Can I double tow with an Airstream?

[m.hony]

I was curious as to if I can weld a receiver hitch to the back bumper/frame of my Airstream. I was planning to do this to my other brand trailer before I traded it in on an Airstream. I would really love to take my motorcycle with me to rv rallies or weekend camping at the lake. I see this all the time with other brand trailers where the second trailer may be a golf cart or fish cooker or fishing boat. The only Airstream I have ever seen this done with was a 60's single axle with a small cargo trailer on YouTube backing both trailers. Has anyone done this?

[Gene]

It is illegal in most states. I think some allow 5th wheels to tow something else. The Airstream bumper is too weak to tow anything.

Gene

[m.hony]

What about the frame? Can a receiver hitch be mounted to the frame? It may be over length but that is apparently never enforced here in the south. We see travel trailers all the time with a second trailer. I never really liked the floor plan of Airstream's toy hauler, the Panamerica was it?

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

The Airstream bumper is too weak to tow anything.

I'm with Gene. But beyond the bumper -- the frame aft of the axles is just strong enough (and sometimes not even that) to integrally interact with the shell while bouncing down the road.

[Wazbro]

No the frame is not strong enough, the shell holds up the back of the frame.

[Jim Foster]

I know one guy who does this. He has a '65 Caravel behind which he tows a 50s camp trailer that has a small boat as a roof. He is licensed in Colorado to tow double. He did extensive modification to the frame on his Caravel to be able to tow double.

It's really fun to watch Luke back both trailers into an RV space. He does it very well

Not his first Rodeo.

[michaelnrhea]

Here in Idaho you can dubble tow. I have seen lots of trailers modifyed to tow. The oldest have been the early airstreams (40's). Have work done by someone who is good with welding. Most that I have seen up close had an 1/2" plate of steel, full with of frame and 2-3' from back toward front welded to the frame with hitch thru the bumper. Wish I had thought to take some close pictures.

[m.hony]

Another way I have thought about getting my motorcycle to go with me is buying a truck with an eight foot bed. Long, long truck and long, long trailer.

[Skater]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Another way I have thought about getting my motorcycle to go with me is buying a truck with an eight foot bed. Long, long truck and long, long trailer.

Two trailers would be longer than one with a truck with an 8' bed...

[Gene]

There's section in Woodall's that tells what the laws are about RV's in every state and province. Check that for laws on this.

Aside from laws and bumper and frame strength, would you get anti-sway hitch for the extra trailer? How about strengthening the frame/shell connection to prevent rear end separation?

Gene

[Jim Foster]

I would lean toward the long bed truck, which is a good idea since you have a long trailer. If you use a MC trailer, you will have that to deal with it when you are parked at your destination, as well as when towing.

I hauled my MC lots of miles in the bed of a PU.

The modifications you will need to do to your Airstream will be extensive and expensive.

The only advantage I can see is that you would be able to use your MC without unhooking your trailer, which only takes a few minutes.

Only you can make the choice.