Hello, a lurker/wantabee here. We are looking at seven years out so I want to start by saying we know that there are going to be a lot of changes but we ar just preparing and doing our research.
My question.......it seams that I have read, and it might have been even from a blog entry of Howards, but not sure of that......the question is......Is it possible to tow a car at the back of fifth wheel?
Seems like we are going to have to get a large truck to pull the fifth wheeler if that is the route we go but they don't get great gas mileage so we really don't want to use it as our touring vehical because of that.......then again a motor cycle might would be an option too, although I have never been a bike girl.
My DW and I are also about 7 years out. The good thing about that is the ample time to research and get your financial house in order.
The bad news is having to wait 7 years!
Howard said
02:58 PM Oct 14, 2010
Hi Cyndi,
It is possible to tow a vehicle behind a fifth wheel. We have a few friends that do that. However, there are some caveats.
First, many fifth wheels don't have the frame to handle a toad. Some do, but I would say most aren't built with towing a vehicle in mind. Now, with that said, some frames can by sufficiently reinforced. Of course, that adds weight, so that must be considered as well.
Second, most state towing laws have length limits less that the total length of a truck, fifth wheel, and toad. Some states enforce those length limits more aggressively than others. We see "double-towing" on the interstates quite a bit, whether the last vehicle is a car or a boat. But once you get off on smaller roads, the double-towing becomes more dicey and I would think enforcement of length laws would be stronger.
Third, you are correct that you would need a very large truck with towing capacity for both the fifth wheel and toad. You wouldn't necessarily need a Heavy Duty Truck, but you might depending on the weight of the fifth wheel you choose.
Of course, there is always the option of driving the second vehicle from spot to spot like we do. It's not for everyone, but it is an option and it works great for us.
budhi said
05:24 PM Oct 14, 2010
Thank you so much for answering Howard. I didn't realize there was length restrictions too......I knew weight but not length.........HUMMMMMMMM, another considerations for sure. Don't know about driving two separate vehicals, husband is wanting the joint time while driving and not sure he would go for that one, but a suggestion to offer up.
budhi said
05:28 PM Oct 14, 2010
Thank you GAry for answering my post. Now where abouts are you guys? We are in NC and just really starting this search, been talking of the option for a while but just started making a stab at the preparations. Have you started a blog of your preprations. If you get a chance come and visit us at our blog. www.travelswithbudhiandcyndi.blogspot.com We agree with you about making sure all our finances are in order and that is exactly what we are working on. Husband wants to still own a stick and marter home so that is why the seven years out goal. OUr home will be paid off at that time. Look forward to hearing from you.
My question.......it seams that I have read, and it might have been even from a blog entry of Howards, but not sure of that......the question is......Is it possible to tow a car at the back of fifth wheel?
Seems like we are going to have to get a large truck to pull the fifth wheeler if that is the route we go but they don't get great gas mileage so we really don't want to use it as our touring vehical because of that.......then again a motor cycle might would be an option too, although I have never been a bike girl.
cyndi budhi
http://travelswithbudhiandcyndi.blogspot.com/
My DW and I are also about 7 years out. The good thing about that is the ample time to research and get your financial house in order.
The bad news is having to wait 7 years!
Hi Cyndi,
It is possible to tow a vehicle behind a fifth wheel. We have a few friends that do that. However, there are some caveats.
First, many fifth wheels don't have the frame to handle a toad. Some do, but I would say most aren't built with towing a vehicle in mind. Now, with that said, some frames can by sufficiently reinforced. Of course, that adds weight, so that must be considered as well.
Second, most state towing laws have length limits less that the total length of a truck, fifth wheel, and toad. Some states enforce those length limits more aggressively than others. We see "double-towing" on the interstates quite a bit, whether the last vehicle is a car or a boat. But once you get off on smaller roads, the double-towing becomes more dicey and I would think enforcement of length laws would be stronger.
Third, you are correct that you would need a very large truck with towing capacity for both the fifth wheel and toad. You wouldn't necessarily need a Heavy Duty Truck, but you might depending on the weight of the fifth wheel you choose.
Of course, there is always the option of driving the second vehicle from spot to spot like we do. It's not for everyone, but it is an option and it works great for us.
Thank you GAry for answering my post. Now where abouts are you guys? We are in NC and just really starting this search, been talking of the option for a while but just started making a stab at the preparations. Have you started a blog of your preprations. If you get a chance come and visit us at our blog. www.travelswithbudhiandcyndi.blogspot.com We agree with you about making sure all our finances are in order and that is exactly what we are working on. Husband wants to still own a stick and marter home so that is why the seven years out goal. OUr home will be paid off at that time. Look forward to hearing from you.
Cynid