Flat towing Jeep Wrangler behind travel trailer

Lonestarbike · 01-13-2012, 11:19 AM

I realize this is going to open a big can of worms but, I would like opinions on flat towing my 01 Wrangler behind my 07 Eagle 322 fks. I would build and install a 2" receiver frame mounted to trailers rear I beam. I am a capable welder and fabricator. Wire a light plug for the Jeep lights, install a new hitch coupler with more capacity on the trailer tongue, change my receiver to a class v, and possibly use a Brake Buddy in the Jeep. I currently use a 14000lbs Equalizer hitch that I believe will still be adequate. I'd like opinions on the safety and feasiblity of this and to hear from anyone who has done something like this or is currently doing it. I realize its not legal in some states. Thanks.

nylyon · 01-13-2012, 11:43 AM

Is it legal in any state to tow behind a travel trailer, thought it was only 5th's? Is the 322fks capable of towing 3300 lbs? The combination is likely to be around 12,800 lbs.

Honestly, it doesn't sound like a good combination to me, but it's just a gut feel on my part. I don't think that any component was ever designed to do this task.

Lonestarbike · 01-13-2012, 11:54 AM

Yes. I realize this isn't the intended use of the trailer but, there would be no additional weight on the back of the trailer other than the hitch itself and some of the towbar weight. It is legal to tow behind a bumper pull trailer in many states according to my research. Some states have different total length limits.

nylyon · 01-13-2012, 12:02 PM

Well, there would be additional weight, the weight of the Jeep. Imagine trying to pull your jeep up a hill and the strain it would put on your body. That's what you would be asking the trailer to do. Although it's no additional weight on the trailer's axle's, the frame, hitch etc will have the additional weight of the Jeep both starting and stopping (even with brakes synchronized)

What would you be using to tow this combination?

Lonestarbike · 01-13-2012, 12:08 PM

I agree there would be vertical strain on the trailer. I appreciate your input. Just trying to get several opinions before I make a decision. Thanks, Brian.

Lonestarbike · 01-13-2012, 12:10 PM

I would be towing with an 05 Dodge 2500 diesel

TexasA&M · 01-13-2012, 01:36 PM

It's legal in Texas... there is a 65' total length limit though. I did a lot of research on this when I was trying to figure out how to tow my boat at the same time as my TT (before I had a TT). Ended up with a 35' TT, so I'd be WAY over on the total length (and too easily spotted by the troopers).

I think it's do-able. Can't decide if it's a good idea or not, but I think it's do-able. I would probably want a brake buddy in the jeep to be on the safe side.

jim44646 · 01-13-2012, 01:42 PM

According to TowingWorld.COM, the some 30 states do allow you to pull a trailer behind your trailer. There are some "fine print" details on the matter, so we urge you to check out the full list before you hitch up and go. Here's the list of states allowing "triple tows:"

Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Rustic Eagle · 01-13-2012, 02:24 PM

Lonestarbike,

Never thought about doing it myself..., but a couple of thoughts come to mind:

* An additional amount (??) of "side-force/stress" being applied at the TT frame/axle mounts/suspension/tires during TV turns could be a structural issue.

* I'm wondering how one would gain/maintain control of the "Wrangler" should it incur a sway event, because this sway event would be transferred up to the TV/TT WDH (little different condition than a 5th wheel).

Just thinking out loud.

Bob

jim44646 · 01-13-2012, 02:41 PM

I never towed a car but I towed a 16' boat behind my trailer. What a B**** to back.

clutch · 01-13-2012, 08:26 PM

You have to unhook to back up more than about 10'. In Idaho I see people towing boats behind their campers all the time. We towed quads on a flat trailer behind our last 5th wheel and had no problems what so ever. One of the main reasons we bought our 330RLTS was so we could haul quads on the truck bed and eliminate the extra trailer.

David472 · 01-14-2012, 06:22 PM

I could be all wet, but my understanding of the law is that only 5th wheel or gooseneck trailers are allowed to tow a second trailer behind. The reason for this is for control of a sway event, just like the point made by Rustic Eagle.

jim44646 · 01-14-2012, 07:15 PM

Back when I was doing all that was required was to be under 75' and trailer had to have brakes. It really didn't tow to bad.

clutch · 01-14-2012, 07:37 PM

Here ya go, all states listed for towing.

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

TexasA&M · 01-14-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David472

I could be all wet, but my understanding of the law is that only 5th wheel or gooseneck trailers are allowed to tow a second trailer behind. The reason for this is for control of a sway event, just like the point made by Rustic Eagle.

Depends on the state. Some require the first to be a fifth wheel, others allow two ball hitches.

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