Community Forums

Trigger3lite · 03-02-2016, 07:00 PM

Is it allowed? Will things fall inside? I read that you need communication between tower and the 5th wheel but nothing about wearing seat belts or anything.

Is it a pleasant ride inside at 65mph? I'm guessing not but I can't find many sources online.

I'm asking because at first I was gonna buy a 1/2 ton SUV and tow a travel trailer but now I'm not so sure.

I though about 1 ton vans and a travel trailer and now I'm considering
a 3/4 ton F250 6.2L 8' bed.

jfran304 · 03-02-2016, 07:09 PM

Each state has their own laws. Personally I wouldn't even let/make my dog ride in a trailer for any distance.

Towing World Official Website

Jon

Mr_D · 03-02-2016, 07:13 PM

Some require radio communications between the trailer and tow vehicle. Also, be careful of the Towing World info, I know for a fact that is several cases it's wrong especially with the towed braking requirements.

Trigger3lite · 03-02-2016, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Some require radio communications between the trailer and tow vehicle. Also, be careful of the Towing World info, I know for a fact that is several cases it's wrong especially with the towed braking requirements.

I'm more concerned about how comfortable the ride is. I heard 5th wheels ride quite smooth compared to TTs.

drdarrin · 03-02-2016, 07:26 PM

Is it allowed? Depends on the state.

Will things fall? If they will, they will regardless of whether you're riding back there or not.

Perhaps the better question is, do you think it wise? Personally, I don't think so. Besides, I can't drive and ride in the back at the same time.

Brentw · 03-02-2016, 07:37 PM

Wow, I've seen RV's tipped over, there is no rollover protection on these units. They generally turn into a flat deck trailer after a wreck.
Nothing I love will ride back there.
I know you're a good driver, some times it aint your fault.

ccsvolsfan · 03-02-2016, 07:42 PM

With the slides in, the only place to sit is the throne.

papaw.1 · 03-02-2016, 07:51 PM

Hi trigger3lite,
Just my opinion but I would by no means let ANYONE ride in the Fiver or TT while being towed.There is just to many things that can go really bad really fast and even though you have contact with who ever is back there it will not be fast enough to react to an emergency.Take care and Safe Travels.

Bob1340 · 03-02-2016, 09:16 PM

Lucy rode in her's while Ricky drove and tried to cook diner on the road. Disaster

.

(checking on peoples age)

Bob1340 · 03-02-2016, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccsvolsfan

With the slides in, the only place to sit is the throne.

LOL. put the slides out.

PointyWombat · 03-02-2016, 09:22 PM

I'd never, but found this information.

PW

Gordon Dewald · 03-02-2016, 09:36 PM

It sure would do away with the "Are We there yet?" questions.

Dtwallace · 03-02-2016, 09:55 PM

The FHSA has deleted this from the publication, but it is allowed in all states, any enclosed trailer as long as the passenger and driver has some type of communication. You can find the latest FHSA publication in most any truck stop.
All truckers are suppose to have and know this publication front to back, it is not always known as well by all law enforcement officials. If you plan to practice the use of your trailer as a moving sleeper berth, get this publication and look for any changes in what I've mentioned.

The old publication went as far as stating this method of communication did not have to be verbal, a bell, buzzer or light is legal.

If you've ever seen race or show horses hauled cross country, you will always see an attendant riding in the trailer, with the horses, they even have sleeper compartments.

My family and I have traveled long and short cross country trips this way for years. We use two way radio, and cell phone for coms.

You will have to evaluate your personal safety factors in if you plan on traveling this way. If your rig is not stable before and after a blow out, you are not comfortable with traffic, its windy, you are tired, or your tow vehicle is just barely rated high enough for your setup, don't do it.

As far as comfort in the trailer, over the fifth wheel is the worse, the tail area is next. In the middle of the towing truck's drive axle, and the trailer's wheels is the best place to plant your self for the ride, that may mean you sleep in the floor, not the bed for the ride. Now this leads to your other question, do things fall? Yes they do until you learn how to secure them so they don't. Don't store heavy objects high, use the expandable load bars where you can, especially in the frig. If you are sleeping in the floor or couch while traveling, be sure nothing is going to fall on you. Hope this helps.

DTW