I am pulling a 33' 5th wheel with a 20' flatbed behind it with my rock crawler on it.

Should i

1-Load the crawler non-tongue heavy?
2-Change trans fluid and filters pre-trip?
3-Try to wire a trailer brake for the flatbed also?
4-Any other tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

Load the crawler like you would just pulling that trailer. If you don't have that 10% or so tougne weight it will sway bad, and can roll the TT and truck.
You will also need to have working brakes on both trailer to be leagal.
Trans fluid depends on what's in it and how long. If you have Dextron I would go with Transyd or a TES-295 fluid.
I would also give the truck a good look over. Change any fluids that haven't been done in a while or are close to needing changed. check your tire pressure, look for potential problems ect...

I am pulling a 33' 5th wheel with a 20' flatbed behind it with my rock crawler on it.

Should i

1-Load the crawler non-tongue heavy?
2-Change trans fluid and filters pre-trip?
3-Try to wire a trailer brake for the flatbed also?
4-Any other tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

How heavy is the trailer and crawler? Definetly get breaks on the second trailer, and do you have the license for pulling doubles? Make sure you have a good balance on the trailers. 5th wheel level, 2nd trailer level and not too much tongue weight on the 5th.

Not sure if I said it before or not, but you will also need to make sure you can pull doubles in the state(s) you are going to be in.

What's the longest you can be and still legal?

What's the longest you can be and still legal?



In Californa the limit is 65' for a single combo, and 75' for a double combo. And you must have a CDL with single/double endorsement.

Check with whoever makes the 5th wheel. Some are not rated to pull anything due to very weak frames.

To add to that, I could be wrong, but I believe you cannot mount a hitch on any 5th wheel rear bumper, it must be on the frame.
I know this has been a problem for others, not sure of brand, make, ect.. or if their is one or two that will allow this. From what I have gathered all of the hitches need to be frame mounted.

I am pulling a 33' 5th wheel with a 20' flatbed behind it with my rock crawler on it.

Should i

1-Load the crawler non-tongue heavy?
2-Change trans fluid and filters pre-trip?
3-Try to wire a trailer brake for the flatbed also?
4-Any other tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

I want to see pictures !!! Sounds cool :D

I have a Lippert frame on my 5th wheel. The factory says do not pull anything, it's not strong enough.

http://reedbrothersdodge.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/states.gif

I forgot to add this link.

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

http://reedbrothersdodge.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/states.gif


Thanks, that is what we have been needing on here. On a side note, I got to see some triple towing last week, that is strange to see!

I want to see pictures !!! Sounds cool :D
x2 any pics??

This will be behind a dually, yes? Or AT LEAST a 3500 of some sort?

33' fifth; 14,500 or more
20' car trailer; 1,800 or more
Rockcrawler, spares, tools, 7,000 or more

23,300 or so in TOWED items. Wow.

On a side note, I got to see some triple towing last week, that is strange to see!
First time I saw this, it was like what the heck. This was in Utah and UPS.

First time I saw this, it was like what the heck. This was in Utah and UPS.


I think it was a "Road way" truck in Nevada. They pull lonnnngggggg doubles their too. I saw alot of 53 footers with a dolly and then like a 40 footer bringing up the rear.

Oregon has commercial Triple Trailers. Only on certain roads though but no RV double trailers.

That map means state wide. Massachusetts for example you can have doubles on I90 only. Usually they are double 53' Bud Light or Budweiser trailers. I have seen doubles in Maine and New Hampshire as well. You would most likely be way over gcvwr with that setup and I bet you would be over length as well. Other good info that others have posted on the frame of the 5er and its ability to even tow something behind it. I would also make sure your 5er's hitch is rated for the weight of both trailers. 16k hitch for example isnt gonna cut it.

Most states allow 2 28's, most of I90 (I know in the NE atleast to Ohio) and some other roads allow up too double 53's. While some states go by Rocky MTN double laws which is a 48' and a smaller 28' or so. I'm not sure on the West but anything larger that 2 28's is only allowed on turnpikes. I'd definitely check with yours states DOT because you'll mostly likely need a Class A CDL with a doubles and triples endorsement. And you may also need a permit to pull that. I myself wouldn't do it, pulling double 28's is bad enough sometimes. If you have to lock it up quick you may be seeing your rock crawler along side of you. They don't call the tail trailer a kite for nothing.

Ohio allows triples on the turnpike. They call them "Wiggle Wagons". They are the first thing to upset in the median during icey or high wind conditions.


If I was pulling the double unit described in this thread, I would have a second brake control for the rear trailer only. Manually operating the rear control will correct a sway problem quicker than anything else.

Yea you definitely want two controllers, make sure the rear trailer's brakes are set to come on first and I agree with trailerpro that you definitely want the rear trailers brake box in easy reach to stop it from swaying if it gets squirmy.