Proof of "double" ball-hitched trailers being legal at places

[Foxman]

Okay,

So I have heard from a couple people that there is no state that allows towing two regular bumper-hitched trailers. So, why did I ever stuble across this? (And I do have printed out pictures of other bumper to bumper trailers that I don't have on my computer right now.

This is a test to see if the links will work or not:

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/newattachment.php?do=manageattach&p=

Now, I have heard many people tell me that these combinations are Not legal anywheres, and are illegal because they are too dangerous. Well, obviously they are not too overly dangerous, or they would be illegal in all states, but here is the picture proof that they ARE legal in some states.

People have also said that my court case would be in the tens of thousands of dollars range, and I was already prepared to spend at least $50,000. And another person told me that the legalization of these double trailer combination would not benefit many people in my state, so, what about all of these businesses and city trucks that are already towing "one" trailer? Do you think some of them would be willing to go the extra mile and hook up a second trailer? I told a lawn service guy that my brother worked withm who was towing a trailer about towing two trailers and he said "Yeah, I wouldn't mind hitching up another one behind this one" so obviously, he wasn't too concerned.

[DmaxMaverick]

I've seen it many times. Doesn't mean it's legal. What is the statute stating it's legal? What state? Speaking of legal, that Dodge Dakota is overloaded anyway, so the point is moot (and it's a picture-perfect example of what's not safe).

[joed]

If you haven't already seen this, here's a link to state towing laws: http://www.trailerlifedirectory.com/plan/RulesOfTheRoad.aspx


Not sure they specifically talk about doubles and ball & ball allowed or not, but a good starting reference nonetheless.

Joe.

[arveetek]

So pictures of somebody doing something tells us that it must be legal? How is that proof?

There are lots of pictures on the internet of people doing things that they shouldn't be doing, but I wouldn't use those pictures as proof of something I wanted to do.

If you've got that much time and money to waste on such a fruitless endeavor, then by all means, have fun! It's your time and money.

Casey

[87max]

My dad went rounds with penndot on this one he has his CDL with a doubles certificate, He wanted to pull a small trailer with his motorcycle on it behind his 5th wheel. It was explained that is for over the road rigs not our weight class, thats Pa other states do differ. However in Pa it is illegal & you will get fined on the right day.

[Foxman]

Check out this discussion, and one person talks about a certain trailer manufaurer towing up to four (4) trailers at a time. Now, if some state allows that, it can't be too bad, but if its in another country, like Australia, where they have the "road trains" then I stand corrected. If the rig is towed in the U.S., however, my argument stands.

http://www.coastaloutdoors.com/ibf/index.php?showtopic=16224&pid=109985&st=0&#entry109985

(Check out "TGattis's" post, toward the top of this thread on another board)



DmaxMaverick:

Also, why would you say that "I have seen it done many times. Doesn't mean its legal"? It would take a BLIND cop or state trooper to miss someone towing two bumper to bumper ball-hitch trailers coupled together.

87max:

Did your dad get lawyers involved in his argument, or did he just argue the case by himself? Perhaps it would take some legal action to get his desired towing combination legalized. Here in my state, one of my state Senators who was orginally going to try to legalize my combination, never did, but he DID say that the trucking industry has been fighting to legalize double bumper-hitch trailers for regular passenger vehicles, and other combinations, for big rigs, such as triples, Turnpike Doubles and Rocky Mountain Doubles (Longer Combination Vehicles (LCVs) for over 10 years, and by now, since that was many years ago that I talked to him, I'd say its been about 20 years, IF the trucking industry is "still" lobbying it.

[orfordguy]

i can't speak for other state but for the ones i've talked to in... As a commercial truck driver with my double triple endorsments.... I've asked that question in every state i drive in..Oregon Washington Idaho and California do not allow 2 trailers on pickups including fifth wheel/bumper setups... with the exception of oregon which allows 2 if and only if the following criteria is met..
1-new trailers only being delivered between factory and dealer...
2=the trailers must all have functioning and connected brakes on all axles...
3=the first trailer must be of 5th wheel or gooseneck the 2nd must be attached via a dolley rated at the proper dot weight rating for the trailer attached to it... with brakes on any axles it has...the second being a bumper trailer or the dolly attached to a receiver installed at the factory only...


utah and nevada allow the pratice under the following conditions..
1-you cannot tow more than the tow vehicals max tow rating...
2 the primary trailer must be of 5th wheel configuration
3-all trailers must be equipt with brakes on all axles
4-the hitches must be rated for the trailer its towing and installed by a certified dealer or the trailer manufacturer...


as a side note oregon is working on rv licence endorsments for trailer over 24' trailers weighing more than 6k loaded and rvs of the same.. also rvs with air brakes will require a class b cdl...mind you this is still in the pilimanary write up stage so we'll see...

one last point... even with my cdl i'm not allowed to tow 2 trailers in my home state of oregon except with my tractor traileron company buisness... ie tractor trailer and matching semi trailers...

hope that clears it up for some states

[Runaway_Dmax]

Wisconsin it is legal to tow two ball hitch trailers
- combined length may not excede 60'. (tow vehicle, and two trailers)
- 1st trailer must have brakes.
- 2nd trailer must have brakes if over 3000 lbs.
- must have permit.

My brother-in-law used to do this till he got busted for over-length. He now has a 5th wheel and pulls his boat behind that.

I have pulled doubles with a 5th wheel for over 10 yrs and never felt I was in danger or putting anyone else in danger. I've pulled a 5ver/utility trailer combo from eastern WI to Wy 2 - 3x/yr since 2003. Never had an issue.

Check DMV in states you want to travel to see the legality of what you want to do.

[Vern2]

also rvs with air brakes will require a class b cdl...

I doubt this.

Air brakes don't require a CDL so why would a RV?

[Hooptybass]

Last i knew air brakes DO require a cdl

[DickWells]

Isn't anyone going to hook up 3 tag-along trailers in a row, and take them out on the highway and check this proposition out, once and for all?
I'd do it, but I can't afford either the lash-up, or the liability, or the fines.

[DmaxMaverick]

I doubt this.

Air brakes don't require a CDL so why would a RV?

USDOT requires testing (written and equipment), for any vehicle equipped with air brakes, but you can't take the test if you don't have, or have applied for, a CDL, or non-commercial class A. RV's not excluded. Prior to the USDOT Commercial Driver Uniformity Reform years ago, every state I know of required it. Pneumatic over hydraulic is a different story, and isn't regulated by USDOT. However, many states regulate this in some manner. Many small freight transports (less than 26K) have air/hydraulics, which are NOT considered "air brakes".

[Robyn]

I am not sure about other states, but here in Oregon, you can buy Y'all a big O'll 40 foot Prevost Bus Chassis MotorHome equiped with full air brakes and not need a CDL.

Heck back in the days that I had my Old Converted Hound, I was driving air brakes long before I got my CDL.

Not one issue. I learned all about air brakes on that hound dog before ever setting foot in the cab of a Peterbilt

An airbrake truck is different me thinks. As long as its RV the DOT is out of the picture.

40 foot coach with a trailer in tow hauling a Burb, no problemo. Dont have to stop at the chicken coupe either :D

The other day a 40 foot Prevost towing an H1 Hummer went by the shop.

Damn, this dude had it done to the max. The side of the Bus had a mural of the bus towing the hummer on it and the picture on the bus had the picture on it too. :eek:
I smell $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and lots of it.

Way cool paint scheme. H1 Hummer was all Black wagon style.
Coach was bright stainless with black graphics, alloy wheels and all the side windows were dark tint too. :)

Very pretty outfit for sure.

Personally, I do believe that anyone thats going to drive one of the large coaches with air brakes, should be required to take a written air brake test and have it as an addition to their license.

Although very easy to use, air brakes do have a few idiocyncracies that need to be learned of before hitting the boulevard.

Far too many people try to pump air brakes, Bad plan, on or off, just raise or lower the pressure and dont waste the air..

A Jake is a real godsend too.

Here in Oregon there can be no doubles behind a car, motorhome or pickup.
Commercial class trucks can haul doubles if the operator has the credentials.

Missy

[millwrightjesse]

I pulled Sam's club triples in Oregon alot.

[Foxman]

The guy says he sees tandem utility trailer combinations as well as many other bumper-to-bumper hitched trailers going down the Indiana turnpike all the time. Now, if this is true, obviously some states do allow the setup I propose, so I don't see why I can't get it legalized here in my state. It might be a hard battle or it might not. Only time will tell, when I'm ready to try it. I'm going to need a custom built utility trailer with a strong enough frame to tow a weaker duplicate, the standard model behind it. This guy did not make it sound like fighting to tow two ball to ball trailers in a certain state was crazy.

[87max]

I'm curious as to why you need to pull this combo?

[Edahall]

The guy says he sees tandem utility trailer combinations as well as many other bumper-to-bumper hitched trailers going down the Indiana turnpike all the time. Now, if this is true, obviously some states do allow the setup I propose, so I don't see why I can't get it legalized here in my state. It might be a hard battle or it might not. Only time will tell, when I'm ready to try it. I'm going to need a custom built utility trailer with a strong enough frame to tow a weaker duplicate, the standard model behind it. This guy did not make it sound like fighting to tow two ball to ball trailers in a certain state was crazy.

Where I live in Texas, I see 3 vehicles all hooked up together going down the highway all the time. It'll usually be something like an Astro van pulling a Windstar van and a Cavalier at the end. One time a caravan of these 3 chain vehicles were at a Rest Area and I asked a Spanish speaking driver about it and he said they were heading towards Mexico. I'm glad that these cars are going to Mexico to be used rather than going to the crusher or having their engines destroyed by Obamas Cash for Clunkers program.

[Foxman]

I'm curious as to why you need to pull this combo?


Just mainly to be able to haul more, with a view behind me. I know some (many) people tell me to just get a bigger truck or trailer, but its just personal preference. I could get a car hauling box trailer and stack a bunch or scrap metal or fire wood in that, I know, or I could even get a huge moving van type truck. But my personal preference is, one loaded 8 foot bed pickup, with two loaded 6 X 14 trailers with 3 foot sides, tandem axle utility trailers that are low enough for me to look into my rear view mirror on my windshield and still see behind me when hauling most of the things I plan to haul. People also ask me, why not just one 6 X 28 trailer, and I the reason I prefer twin 6 X 14s if that, two smaller trailers are more manuverable than one big one. I have read many trucking articles about this issue, one where they were even talking about triple 28's being legalized nation wide, but not twin 48's (turnpike double) or a 48' and a 28' (Rocky Mountain double) because the smaller trailers manuvered better. So, thats my issue with it, other than the fact that, it should be legal in my state if its legal in other states. Not trying to sound like a jerk or anything. Just my personal feelings. :)

[87max]

If you have never attempted to do this before how do you know your comfort level? I think you are in for a rude awakening pulling a centipede. I would much prefer a single longer trailer, less moving parts, fewer braking systems, less tires, less pivot points, etc.. I would try a setup before I spend several thousands of dollars plus possible litigation first compared to a simple longer trailer I can buy tommorrow & be down the road. Frankly if your not comfortable with pulling without the use of your rearview I'm not comfortable with a double setup behind you. my .02

[Foxman]

If you have never attempted to do this before how do you know your comfort level?


Well, you have to start somewhere to get used to it. Its not like you were driving a double trailer rig before you were born, or before you were an adult for that matter.



I think you are in for a rude awakening pulling a centipede.

How is my "centipede" any different from the fifth wheel doubles they have legal here? Sure a fifth wheel is said to be more stable, but the anti-sway hitches I want to get, that are rated for travel trailers, supposedly make towing anything even safer than a fifth wheel, and I plan to use these on BOTH connections. And the Hensley people guarentee that their hitches will eliminate virtually ALL sway. Now why I am not sure I totally believe they will eliminate "all" sway, I'm betting that it is still safer than a fifth wheel with no anti-sway system at all, as the Hensley people say.


I would much prefer a single longer trailer, less moving parts, fewer braking systems, less tires, less pivot points, etc.. I would try a setup before I spend several thousands of dollars plus possible litigation first compared to a simple longer trailer I can buy tommorrow & be down the road.

Well, just recently, my brother said he saw a few trucks towing double boat trailers on a road not too far away, and he said that his friend he was with says those people do it all the time. My brother did say that the boat towers could have been out of state, and I have heard rumors about those who come from states where it is legal are sometimes allowed to do it where its illegal, but I still think if they got away with it, that will help me gain momentum on my battle to legalize my combination.


Frankly if your not comfortable with pulling without the use of your rearview I'm not comfortable with a double setup behind you. my .02

Why not? Just because some people do not like their rear view blocked, does not make them any worse of a driver or tower than a person who drives something without that view. At least with a view behind me, I could see if a trailer starts to fishtail a lot, and also, I am still considering towing a fifth wheel and boat, which is legal, and I know you need to use towing mirrors for that, so I have been practicing using my side view mirrors quite often.

[arveetek]

I think this is enough discussion on this topic.