Double Towing

[Plum Cra Zy]

I am trying to find any info on weather or not my factory trailer brake set-up can power 4 axles worth of brakes. I have 2019 3500srw 4x4 HO CCLB. Pulling 30 ft Arctic Fox (13000#) and 14 ft enclosed trailer with sxs, (3800#)

 

[HORam]

I am trying to find any info on weather or not my factory trailer brake set-up can power 4 axles worth of brakes. I have 2019 3500srw 4x4 HO CCLB. Pulling 30 ft Arctic Fox (13000#) and 14 ft enclosed trailer with sxs, (3800#)

Sub'd

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[jsalbre]

Where do you live where you can legally pull that monster? Does it require special licensing?

 

[Plum Cra Zy]

Out here in the West the only state that doesn't allow double tow is Oregon, I have no desire to go back East yet. I have class A CDL with triples endorsement so no worries there. What do you mean by monster? My set-up is rated at 24800# max tow and 33000# GCWR. I'm only towing 17-18K. 2019 really upped the tow rating with HO motor. I have 3.73 rear ratio (std), which I think helped raise the rating.

 

[1FastHemi]

I believe most brake controllers can handle up to 3 or 4 axles. I Don't know the specs on the one's on Ram

Food for thought, the Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System that Ram is installing on the trucks as an option now can monitor 12 tires at the same time so they day, I this is so, I would think the Brake controller should be able to handle 3 or more axles with brakes. Who knows, I could be wrong?

Here is a web site that might help you understand. Keep in mind you may also be required in some states when pulling Doubles and/or Triples to use a Tow Dolly. In some states you tongue weight of your trailer CAN NOT be transferred to the trailer in front of it. A Tow Dolly should be used to keep this from happening. Also if pulling Doubles and/or Triples, 27.5 Ft is the Max length of each trailer and must comply with the max. overall length of each state as well.

RV Triple Towing Laws, Legalities, And Considerations

RV triple towing is a great way to haul all your toys, but it's not easy. Consider the risks and individual state laws before you decide to take the leap.

rvlife.com

Another thing that no one hardly talks about is which trailer should be the Lead Trailer or the Rear Trailer. This depend on which trailer is the heaviest. I can't remember which one goes in front of the other.

Even though you aren't pulling commercial vehicles, DOT and Scale Houses can still stop you and enforce the State laws, levy heavy fines or even shut your down and or make you separate the tow units from each other if you aren't in compliance with their laws if they want to.

Example:

 

[jsalbre]

Out here in the West the only state that doesn't allow double tow is Oregon, I have no desire to go back East yet. I have class A CDL with triples endorsement so no worries there. What do you mean by monster? My set-up is rated at 24800# max tow and 33000# GCWR. I'm only towing 17-18K. 2019 really upped the tow rating with HO motor. I have 3.73 rear ratio (std), which I think helped raise the rating.

I wasn’t questioning your qualifications for pulling that, just wondering if there are any additional licensing requirements. Nice to know that you have some additional skills though

By monster I just mean the size and complexity of a double trailer setup. I have no doubt that a 3500 HO Cummins can easily pull that.

I used to see double trailers occasionally living in the mountains of Colorado, but I never saw enclosed trailers as the second, only small boats and short open ATV trailers. I was frequently amused by them, because more often than not it was a half ton doing the pulling, and the road I’d see them on (CO285) is in parts a very steep and very twisty road that is hard enough work to drive pulling a single trailer.

 

[thestuarts]

Out here in the West the only state that doesn't allow double tow is Oregon, I have no desire to go back East yet. I have class A CDL with triples endorsement so no worries there. What do you mean by monster? My set-up is rated at 24800# max tow and 33000# GCWR. I'm only towing 17-18K. 2019 really upped the tow rating with HO motor. I have 3.73 rear ratio (std), which I think helped raise the rating.

Washington state does not allow double towing.

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article88681652.html

 

[thestuarts]

Here is another comprehensive article on double towing.

Triple Towing: What You Need To Know Before You Pull 2 Trailers Behind A Car, Truck, Or RV

Do you know your state's triple towing laws (or double towing laws)?... What about towing laws in the states you’ll be driving through?... In many states it's legal to tow 2 trailers at the same time! Here's a list of states that permit triple towing. Plus, what you need to know before you pull...

rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com

This video discusses some of the problems of double towing like it is unsafe to tow a bumper-pull trailer behind another bumper-pull trailer.

 

[Brutal_HO]

I believe most brake controllers can handle up to 3 or 4 axles. I Don't know the specs on the one's on Ram

Food for thought, the Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System that Ram is installing on the trucks as an option now can monitor 12 tires at the same time so they day, I this is so, I would think the Brake controller should be able to handle 3 or more axles with brakes. Who knows, I could be wrong?

Here is a web site that might help you understand. Keep in mind you may also be required in some states when pulling Doubles and/or Triples to use a Tow Dolly. In some states you tongue weight of your trailer CAN NOT be transferred to the trailer in front of it. A Tow Dolly should be used to keep this from happening. Also if pulling Doubles and/or Triples, 27.5 Ft is the Max length of each trailer and must comply with the max. overall length of each state as well.

RV Triple Towing Laws, Legalities, And Considerations

RV triple towing is a great way to haul all your toys, but it's not easy. Consider the risks and individual state laws before you decide to take the leap.

rvlife.com

Another thing that no one hardly talks about is which trailer should be the Lead Trailer or the Rear Trailer. This depend on which trailer is the heaviest. I can't remember which one goes in front of the other.

Even though you aren't pulling commercial vehicles, DOT and Scale Houses can still stop you and enforce the State laws, levy heavy fines or even shut your down and or make you separate the tow units from each other if you aren't in compliance with their laws if they want to.

Example:
View attachment 2894

Posting commercial towing rules in response to an interjected discussion on RV double tow in the post is disingenuous and not based in fact. There are few states that stipulate the trailers can only be 27.5' long. This is a Commercial rule and few states apply commercial rules to RV's. There are even fewer states that allow ball on ball doubles, which I do agree is unsafe.

Too many of these experts don't know what they're talking about and also post video's and lists of antiquated state's towing laws, or commercial towing laws. Fact is there are many states that do not have specific RV towing rules. If you're blatantly towing an unsafe rig you can certainly get pulled over.

Why on earth would you post an image of a commercial application in a discussion that included RV double tow?

Lastly, "12 tires..." You do realize that not every trailer has just a single wheel/axle? It's basically indicating it's able to monitor 3 axle duals... That said, I cannot say with certainty if the system can handle 4 axles. I think these things are barely able to put out enough amps @12V to safely do 3 axles, but that's based purely on other posts I've seen where folks are having problems with the controller.

I've been pulling doubles in the Rockies and west for going on 16 years and never even gotten a look from the law. There are more out there punching over their weight and pulling well in excess of the state's max legal length that you might care to admit and I've never even heard of anyone getting pulled over for inspection or measured.

OP, sorry for the threadjack, I'd also like to know the answer to your question without wading through a bunch of tow police posts.

 

[Brutal_HO]

I am trying to find any info on weather or not my factory trailer brake set-up can power 4 axles worth of brakes. I have 2019 3500srw 4x4 HO CCLB. Pulling 30 ft Arctic Fox (13000#) and 14 ft enclosed trailer with sxs, (3800#)

I would hook it up with both 2 axles and 4 axles and then use the bumper 7-pin to measure the voltage and amps for the brake controller power.

The Tekonsha P3 I run on the 04.5 can run up to 4 axles, I expect the factory controller will do the same.

 

[Plum Cra Zy]

Washington state does not allow double towing.

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article88681652.html

Then I guess there are 2 states that won't see any of my money!

 

[Plum Cra Zy]

I would hook it up with both 2 axles and 4 axles and then use the bumper 7-pin to measure the voltage and amps for the brake controller power.

The Tekonsha P3 I run on the 04.5 can run up to 4 axles, I expect the factory controller will do the same.

Thanks, I'm thinking it will be fine. BTW have pretty much the same truck in 2019 with sport pkg with color-matched bumpers which I really like! You will love your new ride I promise! First new truck in 16 years, man they have come a long ways! Price and features.

 

[Plum Cra Zy]

I believe most brake controllers can handle up to 3 or 4 axles. I Don't know the specs on the one's on Ram

Food for thought, the Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System that Ram is installing on the trucks as an option now can monitor 12 tires at the same time so they day, I this is so, I would think the Brake controller should be able to handle 3 or more axles with brakes. Who knows, I could be wrong?

Here is a web site that might help you understand. Keep in mind you may also be required in some states when pulling Doubles and/or Triples to use a Tow Dolly. In some states you tongue weight of your trailer CAN NOT be transferred to the trailer in front of it. A Tow Dolly should be used to keep this from happening. Also if pulling Doubles and/or Triples, 27.5 Ft is the Max length of each trailer and must comply with the max. overall length of each state as well.

RV Triple Towing Laws, Legalities, And Considerations

RV triple towing is a great way to haul all your toys, but it's not easy. Consider the risks and individual state laws before you decide to take the leap.

rvlife.com

Another thing that no one hardly talks about is which trailer should be the Lead Trailer or the Rear Trailer. This depend on which trailer is the heaviest. I can't remember which one goes in front of the other.

Even though you aren't pulling commercial vehicles, DOT and Scale Houses can still stop you and enforce the State laws, levy heavy fines or even shut your down and or make you separate the tow units from each other if you aren't in compliance with their laws if they want to.

Example:
View attachment 2894

You are confusing DOT and recreational regs. Google RV double towing rules. Dot stays out of non-commercial situations. Each state sets own laws. So far, this is still the United States of America!

 

[1FastHemi]

Even though you aren't pulling commercial vehicles, DOT and Scale Houses can still stop you and enforce the State laws, levy heavy fines or even shut your down and or make you separate the tow units from each other if you aren't in compliance with their laws if they want to.

Sorry for the confusion listed previously. Let me try to correct/clarify this.

Let me clarify, It seems I may have confused things here somehow and I hope I am not confusing everyone again. States write and make Laws, DOT writes and make Regulations (Federal Regulations).

Yes, DOT usually deals with Commercial Vehicles in regard to their regulations but in most states they are a division of the State or a City of County, Some Counties and Cities could get Officers Certified as well. DOT can stop Non Commercial vehicles, Cars Pick Up Trucks Etc and write them up for infractions other than DOT Regulations that are on the surrounding areas law books. Even this sometimes get confusing to some Law Enforcement Officers

Most of the road restrictions on the Interstate are made by the Government as far as Weight, Size of Vehicle, Driver, Etc,. Most other roads are controlled by County or City Laws. However, DOT is mainly for Commercial Vehicles no matter what roads they are on. All laws somehow overlap each other to some degree.

SO, the best thing in my opinion is to try to comply with the Regulations as well as the Laws to best possible to stay out of trouble.

I have found out that sometimes the Law Enforcement Officer has been know to step over his/her boundaries. That is why we have court houses and sometimes that doesn't go in our favor either.

All I am trying to say is, lets help each other and BE SAFE out there, and lets all get along together, as life is to short..

 

[Brutal_HO]

Yes, best to know the general laws in the states you might be traveling through - although most (not all) will honor your home state laws if you're a few feet over and the likelihood of them measuring you is marginally slim..

I got ticketed twice in the land of no speed limits (on sections of the Autobahn.)

Once for driving on an Anlieger Frei (Residents only) in my personal vehicle and once for speeding on an unrestricted section of the Autobahn. I was pulling a trailer (genset) driving a militarized version of a 70's Dodge W200 crew cab 4x4 (our mobile radio truck used for calling in tactical nuke howitzer shots) running about 100 MPH (160 KPH) and the limit for trailers is 100 KPH (62 MPH) We had to stop at an Esso to get fuel because the Krauts would only give us 10L/ day and the old Dodge didn't sip fuel like their Unimogs did so we were catching up to the convery after peeling off to get some fuel.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Thanks, I'm thinking it will be fine. BTW have pretty much the same truck in 2019 with sport pkg with color-matched bumpers which I really like! You will love your new ride I promise! First new truck in 16 years, man they have come a long ways! Price and features.

The color match bumpers and grill are gorgeous, I just couldn't bring myself to do it and stuck with the chrome.

We get so much bumper rash here on the front ends from the gravel they spread on the roads in the winter, and I just know the rear bumper would get beat up/scratched up in the manner I use my truck occasionally. I'll just keep buying chrome polish... Now if we could just get CDOT to ease up a bit on the Mag Chloride our chromed plastic grilles and clear coated wheels might stay looking nice more than a few years.

 

[Plum Cra Zy]

BTW How long is that truck, trailer boat combo? That's got to be pushin 70 ft

 

[Brutal_HO]

BTW How long is that truck, trailer boat combo? That's got to be pushin 70 ft

Ding. 70' bumper to bumper on the nose. Boat transom hangs over a few feet.

Assuming you've been pulling the combo since getting the truck, it looks like you're pulling about 1K more. How's it been working?

I do have a heavy ass 30K Curt hitch, heavy genset, (on order) Taylor Wing crossover toolbox in the bed, and the 50 gal tank so maybe similar weights.

 

[Plum Cra Zy]

Haven't got to test yet, hopefully this weekend. Just got hitch wired up for trailer. Yes, do have AU2 hitch, and about 500 lbs in toolbox so will try to get weights if everything goes well.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Haven't got to test yet, hopefully this weekend. Just got hitch wired up for trailer. Yes, do have AU2 hitch, and about 500 lbs in toolbox so will try to get weights if everything goes well.

Ugh, not a fan of the AUH for heavy trailers but I'll just leave it at that.

I cleaned out my 04.5 today in prep to take it into the body shop and was a bit surprised with how much weight I had just in the cab. Heavy toolbag with tools, a tow chain and straps, bag with tire chains (winter setup), ammo and misc firearm stuff, spotting scope, binos, yank straps, first aid kits, hatchet, bush knife, fuses bulbs and misc spares bag, 4-way lug wrench (for the trailers), etc. the junk in the glove boxes and consoles, etc. I keep it tidy for sure, but gear in all the nooks and crannies. I have the rear seat access mod and am sure going to miss that. I keep targets and a hand clay thrower etc behind the seat. Fortunately a lot of this will be going into the new toolbox considering the under seat storage in the 2020 is minimal with that sub taking up 2/3 the rear seat.