Community Forums

stewed · 12-04-2009, 01:18 PM

My question today is concerning pulling a small trailer behind our 35' Excel to drag my motorcycle along with us to the warm country. I've seen people towing everything from small trailers to big SUV's behind a 5th wheel! Some have looked extremley dangerous and very rediculous. I thought I'd never consider doing this, but that reciever was attached to the coach for some reason. Any of you that have towed something behind your's give me your opinions and what you know about laws concerning length, etc. I'll be towing with a 3500 Duramax Dooley and the bike is a BMW R1200GS. I've seen many folks attach a bike to the back of the camper, but I'm thinking that my bike would be a little more weight than should be hanging out on the rear of the coach. Tell me how this might work.......or talk me out of it by telling me how stupid the idea is! I'm listening and learning from this great resource of experienced full-timers!

Roger

RVDude · 12-04-2009, 01:40 PM

Bunch of recent posts on this topic at irv2 here:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f50/triple-towing-60612.html

ChiefJohn · 12-04-2009, 02:15 PM

Roger,
If I were going to pull a second trailer for hauling a motorcycle or ATV, I would seriously consider the Idaho Tote The Idaho Tote. Three point hitch, wheels that the trailer backable.

Still Working "NOT" · 12-04-2009, 02:19 PM

I would put the BMW on/in a trailer. The hitch is rated for 400lbs. tongue weight or about 4000lbs trailer weight. You'll be fine unless some parol unit is having a bad day and wants to write you up for over lenght. You might also have brakes on the trailer.

Lindaxtwo · 12-04-2009, 05:31 PM

Roger,
We are east coast folks and triple towing isn't allowed in many of the states on the east coast. We got the motorcycle lift (when it was an option on the 36' lengths) and hauled our Yamaha V-star 650 on that till we lost the bike off of it near Newark, NJ. Since our work is keeping us on the east coast AND in heavy traffic, we will hold off a while before getting another (although it kills us not to have a bike). Good Luck to you in whatever you decide.

Bruce and Jenna · 12-04-2009, 10:32 PM

One ton dually towing a 35' Excel. You are likely pretty close to max on GCWR already, if not over. Add a trailer too?

Triple towing summary here. http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm. Notice license requirements on the right side of the doc.

In the discussion about Triple Towing cited above, you'll see that people maintain a backup plan if stopped. Unhitch the car and second person drives it away. Can't do that with a motorcycle on a trailer. Still have the trailer, unless you plan to leave it on the side of the road.

Get a bigger truck or hang it on the bumper like Lindaxtwo. Excel makes a motorcycle carrier for this purpose.

I've met two people who leave their bikes in storage. Run down to warm country in the winter, pick up bike, go ride. Store it for the summer. Safer and simpler.

LindaH · 12-05-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce and Jenna

One ton dually towing a 35' Excel. You are likely pretty close to max on GCWR already, if not over. Add a trailer too?

My thoughts, exactly.

Before doing anything, I'd suggest getting your setup weighed to find out whether or not you have any excess capacity to haul your motorcycle...either on a trailer or hanging off the bumper.

shadrack · 12-05-2009, 09:21 AM

Prior to our MH, we lived in a 39' MountainAir 5er towed by a FL Sport Chassis. Had a 12' enclosed trailer with 2 bikes behind the 5er. Overall was 71' plus. Towed thru California (probably strictest state), down in FL., up the East coast to PA., and over into MI. Never had a problem, but you really have to be aware of liability because, if you are over length or GVCW, if you get into an accident or such. I never spoke to anyone who had ever been pulled over because some officer thought they were too long. It seems like out west and up in MI we saw more double tows than anywhere else. Good luck on your choice.

brassringer · 12-20-2009, 04:08 PM

We had a 333rso with Hydralift on it , and I would not put anything larger than a 125 dirt bike on it. The happiest day was when I got rid of the lift and went back to a cargo trailer. The second happiest day was when I got rid of the 33rso, and got a Nuwa. Good luck

BookIIRoadtrash · 12-20-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brassringer

We had a 333rso with Hydralift on it , and I would not put anything larger than a 125 dirt bike on it. The happiest day was when I got rid of the lift and went back to a cargo trailer. The second happiest day was when I got rid of the 33rso, and got a Nuwa. Good luck

That's Funny!!!!

Steve R. · 12-21-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stewed

My question today is concerning pulling a small trailer behind our 35' Excel to drag my motorcycle along with us to the warm country. I've seen people towing everything from small trailers to big SUV's behind a 5th wheel! Some have looked extremley dangerous and very rediculous. I thought I'd never consider doing this, but that reciever was attached to the coach for some reason. Any of you that have towed something behind your's give me your opinions and what you know about laws concerning length, etc. I'll be towing with a 3500 Duramax Dooley and the bike is a BMW R1200GS. I've seen many folks attach a bike to the back of the camper, but I'm thinking that my bike would be a little more weight than should be hanging out on the rear of the coach. Tell me how this might work.......or talk me out of it by telling me how stupid the idea is! I'm listening and learning from this great resource of experienced full-timers!

Roger

I know your question is about double towing but I had a similar dilemma with hauling motorcycles. My solution was to assemble my own bike hauler. I also decided during the process that my own R1200GS was simply more weight than I wanted hanging off my fiver. I moved down in weight to a Ducati Multistrada and may go for a BMW F800GS soon as I miss the off road capabilities of my GS.

PM me if you would like to pictures and a parts list for my carrier.

backwater4 · 12-21-2009, 01:55 PM

Hauling a motorcycle we haved tryed a small flatbed trailer.a Versa-Haul that hangs on your reciver hitch.And last was the the best. A Fastermaster Swivel Wheel, it's 5' long, 8' wide. The Swivel is ridge to the 5th wheel via receiver hitch.It has one wheel,turns 360. It will back up and not jack knife.If you are intrested in seeing one it is listed in the irv2 classified.

motojavaphil · 12-23-2009, 11:48 PM

Just came across this article: 2010 Update, Let’s Talk ½ Ton Trucks

I hope this comes thru OK. These tow ratings amazed me. Personally to haul a motorcycle I would opt for the F450 and Wild Cargo. It is hard on the machine to live out there with rain, sun and general environmental harshness!
I have been towing a new ZX10R in a pickup behind my MH and it takes its toll on the bike. Beyond that I like 20% above the GVWR but will settle for less. I figure you never have enough truck. It is frightening that these numbers may be being manipulated. Good luck!
Moto