Community Forums

HobbyTalk · 05-19-2011, 05:58 PM

The newer Dodge's have a front GAWR of 5200 lb. Most actual weights I've seen posted are around 4500 lb.

MICHIGAN CAMPER · 05-20-2011, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatWoman1121

Does anyone know if the fifth wheel can pull a small utility trailer???

Sherri,
Some can and some can NOT.
And Rusty is correct that in some states a 'double tow' isn't allowed although I have never had a problem running through on an interstate.
I probably wouldn't try it in Washington State nor in some of the New England states.

Here's my rig:
michigancamper

CatWoman1121 · 05-20-2011, 06:33 AM

All good input - thanks. I really don't want to go the front mount route, and certainly don't want to void the warranty. Perhaps the scooter will just be sold. LOL

CatWoman1121 · 05-20-2011, 06:35 AM

Michigan - I like your idea the best - but worry about getting in trouble "out there" on the road and ending up in a hell of a mess in some state. Is there a resource anywhere that anyone knows of that shows the states that do and don't allow the double tow?

MICHIGAN CAMPER · 05-20-2011, 06:53 AM

Sherri,
There are different list that give you conflicting information. To look at this sight:
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/02/state-laws-can-pull-you-in-many-directions-if-you-double-tow.html
it's mainly the east-coast states and Washington and Oregon that don't allow double-tows. (or triple tows, depending on where in the country you are...)
See post #13 here: Double trailer towing? - Page 2 - TheDieselPage.com Forums

A couple of years ago we went from Michigan to Texas via Georgia and the only state that didn't allow double tows in our path was KY. Then last year I read a list (chart) that included either Miss or Al., I forget which. I have read charts side-by-side and have found discrepancies so give up on trying to know for sure.

Now I just drive where ever I want to and my biggest concern is to carefully watch that I don't pull into a place where I can't drive out 'forward'.
I think if you don't cause any trouble the cops will leave you alone.
This is MY opinion alone and "doesn't include batteries!
michigancamper

MICHIGAN CAMPER · 05-20-2011, 07:08 AM

More places for confusion:

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

MCCO - Home Page

HowStuffWorks "Trailer Towing Laws by State"

State by State RV and Towing Laws

And the beat goes on....
michigancamper

HobbyTalk · 05-20-2011, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatWoman1121

All good input - thanks. I really don't want to go the front mount route, and certainly don't want to void the warranty. Perhaps the scooter will just be sold. LOL

Just wondering why you wouldn't want to go the front carrier route?

CatWoman1121 · 05-21-2011, 08:26 AM

I am concerned with the weight by doing a front hitch and aesthetics, to be honest.

HobbyTalk · 05-21-2011, 10:49 AM

I can understand the aesthetics, weight is no problem. They hang over 700 lbs of snow plow off the front of RAM 3500s all the time. Thanks for explaining.

CatWoman1121 · 05-22-2011, 07:10 AM

I am concerned about the total weight (payload) on the truck - since I will be hauling a trailer weighing roughly 16,000 lbs. Truck is rated to two 16,700 and total weight cannot exceed 22,000. Per the door sticker my truck can go to 4794 or 4894 (can't remember which at this moment) - so with the weight of the trailer on bed/hitch and two bodies I am concerned I will be over that? If 25% of weight of trailer rests on truck bed then I am pushing it pretty close. Or am I being overly concerned as the Dodge is quite a beast and I should be well within all my weight limits?

Cat320 · 05-22-2011, 01:33 PM

I'm not familiar with your 5th wheel, but some manufacturers limit the amount of weight that can be either put on a rear hitch or towed by a trailer. I'd check with the frame manufacturer before doing anything.

HobbyTalk · 05-22-2011, 02:16 PM

IMHO I would not be as concerned of total weight as I would exceeding the rear axle rating. In most cases you should be closer to 20% of the total weight of the trailer on the pin. Since you are close the only way to know is load up your trailer and truck as it would be for camping and get it weighed. First weigh the truck front and rear axles with the trailer unhooked. Then hookup and weigh the truck front, rear and trailer axles. With a little math you can get all the info you'll need.

Bushman512003 · 05-30-2011, 05:36 AM

I have a scooter carrier in the garage from a 250 Honda Reflex that was on My 5er it worked for Me .If You Have a hitch and beef up hitch it will work Mine did now sitting collecting dust lol....Bushman

RVhauler · 06-03-2011, 08:42 PM

Catwoman1121- There is a mfg (Idaho I believe) that makes a single and double swivel wheel small trailer type add on to the 5er. It has a set of brackets permanently attached to the 5er and a 2nd bracket set on the platform attached together with pins letting the platform to pivot up/down as needed. Wheels by swiveling allow platform to turn as a solid addition to the 5er. platform becomes part of the 5er and doesn't need extra licence. Can be removed by pulling bracket pins when ever needed. Just makes your 5er a little longer in length.