Truck with 5ver towing a boat

[DarkSkySeeker]

On my last trip I saw two trucks with 5th wheels attached and boats in tow.

My brother thought this was only legal in California if the trip originated in Nevada as the laws were different.

Where can I get more information about this?

[Cummins12V98]

CA it's legal with endorsement. I can and do double tow there since I am licensed SD. I have double towed thru OR and WA 3 round trips now without issue. I am guessing they don't care since I am licensed SD.

[CA_Traveler]

valhalla360 wrote:

CA Traveler wrote:
Other than a drivers license there is no reciprocity on driving laws between states. Can't exceed speed limits for example. Double towing if allowed in a state may have length restrictions.

While I don't believe reciprocity applies to double towing, it's a little more nuanced than that. For example, I can drive in California without meeting California emissions rules.

OK good point but if you live or work in CA for some time you have to register the vehicle and that requires passing emissions in many counties. Not all counties require emission testing.

Best to remember the towing speed limit is 55. The worst offenders of this are Californians IMHO. And me as I flow with most trucks at 61-62.

[Campfire_Time]

C.B. wrote:
Legal in Wisconsin.

I din't tow a boat. I do tow a enclosed trailer behind 5er.

It should be noted that there are length restrictions. I'm sure yours is fine, your second trailer is pretty short. I've seen a few over the years though that can't be legal.

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/348/II/08

[valhalla360]

CA Traveler wrote:
Other than a drivers license there is no reciprocity on driving laws between states. Can't exceed speed limits for example. Double towing if allowed in a state may have length restrictions.

While I don't believe reciprocity applies to double towing, it's a little more nuanced than that. For example, I can drive in California without meeting California emissions rules.

[Lwiddis]

“California allows it IF the first trailer is a 5th wheel and the whole combo is under a certain length.”

Yes, bikendan, but they are rare. I stare at them!

[fj12ryder]

Bumpyroad wrote:
I thought that MN allowed a pickup/5er/boat combination only.
bumpy

That's correct, and the 5th wheel has a maximum length. My BIL was informed by a Minnesota state trooper that his 31.5' 5th wheel was 6" too long.

[GordonThree]

My favorite is the Class A towing a truck towing a boat!

[Bumpyroad]

I thought that MN allowed a pickup/5er/boat combination only.
bumpy

[JIMNLIN]

I see some California members are towing doubles and is legal in their state if certain requirements are met.
Hang in there as some may may have already done the foot work on any legal issues and may respond.

When I towed for a living the only folks that could answer all my legal issue questions were at a state troop command post. Give them a call or drop by one in your area and get a answer from those that enforce those type motor vehicle laws.

Also keep in mind many state troopers in traffic divisions haven't been through their state size and weight school....but I bet they will know a trooper who has. Most are pretty nice guys and can get you in touch with one.

[BB_TX]

Many people tow a trailer behind their 5er. Generally speaking it is legal in the middle states and less so in the east and west coasts states. Overall length requirements have to be met also. But best check with each state of interest before trying it.

[fj12ryder]

DarkSkySeeker wrote:
On my last trip I saw two trucks with 5th wheels attached and boats in tow.

My brother thought this was only legal in California if the trip originated in Nevada as the laws were different.

Where can I get more information about this?

Call your local/state DMV and get info straight from the horse's mouth, rather than 3rd or 4th hand opinions off an internet forum.

Of course there's no guarantee that they have it straight, but you went to the source anyway.

[CA_Traveler]

Other than a drivers license there is no reciprocity on driving laws between states. Can't exceed speed limits for example. Double towing if allowed in a state may have length restrictions.

[bikendan]

DarkSkySeeker wrote:
On my last trip I saw two trucks with 5th wheels attached and boats in tow.

My brother thought this was only legal in California if the trip originated in Nevada as the laws were different.

Where can I get more information about this?

California allows it IF the first trailer is a 5th wheel and the whole combo is under a certain length.

[C_B_]

Legal in Wisconsin.

I din't tow a boat. I do tow a enclosed trailer behind 5er.




C.B.

[Second_Chance]

Simple Google search:

http://www.hitchemup.com/statetowinglaws.htm