5th Wheel Double Towing: Is It Legal To Pull a Trailer Behind?
Double or triple towing. Either term is correct and refers to the same thing. You are towing an extra trailer behind the trailer attached to your tow vehicle. This is a common RV activity but it is not always legal in all states. Different states have different rules.
It is legal to tow a trailer behind a 5th wheel trailer BUT not in every state. You would have to do your research to find out which states allow this or even double/triple towing. Don’t be shocked if the state patrol tells you to drop one trailer if you do not do your research and act accordingly.
To learn more about this topic, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you know if you can bring your toys along on your vacation. Sometimes only 5th-wheel trailers are allowed to have another trailer attached to them.
Towing Doubles With a 5th Wheel
In the case of Arizona, you are allowed to double/triple tow up to 65 feet in length. Also, the 5th wheel trailer is the only trailer that can be in the middle. If you are not towing a 5th wheel trailer, this is one state to avoid if you do not want trouble.
In California, you may need a special endorsement on your license if your vehicle combination is over 40 feet long. These are the special requirements if you are going to double/triple tow with a 5th-wheel trailer.
In those states that allow double/triple towing, you need to read their laws to make sure you know what you can and cannot do. Each state has its own rules because the FDOT has left it up to the states to regulate this issue.
Also, be prepared to have your family in your tow vehicle and not ride in the middle trailer when you are double/triple towing. Most states require that all passengers be in the tow vehicle while in motion.
Then when you double/triple tow, be prepared to go slower than those tow vehicles with just one trailer behind it. Many states do regulate the speed of the tow vehicle when they are double/triple towing.
Is It Legal To Pull a Trailer Behind a Fifth Wheel?
In some states it is legal and in some states, it is not. You may have to do some research on this topic or read our other articles on double/triple towing. Since the Federal Government declined to regulate this industry, you will find that the 50 states have their own set of rules.
Those rules are generally not the same but there may be some similarities. 22 states do not allow for triple towing. Or double towing as those terms are interchangeable.
Some of the reasons those states have for not allowing this action are that their states have too many cars on the road or their highways and streets are too narrow to accommodate the combined vehicle package.
Then if you are double/triple towing in one state, be prepared to be told to drop a trailer when you cross the state line into a state that does not allow it. This has taken place on more than one occasion and one of your options when this happens to you is to make a second trip to get the dropped trailer.
Plan your routes carefully if you want to double/triple tow. It is just a little common sense and a willingness to leave that 2nd trailer at home if you do not want to miss the sites or other attractions those states that do not allow this option offer.
What States Can You Pull a Trailer Behind a Fifth Wheel?
There are 28 states where you can double/triple tow. That list is coming up but the thing to watch out for is the length the states allow. While most require pretty much the same length, some states throw some real curve balls at you.
Here is the list of the 28 states that allow triple/double towing:
-Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
The majority of these states allow for a 65-foot length. However, there are a few states that allow for a 75-foot length and they are- Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
But if you are traveling with a 65 or 75-foot length in your vehicle combination, then these two states should be avoided- South Carolina and Arkansas. These two states only allow for a 53-foot length in your vehicle combination.
New Mexico and Indiana only allow for 60-foot vehicle combination lengths. So plan your routes wisely and be prepared for the unexpected once you cross state lines.
As for speed limits about half of the states allow you to travel at 65 mph on their highways while others only allow 55 mph. Once you enter a city or town, you may find that those allowed speed limits are lowered drastically.
Florida keeps those speed limits to about 30 mph. This is why research is so important. There are a lot of laws you need to be aware of for each state you plan to visit or travel through.
Some Additional Words
Double/triple towing can be a great way to get your toys to your destination. But because some states prohibit this type of towing, you are often left with the choice to find a place to leave that extra trailer or not bring your toys with you at all.
It can be a tough choice to make but it is better than dropping the extra trailer, going to your destination, unhooking your first trailer, then returning for your second one. Make the right choices for your vacation situation.
