With a fifth only - correct?
What weights on the truck need to be looked at?
Do all states allow it?
Is an endorsement, or special license needed ?
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With a fifth only - correct?
What weights on the truck need to be looked at?
Do all states allow it?
Is an endorsement, or special license needed ?
Laws vary so much from state to state that you won't be able to get an accurate answer on this forum. For example, in AL it is forbidden by statute. In neighboring MS, it is allowed with some restrictions. Etc.
Unless you already own the 5th wheel or have a family traveling with you, you may want to consider a Truck camper.
PROS: You can back up with a boat attached. Your wife can drive! Smaller campsites are OK. Camper Cost is less than a 5th wheel(not much). Must be an efficient packer.
CONS: Two people are great, more than that is a crowd. A truck camper of any size requires a F350 minimum, (many people buy more camper than their truck is rated for(BAD NEWS)
We spent 48 day last summer hauling our boat on a walleye adventure in the Dakotas. We have spent 3 winters in Florida in our camper. WE take the camper off the truck for the stay. WE have a front reciever hitch for the bikes. I'll find a picture.
To answer your question though, approximately 30 states allow triple haul. Most of the states that touch the ocean or are east of the Mississippi do not.
Thank you both!
Northforker - that's a beautiful setup! What model is that slide in?
We don't currently have a camper, of any sorts. I'm exploring most everything at this point. From double towing, to a setup as posted above, to a small boat on a ladder rack of the tow vehicle.
The only thing I'm not keen on is a motorhome. For two reasons
1. if you want to go somewhere, you have to load/ pack up.
2. It's another vehicle to maintain, register, insure, etc.
Its an eagle cap 960 with a single slide on the driver's side. Upscale truck campers have lots of amenities but they are heavy. This one weighs 4200 lbs loaded. Eagle cap makes a double and a triple slide models that weigh over 6000 lbs and require an F450 dually to haul them. This unit has a generator, a solar panel, refrigerator, microwave, gas stove top, oven, shower, toilet, king sized bed, air conditioning, exhaust fan, roof rack, power awning, 40 gallon water tank, 44 gallon black water tank, 44 gallon grey water tank. 8 gallon water heater, 2 each 20 lbs propane tank. 2 each 100 ah deep cycle batteries, dinette, clothes closet. All fitted into less than 150 square feet!Quote:
Originally Posted by skunked again
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One buddy owned a boat manufacturing plant. He needed someone to deliver several boats from Arkansas plant to Florida .Called their DOT but got no asnswer . His son pulled tandem trailers with boats stacked on them . The next week Florida DOT called saying that was not legal there . :yikes :Rofl :dono
My family and I camp in a fifth wheel pulled by a dually pick up. I could easily have my wife pull the boat with our Tahoe if we go on a camping & fishing trip.
My opinion is fifth wheel plus big tow vehicle is the way to go!
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I have a similar setup. 32 ft travel trailer pulled by a F250. My wife pulls our boat with her Jeep.Quote:
Originally Posted by Loop Knot
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I have a 38 ft fifth wheel pulled by a 3500 Ram and my wife pulls my Bay boat with het Ram 1500.
That way we can go whichever way we want when we are on a trip. I can fish and she can go shopping, visiting are whatever.
I triple tow a 5th wheel and 16' Deep V boat.
28 states allow triple towing. The entire East Coast, Washington, and Oregon prohibit triple towing. California requires some sort of special permit. All states have a length limit restriction. Some states require the towed vehicle to be a 5th wheel, but not all. Some allow teh first trailer to be a bumper pull, mostly out West.
I live in Illinois and our length limit is 60'. That isn't entirely true. Illinois allows 80' on the Interstates and State Highways with a few ramp exceptions around Chicago, East St. Louis areas. There is a 5 mile grace for fuel and to the campers storage facility. Most of the restrictions are in cities/towns and their roadways.
To answer some of your other questions.
The main things to consider is weight.
Can the truck carry the weight of the 5th wheel pin which can be up to 25% of the 5th wheel total loaded weight?
This includes fuel, passengers, cargo, etc in and on the truck. Can the truck tow the combined weight of truck and both trailers.
Can the 5th wheel tow the boat weight? 3,000 pounds is common.
I'll use my situation as an example.
I triple tow with a F150 3.5L Ecoboost Extended Cab with standard bed (6.5') 2 wheel drive.
KZ 231RK 5th wheel, maximum is 7,000 pounds fully loaded.
Sylvan 16' Deep-V fully loaded on trailer weighs 2,300 pounds.
My truck in this configuration has a GVWR of 6,900 pounds. truck fully loaded weighs (included 5th wheel hitch, gas and passengers) 5,400 pounds. Leaves 1,500 pounds for the trailer pin weight. Actual pin weight is 1,400. 100 pounds to spare.
My towing capacity is 10,300 pounds- Camper and boat weigh 9,300 pounds. 1,000 pounds to spare.
My trucks GCVWR is 16,900 pounds. Fully loaded all three weigh 16,200 pounds. 700 pounds to spare.
Total length of my rig is 59.25'. I have 9" to spare to travel anywhere in the state.
Let's talk fuel economy.
Truck empty averages 24.2mpg on the interstate.
truck/boat 17-18mpg.
truck/camper 10-13mpg.
truck/camper/boat 8-10mpg.
I never have trailer sway from passing vehicles and I get passed by almost everyone. When towing I drive 65 maximum in 70mph zones and the speed limit in all other zones. There is no way I can outrun anyone, nor do I try. Less stress for me to let them go around. I have a very comfortable ride. Never feel like I am on the edge, or white knuckled. Beware, not all 1/2 tons can tow a 5th wheel. I mentioned the specifics of my truck for a reason. That combination gives me the ability to tow a 5th wheel. Be carefull assuming a 3/4 ton will be better. I can out pull almost all small V8's in 3/4 ton trucks, especially if they are crewcabs.Attachment 394394
Hit me up if you have more questions. I see you also live in Illinois. One thing I forgot. Illinois requires a the first trailer to be a 5th wheel. The KZ 231RK is the shortest 5thwheel I could find that meet my requirements. There are only 2 or 3 models in teh 25' range. more options in the 27'-28' range and numerous options in the 30' range. Subtract about 4' off the trailer length. That is how much will overhang the bed of teh truck.Quote:
Originally Posted by skunked again
Hanr3 - thank you! Im going to need to read that a couple times, let it soak in!!
I did research for two years before I bought anything. Very happy with my set-up. I generally get asked questions when I pull into the campground and when I'm getting ready to leave. I don't mind. Most are surprised it's legal in Illinois. If I start to talk about towing capacities their eyes glaze over and start to roll back in their heads. But it gives them an idea of things to consider.Quote:
Originally Posted by skunked again
I'm just starting researching. Our current plan is to rent a small bumper pull, a couple times this year, It's only wife and myself. Something we can pull behind our nissan frontier.
If we like it, go from there.
I'd like to keep the frontier, as it will be paid off in 2 year's, and I like this vehicle. However, everything has it's limits.
I still like the escape 5.0's and scamp fifth wheels. She doesn't like the idea of either a wet bath or sleeping in a "claustrophobic" area.
I truly appreciate your offering, and everyone else's help!
I had an f150 crew cab. I triple towed through Missouri and Arkansas. I pulled a hybrid travel trailer that grossed 5k lbs and a 14ft john converted to a bass boat. My tired truck did ok...drank the fuel. You really can't tell the 3rd rig is there. Both trailers just fall into line.
I did blow a wheel bearing on the camper. I never determined if the boat was the cause.
One thing to consider, most campers don't have real bumpers or any substance to attach a strong hitch to. At best they're good for bikes or the cargo rack.
I never wanted to maintain a motor home cause I have enough maintenance to do... well I got sick of having to need bigger and bigger trucks. Sold the truck and the 37ft travel trailer and bought a motor home. It pulls the boat just fine. Its way more comfortable for road trips. I got a cheap small suv that fits in a parking lot, pulls my boat, and can also be towed behind my motor home.
As far as maintenance... well the winterizing is all the same. I change the oil in the engine and genny each spring. But really its not too bad. My rv is a 2010? 2005? Can't believe I dont know right now. Anyway its not new, I had to put some work into it, but I would have had to do that to any big ole truck I could afford too.
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skimped on truck heavy on camperQuote:
Originally Posted by BAMA S
Attachment 394404
Lil1500 loaded. ��
I’m considering a hitch. But I may draw to much attention
You mentioned a smaller put on top boat. We bought a 41ft toy hauler last year and a 3500 Dodge 4 door flat bed. The garage part of the toy hauler is 12 ft long. You might could put a small boat in it. The weight limit is 2500 lbs. Just a thought
I researched a lot of options.
RV towing boat- pros, quick and easy set-up. Con's- have to break camp every time you want to launch/retrieve boat. Not really conducive to lakes, campgrounds without overnight boat docks.
Have teh wife pull the boat. That would be a No, her quote. She would rather ride with me and let me do all the driving. I'm cool with that.
Slide in camper- pros- functional. Cons- That would be a No, her words again. Plus you need a serious truck to carry the weight in the bed.
Pretty much left me with the 5th wheel option.
Go to the RV shows this winter. Your up by Chi-Town right? The RV shows is a great time to climb in them and imagine how you would live in it. How you would cook, where food would go, where the clothes would go, how the bathroom is set-up, how the living room and tv are organized, dining room table, etc. Pretend to go through a meal, prep for bed, take a shower etc. Sit in it and mentally walk through it. I played that game with the wife. She pointed out things she like and didn't like. We looked and massive triple axle units down to tear drop campers. Then I went internet shopping. Found the models we liked, then found the nearest dealer that had them in stock so we could check them out. The biggest thing is the floor layout. Where is everything located. Can you work with it? Shelving, storage organization, etc. can be added. But it's real hard to move the toilet or move a sink.
Hanr3 - thank you! Very thoughtful reply! Alot of what you wrote, are things we have discussed as well ! Your first paragraph sounds like us ! Are our wives related?!?!? :Rofl She did however, surprise me tonight. Said she'd be willing to tow a 10' boat, as long as she didn't have to back up !!! First time she's made that offer. I think the real reason is she doesn't want to get rid of the frontier, and get a full size vehicle. I'm mixed on whether or not I want a full size vehicle.
We live a half hour east of st louis. I'll look and see if they're having a rv show this year. I like your idea. We did go to a dealer in st louis last month, walked in three different campers. With what you said in mind. Found one we liked. It's a bumper pull, which eliminates double towing.
This is the dealer I bought my KZ 231RK from. Excellent customer service. I had a couple of warranty issues and they took care them without question or hassle. I made an appointment and drove 3 1/2 hours one way to make the first thing in the am appointment. Told them what my plans were and they had me back on the road that afternoon.
Travers St. Louis RV | Trailer & Fifth Wheel Dealer - Saint Louis, MO
Thank you sir !
Very true. I bought an aluminum boat for parking on the banks. I usually only take the boat with the RV when we plan to play for several days and the water and campsite are in close proximity. My family often camps w/o the boat or much in the way of water, and I usually take day trips to go fishing without the family and camper.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hanr3
My parents seems to be very conflicted on this very topic too. The bottom line is that there is no perfect solution, just what works best for you.
If you really want to double tow, let me give you one more option. Instead of going with a very heavy duty pickup and 5th wheel you can go with a motor home which tows a normal car which is towing the jon boat. That bypasses the problem of the travel trailer not having a good rear hitch and an also winds up with a lower total cost. You just have to make sure the toad (vehicle being towed) is capable of being towed flat (most auto-transmission 2wd vehicles CANNOT be towed flat).
Let's step this game up a notch. Get a over/under trailer for the car and boat. Then pull one trailer behind the RV. Legal in all states.Quote:
Originally Posted by DoyleAlley
Attachment 394499
Hanr3 - that set-up, while sweet, costs more than our house, all four cars and boat !!
My first consideration would not be the load that could be towed, but other what I could tow (legally or in good-faith) with my setup. Your workhorse (the towing vehicle) dictates much of this. Diesel is the way to go in my honest opinion. 5th wheel to a bumper pull for a trailer if necessary. The motor home with towing a boat is happy medium for sure. Make sure your accessories match the options of your towing ability first and foremost. After all, the truck is doing all the work!
Nice setupQuote:
Originally Posted by Northforker
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