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Lazy Daze Forums => Lazy Daze General Info & Discussions => Topic started by: SoCal-Gal on September 30, 2022, 10:00:06 pm

Title: Triple towing in CA
Post by: SoCal-Gal on September 30, 2022, 10:00:06 pm
Although I have never seen triple towing in CA it is legal. The length cannot exceed 65 feet bumper to bumper and there are other requirements as well including:
“In California drivers need a special endorsement on their driver's license to pull two trailers behind a car, SUV, truck or RV, any trailer weighing more than 10,000 lbs. or a single motorhome over 40 feet in length.”
Per Caltrans:
“California Legal: The California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 35401(a)states that no combination of vehicles may exceed a length of 65 feet. This section does not mention the maximum number of vehicles allowed. (However, Section 21715 limits the number of trailers to one if the towing vehicle is a passenger vehicle, or if the towing vehicle is under 4,000 pounds unladen.)”
Meaning towing is limited to one trailer, but that does not include another vehicle or boat.
Towing laws for commercial trucks vs RVs differ.
I’ve seen triple towing in other states. I can’t imagine anyone trying to triple tow in Southern Cal traffic and freeways. Scary.

California RV Regulations for Towing Two Trailers | Gone Outdoors | Your... (https://goneoutdoors.com/california-regulations-towing-two-trailers-7172374.html)

Have you ever triple towed?

Title: Re: Triple towing in CA
Post by: Nipomotraveler on October 01, 2022, 12:39:03 pm
It is illegal in California.
Title: Re: Triple towing in CA
Post by: JonS on October 01, 2022, 12:55:24 pm
They do it up here in Montana, it's legal if they are towing behind a 5th wheel trailer or a goose neck trailer. There may be a length restriction I'm not sure.  Some tow behind a bumper pull trailer which is illegal and those who still do it have a death wish. Very dangerous especially in our high wind areas.

Jon
Title: Re: Triple towing in CA
Post by: joel wiley on October 01, 2022, 01:04:09 pm
From the CA DMV Handbook for Commercial Drivers:
Doubles and Triples (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/commercial-driver-handbook/section-7-doubles-and-triples/)

The only ones I've seen are along the side of the road with a CHP vehicle behind them, certifying they are doing something wrong.

Joel
Title: Re: Triple towing in CA
Post by: Joan on October 01, 2022, 01:23:18 pm
 The CA Vehicle Code, all 1000 pages of it, is available for download online.  ;)
Title: Re: Triple towing in CA
Post by: Larry W on October 01, 2022, 02:47:54 pm
I have seen several trucks pulling two trailers, usually from out of state.
Years ago, one of my employees, a Class1, HD truck driver, pulled a TT behind his pickup with a third trailer containing his ATV...once.
It scared him so badly that he never did it again, instead, he built a rack in the back of his truck to carry his toys.
Eventually, he switch to a large toy box trailer.

Setting up the brakes to work in a coordinated manner must be difficult and heaven help you if you turn down a dead-end street with no room to turn around. I can imagine the foul language.

Larry
Title: Re: Triple towing in CA
Post by: Lazy Bones on October 01, 2022, 04:14:59 pm
"...heaven help you if you turn down a dead-end street with no room to turn around."

 :D  :D  :D  He,he,he! I've done that with an International Scout pulling a tent trailer. Sticky wicket!   >:(
Title: Re: Triple towing in CA
Post by: SoCal-Gal on October 01, 2022, 05:27:54 pm
They do it up here in Montana, it's legal if they are towing behind a 5th wheel trailer or a goose neck trailer. There may be a length restriction I'm not sure.

Jon
I have a family member in Montana who triple tows his 5th wheel trailer and his boat. He's at 70’ long between the truck, 5th wheel and boat. It's quite the sight to see his setup going down the road.