Towing a utility trailer behind a travel trailer may seem like a convenient solution when you need extra cargo space during your road trip or move. However, it’s not always as simple as hooking one trailer up to another. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can safely tow a utility trailer behind a travel trailer, the potential challenges involved, and what to consider before doing so.

Can You Tow a Utility Trailer Behind a Travel Trailer?

Yes, it’s technically possible to tow a utility trailer behind a travel trailer, but it requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure that you’re towing safely and within legal limits. Here are the important points to keep in mind:

  1. Legal Requirements and Towing Regulations Before attempting to tow a utility trailer behind your travel trailer, check the legal requirements in your area. Some states or provinces have specific rules governing double towing, which means towing two trailers. Regulations can vary widely, including restrictions on the combined length of your rig, weight limits, and whether special permits or licenses are required for double towing. Make sure to familiarize yourself with local laws to avoid fines or other issues.

  2. Towing Capacity It’s essential to understand your travel trailer’s towing capacity. Most travel trailers have a specified maximum weight that they can safely tow, including both the weight of the trailer and its contents. Adding a utility trailer to the mix will increase the total load, so it’s important to stay within the recommended limits. Overloading your travel trailer can lead to dangerous driving conditions and damage to the tow vehicle or trailers.

  3. Trailer Hitch Compatibility Ensure that your travel trailer has the appropriate hitch to tow a utility trailer. In most cases, a travel trailer is equipped with a standard ball hitch or a weight-distribution hitch. However, towing a second trailer may require an additional hitch or a specialized hitch setup. A 5×8 utility trailer or other small utility trailers can usually be attached with the right hardware, but you’ll need to check that the travel trailer’s hitch can handle the added weight and ensure that the utility trailer has a compatible hitch system.

  4. Tongue Weight and Balancing the Load When towing a utility trailer behind a travel trailer, it’s crucial to balance the load properly. The tongue weight (the weight on the hitch of the utility trailer) must be within safe limits to ensure stability on the road. A heavy tongue weight can cause the travel trailer to sway or make it harder to maneuver. To avoid this, distribute the weight evenly between the two trailers. Consider using a weight distribution hitch to help evenly distribute the weight and improve stability while towing.

  5. Brake Systems and Safety When towing multiple trailers, it’s especially important to have effective braking systems in place. Some utility trailers come equipped with their own braking systems, which are essential for larger loads. If your utility trailer doesn’t have brakes, it’s important to install an independent braking system or use a brake controller to control the braking on both trailers. Additionally, you should always check the condition of the brake lights and turn signals on both trailers, ensuring that they are in good working order.

  6. Maneuverability and Turning Radius Towing a utility trailer behind a travel trailer can affect your ability to make turns. The combined length of both trailers can create a wide turning radius, making it difficult to navigate sharp turns or tight spaces. When driving, take extra care when turning and allow plenty of space to avoid jackknifing or damaging the trailers.

  7. Safety and Stability Double towing adds an element of complexity to handling and stability. High winds, steep inclines, or rough road conditions can increase the risk of swaying or fishtailing. To mitigate this, you can install sway control devices or an anti-sway hitch system to help stabilize both trailers.

Conclusion

While it’s possible to tow a utility trailer behind a travel trailer, doing so requires proper planning, preparation, and understanding of your equipment’s limitations. Always check the legal requirements in your area, ensure your travel trailer’s towing capacity is sufficient, and make sure both trailers are equipped with the necessary safety features, including appropriate brakes and hitch systems. By taking the necessary precautions, you can safely and efficiently tow a utility trailer behind your travel trailer.

If you’re looking for a utility trailer for sale, Sundown Trailers offers a wide variety of options to suit your needs. Visit our inventory page for more information.