The short answer is a resounding no, you generally cannot, and absolutely should not, attempt to pull another trailer behind a bumper pull camper. This practice, known as double towing or triple towing, is fraught with danger and in most jurisdictions is illegal. While seemingly simple, understanding the reasons behind this prohibition is crucial for ensuring safety and legal compliance.
Why Double Towing Behind a Camper is a Bad Idea
The allure of bringing along an extra boat, ATV, or utility trailer behind your camper might seem tempting, offering convenience and maximizing vacation possibilities. However, the reality of double towing behind a bumper pull camper presents a dangerous equation: instability, increased stress, and potential catastrophic failure. Here’s why:
- Compromised Stability: Bumper pull campers are already designed to be pulled by a vehicle with a strong, stable frame and appropriate towing capacity. Adding a second trailer behind the camper significantly increases the “tail wagging the dog” effect. This means any slight sway or instability in the camper is amplified by the second trailer, leading to dangerous oscillations and potential loss of control.
- Increased Stress on the Hitch and Frame: Bumper pull campers are designed with a specific maximum tongue weight and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) in mind. Adding a second trailer concentrates stress on the camper’s hitch and frame beyond their designed limits. This can lead to structural fatigue, cracks, and ultimately, hitch failure. Imagine the consequences of a hitch detaching at highway speed!
- Braking Difficulties: The braking system of your tow vehicle and camper is engineered to handle a specific weight. Adding another trailer drastically increases the overall weight, overwhelming the braking system and increasing stopping distances. This significantly raises the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Turning and Maneuvering Challenges: Double towing makes even simple maneuvers like turning and backing up incredibly difficult and dangerous. The extra length and articulation of the second trailer exponentially increase the turning radius and require exceptional skill and experience.
- Legality Issues: Most states and provinces have laws prohibiting or severely restricting double towing. These regulations often include restrictions on the types of vehicles that can double tow, the length of the overall combination, and the weight of the trailers. Violating these laws can result in hefty fines, impoundment of your vehicles, and potential legal liability in the event of an accident.
In essence, double towing behind a bumper pull camper pushes the limits of physics and engineering, creating an unsafe and potentially illegal situation. It’s simply not worth the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Double Towing
Here are some common questions about double towing to provide a more in-depth understanding of the subject:
1. What is “double towing” or “triple towing?”
Double towing (also sometimes called triple towing) refers to the practice of pulling two trailers (or in triple towing, three) behind a single tow vehicle. In the context of this article, we are specifically addressing pulling a trailer behind a bumper pull camper, which is generally considered double towing.
2. Is double towing illegal everywhere?
No, but double towing is illegal in many jurisdictions, and even where it is allowed, it’s often heavily regulated. State and provincial laws vary widely. Always check the regulations in your specific location and any states or provinces you plan to travel through. Some jurisdictions only allow double towing with specific types of hitches (like fifth-wheel hitches) and under specific weight and length restrictions.
3. Can I double tow if I have a really strong tow vehicle?
Even with a powerful tow vehicle, the inherent instability of pulling a trailer behind a bumper pull camper remains. While a strong tow vehicle can handle the weight, it doesn’t address the structural limitations of the camper’s hitch and frame or the amplified sway issues. Furthermore, legality is not solely based on vehicle capacity.
4. What are the potential penalties for illegally double towing?
Penalties can vary greatly but often include hefty fines, impoundment of vehicles and trailers, license suspension, and increased insurance rates. Moreover, if an accident occurs while illegally double towing, you could face significant legal liability and be held responsible for damages and injuries.
5. What alternatives are there to double towing?
Consider these alternatives to double towing:
- Bring two vehicles: The simplest solution is to bring a separate vehicle to tow the extra trailer.
- Rent at your destination: Consider renting the necessary equipment (boat, ATV, etc.) at your destination.
- Store your extra equipment: If feasible, store your extra equipment at a campground or storage facility near your destination.
- Upgrade to a larger RV: If double towing is a frequent desire, consider upgrading to a fifth-wheel RV designed for double towing (where legal and within capacity).
6. What is tongue weight, and why is it important?
Tongue weight is the amount of weight that the trailer’s tongue (the part that connects to the hitch) exerts downward on the hitch. It’s crucial because too little tongue weight can cause trailer sway, while too much can overload the tow vehicle’s rear axle and affect handling. Exceeding the tongue weight limit of your camper’s hitch is extremely dangerous when considering adding another trailer.
7. What is GVWR, and how does it relate to double towing?
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight of the trailer when fully loaded, as specified by the manufacturer. Exceeding the GVWR puts excessive stress on the trailer’s frame, axles, tires, and other components, making it unstable and unsafe. Adding a second trailer invariably pushes you way beyond the GVWR.
8. How can I determine the legality of double towing in my state?
Consult your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Transportation (DOT) website for specific regulations regarding double towing. You can also contact your local DMV or DOT office directly for clarification. Remember, laws can change, so it’s essential to stay informed.
9. What is trailer sway, and how does it affect double towing?
Trailer sway is a dangerous side-to-side oscillation of the trailer while being towed. It can be caused by factors like wind, uneven road surfaces, or improper weight distribution. Double towing exacerbates trailer sway, making it more difficult to control and increasing the risk of a jackknife or rollover accident.
10. If double towing is legal in my state, what precautions should I take?
Even if double towing is legal, extreme caution is necessary.
- Ensure your equipment is rated for double towing: This may require a fifth-wheel hitch designed for double towing.
- Distribute weight properly: Careful weight distribution is essential in both trailers.
- Use a sway control system: A sway control system can help mitigate trailer sway.
- Drive slowly and cautiously: Reduce your speed and increase following distance.
- Gain experience: Practice maneuvering in a controlled environment before hitting the road.
11. What is the role of insurance in double towing scenarios?
Your insurance policy may not cover accidents that occur while illegally double towing. Even if double towing is legal in your state, exceeding weight limits or operating the vehicle unsafely can invalidate your coverage. Always contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and understand any limitations.
12. Are there any exceptions to the rule against double towing behind a bumper pull camper?
While exceedingly rare, some custom-built campers may be specifically engineered and certified for double towing. However, these are highly specialized cases, and you should never assume your standard bumper pull camper is capable of double towing without explicit confirmation from the manufacturer and a thorough inspection by a qualified RV technician. Most importantly, confirm its legality with your state’s DMV.
Conclusion: Safety First!
The convenience of double towing behind a bumper pull camper is heavily outweighed by the significant safety risks and potential legal consequences. Prioritizing safety and adhering to regulations is paramount. Explore the alternatives presented and choose the option that best suits your needs while ensuring the well-being of yourself and others on the road. Remember, arriving safely at your destination is always the ultimate goal.