Can You Pull Boat Behind Travel Trailer? Is it Right For You?

The short answer is: Yes, you can pull a boat behind a travel trailer, but it’s a complex undertaking that requires careful consideration, adherence to regulations, and a thorough evaluation of your towing setup. This practice, often called “double towing” or “tandem towing,” isn’t permitted everywhere and can quickly become dangerous if not executed properly. This article breaks down everything you need to know about towing a boat with a travel trailer to help you decide if it’s right for you.

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Weighing the Pros and Cons of Towing Boat with Travel Trailer

Before hitching up a boat behind your RV, it’s important to think about the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Convenience: Bring both your RV and boat to your favorite destinations in one trip.
• Cost Savings: Avoid separate trips and fuel costs associated with them.
• More Flexibility: Explore both land and water activities without moving camp.
• Space Saving at Destination: No need to find two parking spots for the trailer and boat.

Cons:

• Increased Risk: Double towing inherently increases the risk of accidents due to the added length and weight.
• Strict Regulations: Double towing is heavily regulated, and rules vary significantly by state or province.
• Higher Skill Requirement: Requires advanced driving skills and experience with towing.
• Equipment Needs: You need to ensure your tow vehicle and hitches are rated for the combined weight.
• Maintenance: More strain on the tow vehicle requiring regular maintenance.

Towing Two Trailers Legality: Navigating the Regulations

One of the first and most crucial steps is to determine if towing boat and camper is legal in your area. Double towing regulations differ significantly. Before even thinking about this, research the rules in every state or province you’ll be traveling through.

Here’s what you need to consider regarding double towing regulations:

• State/Provincial Laws: Each jurisdiction has its own laws about the maximum length of combined vehicles, allowable weights, and types of vehicles permitted to double tow. Some states prohibit it entirely.
• Endorsements: Some states or provinces require a special driver’s license endorsement to operate a vehicle towing two trailers. Check if you need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) depending on the gross combined weight rating (GCWR).
• Speed Limits: Speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are often lower than the general speed limit.
• Safety Equipment: Regulations might dictate specific safety equipment like brakes on both trailers, breakaway systems, and mirrors.
• Trailer Connections: The types of hitches and safety chains required for towing tandem are often specified.

State	Double Towing Allowed?	Max Length (Typical)	Notes
Arizona	Yes	65 feet	May require special permits for exceeding certain weight or length limits.
California	Yes	65 feet	Restrictions on where you can drive. Check vehicle codes.
Florida	Yes	65 feet	Check specific weight and brake requirements.
Texas	Yes	65 feet	Be aware of lower speed limits when towing.
Check Your State	Check Your State	Check Your State	Refer to official state DMV or DOT resources for accurate and up-to-date information.

How to Find the Correct Regulations:

1. State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): The DMV website for each state should have information on towing regulations.
2. Department of Transportation (DOT): Similar to the DMV, the DOT often has specific regulations on commercial and recreational towing.
3. RV Forums/Clubs: These can be good sources of unofficial information, but always double-check with official sources.
4. Legal Counsel: If you are unsure about any aspect of the regulations, consult with a lawyer specializing in transportation law.

Important Note: Laws can change, so it’s critical to verify the latest regulations before each trip. Don’t rely on outdated information.

Towing Capacity Requirements: Matching Your Vehicle to the Load

Even if double towing is legal where you’re traveling, your vehicle must be capable of handling the combined weight of the travel trailer and the boat. Exceeding your vehicle’s towing capacity is dangerous and can lead to accidents.

Key Weight Ratings to Fathom:

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum permissible weight of the tow vehicle including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The maximum permissible weight of the tow vehicle and the trailer(s) combined, including everything in/on them.
• Tongue Weight: The amount of weight the trailer exerts on the hitch of the tow vehicle.

Calculating Your Towing Capacity:

1. Find Your Vehicle’s GCWR: This should be listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.
2. Weigh Your Tow Vehicle: With a full tank of gas and all passengers and cargo inside, weigh your tow vehicle at a certified scale.
3. Subtract Vehicle Weight from GCWR: This gives you the maximum weight you can tow.
4. Calculate Combined Trailer Weight: Add the GVWR of your travel trailer and the weight of your boat and trailer.
5. Compare: Ensure that the combined trailer weight is less than the maximum weight you can tow.

Example:

• Tow Vehicle GCWR: 20,000 lbs
• Tow Vehicle Actual Weight (loaded): 8,000 lbs
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 20,000 – 8,000 = 12,000 lbs
• Travel Trailer GVWR: 7,000 lbs
• Boat and Trailer Weight: 4,000 lbs
• Combined Trailer Weight: 7,000 + 4,000 = 11,000 lbs

In this scenario, the vehicle can theoretically tow both trailers, as the combined trailer weight (11,000 lbs) is less than the maximum towing capacity (12,000 lbs).

Important Considerations:

• Safety Margin: Don’t push your towing capacity to the absolute limit. A safety margin of 10-15% is recommended.
• Hitch Rating: Ensure your hitch is rated for the combined weight you’re towing.
• Axle Ratings: Check the axle ratings on both trailers.
• Tire Ratings: Make sure your tires are rated for the load.

Travel Trailer Boat Towing Setup: Choosing the Right Equipment

Setting up your travel trailer boat towing setup properly is important for safety and stability. Here’s a breakdown of the essential equipment:

• Hitch System: You’ll need a high-quality hitch system designed for double towing. Weight distribution hitches are essential for larger trailers. Consider a custom hitch setup.
• Hitch Extender/Adapter: An adapter might be necessary to extend the hitch receiver to accommodate the second trailer. Choose a robust, well-engineered extender.
• Safety Chains: Use properly rated safety chains for both trailers. Crisscross them under the tongue of each trailer to prevent it from hitting the ground if it detaches.
• Breakaway Systems: Both trailers should have functioning breakaway systems that automatically apply the brakes if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.
• Brakes: Electric brakes are a must-have for both trailers. Ensure they are properly adjusted and functioning.
• Wiring: Ensure you have the correct wiring to connect the lights and brakes on both trailers.
• Mirrors: Extended side mirrors are crucial for visibility, especially when towing a long combination.
• Tires: Ensure both the boat trailer and RV trailer tires are in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure.
• Sway Control: Adding sway control devices will help keep your trailer stable and limit swaying while driving.

Things to Consider When Choosing Equipment:

• Professional Installation: Have a qualified mechanic install your hitch system and wiring.
• Quality Over Price: Don’t cut corners on safety equipment. Invest in high-quality components.
• Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your hitch, chains, brakes, and wiring for wear and tear.

Pulling Boat and Camper: Safe Driving Practices

Towing a boat behind an RV requires a different approach to driving. Here’s how to tow tandem and RV towing boat safely:

• Plan Your Route: Avoid steep grades, sharp turns, and congested areas. Plan rest stops.
• Drive Slowly: Maintain a safe speed, well below the posted speed limit. Speed limits for towing can be lower.
• Increase Following Distance: Allow for much longer following distances than you normally would.
• Braking: Brake smoothly and gradually. Avoid sudden stops.
• Turning: Take turns wide to avoid hitting curbs or obstacles.
• Awareness: Be extra aware of your surroundings. Watch for other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles.
• Check Your Load: Regularly check your hitch, chains, and cargo to ensure everything is secure.
• Practice: Practice towing in a safe, controlled environment before hitting the road.

Specific Maneuvers:

• Backing Up: Backing up with two trailers is extremely difficult and usually not recommended. Plan your route to minimize the need to back up. If you absolutely must back up, have a spotter to guide you.
• Hill Starts: Starting on an incline can be challenging. Use low gears and apply the parking brake if necessary.
• Downhill Driving: Use lower gears to control your speed on downhill grades. Avoid riding the brakes.

The Boat and Travel Trailer Combination: Is it Right for You?

After considering all the factors, ask yourself these questions to determine if towing boat behind RV is the right choice for you:

• Is it Legal? Am I legally allowed to double tow in all the states/provinces I plan to travel through?
• Is My Vehicle Capable? Does my tow vehicle have the necessary towing capacity?
• Do I Have the Right Equipment? Do I have the right hitch, safety chains, brakes, and wiring?
• Am I Skilled Enough? Am I an experienced tower with the skills to handle a long, heavy load?
• Is it Worth the Risk? Are the convenience and cost savings worth the increased risk of an accident?

If you answer “no” to any of these questions, double towing is likely not the right choice for you. Consider alternative options, such as towing the boat separately or storing it at your destination.

FAQ Section

• What is the maximum length allowed when towing two trailers? Maximum length varies by state/province. Always check the regulations for each jurisdiction you will be traveling through.
• Can I tow a boat behind a fifth-wheel trailer? Generally, the same rules apply as with travel trailers. Check local regulations and weight capacity.
• What happens if I get caught double towing where it’s illegal? Penalties can range from fines to having your vehicle impounded.
• Do I need special insurance to tow two trailers? Contact your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage. You might need to increase your liability limits.
• How often should I inspect my towing equipment? Inspect your hitch, chains, brakes, and wiring before each trip, and periodically during long trips.
• What type of hitch is best for towing two trailers? Weight distribution hitches with sway control are recommended, especially for larger trailers.
• Is it more fuel-efficient to tow two trailers or make two separate trips? Towing two trailers generally reduces overall fuel efficiency compared to towing a single trailer. However, it might still be more efficient than making two separate trips.

By carefully considering all of these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether towing a boat behind a travel trailer is right for you. Prioritize safety and legality above all else to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.