Triple towing

[Mickey_G]

I have heard about people towing a small fishing boat behind their 5th wheel.
Has anyone or does anyone see a problem towing a pontoon boat behind their 5th wheel?

[fj12ryder]

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.

[Mickey_G]

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?

[johntank]

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.

[azdryheat]

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.

[fj12ryder]

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.

[colliehauler]

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.

[RAS43]

I tow a 17' Lund boat behind my 34' 5th wheel and am 67' which is legal where I travel. Been doing this for 20 years without any issues. As far as a pontoon boat, I haven't done that but have seen many around here towing them behind various trailers, including regular travel trailers. Pontoons are heavier then many boats so that could be a factor.
If that is what you are thinking of doing then follow some of the good comments stated earlier. Have a tow vehicle that can handle the combined load, a good hitch on the lead trailer that is installed properly, weigh all units to be sure you are under all weight limits.
When traveling have a plan for stops as these type rigs are not easy to maneuver, especially at rest and fuel stops.If traveling out of your state be sure you are legal on your route. Call ahead to each state, don't rely and the internet for an accurate answer.
Above all, drive alertly and enjoy a safe trip.

[JIMNLIN]

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.

[4x4ord]

Backing up two trailers is a little tricky for some people. In Alberta the lead trailer must be a 5th wheel with at least 2 axles. The longer trailer must be the lead and the overall length of the tow vehicle and trailers can not exceed 66 ft.

[KD4UPL]

Semantics aside it seems your asking about a double tow which is perfectly legal in MI as well as about 30 other states. As long as your hitch and truck are up to the task you can do it.
I'm not sure I'd try it with a pontoon however. From what I've heard those things are a chore to tow solo. The have a rather high center of gravity compared to other boat types. They catch a lot of side wind and a lot of drag.
I would want some kind of electrically controlled brakes on the boat trailer which is unusual. I would want a brake control in the cab set up separately for the trailer brakes so I could apply them to "straighten things out" if need be.
If your` just going 50 miles to a local lake it may work out. If you have in mind of towing it all over the place all the time I think you'll grow tired of it quickly.
A pointy, low, fiberglass hulled boat would probably tow a lot better.

[SidecarFlip]

Recreational doubles legal here in Michigan, triple's no way.

[Ivylog]

Even if double towing is legal where you are going, with a 30' 5er you are probably going to be over the 65' max length in many states.

[Bumpyroad]

IIRC some states allow only specific combos to be towed. PU/5er/boat
for example.
bumpy

[JoeGood988]

Safety is main issue along with your insurance carrier...will they cover a triple tow...almost all eastern states do not allow triple tow...Google rv towing laws by state

[waltbennett]

Although we're from Virginia and it's not legal here, I know double towing is legal in Michigan and quite a few other states, especially west. Although I've seen triple towing semi's out west, I've never seen any RVs doing that.

First though you'd better verify your trailer's hitch is up to towing anything at all. Most of them are really not good enough for even a bicycle or two. Everyone I've seen towing a boat behind a trailer had a custom hitch welded onto their frames.