Towing doubles behind 2500?
 

I was tossing idea of pulling utility trailer behind our 25' fifth wheel for extra storage and friend mentioned a deal on a trailer. My original plan was about a 6x12 or so and this killer deal on a 24' v-nose comes along. Now I'm thinking extra living/entertainment space for older kids and more privacy for wife and I. I'm wondering if anyone has ideas or experience with towing of this size they might wish to share. 5th wheel is about 6,000# and I'm guessing trailer to be another 3,500#. Previous 37' fifth wheel we had was close to 13,000#bringing grand total with truck to around 20,000#. State laws allow for doubles and total length of 65' so I think I'd be state legal. Any pics of doubles would be really cool.

As long as you stay under the state length limit you'll be fine. If you plan on driving out states with that set up make sure you check with the states you'll be passing through, some states don't allow it. At a minimal you will need a class 'B' commercial drivers license as well, you may also need to a have a double endorsement as well.

Here is a state by state listing of towing laws. http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

One thing you will need to consider is if the tongue weight of that 24' v-nose will put your 5th wheel RV over it's GVWR or it's axle rating. I know my 5er's GVWR is 8050 lbs but it's axles are only rated for 3500 lbs a piece! The manufacturer's argument is that 1050 lbs is sitting in the bed of the truck, which is just a B.S. cop-out as far as I'm concerned. I've bent 2 stock rear axles on my 5er since I bought it used in 2004 and I've never had it loaded close to it's GVWR, though all the water tanks are located near the rear of the unit. Soon as get some "extra" money, I'm slapping a set of 6400 pounders under it!

he shouldn't need a class b or any special license. it will be for recreational use.

On any trailer you ever own be sure it either has Dexter axles or plan on changing them to Dexter axles. No other brand is exceptable. I know this sounds like an over statement but it's not. Dexter's are so much better then all the other brands on the market that they don't even compare. You won't hurt Dexter's unless your insanely over weight.

The only other thing I can think to add is about how the rear trailer will affect your 5ver's weight distribution. I have seen some that the second trailer swayed a lot no matter what was done to move the weight around. I have always thought that if the 10% rule was followed you wouldn't have any trouble with the trailer trying to sway. 5vers have a lot of pin weight usually and I have always thought that was another reason why they are so stable. If your second trailer has a lot of tongue weight, it might upset that stability.

As long as you stay in the weight limits, length limits and such for each state you should be fine. If it is set up correctly it should remain stable and that will keep you and those around you safe. I'll admit I didn't pay enough attention to these 'little details' when I was younger. Now, I realize how important they are and how 'lucky' I have been in the past. It just isn't worth it to risk everything by short cutting one of the requirements.
My present set up is a 22' TT camp trailer followed by a small 3 place bike trailer. They are both small and light enough that I have never had any trouble in any situation with them. Well, except that I can only back up a certain amount before that darn short bike trailer out cuts the camp trailer. :scare2: . . . LOL
If you set yours up correctly, I think you would be fine.
Dan

I'm thinking a quad cab truck, 25 ft. 5th wheel and a 24 ft. v-nose trailer is going to exceed your max of 65 ft. isn't it? If not it will be pretty close:pca1:

is the 65' limit including the truck or just whats behind it?

Front of truck to ass end of trailer/trailers.