towing a small trailer

[mike54]

I bought a small 48 x 48 trailer I'm thinking to use it behind my 5th wheel to haul a handicap scooter. I know my truck can handle it and it would weight less than 500 lbs total . opinions?

[kwlincoln]

mike54 wrote:

poncho62 wrote:
I think a rack on the back of your 5th wheel would make more sense.

already tried that it ended badly

"ended badly"? Then you did it wrong! This would be significantly less troublesome than another trailer. This is your best solution. Get a better rack. Get a welder to make a custom one.

And BTW, of course you don't "intend" to back up with 2 trailers. None of us do, but you will eventually get stuck somewhere and have to. Not to mention many campsites will have to be backed into. A second trailer is the last resort.

[Broccoli1]

Slap a 4x4 decal on the scooter 🙂

[Wadcutter]

Your profile shows you are from IL. If you intend to tow such a combination in IL then it would not be a legal tow in IL. The only vehicles that can be towed behind a 5th wheel is a boat, ATV, PWC, or motorcycle. Also the trailer would have to have brakes.
Here's the applicable section of the statute.
625 ILCS 5/15-107(c)
(5) Recreational vehicles consisting of 3 vehicles, provided the following:
A) The total overall dimension does not exceed 60 feet.
B) The towing vehicle is a properly registered vehicle capable of towing another vehicle using a fifth-wheel type assembly.
C) The second vehicle in the combination of vehicles is a recreational vehicle that is towed by a fifth-wheel assembly. This vehicle must be properly registered and must be equipped with brakes, regardless of weight.
D) The third vehicle must be the lightest of the 3 vehicles and be a trailer or semitrailer designed or used for transporting a boat, all-terrain vehicle, personal watercraft, or motorcycle.
E) The towed vehicles may be only for the use of the operator of the towing vehicle.
F) All vehicles must be properly equipped with operating brakes and safety equipment required by this Code, except the additional brake requirement in subdivision (C) of this subparagraph (5).

[mike54]

poncho62 wrote:
I think a rack on the back of your 5th wheel would make more sense.

already tried that it ended badly

[mike54]

Oasisbob wrote:
Well as previously mentioned not legal in many states. Also consider you won't be able to see it and how will you back up? Maybe a custom bumper extension would work better?

don't plan on backing it up. it's small enough even with the handicap scooter on it I can unhook it and move it around.

[poncho62]

I think a rack on the back of your 5th wheel would make more sense.

[Oasisbob]

Well as previously mentioned not legal in many states. Also consider you won't be able to see it and how will you back up? Maybe a custom bumper extension would work better?

[mike54]

Bedlam wrote:
Some states require the trailer to have brakes. Have you considered a deck with swivel wheel off the back of the FW? You would not be limited where you travel.

I have looked into swivel wheel trailers but right now 1800.00 is out of the budget

[Bedlam]

Some states require the trailer to have brakes. Most of the small trailers also have small wheels which spin incredibly fast on the highways. Unless you frequently service the hubs, they will fail. Have you considered a deck with swivel wheel off the back of the FW? You would not be limited where you travel.

[mike54]

I thought of that but the 3 I travel in right now it is. when I go full time I will have to check the rules in other states.

[enblethen]

Double towing is not allowed in all states.