campers and towing boats

[brdklr]

I was just wondering if any of you tow a camper trailer and then the boat behind that? What is it like? Would you do it again? I've been looking for a slip in truck camper but the price is not far from a trailer with much more room. I've got two kids and a wife to fit in it so the size is nice but I don't know if I like the idea of the towing. Tent camping is just not for me, kinda don't like waking up wet from rain or condensation. Any other ideas? I could tow the boat with the Blazer and a camper trailer with the Silverado, but that may get old and costly also.

[Hans]

Further question..... is such a "double tow" legal in Minnesota? I've been halfway considering buying a travel trailer, but don't even want to OPEN the discussion with the kitchen supervisor, if I can't also tow my boat.

Hans

[Don..SD]

Yes, it is legal to do so. You need to go down to the DOT and get the lenght restrictions ect. ect. I believe in SD it is 75' and in MN it is something like 65' from your front bumper to the very end of your boat. good luck

[cisco]

Are you sure it's legal in Minn? I know it is legal to tow camper and boat trailer in both Dakotas, but was told that it is not legal in Minn. And, I know it is not legal in Wis., as I was told there by the Hiway Patrol. (So-called double-bottom tractor trailors are legal in Wis on Interstate & some US and other designated hiways, but that's a different matter.)

Incidentally, can you imagine backing a boat trailer in to a launch ramp with a camper trailer between tow vehicle and boat trailer? I know they unhook and rehook, but think of the fun it would be to try two at the same time.

[Don..SD]

I still would call the DOT and see. P.S. if you do try backing down the ramp with the boat and camper at the same time call me so I can come watch.!!!!!!!

[Phil T.]

It is legal to double-tow in MN, but there are restrictions. For example, the camping trailer must be a 5th wheel design, and there is an overall length restriction. MNDOT msut have a website.
Now, do you want to? First look under the rear end of the camper you are interested in and see how little framework exists for towing a boat. I think the only 5th wheel builder that warranties its trailers for towing another trailer is Excel. They cost more. If a camper salesman tells you that his brand is warranteed, ask to see the document. Don't believe commission salesmen! Shoot, Excel may no longer warranty their campers. I haven't checked that situation out in about 5 years.
Second, you won't be able to see your boat very well, and if the boat trailer doesn't have enough tongue weight, it will sway. It will sway a lot when you reach an unstable speed. My coworker can't exceed 55mph with his rig. You also really need surge brakes on the boat trailer. The uncontrolable sway usually happens on downhill runs, and that lightweight boat can (and often does) whip so violently, it throws the 5th wheel into the ditch. Makes insurance companies unhappy.
After you're parked, the 5th wheel is really convenient. You don't have to unhook the electricity, water, and sewer to launch your boat. I have a slide-in camper, so I unhook a lot of utility connections. But I have a lot fewer problems on the road. Yes, my boat trailer has surge brakes. A pickup's brakes can only stop so much weight.
Finally, what is the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight of your truck? That's the total of truck, camper, boat, supplies, people, etc. Unless you have a hero tonner, the load is too great.
A suitable pickup will likely cost near $30,000, a nice 5th wheel trailer from Excel around $20,000, and then there is the boat. Those resort cabins look better and better, and even cheaper than just paying the interest on the other package. If you insist on buying a camper (and if you only get two weeks vacation/year it is a silly purchase) you can buy a lot of extra gas for the debt load of an expensive, powerful pickup.

[solarfisher00]

brdklr,
My uncle tows his fifth wheel and his boat just about everywhere he goes. He has brakes on both the camper and boat. He really likes the rig. He started out with a standard half ton chevy, but it did't have as much power as he liked, so he got a bigger 3/4 ton chevy with a 454. The new truck has plenty of power and he said he doesn't have any trouble driving 65 or 70 down the interstate. If you have anymore questions about his rig I could ask my uncle for you.

Solarfisher00

[SLS]

I have been towing a '93 25ft cobra fifth wheel with a lund 1890 prov/175hp behind a 2000 f250sd/v10 crew cab and have not had any trouble at all. The longest trip last year was 1450 miles round trip. Some of the considerations with this setup is the trailer type, I would only reccomend a fifth wheel and don't try the shorter lighter types, you want a well built solid fifth wheel with plenty of toung weight and a very solid frame. Also the fifth wheel trailer and boat needs to be as level as possible when towing if it going to track good. This type of set up at first glance looks kind of spooky, but if your careful and dont't drive to fast(I keep it under 68mph) it works fine and it sure is nice when you get there and drop the trailer and just have your empty truck to launch your boat with. Also, I live out west and don't have a whole lot of towns and heavey traffic to contend with. Hopes this helps
SLS

[Bill Coomes]

I've looked into this as to the legality of each state. Phil is right about restrictions on length, western states aloow longer length, farther east is goes down to about 60' for MI. Most Eastern states do not allow such towing. The only other restriction in MN is you can't drive on the interstate in the Twin Cites or surrounding counties during rush hour.

[smiley]

In my opinion you should find yourself a nice pick-up camper. There will be plenty of room for you and your family. My husband and I just bought a pop-up pick-up camper. It's only 1,100 pounds and we can leave it on the truck if we want to. Makes it easy. We don't have to take it off and put it on every weekend if we don't want to. We bought a used one. Wasn't expensive and it's in great shape. Look around, there are alot of options.

Good Luck
Lisa

[REW]

I have a friend with a 3/4 ton pulling a 5th wheel and 17 foot boat with no problems. He has pulled it all over the country. He lives in Co. and fishes all over the west as well as MN and MT.

He has got the hooking and unhooking down to a science. No big deal. Once you are settled at your camp site - you have the truck for running errands sight seeing etc. Works great.

The room in a 5th wheel is amazing - all of the luxuries of home and plenty of room. Go for it. Get a good quality 5th wheel with a properly rated frame and you will have no problem.

Take care and enjoy.

REW

[Fish mojo]

I wouldn't care if it was legal or not. I think you are crazy to do this. Try looking at some of the larger slide in campers with electric jack setup and a slide out unit. True, not as big as the trailer, but not as likely to end up in the ditch (or dead!)

[vetspet(ind)]

i have an 8 ft truck camper....custom made with 6 ft refridgerator so that i have a nice freezer for fish...two propane tanks so i don't run out as i winter camp a lot....my best friend has the 12ft lancer truck camper which is much nicer than mine...and much more expensive....he has more room but these units get very cramped if there is more than two persons... we both have 3/4 ton trucks with 4x4...i have the v-10 ram gas hog but runs very well...all kinds of power no matter if i'm fully loaded and pulling my 21ft boat...my friend has the ford with diesel....both vehicles have plenty of guts for pulling whatever....his lance is still small even tho he has the largest size truck camper....women do not like to be cramped whereas men generally are happy to have a warm...solid camper to sleep and snore in....steve....i plan to get a fifth wheel so my family will not complain so much...now when we go camping i pithch a nice big new tent for the kids to sleep in...they like it just fine....i also bought them nice warm bags so they don't get cold...works out just fine except the wife still complains there is not enough room....thats just women...steve

[Jack]

For what its worth, I saw this rig two different years when I was at a fish camp in Florida - It was late at night when I saw the rig and never got a chance to talk to the owner. He had a professional looking rig made up that allowed him to pull his bass boat and trailer up on top of his truck. The thing kind of looked like an auto transport but for just one vehicle. He also was towing a large travel trailer.

One of the fellows I was with told me the guy stopped by for one night about every year. He also said the rig was made by the truck owner and some sort of winch arrangement allowed him to pull the boat up ramps to the top of his truck.

It caught my eye because I was camped in a slide in truck camper and I envied the room he had for his camping.

That is all I know about it but the fish camp owner might know his name if I called and asked.

Just something I observed, for what its worth. LOL.

Jack

[sure it is]

It is legal in WI.

[Phil T.]

Bass & Walleye Boats magazine, May/June 1999. It is Lift-N-Load, 691 Old Corvallis Road, Corvallis, MT 59828. Ph: 406/961-3429.
Back issues of the magazine are available by calling 310/537-6322,ext140, or through bawbcirc@aol.com.

[Netboy]

Here is the link to the Minnesota Statute on double tow: http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/169/81.html Look under Subd 3c.

I have towed a 18ft boat behind a 21.5ft 5th wheel for 5 years with no problems.

[JohnF]

1999 F250SD diesel
24' Jayco 5ver
Lund Mr. Pike 17

I live in Denver and have been all over the mid western states with this rig. I have even backed up a couple of times but suggest it always be avoided.

The original rig had a Jayco tag along in place of the 5ver. I will never do that again and suggest to folks that if you want to double tow, a fifth wheel is the only way.

John

[George Eh]

If you are going to tow double, I'd recomend a 5th wheel. I pulled one last summer and they handle great, backing up is no problem with a 5th, unhook the boat first, and hooking up to a 5th is a cinch, easier than hooking up to either a boat or travel trailer. Naturally electric brakes are a must on the 5th and if the boat is any size it should have brakes also. Good luck in your search and take your time to check out all the options.

[Larry]

I use an old class c motorhome and tow my boat. If the ramps are good it is not much problem. I put a ball on the front bumper to put in and take out on poor ramps. This is a good rig if you can leave your boat in the water while you are there. If you have to pull your boat out every night it isn't much fun. I ussually fish with a buddy who brings a pickup and this works well.

[Phil T.]

If a budget is involved, and it always is, that's the best idea yet. Old motorhomes are commonly found, and they depreciate like boats and Japanese motorcycles. There may be a link to used values at www.rv.net, or use a search engine for used rv values. Be absolutely certain that the used rv has no water stains anywhere inside. Stained walls or ceiling likely idicates expensive structural repairs are needed.
Again, look under the rear end and judge for yourself if you will trust that structure to haul your valuable boat. As a rule, the less extension to the original truck frame, the better.
I also recommend "sissy balls" on the front of any over-wide tow vehicle. My slide-in is wider than my boat, so I use one of those L-shaped brackets that bolts under the front license plate that is sold by Bass Pro. I may have a front receiver built this spring. It is handy for narrow ramps, and for parking the boat in any place where the best visibility is needed, such as narrow driveways, garages, or storage buildings whose doors face west (dark inside, bright in the driver's eyes).

[hgf]

My two cents, after 15 years of pickup campers. How old are the kids? If small yet, a full size slidein camper works, but if your kids are teenagers, forget it unless you like to share a bed with your teenager. The pop ups are ok, weigh less, but do not have nearly the room or comfort, or privacy of a hardside. With a full size, you can slip behind McDonalds, sleep, and it doesn't look like your camping. Get a 1 ton, or a dually, if you look at a 10 foot or bigger hard side. Go to www.happycampers.net for lots of posts on weights, sizes, pros and cons of this, lots of opinions there also. Some archives there had something on this topic.
Having said all that, I'm still sold on the pickup camper for two people when pulling a boat. Have looked at 5th wheel pulling, but think like most of the prior posts, way too complicated with a boat behind it. Pickup and boat also much easier to drive and park in towns or take to weekend festivals. You can sleep next to festival, have a beer or two, go to bed without driving, and then have the BATHROOM at night. (Luxury after tent camping) But key issue is the wife - will she be happy in smaller confines and can she live for a day without a full shower? If she can't, go for the 5th wheel. If mama's not happy, nobody is happy!!

[Another Camper]

Amen Brother!!! Words of wisdom about Mama.