Community Forums

rider77 · 09-22-2019, 12:08 PM

Now that I have your attention.......
Disclaimer-this is not in any way about me thinking about double towing. I carry everything I need in my trailer. All the states in my area have deemed double towing illegal.
However-
This morning I rolled out of Ocean City, Maryland. Two fifth wheels left before me, one double towing a boat and the other double towing a flat bed with a golf cart on it.
Another left with me double towing a fifth wheel and a flatbed with a motorcycle and golf cart. The flatbed trailer was a duel axle roughly 6X16. Very noticeable on the back of the fiver.
While following him up the highway we came through a state police radar trap where one cop was leaning out the window with the radar gun watching the traffic pass, and others were standing out to walk out and flag over vehicles. They payed no mind to the double towing fifth wheel as it passed by.
I see such trailers frequently in my state of Delaware. Even though it’s illegal here, too.
So witnessing what I saw this morning, are these laws that aren’t enforced? I can’t say I’ve ever seen a double tow rig ever pulled over.

Wrktfsh · 09-22-2019, 12:42 PM

There are some states it’s legal. Maybe there is some reciprocity between states, not sure. I see it fairly regularly in the Dakota’s Minnesota and Wisconsin. Iirc it’s only fifth wheel that can double tow.....besides commercial truckers of course

rider77 · 09-22-2019, 12:52 PM

Don’t know about laws between states. But all of the trailers I saw doing it today were licensed in local states where the law says it’s not allowed.
To be specific, one had Pennsylvania tags, one Maryland, one Delaware. The PA trailer was the one towing the big flatbed with the bike and golf cart.

tuffr2 · 09-22-2019, 12:53 PM

I know a person that double towed from Central Florida to Tomahawk Wisconsin and visa versa. Now he has done this for several years and never has been stopped.

From this same RV park there is yet another person the double tows from Michigan to Central Florida. He has never been stopped either.

A simple Google search says it is illegal in a lot of the states they drive thru. They tow in the middle of the day and there is no way to hide double towing.

It is my guess it is a law that is being ignored.

mrgrayaz · 09-22-2019, 01:00 PM

Tighter you turn the screw the more that slips through...

Itchytoe · 09-22-2019, 02:44 PM

I believe it's a law that's only enforced if you look dangerous. If you've got a half ton truck with a 48 foot 5er and a 30 foot tandem axle trailer with four ATV's and drop down gate held on with a rope that's dragging behind you, you're getting pulled over. If you've got a dually with 35 foot 5er and a 15 foot trailer with a single motorcycle or ATV on it, you're most likely going to be fine.

Basically, look like you know what you're doing, and you're fine. Look like you've just hobbled something together out of your back yard, and you might have issues.

NevadaNick · 09-22-2019, 05:32 PM

To the poster that says you can only tow doubles with a fifth wheel, you are wrong. There are states that towing two bumper pulls is perfectly legal.

mhs4771 · 09-22-2019, 07:14 PM

From what I have heard on this subject is that the LEOs have Bigger Fish to Catch and has already been mentioned, if everything looks good and is legally licensed they'll leave you alone.

Old-Biscuit · 09-22-2019, 08:14 PM

No Recipocity bewteen states on Towing Laws
Each State has their own and choose to enforce or NOT

Recipocity is only for Drivers Licenses and Vehicle Registration

PulNSerenity · 09-23-2019, 06:05 AM

I saw a large RV pulling a boat & helicopter once. Don't see that going down the road every day.

Rubirose · 09-23-2019, 06:18 AM

Up here in Canada it is legal to B-train (double tow) with a fiver. In BC it is illegal and I have never seen it happen. Other provinces don't know. We did this for one summer, 25 ft fiver and a quad trailer with three machines. Never again.

TXiceman · 09-23-2019, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

No Recipocity bewteen states on Towing Laws
Each State has their own and choose to enforce or NOT

Recipocity is only for Drivers Licenses and Vehicle Registration

The worst that can happen is you get a ticket and/or have to drop the 2nd trailer and come back for it as a single tow.

Personally, I don't care to gamble.

Ken

aknavy · 09-23-2019, 08:07 AM

I've been all over the country towing a Swivel Wheel, including places that it's apparently illegal, and never got a second look from law enforcement. I think most RV's get a pass from law enforcement unless doing something really egregious.

77Travco · 09-24-2019, 07:08 AM

I couldn't get a picture but... 2 days ago I saw a dually pulling a 5er that had a Jeep Wrangler attached to the back. Double towing is legal in Texas but that was a new one for me.