How to Double Tow Two Trailers - Triple Towing a Boat Behind Our Fifth Wheel RV - 70 Feet Long!

Learn the rules and requirements for double towing two trailers!

How to Tow an RV: The Beginner’s Guide
https://www.mortonsonthemove.com/how-...

We recently had to move a boat behind our fifth wheel trailer. I put this video together to share my leanings from the experience. Let me know your thoughts on the topic in the comments!

Here is the information Required to get your Endorsement

Drivers must pass a knowledge test to receive
their recreational double endorsement. The
information in this pamphlet will help you prepare
for the knowledge test.

Definition
A recreational double is a pickup truck pulling a
fifth-wheel trailer, designed for recreational living
purposes, with a second trailer attached to the rear
of the fifth-wheel trailer. The pickup truck must
have a towing rating equal to, or greater than, the
weight being towed.

Licensing Requirements
To operate a recreational double, drivers must
have an “R” endorsement on their license. Anyone
age 18 or older may apply for the endorsement at
a Secretary of State office. Applicants must pass a
test designed to sample the knowledge needed to
operate vehicle combinations of this type. There is
a $10 fee for the endorsement. A skills test is not
required. (You do have to renew your license so it cost me $19)

Operating Restrictions
The total length of the three units—pickup
truck, fifth-wheel trailer and second trailer— when
coupled together, must not exceed 75 feet. The
gross weight of the second trailer cannot exceed
the empty weight of the pickup truck or the empty
weight of the fifth-wheel trailer.

The hitch used to tow the second trailer must
be attached to the frame of the fifth-wheel trailer.
Safety chains for the second trailer must be securely
attached at the extreme outer edge of the fifth-wheel
trailer with a locking mechanism. A trailer cannot
drift more than three inches to either side of the
path of the towing vehicle when the combination
is being drawn in a straight line on a level, smooth,
paved surface.

Getting Ready for a Trip
Before hooking up the fifth-wheel trailer, take
time to check tires, brakes, battery, lights, engine
belts, hoses and other equipment on the pickup
truck.

After the trailer is hooked up, check to see that
the fifth-wheel locking jaws have closed around
the shank of the trailer kingpin. Make sure the
trailer’s electric brakes are hooked up and working
properly.

Be sure the load on the trailer is properly
distributed. As a general rule, 60 percent of the
load should be toward the front of the trailer and
40 percent toward the rear. Too much weight in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway.

On the Highway
On the highway, be cautious. Because a
recreational double is so large, extra effort is needed
to manage the space around the vehicle. Allow
additional following distance between you and the
vehicle ahead. Look ahead 12 to 15 seconds’ worth
of travel time. To estimate this distance, choose a
fixed object near the road ahead and begin counting,
“one thousand one, one thousand two...” Doing so
will give you time to slow down gradually. Sudden
stops in a recreational double are very difficult
and dangerous. Under ideal conditions, it can
take almost four times as much distance to stop at
40 mph as it does at 20 mph.

Manage the space beside your vehicle by staying
in the center of your traffic lane. Whenever possible,
avoid driving next to other vehicles. Other drivers
may not realize that you need additional space and
may suddenly change lanes or drive too close. Be
sure you have room to safely enter the flow of traffic
or cross a roadway. A recreational double requires
much more space than a car or pickup truck.
To keep track of vehicles behind you, check your
mirrors often. Always turn your head to check for
vehicles in your “blind spots.”

Use extra care when approaching a curve. Taking
a curve too fast can cause tires to lose traction,
resulting in a dangerous skid. To maintain the
best control on a curve, you should slow to a safe
speed before entering the curve and then accelerate
slightly through it.

Turning Corners
Turning corners with a recreational double—
especially to the right — can be a challenge.
However, a little practice and forethought can
make the job easier and safer. When a vehicle
goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a
different path than the front wheels. This is called
“off-tracking.” The rear wheels of the pickup truck
will off-track slightly. The rear wheels of the fifthwheel
trailer will off-track even more and the rear
wheels of the second trailer will off-track the most.

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