Travel trailers offer a fantastic way to explore the open road, all while bringing along the comforts of home. However, for many travelers, space can quickly become limited. Maybe you want to bring along recreational equipment like bikes, kayaks, or an ATV, but you don’t want to crowd your living space. This is where towing a utility trailer behind a travel trailer becomes an attractive option.
But is it even possible? More importantly, is it safe, legal, and practical to do so? In this article, we’ll dive into all the details you need to know, including safety tips, legal considerations, and practical advice to ensure that your next adventure is as smooth as possible.
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Is It Legal to Tow a Utility Trailer Behind a Travel Trailer?
The legality of towing a utility trailer behind a travel trailer largely depends on where you’re located or where you plan to travel. Different states, provinces, or countries have varying regulations about towing multiple trailers behind a single vehicle.
Here’s a quick story that highlights why it’s crucial to know the laws in every area you’ll be passing through. Tom, an RV enthusiast, decided to take his family on a cross-country road trip. Excited to bring along his off-road vehicle, he attached a utility trailer behind his travel trailer and set off. Things went well for the first part of the journey, but once he crossed into a neighboring state, he was pulled over by law enforcement. Tom learned the hard way that double towing wasn’t allowed in that state, and he was forced to leave the trailer behind at a friend’s place. A simple legal check could have saved him time, money, and frustration.
State-by-State Regulations
Double towing, or towing a utility trailer behind a travel trailer, is regulated differently across the U.S. and Canada. Here are a few examples of how laws vary:
- California: Double towing is legal, but the total length of your vehicle and trailers combined must not exceed 65 feet.
- Texas: Permits double towing with a maximum length of 65 feet.
- Michigan: Allows triple towing, but it requires that both the travel trailer and the utility trailer have brakes.
Before hitting the road, be sure to check the regulations in every state or province you’ll be traveling through. A good rule of thumb is to call the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or research online to get the most accurate information.
Can Your Travel Trailer Handle the Weight?
Legalities aside, your next big question should be: Can your travel trailer handle the additional weight? Towing a utility trailer behind your travel trailer means extra strain on both your vehicle and your trailer. It’s essential to check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your travel trailer, which is the maximum weight it can handle, including cargo and passengers.
Exceeding the GVWR can cause significant damage to your travel trailer’s frame, suspension, and tires, not to mention creating serious safety hazards for you and others on the road.
Understanding Tongue Weight
In addition to checking the GVWR, you’ll need to keep an eye on your tongue and weigh the downward force that your utility trailer exerts on the hitch of your travel trailer. If this weight is too high, it can cause the travel trailer’s front end to rise, which reduces traction and steering control. Conversely, if it’s too light, the utility trailer may sway uncontrollably.
As a rule of thumb, the tongue weight should be between 10% and 15% of your utility trailer’s total weight. For example, if your utility trailer weighs 2,000 pounds, the tongue weight should be around 200-300 pounds.
Trailer Brakes Are Essential
Many states and provinces require that a utility trailer being towed behind a travel trailer has its own brakes. Even if it’s not required by law, it’s a smart idea to have trailer brakes for added safety. Imagine trying to stop both trailers on a steep downhill slope using just your vehicle’s brakes. The extra braking power provided by trailer brakes ensures that your stopping distance is shorter and reduces the risk of accidents.
Tips for Safely Towing a Utility Trailer Behind a Travel Trailer
Once you’ve confirmed that towing a utility trailer is legal and that your setup can handle the extra load, safety should be your next priority. Here are some essential tips for ensuring a safe and smooth trip.
1. Use the Right Hitch
The hitch connecting your utility trailer to your travel trailer needs to be strong enough to support the weight of both trailers. A weight-distributing hitch is often the best option, as it helps distribute the load more evenly across all axles. This reduces the strain on your vehicle and improves handling, making it safer to tow multiple trailers.
2. Check Your Mirrors
When towing multiple trailers, it’s crucial to have a clear view of both trailers. Invest in a pair of extended towing mirrors that give you a wider field of vision, allowing you to see both trailers and any vehicles coming up behind you.
3. Drive Slower and More Carefully
Towing one trailer already reduces your maneuverability, but towing two trailers limits your control even further. Reduce your speed, especially when driving on highways, and avoid sharp turns. Most experts recommend sticking to a maximum speed of 55-60 mph, even if the posted speed limit is higher.
4. Proper Weight Distribution
Make sure that the weight in both your travel trailer and utility trailer is evenly distributed. Overloading one side or the rear of the trailers can cause them to become unbalanced, leading to a dangerous condition where the trailers start to swing from side to side uncontrollably.
The Benefits of Towing a Utility Trailer Behind a Travel Trailer
So, what’s the big draw of towing a utility trailer behind a travel trailer? Why go through all the effort? There are several advantages:
1. Extra Storage Space
Many travelers find that they quickly run out of space in their travel trailer. By towing a utility trailer, you can store extra gear, whether it’s camping equipment, sporting goods, or even a small vehicle like an ATV. This allows you to keep the living space inside your travel trailer uncluttered.
2. Flexibility for Activities
With a utility trailer, you have the flexibility to bring along items for specific activities. For example, if you’re going on a fishing trip, you can load up your boat or extra gear in the utility trailer without crowding your travel trailer. Once you arrive at your campsite, you can park your travel trailer and use the items in the utility trailer for your outdoor adventures.
3. Cost-Effective Solution
Rather than investing in a larger travel trailer or upgrading to a motorhome, many travelers find that towing a utility trailer provides extra space at a lower cost. You can even rent a utility trailer to test it out before committing to a purchase.
The Challenges of Towing a Utility Trailer
While there are certainly many benefits to towing a utility trailer behind a travel trailer, it’s not without its challenges.
1. Limited Campsite Access
Many campgrounds have length restrictions, and towing a second trailer can make it difficult to find suitable campsites. Make sure to call ahead and ask if they can accommodate your total vehicle length.
2. Increased Fuel Consumption
Adding another trailer to your setup means more weight, which leads to increased fuel consumption. Be prepared for higher gas costs and more frequent fuel stops.
3. Difficult Maneuvering
Driving with one trailer is already tricky, but towing two trailers can make maneuvering, especially backing up, even more difficult. Practice reversing with both trailers before hitting the road, and make sure you’re comfortable with the extra challenge.
Final Thoughts: Should You Tow a Utility Trailer Behind a Travel Trailer?
Towing a utility trailer behind a travel trailer can be a great way to expand your storage space and increase your flexibility on the road. However, it’s not for everyone. You need to be confident in your driving skills, knowledgeable about the regulations, and prepared for the added complexities of managing two trailers.
If you’re unsure, consider renting a utility trailer for a shorter trip to get a feel for it before making a larger investment. And above all, make safety your priority by following the tips and guidelines we’ve discussed in this article.
With the right preparation, towing a utility trailer behind a travel trailer can enhance your travels, giving you the freedom to bring along everything you need for your next adventure!