Towing A Boat With A Fifth-Wheel Camper: Is It Possible?

Pulling a boat behind a fifth-wheel camper, also known as double towing or triple towing, is legal in some US states and illegal in others. Even in states where it is permitted, there are often limitations and safety regulations to follow. For example, some states require the total length of the convoy to be under a certain limit, such as 65 feet in Nebraska and Arizona, or 60 feet in Illinois. Additionally, some states mandate the installation of safety equipment, such as safety chains and brakes if the load exceeds a certain weight. It is important to check the specific laws and regulations of the state(s) you plan to drive through before attempting to tow a boat behind a fifth-wheel camper.

The practice of pulling a boat behind a fifth-wheel camper is called triple towing

Triple towing can be dangerous and requires careful preparation. It is important to be aware of the weight and length restrictions in your state and to ensure your vehicle is capable of towing the extra load. You should also be aware that towing will put extra strain on your brakes and engine, and will make your vehicle longer and harder to manoeuvre.

If you are planning to triple tow, there are several safety precautions you should take. These include installing a rearview camera, checking your route, and adding safety chains and breakaway brakes. You may also need a special license, depending on the state and whether you are driving for commercial or recreational purposes.

Some states that allow triple towing include:

• Minnesota
• Wyoming
• Montana
• Wisconsin
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Georgia

Some states that do not allow triple towing include:

• California
• Connecticut
• Pennsylvania
• New York
• Massachusetts
• North Carolina
• South Carolina

It is illegal in some US states

It is illegal to pull a boat behind a fifth-wheel camper in some US states. Double towing, or triple towing, as it is often referred to, is only permitted in about half of the country.

The laws vary from state to state, with some states forbidding the practice altogether, and others imposing restrictions on the maximum length of the vehicle-camper-boat combination, as well as speed limits.

For example, in Nebraska and Arizona, the total length of the vehicle must be under 65 feet, while in Illinois, the maximum length is 60 feet. In addition, some states require safety chains and brakes to be installed if the load is over 3,000 pounds.

Furthermore, some states, such as Michigan, require drivers to obtain a special license or permit to engage in triple towing. This typically involves passing a test to demonstrate that the driver is capable of handling the triple tow setup.

Therefore, it is essential to check the specific laws and regulations of the state you plan to drive in before attempting to tow a boat behind a fifth-wheel camper. Failure to comply with these laws can result in legal consequences and may void your insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

The total length of the setup must be under a certain limit in some states

The length restrictions for setups involving a fifth-wheel camper and a boat vary from state to state. Here are some examples:

• In South Dakota, the total combination from the front bumper to the rear of the boat, including the motor, cannot exceed 75 feet, and the rear trailer, including the load, cannot exceed 24 feet.
• In Iowa, the total length of the setup is limited to 70 feet.
• In California, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is not allowed.
• In Connecticut, the total length limit is 60 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Florida, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Georgia, the total length limit is 60 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Illinois, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Indiana, the total length limit is 60 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Kansas, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Kentucky, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Louisiana, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Maryland, the total length limit is 60 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Massachusetts, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Michigan, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Minnesota, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Mississippi, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Missouri, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Montana, the total length limit is 75 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Nebraska, the total length limit is 60 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In New Jersey, the total length limit is 55 feet, and triple towing is not allowed.
• In New York, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In North Carolina, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Ohio, the total length limit is 60 feet, and triple towing is not allowed.
• In Oklahoma, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Oregon, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Pennsylvania, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In South Carolina, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Tennessee, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Texas, the total length limit is 75 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Utah, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In Virginia, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Washington, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.
• In West Virginia, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is allowed.
• In Wisconsin, the total length limit is 65 feet, and triple towing is not permitted.

It is important to check the specific laws and regulations of the state you are travelling in, as the length restrictions and towing rules can vary significantly.

The speed limit for triple-towed vehicles varies by state

Yes, it is possible to pull a boat behind a fifth-wheel camper, but it depends on several factors. Firstly, different states have different laws regarding this type of setup, so it's important to check the regulations in your specific state before attempting to do so. Some states may not allow it at all, while others may have restrictions on the total length of the combination or the types of vehicles permitted to pull such a trailer.

Additionally, there are practical and safety considerations to keep in mind. Towing power and load capacity can be limiting factors, and you may need special equipment to safely pull a boat behind a fifth-wheel camper. It is recommended to consult the legal and practical aspects of this setup before purchasing any equipment.

When it comes to the speed limit for triple-towed vehicles, the rules vary by state. While some states may not explicitly mention speed limitations for trailers, others have specific restrictions in place. Here are some examples of speed limits for triple-towed vehicles in different states:

• In Alabama, the speed limit for triple-towed vehicles is 55 mph on rural interstates and 65 mph on urban interstates.
• Alaska has a default speed limit of 55 mph for trucks and cars, but this can increase to 65 mph on select interstates. However, the speed limit for towing a mobile home is restricted to 45 mph.
• Arizona imposes a speed limit of 75 mph on rural interstates and 65 mph on urban interstates for triple-towed vehicles.
• California restricts triple-towed vehicles to a speed limit of 55 mph.
• Florida has varying speed limits for triple-towed vehicles depending on the area: 30 mph in residential areas, 55 mph in business districts, and 65 mph on turnpikes and designated highways.
• Georgia imposes a speed limit of 55 mph in urban and residential districts for triple-towed vehicles.
• In Idaho, triple-towed vehicles are limited to a speed of 70 mph.
• Illinois restricts triple-towed vehicles to a speed limit of 55 mph.
• Indiana has a speed limit of 65 mph for triple-towed vehicles.
• Kansas limits triple-towed vehicles to a speed of 55 mph and prohibits riding in the trailer on public roadways.
• Mississippi imposes a speed limit of 55 mph for triple-towed vehicles, and the connection between the towing and towed vehicles must include a safety chain, chain, cable, or equivalent device.
• Nebraska restricts mobile homes to a speed limit of 50 mph, and the connection between the towing and towed vehicles must have a red flag attached that measures 12 inches square.
• New Jersey has a speed limit of 62 feet for the total length of a triple-towed vehicle combination.
• New York requires safety chains in addition to the original connection between the towing and towed vehicles, and the speed limit for triple-towed vehicles is 55 mph unless otherwise posted.
• North Carolina has a speed limit of 55 mph for triple-towed vehicles, and mirrors can only be added to the towing vehicle if the view is obstructed by the trailer or load.
• Ohio restricts triple-towed vehicles to a speed of 55 mph, and a red flag or cloth must be attached to the connection if it consists of a chain, rope, or cable.
• South Dakota allows a maximum speed of 75 mph on rural interstates and 70 mph on non-interstate multilane roads for triple-towed vehicles.
• Tennessee imposes a speed limit of 70 mph on rural interstates for triple-towed vehicles.
• Utah requires safety chains or cables to be used in conjunction with the original connection between the towing and towed vehicles, and triple-towed vehicles are prohibited from using the leftmost lane when more than three lanes are moving in the same direction.
• Washington restricts triple-towed vehicles to a speed limit of 60 mph, and riding in any moving trailer is illegal.

Some states require safety chains and brakes for loads over 3,000 pounds

When pulling a boat behind a fifth-wheel camper, it is important to be aware of the relevant safety laws and regulations. While the specific requirements vary across different states, one common provision is the need for safety chains and brakes for loads exceeding a certain weight threshold. In many states, this threshold is set at 3,000 pounds, and it applies to the combined weight of the boat and the trailer.

Safety chains are crucial to secure the connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer. They serve as a backup in case the primary coupling system fails, helping to prevent accidental detachment. In some states, such as Arizona, Connecticut, and Florida, safety chains are mandated by law for any towed trailer, regardless of weight. Meanwhile, other states, like New Mexico, specifically require double safety chains when the trailer's weight exceeds 3,000 pounds.

Brakes are another essential safety feature when towing heavy loads. Trailer brakes assist the towing vehicle's brakes and provide additional stopping power, which is crucial for maintaining control and avoiding accidents. In states like Connecticut, Delaware, and Georgia, trailers weighing more than 3,000 pounds are required by law to have brakes on all wheels. These brakes must be operable from the driver's seat, allowing for controlled stopping even in the event of a breakaway.

It is worth noting that some states have additional requirements beyond safety chains and brakes. For example, certain states mandate specific lighting configurations, including taillights, brake lights, and reflectors. Others impose restrictions on speed limits, with lower speed limits mandated for vehicles towing trailers.

Before embarking on a trip with a boat trailer, it is essential to consult the specific laws and regulations of the states through which you will be travelling. These laws can vary widely, and non-compliance can result in legal consequences or even contribute to unsafe driving conditions. Additionally, it is always a good idea to review your insurance coverage and understand the limitations and requirements of your specific setup.

Frequently asked questions