Towing a trailer behind a 5th wheel

[buckeyes]

Okay, I could use some advise from all of your veteran RV'ers. We are "really" thinking of pulling a single axle trailer behind our 30' Wildcat RV. The motorcycle is a Honda Goldwing, wgt is about 860 lbs, the trailer is 350lbs so we would be adding about 1200 lbs, which should pose no problem for our Dodge 2500 with Cummins Diesel. Trailer is 9,800, so we would have 11,000 total. We are ONLY thinking of towing this puppy from New Mexico across I-10 to Florida where we winter. It would be nice to have the bike down there to run around on. No way would we consider towing it on our treks up and down mountains, or questionable roadways. I-1-10 is relatively flat, and of course, Florida has NO obstacles to speak of. My question for all of you intelligent lifeforms is two fold: the first is do you think it is safe to tow this way, and the second, where can I find out which states frown on this method of towing. I appreciate all the feedback you can provide. Oh, we have checked with Wildcat, and the trailer will accommodate the receiver hitch, if it is properly welded on.

[buckeyes]

Okay, I could use some advise from all of your veteran RV'ers. We are "really" thinking of pulling a single axle trailer behind our 30' Wildcat RV. The motorcycle is a Honda Goldwing, wgt is about 860 lbs, the trailer is 350lbs so we would be adding about 1200 lbs, which should pose no problem for our Dodge 2500 with Cummins Diesel. Trailer is 9,800, so we would have 11,000 total. We are ONLY thinking of towing this puppy from New Mexico across I-10 to Florida where we winter. It would be nice to have the bike down there to run around on. No way would we consider towing it on our treks up and down mountains, or questionable roadways. I-1-10 is relatively flat, and of course, Florida has NO obstacles to speak of. My question for all of you intelligent lifeforms is two fold: the first is do you think it is safe to tow this way, and the second, where can I find out which states frown on this method of towing. I appreciate all the feedback you can provide. Oh, we have checked with Wildcat, and the trailer will accommodate the receiver hitch, if it is properly welded on.

[donpop]

You should not have any trouble at all towing double the way you proposed. I have been double towing for years pulling a two wheeled trailer with two ATVs or a JD garden tractor/lawn mower. I keep extra good tires on the second trailer plus I have a rear camera in the back of my fiver so I can keep watch on the second trailer plus I have a pressure pro system that will tell me if a tire gets low. I just tow in Kansas where it is legal. There are sites that will give you state by state info. I'm sure someone will give you a reference in another reply.

[maltruck8]

I would suggest that you check with your insurance co. you may not be covered. Jim

[Hitchhiker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">where can I find out which states frown on this method of towing. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Click here for Trailer Life's Rules of the Road which lists the states that permit or prohibit such towing.

[Donna Seymour]

I am very interested on your selection of truck (very nice) to pull your 5th weel as well as choise of 5th wheel vs motor home to be a full timer. We are planning to go full time in about 5 years and have been looking at the options. Would you mind sharing?

[gearman]

I have towed my toys behind our 5th for years (hwy and mountains). I have had upto 2500 lbs behind 5th with no problems, atvs and bikes or jet skis.

Just make sure that the hitch is done right. Best advice I can give on the trailer that will haul your gold wing, make sure it is has large wheels (14-15") to keep wheel RPM down. I see many small trailers broke down on the side of the road with failed wheel bearings. Small wheels = high RPM = heat = bearing failure.

Also a wide enough trailer that you can at least see the wheels/fenders of that trailer in your mirrors.

[baddwalk]

Also check to see what kind of special licensing you may need. For example, California allows towing doubles but you need a Commercial driver's license with doubles endorsement. Check with your states DMV.