Double towing - what things to consider ?

[Hanr3]

I triple tow a 5th wheel and 16' Deep V boat.
28 states allow triple towing. The entire East Coast, Washington, and Oregon prohibit triple towing. California requires some sort of special permit. All states have a length limit restriction. Some states require the towed vehicle to be a 5th wheel, but not all. Some allow teh first trailer to be a bumper pull, mostly out West.
I live in Illinois and our length limit is 60'. That isn't entirely true. Illinois allows 80' on the Interstates and State Highways with a few ramp exceptions around Chicago, East St. Louis areas. There is a 5 mile grace for fuel and to the campers storage facility. Most of the restrictions are in cities/towns and their roadways.

To answer some of your other questions.
The main things to consider is weight.
Can the truck carry the weight of the 5th wheel pin which can be up to 25% of the 5th wheel total loaded weight?
This includes fuel, passengers, cargo, etc in and on the truck. Can the truck tow the combined weight of truck and both trailers.
Can the 5th wheel tow the boat weight? 3,000 pounds is common.

I'll use my situation as an example.
I triple tow with a F150 3.5L Ecoboost Extended Cab with standard bed (6.5') 2 wheel drive.
KZ 231RK 5th wheel, maximum is 7,000 pounds fully loaded.
Sylvan 16' Deep-V fully loaded on trailer weighs 2,300 pounds.
My truck in this configuration has a GVWR of 6,900 pounds. truck fully loaded weighs (included 5th wheel hitch, gas and passengers) 5,400 pounds. Leaves 1,500 pounds for the trailer pin weight. Actual pin weight is 1,400. 100 pounds to spare.
My towing capacity is 10,300 pounds- Camper and boat weigh 9,300 pounds. 1,000 pounds to spare.
My trucks GCVWR is 16,900 pounds. Fully loaded all three weigh 16,200 pounds. 700 pounds to spare.
Total length of my rig is 59.25'. I have 9" to spare to travel anywhere in the state.

Let's talk fuel economy.
Truck empty averages 24.2mpg on the interstate.
truck/boat 17-18mpg.
truck/camper 10-13mpg.
truck/camper/boat 8-10mpg.
I never have trailer sway from passing vehicles and I get passed by almost everyone. When towing I drive 65 maximum in 70mph zones and the speed limit in all other zones. There is no way I can outrun anyone, nor do I try. Less stress for me to let them go around. I have a very comfortable ride. Never feel like I am on the edge, or white knuckled. Beware, not all 1/2 tons can tow a 5th wheel. I mentioned the specifics of my truck for a reason. That combination gives me the ability to tow a 5th wheel. Be carefull assuming a 3/4 ton will be better. I can out pull almost all small V8's in 3/4 ton trucks, especially if they are crewcabs.

[Hanr3]

With a fifth only - correct?
What weights on the truck need to be looked at?
Do all states allow it?
Is an endorsement, or special license needed ?

Hit me up if you have more questions. I see you also live in Illinois. One thing I forgot. Illinois requires a the first trailer to be a 5th wheel. The KZ 231RK is the shortest 5thwheel I could find that meet my requirements. There are only 2 or 3 models in teh 25' range. more options in the 27'-28' range and numerous options in the 30' range. Subtract about 4' off the trailer length. That is how much will overhang the bed of teh truck.

[skunked again]

Hanr3 - thank you! Im going to need to read that a couple times, let it soak in!!

[Hanr3]

Hanr3 - thank you! Im going to need to read that a couple times, let it soak in!!

I did research for two years before I bought anything. Very happy with my set-up. I generally get asked questions when I pull into the campground and when I'm getting ready to leave. I don't mind. Most are surprised it's legal in Illinois. If I start to talk about towing capacities their eyes glaze over and start to roll back in their heads. But it gives them an idea of things to consider.

[skunked again]

I'm just starting researching. Our current plan is to rent a small bumper pull, a couple times this year, It's only wife and myself. Something we can pull behind our nissan frontier.
If we like it, go from there.
I'd like to keep the frontier, as it will be paid off in 2 year's, and I like this vehicle. However, everything has it's limits.
I still like the escape 5.0's and scamp fifth wheels. She doesn't like the idea of either a wet bath or sleeping in a "claustrophobic" area.
I truly appreciate your offering, and everyone else's help!

[Baitwaster]

I had an f150 crew cab. I triple towed through Missouri and Arkansas. I pulled a hybrid travel trailer that grossed 5k lbs and a 14ft john converted to a bass boat. My tired truck did ok...drank the fuel. You really can't tell the 3rd rig is there. Both trailers just fall into line.
I did blow a wheel bearing on the camper. I never determined if the boat was the cause.

One thing to consider, most campers don't have real bumpers or any substance to attach a strong hitch to. At best they're good for bikes or the cargo rack.

I never wanted to maintain a motor home cause I have enough maintenance to do... well I got sick of having to need bigger and bigger trucks. Sold the truck and the 37ft travel trailer and bought a motor home. It pulls the boat just fine. Its way more comfortable for road trips. I got a cheap small suv that fits in a parking lot, pulls my boat, and can also be towed behind my motor home.
As far as maintenance... well the winterizing is all the same. I change the oil in the engine and genny each spring. But really its not too bad. My rv is a 2010? 2005? Can't believe I dont know right now. Anyway its not new, I had to put some work into it, but I would have had to do that to any big ole truck I could afford too.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[BAMA S]

[BAMA S]

skimped on truck heavy on camper

[BAMA S]

Lil1500 loaded. ��

[BAMA S]

I’m considering a hitch. But I may draw to much attention