Towing boat trailer?

[wyhjr]

Has anybody considered or tried towing a small boat behind their A/S? I'm talking "small", 12ft. long and about 250# including trailer. I'm not too crazy about the idea, but see it being done by a fair number of 5'ers.

[trumpwer]

I used to have an 18' Winnebago pull type that had a hitch welded on the back bumper for a boat. Tryed it just once, boy was it squirrelly.

[Silvertwinkie]

Based on what you have wyhjr, you don't seem to have a motorhome.

In some states, dual trailers (at least when I looked into this about 8 years ago) are not permitted. In some they are allowed.

Although tempting, I would not attach a boat to the back of an Airstream trailer.

There are far too many reasons that I can think of as to why not, but I'll let the others jump in here. I know that you say it's only 250lbs, but I am a bit chicken, so I'll err on the safe side and say don't do it regardless if it's legal to do so or not.

Now if you are talking about pulling that boat with a motorhome, A/S or SOB, I think that would not be a problem at all. As the boat eventually gets bigger though, certian things need to be considered.

Regards,

Eric

[overlander64]

Greetings Bill!

While there have been numerous improvements and upgrades to the frames of Airstream Coaches over the years, it is my understanding that mounting any extra weight to or behind the rear bumber is discouraged. I recently had over $1,700 in repairs to my coach that my dealer attributes to the stresses of having a rear bumper mounted spare tire carrier for the past 39 years. Needless to say, my spare tire is going to receive a hitch mounted carrier as soon as I can find a welder willing to duplicate the original style tongue mounted carrier.

I suspect that you would be opening yourself up to some major repairs down the road if you attempt the double-tow scenario proposed.

Kevin

[wyhjr]

Thanks for the input. I would have had to have some overwhelming response in favor of dual trailering to go any further than just thinking about it. Guess I'll have the wife pull the boat with the car while I tow the A/S with the truck when I have to have more toys at the campsite.

[59toaster]

Originally posted by wyhjr
Thanks for the input. I would have had to have some overwhelming response in favor of dual trailering to go any further than just thinking about it. Guess I'll have the wife pull the boat with the car while I tow the A/S with the truck when I have to have more toys at the campsite.

250lb including trailer....Uhh put a rack on the truck and toss it on the roof.
I plan to put a rack on our burb for whatever (mostly bikes) and that might include a fiberglass Cannoe.

[Silvertwinkie]

From the looks of Bill's profile, it might not work on Bill's F-150 (I think that is a pickup truck). Not sure the roof is long enough. Possibly the bed of the truck, but only if it doesn't stick out the back of the gate too far and complicate towing the trailer.

I am not sure if a top was placed over the bed area to enclose it if you could place a 250lb boat on it between the main roof and the rear cover?

Anyone have any idea?

Eric

[wyhjr]

Yes guys, I can and have carried an 8ft dinghy(75#) on the roof of the truck. I installed a roof rack on the top of the pickup shell(camper top) and my wife and I can hoist the dinghy onto the rack. The 12ft 125# boat is another story. I doubt if my creaky ole back would allow that.

[InsideOut]

I found this site, which shows the towing laws by state, including info on which states allow tandem towing. You may find this helpful...

Also a previous thread in which similar discussion was held.

Shari

[michigan rabbi]

I towed a 14' aluminum boat, 10 hp ob, on a light boat trailer behind a 26' AS in Tx with no problems at all. I also pulled it behind a 23' AS in Tx, NM, & Co - also with no problems (either during or aftermath).
Be sure to check with state laws; some OK only with 5th wheel, and some not at all. You will need to run the light hookup wires back there. Sure is handy when you arrive!