I have a `03 Cardinal 5`er by Forest River and I want to double pull my quads behind it.

I see people do it all the time, but I went to a hitch guy and he said my frame was too thin?

I beleive I have the same hitch as most other manufactures out there, why can they double pull and I can't?? ???

 

P.S.

I only want to tow about 2,000 lbs.

 

If your frame is too thin you can double frame it....most truck frame shops can do this...mite even try the frame shop to install a hitch receiver at the same time

You should also run electric brakes on the second unit...this mite need a controller that handles all the axles....most controllers handle 3 axles

 

The reason you were told that your frame is to thin is because MOST manufacturers of fifth wheel trailers do not want the liability of potential frame problems. I don't know of any mfg's that will approve of another hitch on the bumper. My fiver has a hitch that is not much more than a piece of 3/8" steel bolted to the bumper. Is it mfg approved? I doubt it. Does it work for what I do? You bet. It is one of those deals that they won't tell you it is ok but you most likely won't have any problems. I guess if you want you could put a hitch on and run some gussets up to a cross member or another part of the frame.

 

I would opt for having a hitch shop install a receiver. They will do it right if it can be done safely. I plan on doing it to my fiver. I contacted a local shop and they quoted me a price of $150-$200 based on previous installs. I could buy a receiver and install it myself, however, this is a safety issue and if they install it then they are liable if there is a problem.

Also, check with your insurance company, some will not cover you if you double tow. In many jurisdictions you must have a Class A Driver's License.

 

I had a custom hitch made for our 5er to pull PWC's
They custom designed it and then bolted it up underneath.
They also wiring up a 7 pin connector. No welding to the 5er
frame, only bolts and holes.

Cost $350 installed...did a great job...they rated it
for 2500lbs but said it could pull more than that but would
not rate it for anything more than 2500lbs.

I dont have any pictures though...the 5er is sitting in
storage for the winter.

 

Jeez- I just saw one that a person could buy for this application in J.C.Witney!!! They cost $124.99 or $199.99 depending on frame width. Then you still have to install them.
Tom

 

Each 5er is different...ours has a sealed underbelly (more labor)
and the scissor jacks needed to be relocated and welded
in new locations to clear the new hitch.

Plus ours has a lower bumper that required more
steel and welding....I was pleased with the quality
and wiring of the 7 pin.