Hitch on the back of Designer Fifth Wheel

[toolman22ia]

I was just wondering if anyone has a hitch on the back of their camper to pull another small trailer, boat, etc. I have a 2004 Designer 31RLS and it has brackets to mount a hitch that would be 72" wide. Let me know if you have one, or what the best/cheapest would be.

[av8arkie]

My owners manual says DO NOT tow with camper.

[dkwels]

I have a 2004 Designer 29RLTS. I used the brackets on the frame and bolted a 2" reciever hitch to the brackets. The hitch was fabricated from a 3/4 ton Dodge Ram hitch and reinforced because it was stretched to 72". I use it for a 4 bike rack and plan on towing a boat. On my 2 previous Jayco Eagles I pulled ATV trailers with the hitches I built on the coach. Prior to installing the hitches I talked to Leland, the frame builder, the factory told me they would not approve any type of hitch on the Eagles because the frames were never tested for trailer towing. You can try to check with Leland on the Designer frame brackets. If you decide to install a hitch on the coach have it fabricated by a quality welding shop and let them know what you plan on towing. One problem you may run into is length, most states are 65' maximum combined length.

[toolman22ia]

thanks for the help... not sure if i would do this anyhow, its just that sometimes we need a small trailer to haul more firewood with, and sometimes we strap an 8' fishing boat on the trailer. when we have to we just take another vehicle to haul all the wood and boat.

[av8arkie]

That may be your best bet.

[taviking22]

We had a hitch added by a reputable hitch company to our 28.5 RLS a couple months after we purchased the 5ver new. I had contacted my dealer who told me point blank that doing so would cancel my Jayco frame warranty. However, I have not experience any problems with the added hitch or my 5ver.

It is sure nice not to have to rely on a second tow vehicle to tow my boat to the camping/fishing site.

Good luck with your decision.

[toolman22ia]

We had a hitch added by a reputable hitch company to our 28.5 RLS a couple months after we purchased the 5ver new. I had contacted my dealer who told me point blank that doing so would cancel my Jayco frame warranty. However, I have not experience any problems with the added hitch or my 5ver.

It is sure nice not to have to rely on a second tow vehicle to tow my boat to the camping/fishing site.

Good luck with your decision.\

We are from Shenandoah, IA, just 60 miles south of you and was just wondering who did the hitch for you.
Thanks

[Tanker42]

Check your state hwy laws. Here in Virginia, it's against the law to tow a trailer behind your camper.

[toolman22ia]

We can in iowa i beleive the max length is 70ft. The local judge has an f250 crew cab 38ft cedar creek, and pulls an 18 ft lund behind that. Im guessing its over 70 ft but dont know. Im with taviking22 tho, sure would be nice(way cheeper) to not need a 2nd vehicle

[taviking22]

\
We are from Shenandoah, IA, just 60 miles south of you and was just wondering who did the hitch for you.
Thanks

Hi, neighbor!

We use Council Hitch in Council Bluffs, IA, for all of our hitch-related work. Apache Camper in Bellevue, NE, where we have made 3 purchases over the years highly recommends them, too.

[hammer]

I have a hitch on my 31.5 rlds and tow a 3000 lb. enclosed trailer with my sons dirtbikes in it every weekend about 8000 miles a summer. no problems at all.

[clutch]

We had a 5th wheel and pulled a small trailer with two quads on it. Never had a problem. The warranty will be voided if youl have any frame trouble.

[toolman22ia]

Hi, neighbor!

We use Council Hitch in Council Bluffs, IA, for all of our hitch-related work. Apache Camper in Bellevue, NE, where we have made 3 purchases over the years highly recommends them, too.

That's what i was guessing. We have heard a lot of good about them.
Thanks for your help!