Double towing

[Tikkamike]

I did a search and didnt really find what I was looking for. I have a 2000 22' Terry Bumper pull trailer. I also have a 9' echo atv trailer. I want to pull a couple ATV's behind my TT there is a receiver hitch that someone attached to the bumper on the TT my question is that suitable for towing another trailer or is that more of a cargo rack type set up? Do I need to have something that is beefier installed? I would love to see pics of your hitches set up for towing double and hear what you pull and how far. I will not be pulling double further than about 100 miles and yes its legal in my state of Wyoming. This is mostly for hunting so a trip up the mountain is about as far as I will be going.

[nevadanick]

Good thing he doesnt plan to go to Mn

[jrp26789]

75ft max in MN and lead trailer must be kingpin.

[Crazy_Cooter]

nevadanick wrote:
I ran an extension cord the length of my tt and since my trucks had both a 7 pin and a 4 flat plugin i used 2 plugs.

This is what I did with my last trailer. My current 5er allowed easy access to the wiring at the rear, so I pulled it from there. I also picked up some resistors with heat sinks to reduce the brake voltage to the second trailer's brakes as the 5er has much more weight on it and have 12" brakes on all axles.

[nevadanick]

I ran an extension cord the length of my tt and since my trucks had both a 7 pin and a 4 flat plugin i used 2 plugs.

[colochoclab]

carringb,
That makes sense! Good plan, thanks!

[carringb]

colochoclab wrote:


My concern now is wiring a 4-flat into the trailer's brake lights. I haven't dug into it yet, but I can't find access to the wiring harness. It's behind the wall somewhere.

All the TTs, for the most part, run the 7-way umbilical to a junction box in the from of the trailer. My last two trailers had it in the front compartment, but my current trailer has it mounted underneath in its own electrical hatch. The is by far the easiest spot to tap in to, and will reduce the chances of overloading the trailer's lights. It would require a full new run of wires from the front to the rear, but a recycled extension cord could serve that purpose, since you can just ground directly to the chassis at the rear.

[colochoclab]

Getting back to the OP's topic...

I am also planning on double-towing this year. My Jayco has the full I-beam frame and I found a hitch application that just might work!

The Curt #12923 is a frame-mounted receiver hitch that is adjustable to several widths. It has a 3500/350 capacity that will work in my circumstance. My second tow is a small Shorelander single jetski trailer that weighs about 1200# with the ski on it, so not much there.

My concern now is wiring a 4-flat into the trailer's brake lights. I haven't dug into it yet, but I can't find access to the wiring harness. It's behind the wall somewhere.

[christopherglen]

Legal issues aside (you seem to have them covered), the only thing would concerned with is weather trailer brakes are required on the second trailer, and weight balance of the first.
You are going to want to practice towing doubles before heading to the mountains.

[Bull_Rider]

mowermech:

Did you get promoted to admin status? I guess I didn't realize that you were the gatekeeper for posts on this thread. In the future, please refrain from lecturing me on how to respond.

These topics are read by many members, and my response was not intended for the sole benefit of the original poster. Please consider using the block feature to avoid further issues.

[mowermech]

Bull Rider wrote:
Tikkamike:

I'm not saying that your law enforcement friend didn't give you good info, but I would suggest that you contact someone that deals with commercial vehicle rules for your state. Commercial Vehicle Officers (CVO's) have specialized training and hands on experience with towing and towing requirements.

They have CVO's in most states because the rules are complex and difficult to decipher just by reading the statutes.

Also, there are no reciprocity agreements between states regarding towing as far as I know. That means that just because you're legal in your home state, you might not be legal in another state.

Someone that can double tow in Montana, can't double tow in Washington.

I really doubt that the OP (who lives in Wyoming) has any intention of taking his double tow to Washington State.
In fact, the OP stated:
"I will not be pulling double further than about 100 miles and yes its legal in my state of Wyoming. This is mostly for hunting so a trip up the mountain is about as far as I will be going."
Seems to me that pretty firmly establishes the limits of his intentions.
As for me (I live in Montana), I have no intent to double tow. But then, I have no intent to go to Washington anyway, so it doesn't matter what Washington will or will not allow.
Reciprocity Agreements usually only cover driver licensing, insurance requirements, and registration. It is interesting to note, though, that even though my ATV is street legal in Montana, that does not mean that any other state will allow me to ride it on the public roadways!
Recreational vehicles are quite often exempt from Commercial Rules.

[Bull_Rider]

Tikkamike:

I'm not saying that your law enforcement friend didn't give you good info, but I would suggest that you contact someone that deals with commercial vehicle rules for your state. Commercial Vehicle Officers (CVO's) have specialized training and hands on experience with towing and towing requirements.

They have CVO's in most states because the rules are complex and difficult to decipher just by reading the statutes.

Also, there are no reciprocity agreements between states regarding towing as far as I know. That means that just because you're legal in your home state, you might not be legal in another state.

Someone that can double tow in Montana, can't double tow in Washington.

[nevadanick]

I towed 2 bumper pulls for several years. You will probably need to move some weight in your TT towards the front to offset the tounguebweight of your second trailer. Other than that mine towed great at Nv hwy limits. Its true there are a few states that your not legal in but just call or email them before you go, thats what i did. MowerMech gave good info. Dont let the naysayers on here discourage you.

[Tikkamike]

My hunting partner is a cop here in town and he looked up the statute and the only limitation is length I can not exceed 85 feet with a maximum of 2 trailers. Then obviously if I exceed 26000 give then a CDL is needed. I'm going to have a hitch welded to the back of my TT frame.

[wnjj]

mowermech wrote:

coolbreeze01 wrote:
Most any competent welder could attach a 2" receiver to your frame.

Running lights and brakes to the second trailer are also doable.

Be sure you end up with enough tongue weights to eliminate possible sway, and have fun.

Not exactly what you want, but similar: utube Truck towing trailer, towing Jeep

I liked this comment after the video:

"This type of tow IS NOT legal in any state."

Sorry, fella, but that just is not true! I can't prove it is not true (AFAIK it is legal in Montana), but then I doubt anybody can show the statutes from each of the 50 states that would make it illegal, either.

Not legal in Oregon, home of the "scared to raise the limit over 65 on interstates" legislature. http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/818.110

Unless I misunderstood your comment. I certainly can not find all 50 states' statues!