Thoughts on this triple tow setup

I have a 3rd gen sport with the tow package. I currently have a Taxa Tigermoth (900lbs, maybe 100 more in racks attached to it). I also have a Maverick X3 XRS (1650 lbs). I also have a trailer (14 foot bed, 17 foot total length weighs maybe 1000lbs). I want to tow all three. So total would be roughly 3750 - lets round up with gear - 4000lbs.

I will add some sumo springs to the rear end. I will add trailer brakes to the UTV trailer. What I have in mind is having a custom made 2 inch ball attached to the bed of the trailer, maybe 2 feet from the end. Then the camper overlaps/attaches to the trailer, making a 1 piece dual axle trailer ( I will make sure level with whatever modifications necessary). Overall length would be maybe 27 to 28 feet. Is this feasable? Or do I just install a hitch to the back of the UTV trailer and have another articulation? The overall length would then be 17 (trailer) and another 12 for the camper.

Other considerations
- The camper is very easy for me to pick up and move by myself even without switching out stand for the wheel.
- Triple towing is legal and overall length is fine for Wyoming and other states I would visit
- I would be in mountain west so uphill/downhill is an issue.

 

The idea of putting a ball 2 feet short of the back of the flatbed is bad. The moment you go over a crest (ie driveways) the trailer will see-saw & the end of it will rise up to hit the bottom of the camper trailer tongue. Installing a standard receiver hitch (like what's on your truck rear) to the back of the flatbed would be the best bet. Towing doubles takes a lot of practice, space & forethought when parking. Check your local laws on towing doubles when neither is a 5th wheel or gooseneck.

 

Ok, that makes sense about the see saw....assume this is all legal ( I have read some laws and will contact state highway ). Can my tacoma triple tow 4000lbs with 2 articulations - short version?


WYOMING:

Size Limitations: Height, 14'; Width, 8'6"; Trailer length, 45'; Motorhome length, 60'; Combined length, 85'. Triple towing is allowed but not to exceed 85' combined length.

Required Equipment: Safety chain, must be able to stop in 40 feet at 20 mph.

Riding is permitted in pickup camper only. Overnight parking is "as posted" in state rest areas.

 

I understand some of the other limitations - backing up is impossible. Good news is if I was in a tight situation, I could detach the camper, move it by hand, then turn around and re-attach.

 

Tow rating on yours "should" be 6,400 lbs...truck doesn't care how many pivot points are involved, tongue & gross weights are all that matter.

 

Nothing really needs to be custom to the Utv trailer just weld a receiver and use a drop hitch flipped. Your putting brakes so your good there. You have more rolling mass with the two trailers and even though the last one isn’t heavy it’s added rolling resistance and drag. The truck can pull it but it won’t like it and I would be very hesitant to tow it far. I’ve towed a lot of crazy shit from cars, trucks, ambulances, random over sized objects, cattle on under sized vehichles and trailers and it always sucks and never feels safe.

 

I get the bennifit of being able to have your ITV camping with you. It would be fun to camp and take it out trail riding. Theoretically I see where this could work as long as the truck can handle the extra drag butcwhat a nightmare if you get caught in a tight spot. Your rt the TM is easy to move by hand and can be manuevered into spots. I just don’t know I guess because I’ve never seen it done

 

Your only towing double not triple, I wouldn't be going to fast with that setup.

 

Your drawing is a BAD idea. The rearmost trailer has a lot of potential to wag the front trailer based on that weight distribution. Do what @TACORIDER suggested, it will be simpler and have far better road manners.

I don't think you'll have a problem pulling it if you're ok going 65mph max. It'll be rough past that. I agree with the requirement for adding trailer brakes.

If I had the toys you have, I'd sell the trailer the UTV is on and buy a bigger tandem axle, then put the camper on the front of the tandem axle. If you go that route, make sure the axles on the tandem are in a good position with the UTV to give you an appropriate amount of tongue weight. Think the below, but smaller:

 

You will pull 4000lbs very easy with the Tacoma, but is a little concerning the set up you have in mind.

 

With a receiver hitch installed on your trailer & brakes (as mentioned by tacorider), it will work...

similar to synaps3 suggestion...

Buy a tandem utility trailer (~30') with hydraulic disc brakes on both axles. Hitch the camper on the Maverick and drive both right on the trailer. Tie down the Maverick & the camper to the trailer. Safe as can be.... Bonus, if you go riding with someone else, you can fit 2 side by sides on the trailer...

I pull a 4000lbs boat behind my 2nd Gen Taco Dbl Cab Long Box. Boat trailer has hydraulic disc brakes on both axles. I can stop quicker with the boat behind the truck than just the truck on its own.

I know this is not the cheapest option but peace of mind has no price!!!

 

Ok so original idea is a no go. Now let's move on to attaching a hitch to the UTV trailer and true triple tow. I have thought about larger trailer and putting both on there, but can't justify cost. What are some other considerations for the true triple tow and not the dumb original idea?

 

Tail is going to wag the dog. Bought the wrong truck for triple towing anything.

 

FYI this is towing doubles not triples. Weight distribution is your friend, that Maverick has more weight on the rear axle so backing it on the flatbed would be a better scenario methinks. 60/40 front/rear trailer weight is the rule of thumb. Assuming the camper only has 150ish pound tongue weight it won't have a huge force on the back of the flatbed. Wagging is probably your biggest issue, but having brakes on the flatbed that you can tap will help calm things down.

Welding a hitch on is only a couple hundred, then another couple for brakes & a controller. If it doesnt work out then you're out less than $1k, not much skin lost for trying

 

It’s going to suck with two single axle trailers, however you set it up. Can you justify the cost of adding a second axle to the larger trailer? Even better can you disconnect the driveshaft on that buggy and flat tow it, and connect the camper to a tow bar on the buggy?

 

There's no more considerations for double tow

1. Install the brakes on the UTV trailer. You should do this even if you're not double towing.
2. Weld or bolt 2" reciever to back of the UTV trailer. Bolt's probably fine, your camper trailer is a picoweight.
3. Wire extensions to the back of the UTV trailer for taillights. Install hitch, you'll probably need a 5" drop hitch installed upside down, but it really depends on your trailers height difference.
4. Hook it up, and hope you don't have to reverse.

You're going to be LONG. If you haven't towed a long camper trailer or similar before, be really careful at first and swing your turns very wide. You will need a lot of room on the inside for cornering, because that travel trailer is going to track in even more than the UTV trailer will.

Edit/disclaimer, I used to tow a 24' travel trailer with a 98' CRV, so take my advise with a grain of salt

 

In addition to what they said ^^^^

I would probably add the tow sway extensions to the UTV trailer. If you get a good cross wind it could pull you all over if those trailers start going side to side.

 

And load the camper with even weight distribution +50-100pounds on the UTV hitch.

 

If theres a chance you will be crossing state lines, also get a “doubles endorsement” on your drivers license if possible....and watch for the idiots who try to make a right turn on the inside while you are turning wide to make a right turn. They’ll tell the cops lies like “he didn’t signal” to pass on the blame of getting hit by your trailer. Use a dash cam to cover yourself, else it may be your accident and not theirs.

 

Isn't that Mav street legal in WY? Who needs the taco. Hook the trail to the mav, pack a extra hoodie and you're good to roll brother.