Towing A Boat With Your Camper: Is It Possible?

If you're planning a camping trip and want to bring your boat, you might be considering towing it behind your camper. This process is known as double towing and can be a convenient way to bring all your equipment in one go. However, there are several factors to consider, including legal and safety requirements, before you decide to double tow.

Legality of double towing

The legality of double towing varies across different US states. While it is permitted in several states, it is prohibited in others.

Double towing, also known as triple towing or tandem towing, is a process where a vehicle pulls two trailers simultaneously, such as an RV and a boat. This practice is common in states with large recreational areas, where people often tow boats, ATVs, or other recreational vehicles behind their RVs.

States Where Double Towing is Permitted

Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming are some of the states that allow double towing under specific conditions. These conditions typically include restrictions on the overall length of the combined vehicles, speed limits, and weight limits. For example, Arizona, Nebraska, and Indiana have a maximum allowable length of 65 feet for the combined vehicles.

States Where Double Towing is Prohibited

Double towing is illegal in most states along the East Coast, including the District of Columbia.

Licensing and Endorsement Requirements

Some states, like Michigan, require a special license or endorsement for double towing, especially for commercial purposes. However, in most states, these requirements are not applicable for recreational drivers.

Safety Considerations

Double towing increases the risk of accidents due to longer stopping distances, complex maneuvering, and weight distribution issues. It is crucial to follow safety measures, such as proper weight distribution, regular checks of hitch connections, tires, and lights, and cautious driving with extra time for stopping.

Additional Equipment

To ensure a safe double towing experience, you may need additional equipment, including temperature and pressure sensors for trailer tires, tow packages, safety chains, safety reflective strips, and special trailer brakes or a braking kit.

Insurance

It is essential to check with your insurance provider to ensure you have the necessary coverage for double towing.

Real-Life Consequences of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with double towing regulations can lead to serious consequences. For example, a driver in Missouri was fined for exceeding the legal length, causing a traffic disruption and risking a potential accident. Similarly, a family in California faced significant fines and had to detach their boat for not meeting the state's length limits and endorsement requirements.

Weight and towing capacity

Weight Considerations:

• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): The GVW of the boat must be less than the maximum towing capacity specified by the vehicle manufacturer. This includes the weight of the boat, any gear, and supplies on board.
• Boat Trailer Weight: The average boat trailer weighs between 1,000 and 2,500 pounds (453 and 1,136 kg). The weight depends on the size and type of boat. For example, a fishing boat is lighter than a pontoon boat.
• Vehicle Weight: The weight of the vehicle also plays a role. A light-duty truck has a lower towing capacity than a heavy-duty one.
• Gear and Supplies: Consider the weight of gear and supplies like life jackets, fishing gear, and coolers when calculating the total weight.

Towing Capacity:

• Vehicle Towing Capacity: Consult your vehicle owner's manual to determine its towing capacity. Stay within the weight limits of your vehicle and camper.
• Hitch Rating: Ensure your hitch is rated to handle the total combined load of your boat and trailer. There are five classes of hitches, each with a specific weight limit.
• Trailer Brake Control: Verify if your motorhome has trailer brake control. Most boat trailers have hydraulic surge brakes, so you may not need a separate brake control.
• Hitch Weight: Some trailers for larger boats may have a higher hitch weight than your motorhome can handle, considering the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and hitch rating.
• State Regulations: Check the regulations of the state you're travelling in. Some states have specific requirements, such as Nebraska and Arizona, where the total convoy length must be under 65 feet.

Safety equipment

Safety should be a top priority when towing a boat with a camper. Here is a list of safety equipment you should consider:

• Life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs): Ensure you have enough wearable PFDs (Type I, II, or III) for each person on board. Children under 13 must always wear them, and everyone on a personal watercraft (PWC) must wear one. It is recommended that everyone on board wears a properly fitting life jacket.
• Throwable flotation devices: In addition to life jackets, have at least one floating device (Type IV) that can be thrown to someone in the water, such as a cushion or a ring buoy.
• Fire extinguishers: Boats under 26 feet, including PWCs, need at least one B-1 type extinguisher. Boats 26 to 40 feet need two B-1 types or one B-2 type.
• Visual signaling devices: Boats under 16 feet must have flares or nighttime signals, while boats over 16 feet need visual signals for day and night. Examples include orange or white smoke flares, aerial light flares, and strobe lights.
• Sound signaling devices: All boats should have sound-generating devices like portable or fixed horns and whistles. Larger vessels over 39 feet should also carry a bell.
• First aid kit: Include basic supplies like bandages, gauze, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Also, add items for basic survival, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and a multipurpose tool.
• Anchor and extra line: The anchor should be suitable for the boat type and size and rated for the bottom type of the boating area. Extra lines are useful for doubling down when tying up or in other unexpected situations.
• VHF radio: Bring at least one VHF radio, and preferably a backup. If you have a fixed mount, also carry a handheld unit in case of failure.
• Wireless engine cut-off devices: These devices, such as the MOB+ Wireless Man OverBoard System, automatically shut down the engine if the operator falls overboard or if the xFOB is underwater or more than 50 feet from the vessel.
• EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacons): These radio transmitters are activated after floating free from a sunken vessel or manually in an emergency. Registration and regular testing are mandatory.
• Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs): PLBs provide worldwide coverage of your location in an emergency and must be manually activated and registered. They are portable and can be used on water and land.
• Trailer tire temperature and pressure sensors: Install sensors to monitor the trailer tires' temperature and pressure.
• Tow packages: You will need two sets of tow packages, one for behind the truck and one for the travel trailer.
• Safety chains: Ensure you have two sets of safety chains.
• Safety reflective strips: Attach safety reflective strips to the sides of both the trailer and the boat.
• Trailer brakes: Consider installing special trailer brakes or an additional braking kit.
• Rearview/backup camera: A camera at the back of the boat or camper will help eliminate blind spots and assist with backing up.
• Trailer brake controller: This sends an electric signal to your towed trailer to stop when your vehicle stops.
• Weight distribution hitch: This type of hitch helps reduce bouncing and swaying when towing at higher speeds and can help level your boat trailer. Ensure it is compatible with your RV's tow ratings.

Driving and route considerations

Before setting off, it is crucial to carefully plan your route, taking into account the varying state laws and regulations regarding double towing. Ensure that you are permitted to double tow in each state you will be driving through and comply with any special requirements, such as speed limits, road types, and convoy length restrictions.

When planning your route, opt for highways or major roads that can accommodate the size of your convoy. Avoid small side roads, which may be too narrow or have too many turns for safe navigation.

During your journey, make frequent stops to inspect your towing arrangements, checking that everything is intact and functioning properly. Pay close attention to the temperature and power sensors, and ensure your safety equipment, such as safety chains and reflective strips, remain securely in place.

When driving, always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and be prepared to stop gradually. The extra weight of the boat will increase your stopping distance, so be mindful of this to avoid sudden braking, which could cause your trailers to veer off course.

Take turns slowly and gradually, being mindful of the increased length of your convoy. Wide turns are often necessary to prevent the corners of your boat from rubbing against your RV.

Remember that double towing is very different from normal driving, and your vehicle will handle differently with the extra weight. Your vehicle may feel stiffer and more difficult to manoeuvre, so adjust your driving speed and style accordingly.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather conditions and avoid towing in harsh weather if possible. Strong winds, rain, or snow can make towing more challenging and increase the risk of accidents. If you must tow in bad weather, reduce your speed and avoid unnecessary turns and lane changes.

Launching the boat

Launching a boat with a camper can be a tricky task, even for a skilled driver. Here are some tips for launching your boat:

• Take your time: Don't rush the process of backing up and launching the boat. Go slowly and make small adjustments as needed.
• Use mirrors and/or cameras: Utilise your vehicle's mirrors and, if possible, install a backup camera to help you see the boat and trailer clearly while backing up.
• Have a spotter: It's helpful to have someone assisting you on the ground who can guide you and let you know if any adjustments are needed.
• Practise backing up: Before reaching the boat ramp, practise backing up with your mirrors and spotter in a safe, open area such as a parking lot. This will help you get a feel for how the boat and trailer handle and how to make adjustments.
• Check your equipment: Ensure that all your equipment is securely attached and functioning properly, including safety chains, reflective strips, and any additional braking systems.
• Plan your route: Choose routes that are suitable for the size of your setup. Prefer highways over small side roads, which may be too narrow or have too many turns.
• Check local regulations: Familiarise yourself with the laws and regulations of the area you'll be launching in, including any size, weight, or speed restrictions.
• Unload the camper: Consider unloading the camper before launching the boat to improve visibility and manoeuvrability. However, many people also launch with the camper loaded, so it is possible with proper precautions.
• Use a front hitch: Adding a hitch to the front of your vehicle can make it easier to launch the boat without getting the camper wet. It also provides a better view during the launch process.
• Be patient: Launching a boat with a camper takes time and communication. Don't rush the process, and be prepared to make adjustments as needed.

Frequently asked questions