Towing behind a 5th Wheel

[JHC1]

I see some of you tow a trailer behind your 5th wheel. I am planning on towing a small 10' aluminum motorcycle trailer behind my 5th wheel (Paradigm 310RL). The trailer has a hitch, rated at 300 lbs tongue weight and 3000 lbs total. The aluminum trailer is fairly light and with the bike, I am pretty sure I won't exceed the hitch rating. And I can move the trailer around by hand after I unload. Any suggestions or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Plan ahead or practice backing. A short tongue-to-axle trailer is a bitch to back behind a 5th wheel.

Try not to box yourself in. Backing a short distance isn't bad, but you can feel like you're trying to push a soft noodle around. Tiny steering inputs are magnified.

Know how tight you can turn. With my boat I can go full lock and not make contact. Unlikely with a short square front trailer.

The second trailer tires will generally track within about 6-12 inches the lead trailer tires due to tail swing so don't get yourself worked up over that.

Join the FB group "rv double tow group" No tow police/haters allowed there.

 

[AH64ID]

Exactly what @Brutal_HO said… with emphasis on knowing how sharp you can then before the 2nd trailer contacts the 5th wheel.

I have a second set of Trailer TPMS sensors for the 2nd trailer as you often can’t see the tires to identify a flat.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Exactly what @Brutal_HO said… with emphasis on knowing how sharp you can then before the 2nd trailer contacts the 5th wheel.

I have a second set of Trailer TPMS sensors for the 2nd trailer as you often can’t see the tires to identify a flat.

Good point. I also run TPMS on the boat trailer.

A camera doesn't hurt either.

 

[JHC1]

Thanks for the information. I will check out the FB Group. I have TPMS on the 5th wheel but will order another set of TPMS monitors for the motorcycle trailer. Any suggestions on a camera? I have one on the trailer but it doesn't see that low. Maybe something for the license plate.

 

[BAT3500]

Also review your state laws for triple towing, not legal in some states i believe.
Should be good on overall length with your setup.

 

[darrellr]

Also review your state laws for triple towing, not legal in some states i believe.
Should be good on overall length with your setup.

Double towing (or more properly tandem towing).

 

[JustMeAndMy3500]

Get yourself some of those property marker sticks that people place for marking the edges of driveways during snow season (plow guys) or they may already make such an item. Just going with my crafty side. Just need something poking out from the sides / ends of the 2nd trailer for guidance. Like was mentioned before, "LEAVE YOURSELF AN OUT" . Thinking "Maybe I can make that" will more than often mean you can't. When backing, Steer in the direction you want that 2nd trailer to go. Ass needs to go left, turn the wheel left. I've never done the RV double trailers but I've got 3 million miles pulling Twin 28foot trailers you see on the highway everyday. On a good day and with enough room I can dock that second trailer, disconnect and then dock the first trailer right next to it in another door. That's when I'm being lazy. Funny, the safety folks frown on this.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

You may need a extended hitch with the enclosed trailer to not box yourself in but its no big deal

 

[JHC1]

Thanks for the feedback. The motorcycle trailer is all aluminum, open, has a front cowling to shield the bike and is only 4'3" wide and 10'5" total length.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Thanks for the feedback. The motorcycle trailer is all aluminum, open, has a front cowling to shield the bike and is only 4'3" wide and 10'5" total length.

Gottcha most guys i know who trailer their motorcycles use enclosed trailers so i assumed, regardless your tongue length may still be a bit short you will have to do some playing around with it to find out