Forum Discussion

ol_Bombero-JC's avatar
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Oct 06, 2015

Swivel wheel trlr behind 5th wheel in CALIFORNIA

Note: For/in - *California*

According to the poster, his local CHP office has advised him his (one wheel) swivel wheel trailer for carrying his ATV is an *attachment* to his 5th wheel, and therefore *not* a trailer (which would make it a double tow).

For this forum, guess that would be a modification and/or accessory.

OK.......
Glamis, Oceaneo dunes, & California ATV & MC recreational off-road fans - what say you?..:@

Seen any in use?...:@

The pics of his swivel trailer can be found -HERE- .

*If* it's in compliance with the *California* DMV - he has a great
"attachment" for his "standard" (*not* a Toy Hauler) 5th wheel...:C

Or at least a *legal* attachment for his 5th wheel, LOL.

If not.........a CHP "magnet"?..:(


~
Toy Haulers
  • Crazy_Cooter's avatar
    Crazy_Cooter
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2015
    My FIL, is retired commercial CHP and ran a scale facility. He also told me it is a self supporting frame extension...... I agree, anything out of the ordinary is going to bring attention. I can't hardly go on vacation without having a whole crowd of people asking my questions about my vehicles!

    I built mine with 100"Wx84"L with two swivel wheels accommodating two atv's with my SXS in the garage but only used it a few times before both upgrading into a bigger truck where I can haul on the bed and downsizing the ATV fleet....probably should think about selling it off now unless I get a golf cart or something.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Oct 08, 2015
    fj12ryder wrote:
    My experience has been the opposite. I was never stopped with my Smart Trailer on the back. I always figured it was because the LEO didn't want to mess with the whole can o'worms of trying to figure out if it was a trailer or not.


    Just going down the road at a glance, almost anyone will consider them a trailer. Unless they are familiar with the concept, they will assume it is a trailer until proven otherwise.

    More likely ticketing double tows is not a high priority for them in general.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Oct 07, 2015
    I would have bought one when I had my toy hauler and needed more garage space, but the price put me off. My 20' enclosed trailer cost less, otherwise you would have seen my previous toyhauler with the 8' Idaho Tote attached. There were less expensive swivel wheel makes, but the Idaho Tote looked like the best built one at the time.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Oct 07, 2015
    My experience has been the opposite. I was never stopped with my Smart Trailer on the back. I always figured it was because the LEO didn't want to mess with the whole can o'worms of trying to figure out if it was a trailer or not.
  • Strabo's avatar
    Strabo
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2015
    TRIPLE8 wrote:
    Strabo wrote:
    That will get you pulled over....Alot!!!

    Enjoy :)
    Hi, I have been pulling my Samurai behind my 5th wheel for years in California. ( double tow, not an extension) and have never been pulled over. ( I am legal if I do)


    CHP officers are attracted to things they dont normaly see, like a so called Trailer Extention. You hauling your Sammi is not the same thing as this deal.

    I would pull this rig over in a heart beat.
  • TRIPLE8's avatar
    TRIPLE8
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2015
    Strabo wrote:
    That will get you pulled over....Alot!!!

    Enjoy :)
    Hi, I have been pulling my Samurai behind my 5th wheel for years in California. ( double tow, not an extension) and have never been pulled over. ( I am legal if I do)
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Oct 06, 2015
    Did Mr. CHiP quote a statute? Did he put out an official memo? Did we get the name and address of Mr. CHiP so he can come and defend you when you get a ticket?

    I suspect not. The problem is you are in a gray area. If you read the websites that sell these, they do a lot of implying that you will be fine but are very careful not to claim they are legal.

    As someone else said, odds are as long as you keep your nose clean, they very likely won't make an issue of it. If they have reason to pull you over, they may decide it's a trailer. Even if you win, you still have to take it to court and pay the court costs and lose that time.

    You takes your chances.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2015
    For the states that allow these, there is still a total length restriction on your entire rig. Exceed that length, and then you may be in trouble. you may never get cited for exceeding the length, unless you commit a moving violation, have an accident, or get stopped at a random sobriety check point (which is becoming common in Indiana).

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