"piggyback" towing

[Chad D]

Im wanting to know if there is a safe way to tow two trailers at once. I love to camp and love to boat at the same time. however after all the camping trips this year being verry hot, I mean 90 degrees F when you go to bed I think it might be time to move up to a Pop up with an ac on it. im trying to avoid taking two vehicles. my boat only weighs 2700lbs fully loaded and I belive a small pop up camper is 1500 to 2000lbs. I know that I would put breaks on both tailers. is it possible to pull them both safely behind one truck and what other equipment would be needed. btw the truck will probably be a silverado w/ a 350. Thanks

 

[Boomyal]

Re: "piggyback" towing

Most states do not allow 'piggy back' towing.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: "piggyback" towing

Get a Motorhome.

But you'd be surprised how many states allow you to pull a Camper and a Boat behind a truck, it just requires a special permit. Check your local DMV.

Missouri:

Boating Law Administrator: 573-751-3333
Maximum Speed Limit: 65
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:N/A' L x 8'W x 14' H
Maximum Length with Trailer:60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:N/A
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:N/A
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:Y
Insurance:Y (Only on vehicles registered in Missouri)
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 800-877-8499

 

[WaterWitch2]

Re: "piggyback" towing

In California you need a class A license to do that. I have a friend that owns a towing company and has a class A license and is planning to tow his fifth wheel camper and boat together.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: "piggyback" towing

different laws, different states, don't get into a position you have to back up.

 

[djvan]

Re: "piggyback" towing

In Michjgan the front trailer must be a 5th wheel style, also requires a special license.

DougV>

 

[Silvertip]

Re: "piggyback" towing

The pop-up trailer at 1500 - 2000 pounds would very likely not have a frame and bumper setup sufficient to tow a 2700# boat. You would want the heavier trailer in the middle which leaves out the boat since there is no way to attach a hitch. Right now you could probably get a pretty decent deal on a class "C" or even a smaller class "A" motor home. The cost of the truck and pop-up might be closer to the motor home than you think.

 

[djvan]

Re: "piggyback" towing

Here's an idea

Put a hitch on the front of your tow vehicle ...push the boat while pulling the camper. HAHA

DougV>

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: "piggyback" towing

Here's an idea

Put a hitch on the front of your tow vehicle ...push the boat while pulling the camper. HAHA

DougV>

Funny !!!

 

[G-Daddy]

Re: "piggyback" towing

I saw a guy with a boat and travel trailer while camping a few years ago. He had this setup that held the boat up over his pickup cab and bed while towing the travel trailer. When he unhooked the trailer, he could lower the boat carrier down behind the pickup with an electric winch-type device. Then he backed the pickup down the ramp and launched his boat. His boat was a 17' Lund side console. Thought that was a great rig for towing a travel trailer and still taking the boat along using only one motor vehicle.

 

[nimmor]

Re: "piggyback" towing

When dealing with a pop up it is best to pull it behind the boat for two reasons. First most popups don't have a strong enough frame to pull a big boat. Second when you get to your campsite, if it is light enough and not on a hill, you can walk it into the campsite and then take the boat and launch it without doing a bunch of unhooking and rehooking. I have a fellow coworker who just had a trailer hitch put on his ski boat for pulling his popup. Check with your local truck and trailer shops for hitches. You really want to consider letting them installing it, they are trained in the proper hitches and instalation for this application.

 

[Chad D]

Re: "piggyback" towing

nimmor, is the boat your coworker towing infront of the pop up an inboard? I have an 18ft open bow with a jet dive so it sticks out the back about two feet, so Im not even sure if a hitch is made that would work for a boat with an outdrive.

 

[nimmor]

Re: "piggyback" towing

It is an inboard/outboard. He had it done at an offroad shop that spelizes in off road accesseries and towing. It looks factory but I think they fabercated it. It is basically a reciever hitch with a 2 1/2 foot extension with sway bars.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: "piggyback" towing

Maybe a slide in camper for the truck?
I bet they make them with the foldout sides for the beds, etc. nowadays.
That way you still have a "go to work" vehicle and you get all to the campsite with one vehicle too.

 

[Chad D]

Re: "piggyback" towing

the truck camper is my other option, just trying to find one comfertable enough for more than two people and still be within my budget.. thats why i was thinking the pop up trailer... my wallet is a lot smaller than my imagination.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: "piggyback" towing

Get a tent

 

[escapade]

Re: "piggyback" towing

lets think about safety first, if your towing a 18 ft boat your trailer is longer lets say 23 ft (just for this senioro)

so you have 23 extra feet thus turning is a little harder need more planning and also changing lanes, typical towing mirrors can provide you with a better view of the rear of your trailer but still its never exact, now lets add more length smallest i could find was around 16ft now i don't know about you but towing something that long is best left to transport drivers so you adding 39FT to your current vechicle thats crazy, and well i wouldn't want to be driving anywhere need that vechicle just sounds dangerous and i've seen some trucks pulling fifth wheels pulling trailers and they are all over the road, and when a good wind hits it

 

[BF]

Re: "piggyback" towing

not legal to pull 2 trailers in these parts, but pulling a boat behind a 5th wheel is, and many do that. If that is a OK where you live, a small low 5th wheel could fit the bill nicely.

 

[Matthew_B]

Re: "piggyback" towing

If you're considering a truck camper, you may want to pay a visit to NATCOA.

They can give you some advice on campers that will fit your truck.

 

[roozterdvx]

Re: "piggyback" towing

Forget the camper....sleep on the boat!

Sorry...couldn't help myself