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Car Forum / Ford / Ford Trucks / April 2005towing question
Hi, I'm building a trailer for towing another vehicle behind. It's just a wide two-wheeled very low trailer where you drive the front wheels of the vehicle being towed up on it and strap it down. However I am wondering how does this outfit get around corners? Are you supposed to leave room for the front wheels to swivel back and forth, or does it actually turn just due to the differential on the vehicle being towed? Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thnx. > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > does it actually turn just due to the differential on the vehicle being > towed? It sounds like you are building a tow dolly. The ramps that the front wheels are strapped to, swivel independent of the dolly frame. For safety's sake, you really need to go look at one in person. H "ryan skaar" <s@s.s.pam> wrote in news:115d5nedjk4rla8 @corp.supernews.com: > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thnx. most of the ones I have seen have the actuall frame the tires attach to swivel seperate from the trailer frame some. and then you still go slow around corners. KB  SignatureThunderSnake #9 Warn once, shoot twice 460 in the pkup, 460 on the stand for another pkup and one in the shed for a fun project to yet be decided on As was said, the platform that the tire set on have a center pivot point that allows the car to pivot on the tow dolly when going around a corner. The pivot is limited to somewhere between 15 and 30 degrees. The stop prevents the towed vehicle from pivoting over the trailer wheels. Also the steering wheel on the towed vehicle should either be locked or tied in place so the front tires do not steer, that is what the pivot point on the trailer is for. I also recommend you go take a look at one at one at a U-haul or similar rental place. Bruce > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thnx. Thanks. I never thought of a pivot. But it can be done. R. > Thanks. I never thought of a pivot. But it can be done. R. When you are done building this rig, please let us know where you will be towing so we can avoid the area and a possible death sentence. It's not entirely necessary though. I rented one from U-haul once that wasn't made that way. It was a real old one. It was solid, and you just strapped the car down on it. If you leave your steering unlocked, the dolly can still go around corners, and the car's steering will follow. It's not the best way, though. The swivel is better. Harder to build, of course. Have you ever seen how a tow bar steers a car? This solid tow dolly was similar, but not nearly as flexible. Since the tires couldn't roll, it had to be in a real bind as it turned. > Thanks. I never thought of a pivot. But it can be done. R. > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thnx. Why would you build one of these yourself and leave yourself open to a lawsuit. You can buy a used one for about $350. Go to www.rvtraderonline.com or www.bargaintraderonline.com then click "search" and type in "tow dolly" without the quotes. I agree with Tyrone. Swallow your master fabricator pride and buy a good used one for safety's sake. You can have fun restoring it too. SignatureMark -- I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates who once said, "I drank what?". >> Hi, >> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > www.rvtraderonline.com or www.bargaintraderonline.com then click > "search" and type in "tow dolly" without the quotes. Well I didn't mean that I was building it right from scratch. I have the wheels and frame which certainly look strong enough. I don't know what it was originally, but it was first used for hauling prefab rafters out of the city as it had a really long pole. Then for many years we used it to haul plywood grain bins as they were built to their destination. After that it was used to haul 1200 gallon tanks of water. It can be used either way up ... one way the bottom of the beam clears the ground by 4" which would be the best way for a car dolly. All I have to do is shorten the pole hitch by about 20' and put on the pivot and it's ready to roll. Ryan > Well I didn't mean that I was building it right from scratch. I have the > wheels and frame which certainly look strong enough. I don't know what [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Ryan The key phrase you use, "certainly look strong enough" doesn't cut it. Unless someone can calculate and confirm the design of this trailer, you are a damned fool to endanger yourself or anyone else's life with your Rube Goldberg, afro-engineered rig. You're wasting your time. You can buy a car dolly for $800. With straps, ready to rock and roll. s > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thnx. > You're wasting your time. You can buy a car dolly for $800. With straps, > ready to rock and roll. That's for a new one. You can find them used for $350. Why would anyone leave their a.s hanging out in the wind to get sued? > s > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > > > Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thnx. Why are those things so expensive? Anybody know? I never see used ones as low as $350 around here. For $350, you can buy a car that'll go 70 in a west Texas headwind. Put another way, for $800, you can buy a brand new factory build tandem trailer. A new tow dolly should cost a third of that. Another thing is if you look at the specs of all those tow dollys that are for rent or for sale you will find that they are only built to haul light weight autos. I need it for heavier stuff, so I guess I will build my own. R > Why are those things so expensive? Anybody know? I never see used ones as > low as $350 around here. For $350, you can buy a car that'll go 70 in a west > Texas headwind. > > Put another way, for $800, you can buy a brand new factory build tandem > trailer. A new tow dolly should cost a third of that. >Another thing is if you look at the specs of all those tow dollys that >are for rent or for sale you will find that they are only built to haul >light weight autos. > >I need it for heavier stuff, so I guess I will build my own. R Don't worry about the nay-sayers. Go for it. Matt 99 V-10 Super Duty, Super Cab 4x4 I totally agree. I've been designing and building trailers, single and tandem setups, for years and everyone tells me my units pull easier and straighter than any they've ever rented. Most rental units are built on a bid basis and the cheapest bidder usually gets the order. One thing I would consider is keeping the tongue length about 3 feet longer than what you find in rental units. The reason for this is to keep the towed vehicle from swaying side to side. Although the engineering aspects are pretty straight forward it's more difficult to explain it to those without considerable knowledge of math and physics. So, imagine you have an axle with 6 feet between the tire treads and a tongue 100 feet long. Although it would obviously be over the legal limit, it would nonetheless be almost impossible to get a trailer with this set up to flip over from a quick whipping action of the steering on the tow vehicle. The wheels of the "trailer" would hardly move from side to side even at 100 mph. Now imagine that same axle setup with a tongue 1 or 2 feet long. There is almost no way you could tow such a rig without the trailer whipping from side to side at anything more than 5 or 10 miles per hour. Now, imagine you have the front wheels of a towed vehicle sitting on that axle. Hope this gives you some ideas. BTW, don't let pinheads discourage you from going ahead with your project. Sounds to me like you have enough of a handle on it to make it work safely. In fact, I find that most people who make their own equipment of this nature usually overbuild it anyway. Incidentally, if you're building a trailer for car hauling, etc., there are some basic dimension and axle setbacks that work perfectly. "Ernie Sparks" <earnest37@sbcglobal.net> wrote in > Incidentally, if you're building a trailer for car hauling, etc., there are .................... .............................. > some basic dimension and axle setbacks that work perfectly. So do you know offhand what would be a proper tongue length for an overall width of 9 feet 3 inches (to the outside of the tires)? R. Unless your state is different than mine, I think it is illegal to go down the street at 9'-3" unless you have overwide flagging and an escort vehicle. (top posted for your convenience) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Keep the whole world singing . . . . DanG (remove the sevens) dgriff237@7cox.net > "Ernie Sparks" <earnest37@sbcglobal.net> wrote in > > Incidentally, if [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > overall width of 9 feet 3 inches (to the outside of the tires)? > R. Well I live in Saskatchewan. This is an agriculture area and the highways are full of very wide stuff going back and forth all the time. Of course if you were to go through the city you would stick to the truck routes. Ryan > Unless your state is different than mine, I think it is illegal to > go down the street at 9'-3" unless you have overwide flagging and [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > overall width of 9 feet 3 inches (to the outside of the tires)? > > R. The Permit Office Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation Width any vehicle, building, or object, 2.6 m (8?6?); For information on the regulations contact: Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation Transportation Policy Branch 9th floor 1855 Victoria Avenue Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3V5 (306) 787-4801 or (306) 787-8540 > Well I live in Saskatchewan. This is an agriculture area and the > highways are full of very wide stuff going back and forth all the [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] >>> overall width of 9 feet 3 inches (to the outside of the tires)? >>> R. You must live under a rock. Show me a link to a tandem trailer for $800. steve > Why are those things so expensive? Anybody know? I never see used ones as > low as $350 around here. For $350, you can buy a car that'll go 70 in a > west Texas headwind. > > Put another way, for $800, you can buy a brand new factory build tandem > trailer. A new tow dolly should cost a third of that. > You must live under a rock. Show me a link to a tandem trailer for $800. > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >>Put another way, for $800, you can buy a brand new factory build tandem >>trailer. A new tow dolly should cost a third of that. Far a new Trailer, Ain't gonna happen. He is blowing smoke! Steel has gone up a lot, so I bet you're right. I bet they're up to $1000. Although, I think you're more ignorant that right. You probably haven't shopped around for a utility trailer, and have no clue what they actually cost if you know where the dealer is for the cheap ones. Before steel went up, here you could get a factory built tandem 16' for $695, ($100 less than I what I was saying) but that was with no brakes. That was the price for the last 10 years or so. Don't get me wrong, you could get one for $2500 too if you want to. No prices on this website (couldn't find one with prices) But these sorts of trailers, available anywhere, are cheap: http://www.diamondtfarm.com/trailers.html I looked for a site that had its prices listed, but I guess the real cheap guys don't list their prices on the internet. These guys say it's because the wholesaler asked them not to: http://forestrivertraveltrailers.com/equipmentTrailer.htm They do show a single axle 3500 lb trailer for $399 on their utility trailers page (made by Triple Crown apparently). Check it out. So why couldn't they sell a new tow dolly for that? Do you get the idea of my question now? Honestly, I didn't expect to get an answer to my question, but I'm sure there's a reason far more rational than the kind of buffoonery that passes for knowlege on usenet. The folks who make cheap trailers should make a cheap tow dolly. They'd sell like hotcakes. I am sure there's a reason they don't. > You must live under a rock. Show me a link to a tandem trailer for $800. > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >> Put another way, for $800, you can buy a brand new factory build tandem >> trailer. A new tow dolly should cost a third of that. You're right about the price of steel. No one will guarantee me a quote for more than a day or so and only then if they have the materials in their yard. Don't know what sort of tandem trailer you can get for $700 but I don't think I want to put any of my cars on it and begin a tow. One other thing, I would never pull a tandem trailer without either surge or electric brakes no matter what vehicle I'm towing with, unless it's some sort of ridiculous set up like an F550 or larger. But then, what's the point, just load it on the truck itself. > You're right about the price of steel. No one will guarantee me a quote for > more than a day or so and only then if they have the materials in their [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > up like an F550 or larger. But then, what's the point, just load it on the > truck itself. Some states will not allow a trailer manufacturer to deliver a new trailer with Surge brakes anymore. For safety reasons they prefer trailers where the trailer brakes come on just before the brakes on the tow vehicle. It can also be damn near impossible to back a trailer with surge brakes up a hill. Good point on the surge brake thing but unless you have a pretty good load and a hill steep enough to cause the springs to compress enough to engage the brakes, you can back up hills. Just make sure you start out easy and keep a steady push backward. I built a tandem trailer strictly for my own use and turned the rear axle backward so I would have good brakes in reverse. You haven't lived until you have a heavily loaded trailer pull you backward down a hill and the electric brakes won't hold because they're designed to apply in one direction only. For obvious reasons I don't sell units built in this fashion. Anyway, most travel trailers with tandem setups only have brakes on one axle. The other is simply a tag. > > You're right about the price of steel. No one will guarantee me a > quote for [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > tow vehicle. It can also be damn near impossible to back a trailer with > surge brakes up a hill. Oh ya! you know what the hell you are talking about! NOT! Ignorant, that might be a good description for you! From your own link: Our trailers are available in lengths from 20 ft to 51 ft. We can do stackers, fifth wheel, and conventional hitch trailers. We have car haulers starting at $4,899.00. You are not going to find any new tandem axle trailer rated to carry a car (most states that requires brakes) for under $1500.00. Period! Put up or shut up smart a.s! > Steel has gone up a lot, so I bet you're right. I bet they're up to $1000. > Although, I think you're more ignorant that right. You probably haven't [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] >>>Put another way, for $800, you can buy a brand new factory build tandem >>>trailer. A new tow dolly should cost a third of that. > Oh ya! you know what the hell you are talking about! NOT! > [quoted text clipped - 48 lines] >>>> Put another way, for $800, you can buy a brand new factory build >>>> tandem trailer. A new tow dolly should cost a third of that. I have never seen one under $1400 around here with brakes. You probably could not legally pull a loaded one if it did not have brakes. SignatureRob Munach, PE Excel Engineering PO Box 1264 Carrboro, NC 27510 $5,000 for a good car hauler seems like a reasonable price. Most people don't understand just what is involved in designing and building a properly engineered trailer. > > Oh ya! you know what the hell you are talking about! NOT! > > [quoted text clipped - 57 lines] > PO Box 1264 > Carrboro, NC 27510 Welcome to the world of towing regulations: ALABAMA Total length: Not specified. Connection between vehicles must not exceed 15’ in length. Bill of sale required. Independent braking system required over 3,000 lbs. 1 ALASKA Total length: 75’. Brake hookup required if over 3,000lbs. A breakaway system capable of applying all required brakes in the event of a separation from the towing vehicle is required. Independent braking system required for *GW of 5,000 lbs. or more. 2 ARIZONA Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when the *GW exceeds 3,000lbs. 2,3 ARKANSAS Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs or more. Every trailer 3,000lbs or more must have brakes adequate to control movement of and to stop and hold vehicle; and the brakes should automatically apply in the event of an accidental break-away. 2,3 CALIFORNIA Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required with a *GW of 1,500lbs or more. Brakes must be sufficient to stop within a specified distance, according to vehicle weight, at 20mph. COLORADO Total length: 70’. Independent braking system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs or more. Brakes shall also be designed and connected that in case of accidental breakaway of the towed vehicle, brakes shall automatically apply. Lights must be mounted and displayed on the rear of the towed vehicle. Lights must be actuated by the driver of the towing vehicle. 2,3 CONNECTICUT Total length: 60’. Independent braking system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs or more. Each trailer having *GW of 3,000lbs or more shall be equipped with a braking system operating on all wheels. 2,3 DELAWARE Total length: 65’. Independent system required with a *GW of 4,000lbs or more. Trailers carrying a *GW of load in combination with a vehicle in excess of 4,000lbs. must be equipped with suitable brakes controlled by the operator of the towing vehicle. 10mph limit without brakes. 2,3 DIST COLUMBIA Total length: 85’. Independent braking system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs or more. There shall be a manually controlled device for applying and releasing the brakes that is readily operable by a person in the driving seat. 2 FLORIDA Total length: 65’. Independent braking system and breakaway system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs or more. 2 GEORGIA Total length: 60’. Independent braking system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs.or more Every trailer over 3,000lbs. **GVWR must be equipped with brakes on all wheels. 2 HAWAII Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. 2,3 IDAHO Total length: 75’. When weight is 1,500lbs or more, independent braking system required with breakaway system capable of applying the brakes in the event of a separation from towing vehicle. Must stop at any weigh station. 2 ILLINOIS Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Such brakes must be so designed and connected that in case of an accidental breakaway of a towed vehicle over 5,000lbs., the brakes are automatically applied. Brake hookup required if vehicle towed is over 3,000lbs. INDIANA Total length: 60’ for 2 vehicles & 65’ for 3 vehicles. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs. or more. A trailer at least 3,000lbs must have brakes adequate to control the movement, stop and hold the towing vehicle and trailer. These brakes must be designed so that the driver of the towing vehicle can apply the brakes from the towing vehicle itself and adequately stop both the towing vehicle and the trailer. 2,3 IOWA Total length: 70’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Every trailer of a *GVW of 3,000lbs or more must be equipped with a separate, auxiliary means of applying brakes on the trailer from the cab of the towing vehicle. Registration required. 2,3 KANSAS Total length: 65’ Independent braking system always required. Also, not more than 2 vehicles shall be connected by a tow bar. 2 KENTUCKY Total length: 63’. Independent braking system not required . Kentucky law does not specifically require brakes on many passenger car trailers, regardless of weight. However, vehicles singular or in combination must be able to stop within distance specified by statute. No vehicle may haul more than 2 vehicles connected in such a manner to keep them evenly spaced, and any 1 time. 2,3 LOUISIANA Total length: 70’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Brake hookup and light connection must be connected to primary towing vehicle lights. 2,3 MAINE Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Maximum of 1 boat or general/utility trailer may be towed behind a passenger or pleasure vehicle – length combined cannot exceed 65’. MARYLAND Total length: 55’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. MASSACHUSETTS Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 10,000lbs or more. Towing vehicle must be able to stop trailer and towing vehicle within legal limits. 2,3 MICHIGAN Total length: 65.’ (E) Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. 2,3 MINNESOTA Total length: 60’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Breakaway system required when *GW is 6,000lbs. or more. 4,5 MISSISSIPPI Total length: 53’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 2,000lbs or more. Brakes should be designed so that the driver of the towing vehicle from its cab may apply them. Brakes should be designed and connected so that in case of an accidental breakaway of the towed vehicle, the brakes should be automatically applied. Not more than 1 vehicle shall be towed by a tow bar. 2 MISSOURI Total length: 65’ on interstate highways & 55’ on others. Independent braking system not required . 2 MONTANA Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. All trailers with a *GVW less than 3,000lbs must be equipped with brakes on all wheels if the total weight of the trailer does not exceed 40% of the *GVW of the towing vehicle. 2,3 NEBRASKA Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Breakaway required over 6,500lbs. 2 NEVADA Total length: 70’. Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 3,000lbs.; 1,500lbs if manufactured 7/01/75 or newer model. Every towing vehicle used to tow another vehicle equipped with air-controlled brakes, shall be equipped with 2 means of emergency application of the trailer brakes. One means shall apply the brakes automatically in the event of a reduction of the towing vehicle air supply; the other means shall be a manually controlled device for applying and releasing the brakes, readily operable by a person seated in the driver seat. Every vehicle towing other vehicles equipped with vacuum brakes shall have a second control device that can be used to operate the brakes on towed vehicles in emergencies. The second controls shall be independent of brake air, hydraulic and other pressure, and independent of other controls, unless the braking system is so arranged that failure of the pressure upon which the second control depends will cause the brakes to be applied automatically. 6, (C) NEW HAMPSHIRE Total length: not specified. Independent braking system required when *GW is 1,500lbs or more. No vehicle may tow on any road more than 1 vehicle or trailer. 2,3 NEW JERSEY Total length: 62’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. In any combination of motor vehicles, means shall be provided for applying the trailer brakes in approximate synchronism with the brakes on the towing vehicles and creating the required braking effort on the wheels of the rearmost vehicle at the fastest rate, or means shall be provided for applying the braking effort first on the rearmost vehicle equipped with brakes. Registration of towed vehicles required if required by home state. Brake hookup required. Maximum of 1 boat or general utility trailer may be towed behind passenger or pleasure vehicle – total length of both not to exceed 62’. 2 NEW MEXICO Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. In any combination of motor-drawn vehicles, means shall be provided for applying the rearmost trailer brakes in approximate synchronism with the brakes on the towing vehicle. Special permit required, available at ports of entry for $5. Bill of sale, title or ownership document required. Brake hookup required. 7 NEW YORK Total length: 65’. (A) Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. State Highways: Registration of towed auto not required. Auto towing in prohibited. N.Y.S. thruway: Registration and plates required for towed autos, which must be in operable condition. NORTH CAROLINA Total length: 60’ Independent braking system is required when *GW is 4,000lbs or more. Every trailer or separate vehicle attached by a drawbar or coupling to a towing vehicle of at least 4,000lbs., and every house trailer weighing at least 1,000lbs., shall be equipped with brakes controlled or operated by the driver of the towing vehicle. 2,3 NORTH DAKOTA Total length: 75’. Independent braking system required when towing. 2,8 OHIO Total length: 65’ Independent braking system required when *GW is 2,000lbs or more. 2,3 OKLAHOMA Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. 2,3 OREGON Total length: 65’. (B) Independent braking system not required , but combination of vehicles must be able to stop within legal limits. Every motor vehicle and combination of motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds, shall at all times be equipped with a parking brake system. Unlawful to operate more than 2 vehicles in combination. Any vehicle being towed must be equipped with safety chains or cables. Specials certificate required if vehicle is being towed for compensation. A trip permit is also required if the towed vehicle is not currently registered and is being towed by other than a licensed tower. 2,9 (B) PENNSYLVANIA Total length: 60’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Of every combination of vehicles operated on a highway, the towed vehicle which is equipped with brakes or which has a *GW in excess of 3,000lbs shall be so equipped that, upon breakaway of the towed vehicle, the towed vehicle shall be stopped and held automatically, and the towing vehicle shall be capable of being stopped and held by use of its own service braking system. Whenever 2 vehicles are connected by a ball and socket type hitch or pintle hook without a locking device, they must also be connected by 2 safety chains of equal length, each safety chain having an ultimate strength at least equal to the gross weight of the towed vehicles. The safety chains must be crossed and connected to the towed and towing vehicle and to the tow bar to prevent the tow bar from dropping to the ground in the event the tow bar fails or becomes disconnected. Safety chains (cross chains) required. 10,11 RHODE ISLAND Total length: 60’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 4,000lbs or more. Brakes must be designed so they can be applied from the driver of the towing vehicle’s normal operating position and that they will be automatically applied in the case of an accidental breakaway. 2,3 SOUTH CAROLINA Total length: not specified. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Every motor vehicle or trailer must be equipped with brakes that have a braking system arranged so that one control device can be used to operate all service brakes. 2 SOUTH DAKOTA Total length: not specified. (D) Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Brakes, turn signals, and rear lights required. Towed vehicle cannot exceed 53’. 2,3 TENNESSEE Total length: not specified. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Lights, turn signals, and brakes must be connected. Registration of towed vehicle required plus owner’s identification card, if home state issues one. Brake hookups required. 2,3 TEXAS Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 4,500lbs or more. A motor vehicle, including a passenger car that has an unloaded weight of 2,500lbs. or more may be coupled with a towing device and 1 other vehicle. A driver of a passenger car or light truck may not tow a trailer, semi trailer, house trailer, or another motor vehicle unless safety chains of a type approved by the *DPS are attached in an approved manner from trailer, semi trailer, house trailer, or towed motor vehicle to the towing vehicle. 2 UTAH Total length: 65’. Breakaway braking system required if over 3,000lbs. Every motor vehicle or combination of vehicles shall have a parking brake system adequate to hold the vehicle(s) of any grade on which it is operated. Registration or proof of ownership of towed vehicle required. 2 VERMONT Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Rigid connection required. 3,12 VIRGINIA Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. A safety chain/cable is required. Taillights and brake lights required. 2,13 WASHINGTON Total length: 60’. (B) Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. No vehicle towing a trailer may be driven in the left-hand lane of a limited access roadway having 3 or more lanes for traffic moving is 1 direction except when preparing for a left-hand turn. No person may occupy any trailer when it is being moved on a highway, except a person occupying a proper position for steering a trailer to be steered from a rear-end position. Special permit required if towed vehicle is not registered. 2, (B) WEST VIRGINIA Total length: 75’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. A motor vehicle or combination of motor-drawn vehicles must be capable of stopping at the following rates as if on a dry, smooth, level free road: 1) vehicles or combinations of vehicles with brakes must be able to decelerate at a speed of 14’ per second; and 2) vehicles or combinations of vehicles not having brakes on all wheels must be able to decelerate at a speed on 10.7’ per second. Light hookup required. 2 WISCONSIN Total length: 60’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. A motor vehicle may be towed without being equipped with brakes if the *GVW of the towed vehicles not more than 40% of the *GVW of the towing vehicle and the towing vehicle has brakes adequate enough to stop the combination of vehicles. 2,3 WYOMING Total length: 65’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. 14 Canadian Provinces ALBERTA Total length: 20m/66’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 910kg/2,000lbs or more . No breakaway device required . Registration of towed vehicle required; proof of ownership required; drawbar required. 2,15 BRITISH COLUMBIA Total length: 20m/66’. Independent braking system required when *GW is 1,400kg/3,086lbs or more. When the in-tow vehicle weight more than 1,909kg/4,200lbs., the unit must have a functional safety breakaway brake on the attachment. 2 Total length: 21.5m/70.5’ Independent braking system required when *GW is 910kg/2,006lbs. Towed vehicle must have a driver or be equipped with an adequate towing device (tow dolly, drawbar, and lift arm) which compels it to remain in the course of the towing vehicle. Distance shall not exceed 5m/16’. Towed vehicle must have functional brakes when not connected to tow bar. 2 NEW BRUNSWICK Total length: 23m/75’. Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 1.5 tons. 2 NEWFOUNDLAND Total length: 23m/75’ (B) Independent braking system not required . The service brakes on a combination of vehicles must be capable of bringing the motor vehicle and a fully loaded combination of vehicles to a standstill at 30km/h (19mph) under the following conditions: 1) in straight line; 2) within 10m/33’ from the point at which the brakes were applied; and 3) on a dry and level paved surface made of eight asphalt or concrete that is free from loose materials. Special permit required if towed vehicle not registered. 2, (B) NWT – NUNAVIT Total length: 25m/80’ Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,360kg/2,998lbs. 2 NOVA SCOTIA Total length: 23m/75’. Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,800kg/4,000lbs. All lights must function on rear towed vehicles. Tow dollies require trailer plates unless towed by vehicle plated in jurisdiction exempting dollies from registration. ONTARIO Total length: 23m/75’. Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,360kg/2,998lbs. PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Total length: 25m/82’. Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,500kg/3,300lbs. The brakes must be designed and connected so that the brakes are automatically applied if 1 of the vehicles being towed breaks away. Registration of towed vehicle not required. Safety chains required. Tow bar required (max. length 3.66m (12’). Light hookup required. Towing behind pickup camper/motor home is permitted. QUEBEC Total length: 23m/75’. Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,300kg/2,866lbs. The towing vehicle must carry the necessary equipment for operating the braking system of any trailer being towed. Drawbar or other connections required towing not recommended. 16 SASKATCHEWAN Total length: 23m/75’. Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,360kg./2,998lbs.The brake system must automatically activate the brakes in the case of a breakaway from the towing vehicle without affecting the brakes of the towing vehicle. 2 YUKON TERRITORY Total length: 22m/72’. Independent braking system required if *GW exceed 910kg/2,000lbs or ½ licensed weight of towing vehicle. Tow bar and safety chains required. Length must not exceed Highway Regulation Limits. Brake lights and turn signals required. * Terms DPS = Department of Public Safety GW = Gross Weight GVW = Gross Vehicle Weight GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ** Basic Requirements: Lights, safety cables or chains, and a valid license plate: Lights, safety cables or chains, and a valid license plate are required in most States and Provinces TOWING NOTES KEY Tow dollies/lift arms permitted with license plate. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted. Reciprocity granted. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted, but must comply with trailer requirements. Reciprocity granted for registration purposes only. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted. Lift arms must have rigid connection. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted; drawbar or other connection required. Reciprocity granted with Minnesota and Canada. Reciprocity granted on trip permits to border states. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted provided the combination meets the safety requirements established under Section 4905 of the vehicle code. Reciprocity granted except for size limits. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted, but registration required. Reciprocity granted, except as to tow bar, chain, and cable regulations. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted. Lights required. Reciprocity granted, if motor vehicle insurance is required by the home state. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted if meeting regulations and is registered. **SPECIAL NOTES Total 55’ if trailer exceeds 45’. Check with state/province for exceptions and restrictions. If trailer was manufactured after 7/01/75, independent braking system is required when gross weight is 1,500 lbs or more. Special provisions apply. Special provisions apply to fifty-wheelers. **RV RESTRICTIONS BY STATE ALABAMA : House trailers more than 40’ long or 8’ wide excluded without state permit. CALIFORNIA : Max. of one boat or general utility trailer may be towed behind passenger of pleasure vehicles. COLORADO : No trailers permitted on Broadmoor-Cheyenne Mountain Hwy or Pikes Peak Auto Hwy. CONNECTICUIT: Recreational vehicles whose limits exceeds 7.5’ wide, 8’ high, 24’ long & 7,500lbs are prohibited on Merritt and Wilbur Pkwys. ILLINOIS : No trailers on bridge between Fulton, IL & Clinton, IA. IOWA : Travel trailers, house trailers and mobile homes over 3,000lbs. are required to have brakes, equalizing hitches and sway control. MARYLAND : No vehicles with bottled gas permitted in Baltimore Harbor Tunnel & Fort McHenry Tunnel. MINNESOTA : Breakaway brakes are required for trailer weighing 6,000lbs gross & over. MISSISSIPPI : Trailers longer than 32’ prohibited on Natchez Trace. MONTANA : See Glacier National Park for RV restrictions on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. NEVADA : More than one boat or general utility trailer may be towed behind passenger or pleasure vehicles; check with state restrictions. NEW YORK : Use on most parkways prohibited; check with state restrictions. NORTH CAROLINA : Independent braking system required on house trailers weight more than 1,000lbs. & manufactured after 12/31/74. UTAH : Breakaway braking system required if over 3,000lbs. VIRGINIA : No camping vehicles carrying more than 2 non-permanently mounted 45lbs. bottled gas tanks with valves closed: Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel & Norfolk-Portsmouth Tunnel. WISCONSIN : Riding in fifth-wheel trailers permitted under certain conditions. Thanks but....that is more information than I need. > Welcome to the world of towing regulations: > [quoted text clipped - 391 lines] > WISCONSIN : Riding in fifth-wheel trailers permitted under certain > conditions. |
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