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If you are considering a trip with your fifth-wheel camper trailer, you may also want to bring along a trailer loaded with toys. While triple towing can add to the fun, it can also cause problems. Here are some of the most common complaints about RV triple towing.

RV triple towing in an old black and white photo
a towing van; a main travel-trailer and a caboose trailer | Graham Bezant/Toronto Star via Getty Images

RV triple towing can be a tricky business. It’s exactly what it sounds like––a truck pulling a camper, with another trailer hitched and towed behind your RV. Triple towing can also happen behind a motorhome. It’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. But for those that want to tow a trailer behind their fifth-wheel camper or motorhome, it’s important to know about the possible complications.

Reasons people do it

a truck towing an RV camper with a auto behind.
RV triple towing | Roads Less Traveled

The primary reason people decide that RV triple towing is right for their outdoor outing is to bring along a toy or two. Whether it’s a small trailer full of dirt bikes, a boat, or the jet skis, it’s easy to see that bringing along more fun-facilitating gear is the name of the game. But there are other reasons for RV triple towing too.

For example, you may want to haul something like a motorcycle behind your trailer because you want to take it to your seasonal home. Or perhaps you’ve made a purchase along the way and you’re weighing your options on how to get it home. According to Camper Report, you can even tow a car behind a fifth-wheel. Bottom line, people triple tow with their rigs so that they can haul more stuff along on whatever journey they’re on.

Complaints about RV triple towing

One of the most obvious complaints about RV triple towing is that you can’t do it everywhere. You can read more about which states allow it in this article covering the ins and outs of where it’s legal and where it’s not. For anyone who wants to triple tow with their RV trailer but lives in a state where it’s not allowed, this is naturally going to be high on the list of complaints.

If your travel remains within the boundaries of legal states like Alaska or New Mexico, then you will want to know some of the potential complications before you hit the road. Simply the additional tires increase the probability of having a flat tire.

In some states, you’ll need a specific permit to triple tow with your RV. Some of these states require drivers to meet certain weight and length requirements. There are speed regulations, length requirements, and more that are different depending on which state you are in.

Way to avoid problems with RV triple towing

It’s always good to know the length of your entire setup. In addition, the dry weight of your camper trailer is important information. According to RV Life, even the states that do allow it have entirely different regulations.

The best way to avoid problems on the road when you are triple towing with your RV is to do your research. Laws and regulations change often. Be sure to check up on the rules and regulations in the states you plan to travel.

In addition to checking up on the legal matters and regulations for RV triple towing, it’s important to keep some things in mind. It takes longer to stop, uses more fuel. Plus, triple towing generally requires an experienced driver who’s towed a heavy load or two in their time.

Ultimately, some campers decide it’s too much hassle or too high a risk. If you do decide to go for it, use caution. Research and preparation are paramount if you want to avoid the most common complaints about RV triple towing.

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