Pull-Behind Campers: Can You Travel With Passengers?

Laws regarding whether passengers are allowed in pull-behind campers vary from state to state. While some states allow passengers in a pull-behind camper, others have restrictions or conditions that must be met to do so legally. For example, in Hawaii, passengers under 13 years old aren't permitted to ride in the back while the camper is in motion, whereas in Kansas, the age limit is 14 years old. Additionally, some states require all windows to be made of safety glass if passengers are travelling inside.

Even in states where riding inside a camper trailer is legal, it may not be safe or comfortable to do so. Campers typically lack seatbelts and other safety features, and the ride can be bumpy and uncomfortable.

Legality of passengers in the back of different RV types

The legality of passengers riding in the back of different types of RVs varies by state and RV type. While some states allow passengers to ride in fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, or truck campers, others prohibit it for safety reasons. It is important to check the specific laws of the state you are travelling in, as they can change when crossing state lines.

In general, most states that allow passengers in towable campers have certain restrictions and conditions that must be met. For example, some states enforce age limits for passengers riding in pull-behind campers, such as Hawaii, where passengers under 13 years old are not permitted to ride in the back while the camper is in motion, and Kansas, where the age limit is 14 years old. Additionally, some states require two-way communication devices between the driver and passengers, approved safety glass windows, and an unobstructed entryway at all times.

It is worth noting that even if riding in the back of an RV is legal in your state, it may not be the safest option. Most towable campers lack seat belts and other safety features found in motorhomes and passenger vehicles. In the event of an accident, there is a significant risk of injury or death for passengers riding in a trailer.

When it comes to Class A and Class C RVs, passengers are typically allowed since you can still access the driving area from the living area. However, it is always recommended to follow safety guidelines, such as wearing seat belts and limiting the number of passengers to the number of available seat belts.

Before hitting the road, be sure to familiarise yourself with the specific laws and safety guidelines of the states you will be travelling through to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Safety considerations for passengers in your camper

If you're considering having passengers in your pull-behind camper, there are several important safety factors to keep in mind. Firstly, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations of the state you're in and any states you plan to travel to. Each state has its own set of laws regarding passengers in campers, including age restrictions and requirements for safety features. Failing to comply with these laws can result in legal consequences.

One of the most significant safety concerns is the lack of safety features in many towable campers. Most campers lack seat belts, and only a few have airbags or other safety features that can reduce the risk of serious injury in an accident. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to avoid carrying passengers in a camper that is not equipped with proper seat belts and safety features.

Additionally, the comfort and safety of passengers inside a moving camper are questionable. Campers can experience significant shifting and bouncing during transport, making it challenging to move around or even sit or lie down comfortably. Falling objects also pose a risk to passengers, especially in the event of an accident.

If you decide to have passengers in your camper, there are several precautions you can take to enhance safety. Firstly, ensure that your trailer is loaded properly and securely, minimizing the risk of falling objects. Maintain a reduced speed, ideally between 55 and 60 mph, and increase your following distance to allow for smoother braking. Utilize towing accessories such as sway bars and electronic brake controllers to improve safety. Additionally, consider installing seat belts in your trailer by hiring professionals to ensure they meet acceptable safety standards.

While some states permit passengers in campers, it is important to remember that this practice carries considerable risk. Towable campers lack the safety features found in motorhomes and passenger vehicles, and accidents can have devastating consequences. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the risks, comply with state laws, and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your passengers.

Seat belt laws in RVs

Seat belt laws vary from state to state in the US, so it's important to check the specific laws for each state you're travelling through. However, here's a general overview of the seat belt laws for RVs in the US.

All states require the driver and front-seat passengers in an RV to wear seat belts. New Hampshire is the only state that exempts adults, requiring only those under 18 to wear a seat belt in the front seats.

Some states also require passengers in the back of the RV to wear seat belts. These include:

• Alaska
• Arizona (for children under 15)
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut (for passengers under 16)
• Delaware
• Florida (for passengers under 18)
• Georgia (for passengers under 18)
• Hawaii
• Idaho (unless the RV weighs over 8,000 pounds)
• Illinois (for passengers 15 and under)
• Iowa
• Kansas (for children under 14)
• Kentucky
• Louisiana (for children under 12)
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan (for children under 15)
• Minnesota (for children under 10)
• Mississippi (for children under 10)
• Missouri (for children under 15)
• Montana
• Nebraska (for passengers under 18)
• Nevada (unless the RV is travelling under 15 miles per hour)
• New Jersey (for children 17 and under)
• New Mexico
• New York (for children under 15)
• North Carolina (for children under 16)
• North Dakota (for children under 17)
• Ohio (although only front-seat riders are required to buckle up, it is recommended that all passengers wear seat belts)
• Oklahoma (for children 12 and under)
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania (for children under 18)
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee (for children under 16)
• Texas (for passengers 17 and under)
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia (for passengers 16 and under)
• Washington
• West Virginia (for passengers 17 and under)
• Wisconsin (for passengers 15 and under)
• Wyoming

In addition to seat belt laws, each state may have its own laws regarding the size of your trailer, your speed when pulling one, and the age of passengers in pull-behind campers. For example, in Hawaii, passengers under 13 years old aren't permitted to ride in the back of a camper while it's in motion, and in Kansas, the age limit is 14 years old.

Age restrictions for passengers in campers

When it comes to age restrictions for passengers in campers, the rules vary depending on the state and the type of RV or camper you're travelling in. It's important to note that each state has its own laws, and these laws can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check the latest information for the specific state you're interested in.

In Hawaii, for example, passengers under the age of 13 are not permitted to ride in the back of a pull-behind camper while it is in motion. Meanwhile, in Kansas, the age limit is set at 14 years old. These age restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of younger passengers, as campers often lack proper safety features such as seat belts and airbags.

Some states may also have additional requirements for passengers riding in campers. For instance, some states mandate two-way communication between the driver and passengers, requiring an unobstructed entryway and safety glass windows. These requirements are in place to enhance the safety of passengers and facilitate quick emergency responses.

It's worth noting that even if riding in a camper is legal in your state, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the safest option. Campers often lack the safety features found in motorhomes and passenger vehicles, so it's important to consider the potential risks before allowing passengers to ride in a camper.

To ensure compliance with state laws and prioritise safety, it's recommended to familiarise yourself with the specific regulations of the state you're travelling in before embarking on your journey.

Communication requirements between driver and passengers

When it comes to communication requirements between the driver and passengers in a pull-behind camper, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to check the specific laws of the state you are in, as these may vary. Some states may require a two-way communication device, such as cell phones or two-way radios, between the driver and passengers. This is an important safety measure that allows for quick communication in case of any issues or emergencies.

In addition to a means of direct communication, passengers must also have easy access to the drive compartment or be able to have audible or visual communication with the driver. This could be through an open door or window, allowing the driver and passengers to communicate effectively. It is also important to note that some states enforce age limits for passengers riding in pull-behind campers, with age limits ranging from 13 to 14 years old in certain states.

To ensure a safe and smooth journey, it is recommended to reduce driving speed and increase following distances when travelling with passengers in a pull-behind camper. This allows for more time to stop or slow down without abrupt braking. Additionally, passengers should remain seated or lie down at all times and young children should always be accompanied by an adult.

While it may be tempting to have passengers ride in a pull-behind camper, it is important to prioritise safety and adhere to state-specific laws and regulations.

Frequently asked questions