Tips for Pulling a Boat Behind a Fifth Wheeler

The proper towing equipment is very important if you want to pull your boat behind your 5th wheeler. When installing a hitch, you’ll need to determine what type is suited to your trailer and whether it will be adequate to pull your boat.

Class 4 hitches can tow up to 7500 lbs, and a Class 5 up to 14,000 lbs. Both utilize weight-distributing mounting brackets to transfer the weight to all of the vehicle’s wheels.

There are several challenges you will face while towing your boat:
1. Your boat will swing from side to side as you drive, and it will jackknife if you try to back up.

2. You may have an extended length issue in some states or RV parks.

Not all states allow triple towing – i.e., towing both a fifth wheel and a boat. At this time, triple towing is permitted in the following states:
Arizona,
Arkansas,
Colorado (maximum combined length of 70 feet),
District of Colombia,
Idaho (max. 75 feet),
Illinois (max. 60 feet on selected highways),
Indiana (max. 65 feet),
Iowa (max. 70 feet),
Kansas (max. 65 feet),
Kentucky (max. 65 feet),

Louisiana (max. 70 feet),
Michigan (max. 60 feet on selected highways),
Minnesota (max. 60 feet on selected highways),
Mississippi,
Missouri (max. 65 feet),
Montana (max. 70 feet),
Nebraska (max. 65 feet),
Nevada (max. 70 feet),
New Mexico,
North Dakota (max. 75 feet),
Ohio (max. 65 feet),
Oklahoma (max. 65 feet),
South Dakota (max. 75 feet with qualifications),
Tennessee (max. 65 feet),
Texas (max. 65 feet),
Utah (max. 65 feet with some exceptions or restrictions),
Wisconsin (max. 60 feet on selected highways),
and Wyoming (max. 85 feet).

Large Trailers and Boats Typically Require Truck Bed Tow Hitches

As soon as you hook a boat behind your fifth wheel you significantly increase the demands of everything on your vehicle – certainly the engine.

An engine that is underpowered for the job is subjected to extreme stress, except for the shortest trips.

Even if you’re not seriously underpowered, you can expect your engine to run hotter than normal and suck a lot of gas.

The fifth wheel is great for camping because it’s a little easier to maneuver than a regular trailer due to the hitch.

The advantages are better gas mileage and the convenience of having your tow vehicle to get around.

It is also more stable in the wind.

The disadvantages are that they are not very big or luxurious, and you have to hitch and unhitch them.

The ability to transport your boat opens up a world of opportunities.

See Gooseneck Trailer Hitches at Auction Prices on Ebay >>

Small boaters can get away with bumper hitches, while the largest boat trailers often require 5th wheel or gooseneck type hitches permanently mounted in the bed of a pickup truck.

An example of a gooseneck trailer hitch can be seen to the left. We have researched these items online and have found that Ebay offers the best competitive pricing. Simply click on the image on the left to see the most current auction for these items.

Finally, not all insurance companies provide coverage for towing your boat, so it makes sense to review your policy or call your agent to confirm that you’re covered.

How To Pull Your Boat Behind Your 5th Wheeler