Towing behind my wildcat fifthwheel

pluguglyinhere · 07-19-2011, 10:19 AM

So my question is not about the truck, or my fifthwheel hitch but my 2008 Wildcat 32QBBS. I have a hitch on the back that was put on so I could pull a boat behind the camper I am jsut wondering if anyone has experience with this. Is it going to destroy anything, is it just a bad idea or anything?

LadyWindrider · 07-19-2011, 10:47 AM

Illegal in most states to "double tow". Lot of rules and regulations. Also, you'll never be able to back it, and wait to you need to fuel the tow vehicle with all that behind you. Hope it is diesel, and you can use the big truck lane, and larger nozzle found there. Just my two cents.

MudmanBkb · 07-19-2011, 11:13 AM

It's legal in Michigan , but total length of all must be under 64 ft I am told by my dealer

18CrewDually · 07-21-2011, 10:31 AM

It's not illegal as long as your going to or from an Interstate for travel. I have double/triple trailer endorsement but I don't know if it's required for R/Vs.
A light boat wouldn't hurt anything. You would have to wire in a plug though. When I was in Utah and Idaho double trailers were very popular and usually a 5er with a boat behind it.

Here's a link you can check some guidelines by your state of travel.
http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

cliffgolden · 07-21-2011, 12:00 PM

The main problem is state requirements. Vehicle must be 65' or less (single, dbl or triple). There are a few states (chk state hwy laws) that allow 75'.

Bottom line: you better know what you're doin' cause you can get into trouble quickly. Vehicle tracking is WAY different (each trailer cuts inside of the tow vihicle 8-10") so clearing corners are tricky! Backing is NOT an option! 87CrewDually is right on time. Be sure you check it out FIRST!

prof_fate · 07-21-2011, 12:18 PM

My neighbor considered that and here in PA he was told even for an RV you need a CDL...I've not verified that though.

Wildcat Chris · 08-02-2011, 10:23 AM

All 2011 and 2012 Wildcats include a 2" receiver hitch built into the frame with a 300lbs. tongue weight and a 3000lbs. towing capacity.

As noted earlier, please be sure to check with your state or province for local regulations.

campingcajuns · 08-02-2011, 11:31 AM

My neighbor pulls a 18 foot express bass boat behind his cardinal fifth wheel. Tow vehicle is a F350 Dually. I also see small trailers with golf carts as a double tow many times. I didn't want to worry about double towing so I traded in my TT for a Class C and I can either pull jet ski's, boat or trailer w/golf cart.

Wildcat Chris · 10-10-2011, 06:05 PM

Be sure to look here or check with your local BMV/DMV:
http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

crocus · 10-10-2011, 07:43 PM

"Vehicle tracking is WAY different (each trailer cuts inside of the tow vihicle 8-10") so clearing corners are tricky!"
==============================
That is simply incorrect, as the rear of the fifth swings out on a turn, and the boat will follow almost in the same wheel tracks.
I towed a boat for years behind my old fifth with zero problems, pulled like a dream. But I wouldn't do it with the Flagstaff, as the frame is much lighter. Probably still ok, but I'm a little more fussy with our brand new camper.

Your Wildcat may have a heavier frame, but I would still not pull too heavy a boat. Someone posted the preferred ratio of weight as percentage of the camper weight, I think it was 1/3. So if your fifth is 9000 lbs, a 3000 lb boat would be ok.

roadtech · 10-19-2011, 09:43 PM

Hi folks, I haul this combo all the time, it tows quite well, the boat trailer does have brakes, it is no differant than hauling single, but when you operate this unit you must have experience dealing with over length trailers, I do have a CDL, which makes all the differance at times.
Don

Wildcat Chris · 10-21-2011, 05:15 PM

Don, that's quite a lot of toys in one picture!

Do you have any other pics? I'd love to see them...

F and E Damp · 10-22-2011, 11:17 AM

Don't bring that rig to Washington. Even if it's legal where your vehicles are registered, you'll get pulled over and required to unhitch the aft-most item. I've seen one or two in the area with plates from the South East states, but they were lucky WSP hadn't spotted them yet. Just consider what it would do to your trip if you have to leave the boat unattended 3000 miles from home!

Westernflyer · 10-22-2011, 01:46 PM

The days of traveling across a state without being stopped are fast coming to end with more checkpoints and roving stops being established by the Department of Homeland Secuirity and other agencies. It definitely will pay you to double check your documents to make sure numbers match the vehicles and everything is up to date before you leave home. By the time you see the checkpoint or roving stop, they have your records and at the stop it only takes glance for verification. If they should greet you by name at the stop, that will really make you a believer.

roadtech · 10-23-2011, 11:06 PM

Here is one more for you Chris.
I have made a few changes since this photo, went to 16 inch rimes with LT rubber, replaced the shackles, bushings and all the bolts are now greasable.

Wildcat Chris · 10-24-2011, 03:00 PM

Very cool!

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