Yes, you can pull a trailer behind a 5th wheel, but it’s a complex endeavor known as “triple towing” or “double towing,” and it’s not permitted everywhere. Understanding the legalities, safety considerations, and equipment requirements is paramount before even considering this option.
The Allure and the Anxiety of Triple Towing
The concept of hauling a small boat, ATVs, or another vehicle behind your 5th wheel is understandably appealing. It consolidates your transport, potentially saving on fuel costs and making it easier to bring all your recreational gear along. However, the added weight, length, and complexity of a triple towing setup introduce significant safety risks and legal hurdles.
Navigating the Legal Labyrinth: State-by-State Regulations
Perhaps the biggest hurdle is the inconsistent legal landscape surrounding triple towing across the United States and Canada. Regulations vary dramatically from state to state and province to province. What’s perfectly legal in one jurisdiction may be strictly prohibited just across the border.
Before planning any trip involving triple towing, meticulous research into the specific laws of every state or province you intend to travel through is absolutely essential. These laws typically cover:
- Maximum Combined Length: Many jurisdictions have strict limits on the overall length of a vehicle combination. These limits can range significantly, and exceeding them carries substantial penalties.
- Weight Restrictions: Each component of the triple towing rig – the tow vehicle, 5th wheel, and the towed trailer – will have its own weight limits (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating – GVWR). Exceeding any of these limits is dangerous and illegal. You’ll need to be aware of and comply with the GVWR, Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), and axle weight ratings.
- Specific Equipment Requirements: Some states mandate specific types of hitches, safety chains, brake systems (particularly on the rearmost trailer), and even signage indicating the length of the combination.
- Driver Licensing: Some jurisdictions require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or a specific endorsement for operating a vehicle combination exceeding a certain weight or length.
- Prohibitions: Some states outright ban triple towing altogether.
Ignoring these regulations can result in hefty fines, impoundment of your vehicle, and, most importantly, significantly increased risk of accidents. Consult official state transportation websites or legal professionals for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Don’t rely on anecdotal evidence or online forums.
Safety First: Mitigating the Risks of Triple Towing
Even if triple towing is legal in your planned route, it’s inherently more dangerous than towing a single trailer. The added length and weight dramatically affect handling, braking, and stability.
Understanding the Physics of Triple Towing
The “wag-the-dog” effect is amplified in triple towing setups. Minor steering corrections by the tow vehicle can be exaggerated through the 5th wheel and even more so in the rear trailer. This requires extremely smooth and deliberate driving techniques.
Key Safety Considerations:
- Weight Distribution: Ensuring proper weight distribution across all three components is critical for stability. The tongue weight of the rearmost trailer should be carefully calculated to avoid sway.
- Brake Systems: The tow vehicle and both trailers must have functioning and properly adjusted brake systems. Independent electric brakes on the rearmost trailer are highly recommended, if not legally required. Regular inspection and maintenance of all brake systems are essential.
- Hitch Integrity: The hitch connecting the 5th wheel to the tow vehicle and the hitch connecting the rearmost trailer to the 5th wheel must be appropriately rated for the combined weight and forces involved. Professional installation and regular inspection are crucial.
- Tire Condition: Check tire pressure and condition regularly. Overloaded or underinflated tires are a major safety hazard, especially in a triple towing setup.
- Driving Skills: Only experienced drivers with extensive towing experience should attempt triple towing. Practice in a controlled environment is highly recommended before embarking on a long trip.
Equipment Upgrades for Enhanced Safety
Consider investing in:
- Airbag Suspension: To level the tow vehicle and improve handling.
- Sway Control Devices: To minimize trailer sway.
- Upgraded Brake Controller: To provide more precise and responsive brake control.
- Backup Camera: To aid in maneuvering and monitoring the rear trailer.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Triple Towing
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of triple towing:
1. What kind of truck is required to triple tow safely?
A heavy-duty truck, typically a 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup truck, is generally necessary. The truck must have a high enough GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) to safely handle the combined weight of the truck, 5th wheel, and rear trailer. The truck’s engine and transmission should also be adequately powerful for the task.
2. Can I triple tow with a travel trailer instead of a 5th wheel?
Generally, no. While some states may technically allow it, it’s highly discouraged and often illegal. The inherent instability of pulling a trailer behind another trailer (as opposed to a 5th wheel’s more stable connection to the bed of the truck) makes this extremely dangerous.
3. What is the maximum length allowed for triple towing in my state?
This varies significantly. You must consult the specific regulations for each state you plan to travel through. State DOT (Department of Transportation) websites are the best resource for this information.
4. What are the most common reasons why triple towing is prohibited?
The primary reasons are: increased safety risks due to reduced maneuverability, braking distance, and stability. The increased length and weight make it harder to control the vehicle combination, especially in adverse weather conditions or emergency situations.
5. Do I need special insurance for triple towing?
You should contact your insurance provider to confirm that your policy covers triple towing. Some policies may exclude it, or you may need to purchase a rider specifically covering the added liability and risk.
6. What happens if I get caught triple towing illegally?
Penalties vary by jurisdiction but can include fines, impoundment of your vehicle, and even legal charges depending on the severity of the violation.
7. Is it ever safe to triple tow a boat behind a 5th wheel?
While technically possible in some locations, it’s crucial to prioritize safety above all else. Ensure all weight limits are adhered to, use appropriate equipment, and drive with extreme caution. Consider alternative transportation options if there’s any doubt about the safety of the setup.
8. How do I calculate the correct tongue weight for the rear trailer?
The tongue weight of the rear trailer should typically be between 10% and 15% of its gross trailer weight. Use a tongue weight scale to ensure accurate measurements.
9. Should I use a weight distribution hitch on the rear trailer when triple towing?
A sway control device is highly recommended and possibly a weight distribution hitch if it helps distribute the weight more evenly. It will help stabilize the trailer and reduce the likelihood of sway, but ensure compatibility with your specific setup and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
10. What kind of maintenance is required for a triple towing setup?
Regular maintenance is even more critical than usual. Inspect hitches, safety chains, brakes, tires, and lighting systems before each trip. Follow a strict maintenance schedule for your tow vehicle, 5th wheel, and rear trailer.
11. Are there any specific driver training courses for triple towing?
While not widely available, searching for advanced towing courses or RV driving schools that cover heavy-duty towing techniques can be beneficial. Experience and practice are the best teachers.
12. Can I triple tow in Canada?
Similar to the US, regulations vary by province. Some provinces allow it with specific restrictions, while others prohibit it entirely. Research the specific rules of each province you plan to travel through.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution, Knowledge, and Respect
Triple towing can be a convenient way to transport multiple vehicles and equipment, but it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Thoroughly research the legal requirements, prioritize safety, invest in appropriate equipment, and practice your driving skills. When in doubt, opt for safer alternatives, such as transporting your equipment separately. Your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be the top priority.