Double Towing

[teallen]

I am now researching on getting a hitch installed on the bird so I can tow my 5x8 trailer with ATV. For those of you who double tow, what problems have you had with sway? Is there a special hitch arrangement that needs to be installed to minimize sway (especially a small trailer that I plan to tow). I do intend to install a camera to keep track of the trailer. What other problems have you incurred that would help me? Thanks for the advice. Tom

[bigbunkhouse]

Talk to Bruce---camps with critters---drinks with jack

[campswithcritters]

My situation different, I used a swivelwheel which is a totally different towing/hitching system.

[bigbunkhouse]

correct! thought you may be a good alternate/better idea!

[surveyman]

At times I have double towed a 15' boat and sometimes I take our 5' x 8' trailer with 2 mopeds. I installed a sturdy hitch to the frame that has a 2" receiver. There are a number of posts on this site that talk about hitches, there are even pictures. As far as sway, I have none! When double towing you can't even tell a second trailer is back there, that's the part that concerns me! On a sunny day you can see the shadow but that's about it. If you have a good hitch and a good trailer it will tow like it was hitched directly to your tv. Safety chains are a must. Wiring for the trailer is another site that has been posted. I found all my wires in the back on the drivers side. Dropped a panel and tapped into them, pretty easy to do. Cornering is no problem either, the second trailer does not cut in any further than the 5'er. Good luck!

[teallen]

Thanks for the advice. Will find a reputable business to install and wire the trailer.

[dfredendall]

I tow doubles. I tow Watercraft on a 15 1/2' trailer behind my 5er. My total length is 67'. The second trailer weighs nearly 2000 lbs. fully loaded. It tows very well, I ordered the boat trailer hitch from the factory, and had them install the 4 wire plug at the same time. The wiring runs open above the floor at the rear of my trailer. I have a rear kitchen, and can see all wires by pulling out drawers. The boat hitch is rated for 3500 lbs. I find that the second trailer tracks exactly where the 5er wheels go, except for tight turns. I have backed up the entire rig, approx 50 feet. It is tricky but can be done, very slowly. Not a feat I try often. The rig has been known to travel straight arrow at 75 mph. Another feat I do not recommend. (It took a while to slow my buddy down to a reasonable and safe speed in Nevada). We usually travel 60-62 mph with no issues. I actually try not to draw attention of the police. Dead end roads need to be avoided. In Calif. I must have a commercial driver's licence with bi-annual medical certificate. The DMV physical every two years is more a nuisance than anything. I have a color camera on the rear of my 5er, which is wireless. The distance for the signal is maxxed out, but it gives me what I need. Passing is no issue for me. You need to know the max length allowable in your state. (I am 2" over) Some states do not allow doubles, so watch your out of state travel regs.

[bigbunkhouse]

Wow 67' we are 58'10" without double towing and we are 14 inches from our states limit!

[Rbird]

Teallen..

You may also want to check with the Secretary of State office.
A "R" endorsement is required in MI on your DL to hook to your fifth wheel.

Dave

[surveyman]

I am curious, what rear view camera do you use? I would like to get one but heard they didn't work very well. The other issue I have is the cost.

[teallen]

Teallen..

You may also want to check with the Secretary of State office.
A "R" endorsement is required in MI on your DL to hook to your fifth wheel.

Dave

Dave, already have the "R" rating, just need to get the trailer fixed up and away I go. Tom

[Rbird]

Tom...

Make sure you post some pic's when you get it done. Would like to see how it turns out.

Keep thinking someday I should hookup the DW's Saturn to the back of our bird. Then she could ride back there , and be a real back seat driver.

Dave

[WVcampers]

Camera should be a must. I have a relative that did not know that he had lost their car that was being towed behind the 5er until another motorist flagged him down. It did not hit anything, only ran off the road into a ravine several miles back.

[teallen]

Tom...

Make sure you post some pic's when you get it done. Would like to see how it turns out.

Keep thinking someday I should hookup the DW's Saturn to the back of our bird. Then she could ride back there , and be a real back seat driver.

Dave

Dave, great idea, I will ask Judy if she would be willing to ride the quad while I am driving, then I would not have to listen to her romance books on tape for 6 hours.

[bigbunkhouse]

head phones man headphones!!! they can save a marriage