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Towing doubles

Old Aug 10, 2011 | 02:07 PM
  #1  
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From: On the Farm, Manitoba
Towing doubles

I'm thinking about setting up to tow a 7000lb tandem trailer behind my 36ft 5ver, although the trailer would never be 7000lbs it would be 4500-4700lbs. Just wondering what kind of weights people are towing double? I would be at the max for combined length of 66 feet.
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Old Aug 10, 2011 | 02:49 PM
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I think my biggest concern would be what type of frame the 5ver has and what type of tongue weight we be put on the hitch. 4500 lbs seems like a lot of weight to be putting on the back of a 5ver
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Old Aug 10, 2011 | 03:07 PM
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From: Okotoks AB
I think if the truck gcvw is high enough you should be ok. You can't go to BC though. No doubles allowed at all.

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Old Aug 10, 2011 | 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by cincydiesel
I think my biggest concern would be what type of frame the 5ver has and what type of tongue weight we be put on the hitch. 4500 lbs seems like a lot of weight to be putting on the back of a 5ver
I have to talk with the 5ver manufacturer and that may be the sticking point as the 5ver frame is only an "I" beam construction.

I think if the truck gcvw is high enough you should be ok. You can't go to BC though. No doubles allowed at all.
I realize that BC doesn't allow towing doubles and I will only be running from Edmonton to halfway across Manitoba. The cargo a small skid-steer and attachments will be around 1500-2000lbs and the weight of the trailer. Truck 3500 SRW 8000lbs and 5ver not fully loaded around 12500-13000lbs so I think it could handle it. It just seems like a lot of weight to tag on the back.
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Old Aug 10, 2011 | 11:45 PM
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From: Rosthern SK
I tow a boat behind my 29.5 foot fiver. Never weighed the boat but I am guessing around 2500 lbs.
What I notice the most is the weight on the back hitch of the trailer and the bouncing or teeter toter effect if I drive over some dips in the road.
I have never used a load leveler on the boat trailer but might consider it if hauling more weight.
You are on the right track to check with the trailer manufacturer. They will probably advise against it to cover their butts.
Do a local run with the train to see how it handles if you seriously consider it.
Good luck.
Stan
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 07:53 PM
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I would check with the state you plan to tow in first. Florida does not allow it as many others. However, I've seen many double tows such as travel trailers pulling a 16ft boat down here. Commercial Double towing is allowed. So I hear with a non commercial class A you can get a doubles endorsement in Florida and tow double, fifth wheel and lets say a small trailer with a golf cart of motorcycle on it.

There are length restrictions as well that might require a over length permit.

OPS just noticed your north of the border. So what I said applies to the US.

Dave
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Old Aug 12, 2011 | 12:22 PM
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Thanks for the replies, still waiting to hear from the manufacturer. Either way I would still like to hear what kind of weights people are towing double.
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Old Aug 12, 2011 | 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by CoastalDav
I would check with the state you plan to tow in first. Florida does not allow it as many others. However, I've seen many double tows such as travel trailers pulling a 16ft boat down here. Commercial Double towing is allowed. So I hear with a non commercial class A you can get a doubles endorsement in Florida and tow double, fifth wheel and lets say a small trailer with a golf cart of motorcycle on it.

There are length restrictions as well that might require a over length permit.

OPS just noticed your north of the border. So what I said applies to the US.

Dave
Illinois does not allow for 2 bumper hitches as doubles.
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Old Aug 13, 2011 | 12:36 AM
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From: Okotoks AB
Same with here in Alberta first trailer has to be a 5th wheel.

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Old Aug 13, 2011 | 02:01 AM
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If your second trailer is 4500 lbs it must have trailer brakes.. NOW Is the built in controller in the dodge up to handling that many brakes??
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Old Aug 13, 2011 | 12:41 PM
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From: On the Farm, Manitoba
Originally Posted by Grand Geek
If your second trailer is 4500 lbs it must have trailer brakes.. NOW Is the built in controller in the dodge up to handling that many brakes??
A very good question I never thought of that, it does have brakes on all four wheels, it's a 7000lb tandem dump trailer. I did hear back from the manufacturer and they don't build their own frames they are built by Lippert so I have now contacted them and waiting for a reply. While I wait I'll get on the brake controller issue.
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Old Aug 13, 2011 | 01:54 PM
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Look for a brake controller that can handle four axles or more. My Brakesmart worked well when I pulled doubles. I did not pull a trailer behind the 5th wheel...I had double flat beds.
You will run into the teeter totter porpoising if you do not upgrade the suspension on the 5th wheel. With some of the roads in SK and MB the way they are...I am assuming the Yellowhead? You could be in for a REAL wobbly ride and it could be a challenge to handle once it gets bouncing.

The suspension and the frame will be the weak link in the 5er. Tires on the 5er might not be up to the added weight on the rear either. The pin weight is going to change on the 5er hitch too.
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Old Aug 14, 2011 | 08:49 PM
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If it is truly a Lippert frame don't even attempt it as their frames are not made to do that the most you could possibly get away with is maybe a small trailer with a ATV or UTV on it.
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Old Aug 15, 2011 | 09:34 AM
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From: Thanks Don M!
Originally Posted by whiteeye42
If it is truly a Lippert frame don't even attempt it as their frames are not made to do that the most you could possibly get away with is maybe a small trailer with a ATV or UTV on it.
Very good point!
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Old Aug 15, 2011 | 12:32 PM
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From: On the Farm, Manitoba
Well I heard back from Lippert and they didn't answer a single question but here's what they said.
"If your Crusader did not come factory with a provided rear hitch, installing a rear hitch will void frame warranty. Thank you,"
As the frame looks very flimsy I'll pass on installing a hitch thanks for the replies.

I did a search in this site and found a post saying the factory integrated brake controller can handle 4 axles, good to know.
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