Flat towing a jeep behind a travel trailer??

DFW Rusty · 07-31-2015, 09:21 AM

We just bought a new jeep wrangler for the family toy, however we have a brand new WW 27RKSS travel trailer. This is a dilemma because we want to take both when we go on trips! The only way for this to even be possible is if we flat tow the jeep behind the camper. I have a good friend that does this with his 5th wheel and he said once you get out the drive way it's easy peasy, but there is a difference between a 5er and a tt! What is y'alls thoughts? Anyone done this before, was it a white knuckle the entire way? I'm a very experienced tower and have experience towing tandem, but not with a travel trailer as the linking trailer.

Devilscreekw · 07-31-2015, 09:32 AM

Illegal behind a TT up here. Fiver no problem!

King Yankee · 07-31-2015, 07:09 PM

Every state has different laws for towing, you really need to do a search and take in account where you plan on traveling, today, tomorrow and in the future, plan ahead.

Taranwanderer · 07-31-2015, 07:22 PM

Bad idea all around. That Jeep weighs anywhere from 3k to 5k depending on models and options--unless you plan on tying into the braking system somehow, it's an accident waiting to happen. And it might still be even if you do.

Sounds like someone needs a MH.

King Yankee · 07-31-2015, 10:13 PM

I agree Taranwander

edt · 08-01-2015, 12:02 PM

We have neighbor Towing Jeep beninés 5 th wheel but he has a Freight linear up front

BooBoo23 · 08-01-2015, 12:39 PM

Triples are legal in Texas but you will probably be over length. There is a 65' limit. Even if you make it under the 65' I don't think triple towing with that kind of weight behind a TT is wise. What's wrong with someone driving the Jeep behind (or in front) of you. I'm sure you aren't going camping alone. That would be lots safer.

aceinspp · 08-01-2015, 12:50 PM

I'd check state laws. Bad Idea to think about tapping into Jeep brake system as it also is not recommended and most likely will foul up computer system also. As said above my point of view is also an accident looking for a happening. Later RJD

John McClain · 08-01-2015, 01:00 PM

I towed my jeep with my 27 foot 5th wheel a few times years ago. Please note a few times , flat ground close to home stuff. let me say for a non professional driver you are rolling the dice . I had a lot of truck driving experience moving heavy equipment around like 9 axle low bed stuff in my younger days like Cranes, dozers and scrapers . I have a doubles indorsed commercial licence . (A must to haul doubles)

My 06 Rubicon ( highly modified) jeep weighs about 6,000 pounds , towing brakes installed about $500.00 .
Toy hauler modification to handle the tow hitch and weight of the jeep, about $ 1400.00 at the frame shop . $ 10.00 worth of aspirin from the stress and head aches

1. Do you have the licence to pull doubles in your state ?
2. Can your truck legally pull the combined weight, The big one, can you stop it ?
3. What your states max length on the first trailer , Calif is 28 foot
4. whats your states max overall length front of truck to rear of jeep. can you make it ?
I hope this gives you some food for thought !! Good luck

Boso · 08-01-2015, 01:37 PM

One of the worst ideas I have heard lately have seen it done on i95 but it is a terrible idea

Tom48 · 08-01-2015, 01:56 PM

Scares me when I see it Even with a 5er it is scary. Small utility trailer with the Quad, maybe. Full sized car HELL NO.

j free · 08-01-2015, 01:59 PM

don't think have a true grasp of reality on this one. 5er and tt are two different animals. And most states that allow this require a class a lic.

B and B · 08-01-2015, 02:04 PM

Accidents are easy peasy too! Have someone else drive the Jeep to the destination.

Bluepill · 08-01-2015, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j free

don't think have a true grasp of reality on this one. 5er and tt are two different animals. And most states that allow this require a class a lic.

Correct.

Laws of physics: A fiver will not get into a side-to-side sway oscillation because the mounting point pivot is (intentionally) directly above the rear axle of the towing vehicle. A rear ball mount as used on a TT is to the rear of the axle, and the lever effect allows the trailer to "wag" the tow vehicle in many conditions. It can be hard to recover from just one trailer in an advanced state of sway - I cannot imagine how you could ever get control of two trailers swaying in opposite directions.

trackmanbfa · 08-01-2015, 05:05 PM

NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ottawapaul · 08-02-2015, 07:05 AM

If you do it, let us know what roads you will be on, so we can all be somewhere else!

**ependydad** · 08-02-2015, 04:10 PM

Different rules in different lands. I believe that people commonly tow boats behind fifth wheels and travel trailers. Not for me- I don't know what it needs to be structurally sound or safely done. But lots of people do it.

DFW Rusty · 08-03-2015, 10:19 AM

Alrighty then....lol.... A bad idea I take it.....lol...

It was just a thought, like I said, buddy does it with his 5er and so I thought maybe people do it with bumper pulls too. This is going to have an affect on our long distance camping trips in the future because if we have to choose between the jeep and the camper we will more than likely choose the jeep and get a hotel/ cabin. Although my wife and I could drive separate to get everything to our destination, what would be the fun in road tripping for 10hrs or 2 days if we can't all ride together?! We are going to keep the camper(finally got the floor plan we have always wanted) for atleast a few years, but maybe in 2017-2018 we will look at getting back into the MH, I'm sure not looking forward to getting back into one of those PITA

.

I did look a little over the weekend on the interweb at campers under 3500lb that could be towed by the jeep, and man that would be a huge step down from the room we currently have in our 33' 10" camper so that option is out!

transamz9 · 08-03-2015, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluepill

Correct.

Laws of physics: A fiver will not get into a side-to-side sway oscillation because the mounting point pivot is (intentionally) directly above the rear axle of the towing vehicle. A rear ball mount as used on a TT is to the rear of the axle, and the lever effect allows the trailer to "wag" the tow vehicle in many conditions. It can be hard to recover from just one trailer in an advanced state of sway - I cannot imagine how you could ever get control of two trailers swaying in opposite directions.

You apply the brakes to the trailers is how.

It amazes me how many people know nothing about a subject but yet can say it's a bad idea or it can't be done. I have seen people come in a campground towing little bitty campers and I'm scared to even be on the site next to them watching them try and back in. I'm not saying it's a good idea for the OP to do what he is wanting to do but people, don't be so quick to judge something you know nothing about.

OP, if you have to ask the question then it's probably not a good idea for you.

mikel68 · 08-03-2015, 10:29 AM

Extra 4000 pounds added to a bumper pull? Not that it can't be done, it shouldn't. Not enough stability, I don't care how many brakes and sway bars are added.

It's not that you may be a good or bad driver it's all the "other" idiots out there you have to dodge. it's a train wreck in the making.

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