up both trailers at the same time in a normal fashion or is there a trick? How do they handle taking turns?

You can't really back them up. Going down the highway isn't much different, though.

You can back them up, pretty easily in fact.http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k0VHFK7Njps

My trailer behind FW, tracks very true to the FW. As you may know, a FW does track to the inside, so you still have to allow for wider turn.You can back two trailers, but not too far.Jerry

Big issue is that they are not legal in all states. I say a guy with a TC, horse trailer (2 horse) and boat. A state cop had him pulled over, he was not allowed to continue.Just because it's legal where you licensed them, doesn't mean you're legal in other states.

I believe that to tow 2 trailers, one of them has to be a 5th wheel. At least that's the law in AZ. The guy with the camper towing two trailers needed to be stopped in his tracks.

Towing two trailer at one time | Good Sam Community

36 Replies

transamz9
Explorer
Jan 26, 2017
myredracer wrote:
Came across this triple setup in Utah, the first we've ever seen. Owner said it was 81' overall and no problem to tow. Man, until you see one in person, you can't appreciate how long these things are! :E Wonder how you get into and out of gas stations?

We pulled out onto the interstate before them and a few minutes later they came flying past at warp speed at what seemed like over 100 mph. He was outa sight in seconds. Crazy!

I use to be 82' long with my old rig. I bout a longer rig and truck since then.
tracyb-oh
Explorer
Jan 25, 2017
drsteve wrote:
We were shopping for a new 5th wheel camper this weekend and were surprised how many had a hitch on the back.

Those receivers are also used for mounting bike racks and cargo carriers, which are more common than pulling doubles.

That makes more sense!
RandACampin
Explorer II
Jan 24, 2017
WNYBob wrote:
Big issue is that they are not legal in all states. I say a guy with a TC, horse trailer (2 horse) and boat. A state cop had him pulled over, he was not allowed to continue.

Just because it's legal where you licensed them, doesn't mean you're legal in other states.

1
tinner12002
Explorer
Jan 24, 2017
I have several friends in WI that double tow, motorcycle trailer behind a 40ft 5th wheel...scares me but not something I would or need to do. That's what they make toy haulers for.
drsteve
Explorer
Jan 24, 2017
We were shopping for a new 5th wheel camper this weekend and were surprised how many had a hitch on the back.

Those receivers are also used for mounting bike racks and cargo carriers, which are more common than pulling doubles.
tracyb-oh
Explorer
Jan 23, 2017
We were wondering about this. We were shopping for a new 5th wheel camper this weekend and were surprised how many had a hitch on the back. I guess more people do this than I thought.
uncledon
Explorer
Jan 21, 2017
patriotgrunt wrote:
JIMNLIN wrote:
patriotgrunt wrote:

It helps to plan your moves such as getting in and out of the fuel pumps or final destination. You don't just pull of the road into any mom and pop fuel stations.
I keep my speeds down and forget about keeping up with the flow.

I too tow my '09 Bighorn 3055RL and 18' Bass Tracker behind my Silverado longbed. @ 74' I'm legal in MI, but not in any other states around me as far as I know.

As mentioned in the quote, the fuel stops need to be checked out well before venturing in. I plan out my entire trip with Google maps and other online tools so I know pretty much where I'm going and what I can expect. If necessary I will pull over and check it out before moving in to a situation that at least will be embarrassing.
Searching_Ut
Explorer
Jan 12, 2017
As for towing doubles, it's quite common here in the Rocky mountain states. I've had several rigs set up this way, all bumper pulls which require some attention to detail when initially setting up. I've towed both trailer and boat, and trailer and utility trailer with ATVs. The biggest issues I've had keeping inside the 65 foot total length limit, and no special license or indorsement is required here. When towing the boat trailer combo, I would launch the boat prior to hitting the campground as it made unhooking and moving the boat trailer much easier so I could back the TT into the camping spot. Backing both trailers up wasn't hard other than I had to use a kind of zig zag procedures since I couldn't see the boat trailer in the mirrors when the whole rig was straight. You also had to be careful not to run into traction issues trying to pull the trailers back up the ramp as boat ramps can be slick.

The above said, especially when doing doubles with bumper pulls you really have set everything up perfect so you don't get sway. Things can get away from you much quicker, and more violently with doubles than with a single TT.
patriotgrunt
Explorer
Jan 12, 2017
81' is a bit much especially if he's driving at warp speed. I would be creeping along at 55-60 mph with that much behind me.
mowermech
Explorer
Jan 11, 2017
drsteve wrote:
myredracer wrote:
Came across this triple setup in Utah, the first we've ever seen. Owner said it was 81' overall and no problem to tow.

He does have one problem: he's only legal in Wyoming and New Hampshire. No other state (Utah included) permits more than 75' overall length. Utah's limit is 61'.

State laws

Much of what that link says about Montana is inaccurate, also.
I have never found any such "List of Towing Laws" that is really accurate!
Don't trust them!