Riding While Towing

Little off topic, this is something that is quite common to see (at least in Indiana). Usually, folks are loading up to take their boats to the water. At this campground, the water was about 5 miles away. I've never seen anyone ride in a boat on the highways, but quite common at State Parks and State Recreation areas. Maybe they think there is a difference driving 30 mph than 60 mph. And yes, I've seen inflatable "toys" flip out of the back of boats on the road, and the kids scrambling to try to rescue them. Very scary to follow them in the truck when this happens.

I've never heard of anyone ever falling out of the boat, but still, it makes me cringe every time I see this. Sometimes, kids are hanging over the edges, climbing around, acting like monkeys. I understand the excitement, but sometimes common sense IS thrown to the wind! It's not just RV's here. THIS example is very common, much more than riding in an RV.

Chessyman wrote:
I know it is illegal, but I am thinking of getting a travel trailer and wondered how much of a concern it really was and if you do it anyway.

Thanks in advance.

There's just the two of us, though my truck can seat six, so I really can't think of a reason we'd want to.

When I was little I rode in the old camp trailer we had a few miles down to the main highway before I got in the truck. I wouldn't let my kids do it in our bumper pull today.

When I was in my teens I rode in the living quarters of a gooseneck horse trailer for about 400mi. It wasn't bad at all. The aluminum structure, no awning, made for a decently quiet and comfortable ride. I would let my kids ride in my parents current gooseneck horse trailer.

My grandmother rode in the back of the trailer. My grandfather was a very catious & safe drive. Rounding a curve in Nevada , the trailer swayed and she was thrown out of the trailer. Unfortunately her scarf got caught and she was dragged a bit before it ripped. She was lucky, she only had to spend 3 weeks in the hospital. I grew up riding in a camper and were never allowed to walk around while travelling. Having done all that I would never ride in a trailer. Theres reasons its illegal and I can't see any benefit to riding back there.

Grand Canyon - Mather Campground. After we filled our water tank the kids wanted to ride in the TT the short distance to the site. Mind you this was at about 5-10 mph for maybe 200 yards - they reported a crude and noisy ride.

bobndot wrote:
I can't imagine riding in a vehicle not being seat belted .
It's not the initial impact that does you harm. It's the secondary impact.

Just before the trailer flattens out like the one in the above pic, cabinets fly open, drawers open and empty their contents. Toasters and frying pans flying around.
It's the chefs steak knife hanging out of your eye where the problem lies.

just how young are you? You seem to have missed a lot growing up.

Alabama Jim wrote:
It is not worth the risk to have people ride in the TT. Besides danger, I would think a lot of people would get sick to their stomach due to the swaying of the trailer.

I know a bunch that tried it, puked their guts out.

We did as kids and still do.

I remember looking at a C-Class that was for sale. The lady that owned it gave us the tour. She said that often while Her late husband drove she would boil a pot of water on the gas stove and make tea. Then She demonstrated the stance She used while holding the pot on the stove.
I didn't have the nerve to ask what happened to Her late Husband. Hopefully not 3rd degree burns.

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Must not be very many motorcycle riders on this site. :B

At least on a motorcycle you may see it coming and can take some corrective action, even if it's only closing your eyes just before impact. :C