Can You Pull A Boat Behind A Travel Trailer?: Prep & Safety

Can you pull a boat behind a travel trailer? The answer is potentially yes, but it’s complex and depends heavily on local laws, the specifications of your tow vehicle, travel trailer, and boat, and your experience. This practice, often called “double towing” or “tandem towing,” isn’t legal everywhere and demands meticulous preparation and cautious driving. Let’s dive into the details.

Image Source: cimg2.ibsrv.net

Is Towing a Boat with a Travel Trailer Allowed?

The legality of towing a boat behind your RV varies greatly. Some states explicitly permit it, while others strictly prohibit it. Then, some have regulations about overall length and weight.

State-by-State Legal Framework

It’s crucial to investigate the laws in every state you plan to travel through. Here’s why:

• Permitted States: Some states openly allow double towing, but often with restrictions on length, weight, and required safety equipment.
• Prohibited States: Others ban double towing altogether. Violating these laws can result in fines, impoundment of your rig, and legal troubles.
• Conditional States: Certain states allow it under specific conditions, such as obtaining special permits, installing specific hitches, or meeting maximum length limits.

Example State Laws (Illustrative):

State	Double Towing Allowed?	Restrictions
Arizona	Yes	Maximum overall length restrictions apply.
California	No	Double towing is generally prohibited.
Florida	Yes	No overall length restriction with safety chains and braking system.
Texas	Yes	No overall length restriction with safety chains and braking system.

Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list, and laws can change. Always verify current regulations with the relevant state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or transportation agency.

Why the Variation in Towing Boat Behind RV Legality?

The differences in regulations stem from safety concerns. Double towing significantly increases the risk of accidents due to:

• Reduced Maneuverability: Longer rigs are harder to control, especially in turns and during emergency maneuvers.
• Increased Braking Distance: The added weight requires more distance to stop safely.
• Greater Potential for Sway: The “tail wagging the dog” effect is amplified, making it harder to maintain stability.
• Hitch Failure: The extra stress on the hitches increases the risk of failure, potentially leading to separation of the trailers.

Deciphering Travel Trailer Boat Towing Capacity

Even if double towing is legal in your chosen areas, you must ensure your equipment is up to the task. This involves calculating your rig’s capacities and understanding various weight ratings.

Tow Vehicle Capacity

Your tow vehicle is the foundation of your entire operation. Its towing capacity is the maximum weight it can safely pull. This number is usually found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb.

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The maximum permissible weight of the tow vehicle and everything it’s towing (travel trailer and boat).
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The maximum weight each axle can handle.
• Curb Weight: The weight of the vehicle without any passengers or cargo.
• Payload Capacity: The maximum weight you can add to the vehicle (passengers, cargo, tongue weight of the travel trailer).

Calculating Available Towing Capacity:

1. Find your vehicle’s GCWR and GVWR.
2. Weigh your fully loaded tow vehicle (with passengers, cargo, and a full tank of gas).
3. Subtract your actual vehicle weight from the GCWR. The result is the maximum weight your combined trailers can weigh.
4. Subtract your travel trailer’s actual weight from the result. This is the maximum weight of the boat and boat trailer you can tow.

Travel Trailer Capacity

Your travel trailer also has weight ratings that must be considered.

• GVWR: As above, the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded travel trailer.
• Dry Weight (Unloaded Vehicle Weight – UVW): The weight of the travel trailer as it leaves the factory, without any cargo, water, or propane.
• Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): The maximum weight you can add to the travel trailer (water, propane, gear).

Important Considerations:

• Tongue Weight: The amount of weight the travel trailer’s tongue exerts on the tow vehicle’s hitch. This affects the tow vehicle’s payload capacity.
• Hitch Rating: The hitch connecting the boat trailer to the travel trailer must be rated to handle the boat trailer’s weight. Never exceed the hitch’s rating.

Boat and Trailer Weight

The combined weight of your boat, trailer, and any gear stored in the boat is crucial. Find the boat’s weight in its documentation. The trailer’s weight should be on a sticker on the trailer itself. If you’re unsure, have it weighed at a truck scale.

How to Prepare Your RV Towing Boat Combination

Proper preparation is crucial for safe double towing. This involves selecting the right equipment, inspecting everything thoroughly, and practicing your driving skills.

Choosing the Right Hitch

The hitch connecting the boat trailer to the travel trailer is critical.

• Weight Rating: Ensure the hitch’s weight rating exceeds the combined weight of your boat and trailer.
• Type of Hitch: A receiver hitch is common. The hitch receiver size (2 inch or 2 1/2 inch) needs to match the ball mount.
• Professional Installation: Have the hitch professionally installed to ensure it’s securely attached to the travel trailer’s frame.
• Safety Chains: Always use safety chains that are crossed beneath the hitch.

Inspecting Your Equipment

Before each trip, thoroughly inspect all components:

• Tires: Check tire pressure on all vehicles and trailers. Look for wear, damage, and proper inflation.
• Brakes: Ensure all brakes (tow vehicle, travel trailer, and boat trailer, if equipped) are functioning correctly. Test them before each trip.
• Lights: Verify all lights (brake lights, turn signals, running lights) are working on all vehicles and trailers.
• Hitches and Connections: Inspect all hitches, ball mounts, safety chains, and electrical connections for wear, damage, and proper attachment.
• Wheel Bearings: Check the wheel bearings on the travel trailer and boat trailer for excessive heat or play.
• Suspension: Inspect the suspension on all vehicles and trailers for worn or damaged components.

Load Distribution

Proper load distribution is crucial for stability.

• Travel Trailer: Distribute weight evenly inside the travel trailer to prevent sway. Heavy items should be placed low and over the axles.
• Boat: Secure all gear inside the boat to prevent it from shifting during travel.
• Tongue Weight: Ensure the travel trailer and boat trailer have appropriate tongue weight (typically 10-15% of the trailer’s weight).

Practicing Your Skills

Before embarking on a long trip, practice driving in a safe, controlled environment:

• Turning: Practice making wide turns to avoid hitting curbs or other obstacles.
• Braking: Practice emergency braking to get a feel for how the rig handles.
• Backing Up: Backing up with two trailers is extremely difficult. Avoid it whenever possible. If you must back up, have a spotter to guide you.
• Maneuvering: Practice maneuvering in tight spaces, such as gas stations and campgrounds.

Pulling Boat Behind Camper Safely

Safe driving practices are paramount when double towing.

Speed Limits

Adhere to posted speed limits and, if possible, drive slower. Double towing requires greater caution and longer stopping distances. Many states also have specific speed limits for vehicles towing trailers, and these limits may be lower than the general speed limit.

Following Distance

Increase your following distance significantly. Allow plenty of room to react to unexpected events. A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least 4 seconds of following distance for every 10 feet of your overall rig length.

Gradual Maneuvers

Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering. Make all maneuvers smoothly and gradually.

Wind Conditions

Be extremely cautious in windy conditions. Wind can exacerbate sway and make it difficult to control the rig. If winds are strong, consider postponing your trip.

Monitoring

Constantly monitor your mirrors to check on the trailers. Be aware of traffic around you and anticipate potential hazards. Consider using a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to monitor tire pressure and temperature in real time.

Rest Stops

Take frequent rest stops to avoid fatigue. Check your equipment at each stop to ensure everything is still secure.

Route Planning

Plan your route carefully, avoiding steep grades, sharp turns, and congested areas. Use GPS navigation designed for RVs, which can help you avoid low bridges and other hazards.

Grasping Double Towing Regulations

Adherence to regulations is not only a legal requirement but also a safety imperative.

Overall Length Restrictions

Many states have restrictions on the maximum overall length of a vehicle and trailer combination. Measure your entire rig (tow vehicle, travel trailer, and boat trailer) and ensure it complies with the regulations in each state you plan to travel through.

Lighting and Brakes

Ensure all trailers have functioning lights and brakes, as required by law. Some states require independent braking systems on trailers exceeding a certain weight.

Permits

Some states require special permits for double towing. Check with the relevant state agencies to determine if you need a permit.

Signage

Some states require you to display warning signs, such as “Long Load” or “Wide Load,” on the rear of the trailers.

FAQ – Towing a Boat and Camper

Q: Can I double tow if my truck is rated to tow the combined weight of the trailers?

A: Potentially, but having enough towing capacity is only one factor. Double towing might still be illegal in some states, and even where it’s allowed, you must meet all other requirements related to length, braking systems, and hitch ratings.

Q: What happens if I’m caught double towing in a state where it’s illegal?

A: Penalties vary by state, but can include fines, impoundment of your vehicle and trailers, and being prohibited from continuing your trip.

Q: Do I need a special driver’s license to double tow?

A: Some states require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or a special endorsement for towing combinations exceeding a certain weight or length. Check with your state’s DMV.

Q: How do I find out the specific double towing laws for each state?

A: Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the Department of Transportation (DOT) in each state you plan to travel through. You can also find information on their websites.

Q: Is it ever a good idea to exceed the recommended towing capacity?

A: Never. Exceeding the towing capacity is extremely dangerous and can lead to accidents, equipment failure, and legal consequences.

Q: How does towing a boat behind a travel trailer affect fuel economy?

A: Significantly. Expect a substantial decrease in fuel economy when double towing due to the increased weight and wind resistance.

Q: What is the best way to distribute weight in the travel trailer when towing a boat?

A: Place heavier items low and over the axles to maintain stability. Avoid placing heavy items at the front or rear of the trailer, which can increase sway.

Final Thoughts

Towing a boat behind a travel trailer requires meticulous planning, proper equipment, and cautious driving. It’s essential to research and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Prioritize safety above all else. If you are unsure about any aspect of double towing, consult with experienced RVers or professional towing experts.