Community Forums

halfhitch05 · 11-14-2008, 10:19 AM

can you sleep in a 5er while your partner is driving,

moldmkr · 11-14-2008, 11:56 AM

I wouldn't do it because of the safety aspect, however I do not know if it is legal or not.

RustyJC · 11-14-2008, 12:07 PM

First, welcome to iRV2.

We're glad to have you with us.

HERE is one of the threads I found using the Find function where this topic is discussed.

Rusty

TXiceman · 11-14-2008, 01:59 PM

To summarize, a few states allow a 5er to be occupied, provided there is a form of verbal communication with the driver and the occupants in the 5er..

Having ridden a short distance across a parking lot at low speed, there is no way that I would ride in the trailer at road speeds. the other issue is safety of the occupants in the trailer. They are not built to any safety standards for crash or roll over.

And a big welcome to iRV2.

Ken

Ray,IN · 11-14-2008, 03:59 PM

Sleep in a 5er enroute? You'll be lucky to keep your last meal down.

Crash protection- roll up in the mattress is it. While some states allow passengers in a 5er or TT while moving it's not sane in my opinion. See towing laws for states for more information. You must contact each state for up-to-date laws though.
Welcome to the "club"/ extended RVing family!

rjf7g · 11-14-2008, 04:06 PM

Legal or not, I wouldn't do it.

LindaH · 11-15-2008, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rjf7g:
Legal or not, I wouldn't do it.

My feelings exactly!!!

As an experiment, get in the back of your fifth wheel and have your partner drive it around the block. See if you'd REALLY want to ride back there when it's moving down the road at speed.

Jeff_in_The_Dalles · 11-19-2008, 10:05 PM

I think that some states that say it's allowed also specify that the occupied part of the trailer has to have certified automotive safety glass... which I don't think any of them do.

Anyway, I'll third

Quote:

Legal or not, I wouldn't do it.

IMHO a person riding back there could easly be badly hurt or killed in an accident that would otherwise have been a non-injury fender bender. Even a panic stop would toss a person around, and there are hard surfaces and sharp corners everywhere...

And, although 3 people have already said it, welcome to the forums. There are a lot of experts here who happily help with any question a person could have.

Dusty2U · 01-08-2009, 01:13 PM

I would not put anyone I love, to ride in 5th wheel, while moving down the road. It is not safe.
Most do have safety glass but they are flimsy and do not hold up in an accident.

jefff929 · 02-16-2009, 06:11 AM

While I wouldn't do it, as others have stated it might be a wild ride, it is ok in some states.

I know of at least one person who wouldn't recommend it, he posted in TDR here.

rjf7g · 02-16-2009, 05:05 PM

As much as the stuff in my car goes flying when I have to slam on my brakes, I don't want to have a body in any vehicle without a seat belt.

Ray,IN · 02-16-2009, 05:51 PM

Thanks for posting the link Jeff. A picture is worth a thousand words, so goes the saying, and it's true. There are two different incidents in that thread.

Lynnvt · 02-17-2009, 03:52 AM

Welcome halfhitch05. You have a good question and many people, especially new owners ask it. But as you can tell from people who posted here, it's not a good idea. Safety of course being the most prevalent reason even in states where it is allowed. Either stop for a rest or the passenger should nap while driving.
Happy camping.