Towing a Jeep behind 5th Wheel

[crushton]

I was wondering if someone could give me some information about towing a Jeep Wrangler X behind my Montana 5th Wheel. My tow vehicle is a Peterbilt 387 with a Cat C15 engine. The 5th Wheel is 39.7' I know that with all three, the truck, trailer, jeep, the overall length will be more than 65'. First, is it legal. If so, would it be best to flat tow or put it on a 2 wheel tote. Do I need to get permits for oversize load (in just one state or every state I travel through, or do I need one at all?). Some say the Idaho tote is not considered a trailer but part of the 5th wheel, therefore legal to pull toad and not be triple towing. They are way above my budget. Is there anything out there like the Idaho tote that is reasonably priced? Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bushpilot-TC]

Not sure I can help - but we tow a Wrangler (2 dr, sport) behind our 42 foot coach.

Flat towing is ALWAYS easier - the tires on any vehicle will be more reliable than nearly EVERY trailer tire....and you wont have to worry about where you can store the trailer (mosts parks dont have the space)....backing and deal w/ a trailer will be nothing but a PIA...especially if your towing doubles.

In <impossible> situations (where I couldn't back up w/ the toad) I have disconnected and put the wife in the toad in less than a minute (all I have to do is pull 2 pins, 2 chain hooks and the electrical connection & im disconnected / reconnected).

Youll need to check (each) states laws for towing doubles and length....over 65 feet will make you illegal or (require permit) in many states.

State Maximum RV Length Restrictions along with other (height, weight, etc) can be found at the RVIA site CLICK HERE

 

[crushton]

The overall length is 79'. Do you think I would get pulled over at that length.
If so, what I need to know is how to get an oversize permit or do I only need to have oversize banners on the front and rear. There should be no weight limit issue as my truck can pull up to 80,000 lbs.

 

[bushpilot-TC]

did you look at the length & towing (double) restrictions link??

75 feet is enough to get considerable attention - many have done it, but I bet theyre looking over there shoulder A LOT.

IMO you're pushing your luck - at 75 feet.... AND YOU are gonna be doubled up....its a chance I wouldn't be willing to take.

Permit loads are regulated and applied for PER STATE, the time and routes are determined before hand and must be complied with, no deviation or re-routing is permitted w/out permission (its the equivalent of a flight plan).

as for the weight - its not a matter of being rated for it - it becomes a matter of being LICENSED for it and capable of controlling and stopping it.

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

Pretty unlikely that your Montana 5th wheel has a strong enough frame to add the weight towing the Jeep.

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

I know a few people that have flat towed a vehicle behind their 5th wheel. They all don't recommend it. Much better to build a deck on the truck and put whatever you want up there.

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WChiP6jtT17cNa1D7

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mMfWdw3sLhgoy9RG7

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

Have you looked around on the HDT forum at Escapees?: HDT - Escapees Discussion Forum

 

[CumminsFan]

Fed Highway Regs will drive this with some modification by state law. A doubles commercial configuration would be limited to a max of 75 feet overall, with each trailer being no longer than 28 feet on Federal Interstate Highways. State and county roads are more likely more restrictive depending on location. This configuration would require a CDL to drive legally. A 40 foot fifth wheel pulling a Jeep most likely would exceed 75 feet overall length and the 40 foot fifth wheel exceeds the 28 foot limitation. You might be able to do this legally with an over length permit for each state visited but that will be expensive and a major hassle. Without a CDL you are going to have trouble. Max length for an RV configuration on Interstate Highways is 65 feet overall length, not 75 feet.

 

[bushpilot-TC]

....Max length for an RV configuration on Interstate Highways is 65 feet overall length, not 75 feet.

that is incorrect.

Many states limit the combination length to 65'...HOWEVER...
quite a few states permit longer than 75' lengths (ie Wyoming is 85, North Dakota is 110')....
while some limit the combination length to 60' or even LESS (ie Maryland & DC are 55').

Some states no NOT limit the NUMBER in the (RV) Combination at all....
while a few allow 2, 3 or even more (ie Colorado 4, North Dakota 4) ...
just the same you cannot legally exceed the states specified combination LENGTH.

The OP needs to read the RVIA Laws & Regulations documents I linked to earlier - and in particular the Maximum Allowable RV Lengths State Equipment and Road Use Law Summaries <CLICK HERE>