Rear Hitch / Double Towing

[Bud&Cookie]

On my 2022 30 RLS Avenue, it includes a rear factory hitch which I believe was attached by Lippert, the frame manufacturer. The hitch states a rating off 300# tongue weight and 3,000# of draw weight. I am planning on towing a side by side behind my fifth wheel which would put me right at those numbers. Has anyone towed anything behind their fifth wheel with the factory / Lippert hitch that can share stories of success or issues? Thank you!

 

[Oregon_Camper]

I have never done this nor do I think I would.

What state do you live in that allows this? I think Texas allows it. It is not legal in Oregon, but I think if your state allows it, you can come through Oregon doing it.

 

[M and E]

On my 2022 30 RLS Avenue, it includes a rear factory hitch which I believe was attached by Lippert, the frame manufacturer. The hitch states a rating off 300# tongue weight and 3,000# of draw weight. I am planning on towing a side by side behind my fifth wheel which would put me right at those numbers. Has anyone towed anything behind their fifth wheel with the factory / Lippert hitch that can share stories of success or issues? Thank you!

I have not, want to, and would not do it without beefing up the hitch. There are laws about the trailer behind a trailer that are tough to navigate. There’s a workaround to the laws but can’t recall specifics but basically for those states where it’s disallowed you have to have something like this…all internet stuff that we came up with here on the site if I recall so this could be the most inaccurate posting the history of the internet.

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[UFF]

I have pulled doubles. Need to check your state laws and state laws of the states your going to. In Missouri there is a 65’ limit in length. Since my side by side is a little over 10’ and the trailer would have a 4’ tongue I would be over. I made a kayak trailer and pulled it once. I knew where I was going and very familiar with the area. A little nerve racking but all went well. I would suggest a rear camera on camper so you can see it. Also be very aware of your tongue and trailer weight. Also just cause it can be done doesn’t mean you should do it.

 

[RoadJunkie]

Many people double tow. On I-15 a while back I saw an Alliance 5th wheel towing an aluminum trailer loaded with a late model VW bug. Another example, from a summer RV park, is a man that tows a jeep wheels down behind his 5th wheel. The load causes a mechanical load moment, a twisting a flexing magnified like a lever arm, on the frame due to the large distance from the hitch to the pivot point at the axle. The 300# hitch specification is likely a static rating and given while not considering the dynamic effects due to rough, bouncing, roads. It's my opinion that frame flex damage is very likely given the stresses to the frame while double towing. But then, we all know about opinions!

 

[M and E]

Many people double tow. On I-15 a while back I saw an Alliance 5th wheel towing an aluminum trailer loaded with a late model VW bug. Another example, from a summer RV park, is a man that tows a jeep wheels down behind his 5th wheel. The load causes a mechanical load moment, a twisting a flexing magnified like a lever arm, on the frame due to the large distance from the hitch to the pivot point at the axle. The 300# hitch specification is likely a static rating and given while not considering the dynamic effects due to rough, bouncing, roads. It's my opinion that frame flex damage is very likely given the stresses to the frame while double towing. But then, we all know about opinions!

All really good points.

 

[UFF]

Honestly I think with 2ea e-bikes and a 50 plus pound carrier or a carrier with a toolbox, generator, and or 250 lbs of gear is just as bad. It is just a big bouncing weight hanging off the back. Pick your issue. I do think there is a weight rating on everything and you should stay within it.

 

[Lantley]

I am a bit leery of the rear hitch I do not trust it for any kind of heavyweight. However I do know someone with a paradigm that successfully carries bikes on the OEM rear hitch.
Once upon a time I carried a large generator or the rear of my RV. However, I had a custom hitch that was reinforced. It worked well.
I can't ever imagine me trusting the OEM hitch for double towing.
I barely trust the frame to withstand the rigors of everyday use. Add double towing and my confidence really dwindles.
All is not lost, I imagine you could double to or carry something heavier on the rear hitch with some additional reinforcement to the hitch / frame connection. But I would not trust the rear hitch for anything heavy duty straight out of the box.

 

[MTPaul]

On my 2022 30 RLS Avenue, it includes a rear factory hitch which I believe was attached by Lippert, the frame manufacturer. The hitch states a rating off 300# tongue weight and 3,000# of draw weight. I am planning on towing a side by side behind my fifth wheel which would put me right at those numbers. Has anyone towed anything behind their fifth wheel with the factory / Lippert hitch that can share stories of success or issues? Thank you!

We too faced a similar, if not the very same issue, when we wanted to bring along our Polaris Ranger 3-seat, non-crew cab Northstar Premium side by side weighing roughly 2,000 lbs. The Aluma utility trailer we used for transporting the Polaris weighed around 600 lbs. bringing the combined weight very close to the 3,000 lb. maximum draw weight. At the time we owned a 2019 Jayco 25.5 REOK fifth wheel and have since purchased a 2027 Alliance All Access 25RL with the very same tongue and draw weight limitations.

I was not at all comfortable when transporting the Polaris with the stock towing setup. I took the Jayco trailer to a local welding shop, and they replaced the stock square bumper with a much thicker option. They then fabricated two steel brackets and welded the brackets to both the receiver hitch and to the bumper. They then replaced the stock bumper brackets with much thicker options and welded these brackets to the frame of the trailer and to the new bumper. These modifications not only addressed the tongue weight capacity but also the draw weight. No doubt these modifications probably also voided the manufacturer's warranty, but they allowed us to bring the Ranger along. We towed with this combination for seven years until recently purchasing the Alliance.

Our camping destinations include our home state of MT but also the nearby states of WY and ID where towing with this combination is currently permitted. It's my understanding states like Oregon do not allow this. Check with your own state for their individual towing restrictions.

 

[KevinrW26]

For what it is worth, the manual for my 262RB Delta says only accessories and not towing. But the video from Alliance seems to indicate that if the receiver comes with a 4 pin electrical connector (mine does not) that you can pull a trailer behind your trailer by design.

See

 

[RoadJunkie]

The complexity of double towing goes beyond the hitch capability, bolstered or otherwise. Does the second trailer have brakes? Also, Alliance has made it clear that the hitch is not intended for towable units of any kind, convenience plug or not. So, now we get into assumption of risk related to insurance coverage. I have made two trips when it was really desirable to have our UTV while camping. Or, for longer trips, we have driven two vehicles with the second towing the UTV trailer. These options have worked for us.