Towing two trailer at one time

[patriotgrunt]

I've always been amazed by the people who tow a RV and their boat at the same time, but I'm curious if it changes how you drive? Can you back-up both trailers at the same time in a normal fashion or is there a trick? How do they handle taking turns?

[transamz9]

myredracer wrote:
Came across this triple setup in Utah, the first we've ever seen. Owner said it was 81' overall and no problem to tow. Man, until you see one in person, you can't appreciate how long these things are! :E Wonder how you get into and out of gas stations?

We pulled out onto the interstate before them and a few minutes later they came flying past at warp speed at what seemed like over 100 mph. He was outa sight in seconds. Crazy!

I use to be 82' long with my old rig. I bout a longer rig and truck since then.

[tracyb-oh]

drsteve wrote:

We were shopping for a new 5th wheel camper this weekend and were surprised how many had a hitch on the back.

Those receivers are also used for mounting bike racks and cargo carriers, which are more common than pulling doubles.

That makes more sense!

[RandACampin]

WNYBob wrote:
Big issue is that they are not legal in all states. I say a guy with a TC, horse trailer (2 horse) and boat. A state cop had him pulled over, he was not allowed to continue.

Just because it's legal where you licensed them, doesn't mean you're legal in other states.

1

[tinner12002]

I have several friends in WI that double tow, motorcycle trailer behind a 40ft 5th wheel...scares me but not something I would or need to do. That's what they make toy haulers for.

[drsteve]

We were shopping for a new 5th wheel camper this weekend and were surprised how many had a hitch on the back.

Those receivers are also used for mounting bike racks and cargo carriers, which are more common than pulling doubles.

[tracyb-oh]

We were wondering about this. We were shopping for a new 5th wheel camper this weekend and were surprised how many had a hitch on the back. I guess more people do this than I thought.

[uncledon]

patriotgrunt wrote:

JIMNLIN wrote:

patriotgrunt wrote:

It helps to plan your moves such as getting in and out of the fuel pumps or final destination. You don't just pull of the road into any mom and pop fuel stations.
I keep my speeds down and forget about keeping up with the flow.

I too tow my '09 Bighorn 3055RL and 18' Bass Tracker behind my Silverado longbed. @ 74' I'm legal in MI, but not in any other states around me as far as I know.

As mentioned in the quote, the fuel stops need to be checked out well before venturing in. I plan out my entire trip with Google maps and other online tools so I know pretty much where I'm going and what I can expect. If necessary I will pull over and check it out before moving in to a situation that at least will be embarrassing.

[Searching_Ut]

As for towing doubles, it's quite common here in the Rocky mountain states. I've had several rigs set up this way, all bumper pulls which require some attention to detail when initially setting up. I've towed both trailer and boat, and trailer and utility trailer with ATVs. The biggest issues I've had keeping inside the 65 foot total length limit, and no special license or indorsement is required here. When towing the boat trailer combo, I would launch the boat prior to hitting the campground as it made unhooking and moving the boat trailer much easier so I could back the TT into the camping spot. Backing both trailers up wasn't hard other than I had to use a kind of zig zag procedures since I couldn't see the boat trailer in the mirrors when the whole rig was straight. You also had to be careful not to run into traction issues trying to pull the trailers back up the ramp as boat ramps can be slick.

The above said, especially when doing doubles with bumper pulls you really have set everything up perfect so you don't get sway. Things can get away from you much quicker, and more violently with doubles than with a single TT.

[patriotgrunt]

81' is a bit much especially if he's driving at warp speed. I would be creeping along at 55-60 mph with that much behind me.

[mowermech]

drsteve wrote:

myredracer wrote:
Came across this triple setup in Utah, the first we've ever seen. Owner said it was 81' overall and no problem to tow.

He does have one problem: he's only legal in Wyoming and New Hampshire. No other state (Utah included) permits more than 75' overall length. Utah's limit is 61'.

State laws

Much of what that link says about Montana is inaccurate, also.
I have never found any such "List of Towing Laws" that is really accurate!
Don't trust them!

[RAS43]

I question the accuracy of that link as it shows two length limits for Utah-61' for combined and 65' for "triple" towing.
And Colorado does allow "triple" towing as I have been doing it for 20 years.
Best to contact the state you want to travel in for information as the lists I have seen I are not totally accurate.

[drsteve]

myredracer wrote:
Came across this triple setup in Utah, the first we've ever seen. Owner said it was 81' overall and no problem to tow.

He does have one problem: he's only legal in Wyoming and New Hampshire. No other state (Utah included) permits more than 75' overall length. Utah's limit is 61'.

State laws

[JIMNLIN]

We tow doubles (two trailers) in OK with a class D license.
In fact triple towing (three trailers) is popular in the summer around here with all the large CEO lakes. Usually its a truck....5th wheel trailer..... ski boat....and a trailer full of PWC's bringing up the rear.

[carringb]

Only in California.
So you don't need an endorsement for other states?

Generally no. Michigan does also require a special R endorsement, on your regular class license, but they require the first trailer to be a fiver. I'm not aware of any other states with special liscensing requirements for RVs, other than many states prohibiting it altogether. Michigan does not require the R endorsement for non residents.

CA requires a class A with doubles endorsement and medical card, but both trailers can be conventional. But if one trailer is over 28' then the shorter 75' limit applies so in reality that doesn't allow much for a 2nd trailer.