Triple Tow ATV Behind Camper

Planning on getting a 2up ATV and triple towing it behind my TT on a 5x8 utility trailer. Anybody done this before? Seems easy enough. My TT is only 24ft and LOADED out, 5200lbs. I’d be adding approx 1200lbs to the rear of the trailer doing this. My current tongue weight currently fluctuates between about 600-780lbs depending on the weekend and how much firewood we’re taking. I have a weight distribution antisway hitch for the main trailer. Would be installing a hitch to the TT and a backup camera. My head unit supports dual camera inputs so I would be able to monitor the 2nd trailer anytime while towing as well as backing. Having weighed the rig at the scale, I KNOW that I’m within all weights currently. Under max axle weight on both front and rear. Thoughts? Pic I’m attaching is the same setup I’m planning to do.

Also, before anyone says put it in the bed, I have a Decked system in the bed and my 2 dogs ride in there strapped in their kennels. If I put it in the bed, I wouldn’t be able to take my dogs. Also I’d have to get a weight distribution shank that is 18” long in order to be able to tow the trailer and keep the tailgate down. In addition even if I did that, I’d be way over on payload and axle weight, and it would be a pain in the ass each time. My wife could tow the quad with her car but then we’re having to take 2 vehicles every time we camp which also is not ideal. I’m in Montana, it is legal as long as I’m under 65’ total. Also legal in Idaho where I plan to move eventually.

 

@ColoradoTJ mainly looking for some input from other towing masters!

 

I don't think it's that simple in Montana.

My understanding is that in order to tow 2 trailers you need, by law, to have at least 2000 lbs of payload capacity on the truck (not towing capacity).

See this:https://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/tire_restrictions.shtml

 

Planning on asking MDT to confirm because it’s not super clear

 

Double check your laws, a lot of states let you go double but the travel trailer has to be a 5th wheel. Most wont allow a bumper hitch and another bumper hitch.

 

From the mouth of a Montana State Trooper.....we’ll even if it’s not technically legal I’d never give you a second thought. I can’t speak for everyone but I wouldn’t care....

 

Ask your insurance company the same question.

 

Trying to tow a TT with a short wheelbase Jeep is just asking for trouble.

 

I think this is a very dangerous idea.

 

I have a Fastway E2 hitch. Even in high wind my trailer doesn’t sway. Loaded out this past weekend for 3 days I was 5300lbs,350lbs of firewood approx in the bed, dogs, and 2 kayaks. I was 3500lbs in front axle, 4120 on rear axle, and 4300 lbs on trailer axles. I was perfectly level. That was also with a full tank of fuel and full water tank in the trailer. I actually asked my insurance agent, we’ll see. I could probably put it into the bed but I’d be WAY over with a 800lb quad in the bed

 

Not to be an ass, but your traveling with family and their is plenty of reasons states have laws against bumper hitch to bumper hitch. Not sure I would risk it

 

would you have a way to fab up a small frame mated up to the trailer that you could drive the atv up onto and strap it down?

 

But then again your adding quite a bit of weight behind the axles which will increase swaying. Maybe look into a 5th wheel toy hauler with living space

 

using russian dash cam footage is cheating...

 

The diagram/ sketch in the towing section of the owner's manual for my dad's 1993 Mazda minivan actually showed it towing a 5th wheel (the right way around) with a hitch connected from the rear bumper of the van to the underside of the trailer.

 

Something to consider. Is your trailer frame actually rated to be able to mount and use a hitch to tandem tow?

Another option would be a swivel wheel type hauler. It does not pivot at the hitch/coupler like a regular trailer, which makes backing and maintaining control a bit easier. However, it would still require the trailer to have a frame that is rated for the weight/stress. There are a few different manufacturers. Some with single attachment (centered hitch), some with double attachment (one hitch on each side). Some with the wheels at the back (puts more load on the trailer), some with wheels more centered (pivot wheels take much of the load), and I have even seen one with one wheel per corner (adjust suspension or hitches for height to match trailer so the hauler takes almost all the load).


Personally, I wouldnt tandem tow even if its legal.

 

That’s the thing is the way the law is written it doesn’t say it has to be a 5th wheel. I’m pretty sure we will just have my wife tow it with her Durango. It already has a hitch. If we go out w/friends they could tow it out for me. Getting a toy hauler isn’t feasible right now but future plan is to get a light duty toy hauler built on a TT chassis. They only weigh about 7k and 8800 gross I think

 

Upon closer measurement it appears the quad will fit in the bed of the truck, so I’m going to say screw it. I’m gonna put airbags on the truck and just be slightly over on payload, let’s be honest the truck doesn’t care anyway. I will load up most of the weight of any additional cargo into the trailer and call it good

 

Any input on my last statement? Options are in bed of truck, get 10’ ramps and air bags or Karavan 5x8 trailer and have to drive 2 vehicles everywhere we go. Truck for camper, Durango for quad

 

Sounds like too much weight on the rear axle. I’d take the Durango to play it safe.

 

If I’m thinking correctly, you are already over payload and gvwr. 3500 + 4120 = 7620. Gvwr is 7200. Then adding an 800 lb atv would make it 8420, 1220 over your gvwr.

 

Some good videos there and all of them user error. It's amazing to me how some people drive while towing. Not a care in the world.

An then when the trailer starts to sway, just keep the hammer down, it will be ok..

I would look into a toy hauler that is within the capabilities of the tow vehicle

 

I just don’t think that there is any way to accomplish what you’re trying to do with this combination of equipment. Sure, you probably COULD do it, but there is something to be said for safety and sense. Taking two cars would be a pain, but it would be the most prudent and safe way to accomplish what you’re trying to do.
I think this is the exact reason that toy haulers were invented. I would explore the option of selling your travel trailer and investing in a toy hauler.

 

Good catch on the GVWR, I was focused on my rear axle weight and I forgot to add them together. That weight was with 3 days of firewood, the generator, 2 dogs w/kennels, 2 kayaks, and the rack. All about 80-100 lbs each pair. The firewood was probably about 300lbs and the generator is about 60. It would be several hundred pounds lighter but still, technically right at the limit. I’m not gonna be “that guy” that says his truck can pull 14k without issue, but had I not weighed the truck I wouldn’t have ever had any inclination that I was at or overweight because the truck sat perfectly level and towed the trailer at the same RPM and gear it always does, 70mph, 4th gear, 2800-3k RPM. Loading the kayaks into the trailer was a bitch yesterday and I hated it. I think I would equally hate loading the quad, strapping it down, and then having to hook the camper. The trailer is low to the ground, has a built in ramp, and tieing down will be easy with the Erickson chock straps. Good thing I got the Durango with the towing package!

 

Can you get a rack to put the kayaks on top of the TT and put the firewood inside the TT? Check payload on the rv. That would cut down a lot of weight on the truck.

 

Just stumbled across this.....someone took their existing camper and had a fab shop extend the tongue and make a deck.



I would assume this would be fairly cost effective. I have contacted a fab shop in town to see what they think. I just finished renovating my camper inside so kinda don’t wanna get rid of it. If they can do it for 1-1500 bucks that would be a great option I think. They left the front “a” alone and just made a new one around it. Would work out great for me because all I would have to extend would be the 7 way plug and breakaway. Batteries and LP could stay where they are. Mine would be smaller slightly than what’s in the picture, I just need it large enough to side load an ATV

 

Word of caution on bumper pull Toy haulers - from what I've seen, tongue weight is generally much higher on them than a comparatively sized TT. Add in your family/gear, and once again you've easily blown past payload capacity. Although, I'd rather do that than attempt tandem bumper pulls. Just saying, do your research, be safe, and happy adventures!

 

Got a quote from a local metal fab shop. They said they’ve done that a few times, they double up the frame all the way back, and build the new front. If you were looking at a front deck toy hauler already then it might not be a bad deal. They said it would be about $3,500 + extending electrical connections (which I could do myself). All in all not too bad at all. Considering I only paid $3800 + the remodel which is about $800, not something I’m gonna do but if it were a newer camper then I might consider it. Would be a good deal vs a new one. Just figured someone might be interested.

bought a 5x8 and towing with the Durango. Picked it up with the truck today