Towing Laws
Moderator: TJDave
Towing Laws
just looking around and found some towing laws and thought it might spur some discussion. doesn't mention towing doubles just triples.
here's the link in case the format is screwy. http://towingworld.com/towinglawsbystate.cfm?state2=WA
Washington Towing Laws
Height 14'
Width 8 1/2'
Combined Length 75'
Trailer Length NS (40)
Trailer Width 8'6"
Trailer Height 14'0"
MH Length 46'
Two Vehicle Length 75'
Triple Tow no
Safety Chains yes
Breakaway yes (2)
Fire Extinguisher yes
Flare Signs yes
Brake Laws Trailers 3000
Brake Laws Towed Cars No laws regarding.
Wipers Not Stated
Overnight Parking yes (14)
Max Tow Speed 65
Ride In 5th-Wheel
Ride Pickup Camper yes
Ride Travel Trailer
Speed Limit 60 mph over 10,000 lbs; under 10,000 lbs posted
GVW 600 lbs per inch of tire
Axle 20,000 lbs
License Required Regular Operator License
Reciprocity Yes
search again
Towing Laws Reference Notes
1 On designated rural interstates; some exceptions.
2 Required on trailers over 3000 lbs.
3 Prohibited where posted.
4 Required on trailers over 3000 lbs. or if gross weight of trailer exceeds empty weight of tow vehicle.
5 Required on trucks over 3700 kgs.
6 Required if weight of trailer exceeds 40% of tow-vehicle weight.
7 Required on trailers over 6000 lbs.
8 Required if gross weight is over 2500 kgs.
9 Required on trailers over 1000 lbs. unladen, or 3000 lbs. laden.
10 Riding in fifth-wheel with audible or visual device with tow vehicle and safety glass.
11 24-hour limit.
12 Required if trailer exceeds 50% of tow-vehicle weight. BC, YT: laden.
13 Trailer limited to 48' in a 60' combination.
14 Eight-hour limit; 3 hours in SD.
15 Only if required by CSA at time of manufacture.
16 81.2 ft. on certain federal road systems.
17 Gross weight requiring brakes.
18 Must have free access to drive compartment
19 Maximum combined length 60 ft. on selected highways. Special permit in OR, WI. MI maximum length 70 ft, WA maximum 56 ft. with permit.
20 At least one exit that can be opened from outside and inside.
21 Not to exceed 18 hours in any two-week period.
22 Headlights or daytime running lights required at all times.
23 12-hour limit.
24 Must be able to stop in 40 feet at 20 mph.
25 On interstate highways; secondary roads still 8 ft.
26 81.2' on all state routes. On some other roads 8' limits are posted.
27 Some exceptions or restrictions. CA: See www.dot.ca.gov
28 Special wide-body regulations.
29 Two safety chains or breakaway switch required on trailers.
30 Required if RV is wider than 2 meters.
31 Not recommended.
32 Seats must be equipped with safety belts.
33 14 years of age and older; 13 or older in HI.
34 Required on trailers 3000 lbs. and over.
35 If passenger can communicate with driver, and exit can be opened from both interior and exterior. CA: Seat belts required. OR: Safety glass in windows required & Towing Laws
36 Suggested, but not required.
37 Required on bumper hitches only.
38 Required if gross weight is more than 1350 kgs.
39 Headlights must be used when visibility is less than 500 ft. YT: always, outside of city.
40 Total maximum combined length of 75 ft.
41 Total maximum combined length of 65 ft., QC: 19m.
42 Total maximum combined length of 70 ft.
43 With certain qualifications. Only with fifth-wheel trailer in AZ, IL, MI, MN, MB (maximum length 23 m.), SK and YT.
44 Total maximum length of 72 ft.
45 See state and provincial regulations, SK 14m with permit.
46 Total maximum combined length of 80 ft.
47 Total maximum combined length of 21m.
48 Total maximum combined length of 23m; ball hitch OK on fifth-wheel only.
49 Total maximum combined length of 20m.
50 Total maximum combined length of 55 ft.
51 NT - 4500 kg GVWR requires ABC type extinguisher.
52 NH - 53’ trailer permitted on special routes.
NOTE: While every attempt has been made to verify this information, Towing World cannot guarantee its accuracy, and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Changes may have been made since this data was compiled. Call state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
here's the link in case the format is screwy. http://towingworld.com/towinglawsbystate.cfm?state2=WA
Washington Towing Laws
Height 14'
Width 8 1/2'
Combined Length 75'
Trailer Length NS (40)
Trailer Width 8'6"
Trailer Height 14'0"
MH Length 46'
Two Vehicle Length 75'
Triple Tow no
Safety Chains yes
Breakaway yes (2)
Fire Extinguisher yes
Flare Signs yes
Brake Laws Trailers 3000
Brake Laws Towed Cars No laws regarding.
Wipers Not Stated
Overnight Parking yes (14)
Max Tow Speed 65
Ride In 5th-Wheel
Ride Pickup Camper yes
Ride Travel Trailer
Speed Limit 60 mph over 10,000 lbs; under 10,000 lbs posted
GVW 600 lbs per inch of tire
Axle 20,000 lbs
License Required Regular Operator License
Reciprocity Yes
search again
Towing Laws Reference Notes
1 On designated rural interstates; some exceptions.
2 Required on trailers over 3000 lbs.
3 Prohibited where posted.
4 Required on trailers over 3000 lbs. or if gross weight of trailer exceeds empty weight of tow vehicle.
5 Required on trucks over 3700 kgs.
6 Required if weight of trailer exceeds 40% of tow-vehicle weight.
7 Required on trailers over 6000 lbs.
8 Required if gross weight is over 2500 kgs.
9 Required on trailers over 1000 lbs. unladen, or 3000 lbs. laden.
10 Riding in fifth-wheel with audible or visual device with tow vehicle and safety glass.
11 24-hour limit.
12 Required if trailer exceeds 50% of tow-vehicle weight. BC, YT: laden.
13 Trailer limited to 48' in a 60' combination.
14 Eight-hour limit; 3 hours in SD.
15 Only if required by CSA at time of manufacture.
16 81.2 ft. on certain federal road systems.
17 Gross weight requiring brakes.
18 Must have free access to drive compartment
19 Maximum combined length 60 ft. on selected highways. Special permit in OR, WI. MI maximum length 70 ft, WA maximum 56 ft. with permit.
20 At least one exit that can be opened from outside and inside.
21 Not to exceed 18 hours in any two-week period.
22 Headlights or daytime running lights required at all times.
23 12-hour limit.
24 Must be able to stop in 40 feet at 20 mph.
25 On interstate highways; secondary roads still 8 ft.
26 81.2' on all state routes. On some other roads 8' limits are posted.
27 Some exceptions or restrictions. CA: See www.dot.ca.gov
28 Special wide-body regulations.
29 Two safety chains or breakaway switch required on trailers.
30 Required if RV is wider than 2 meters.
31 Not recommended.
32 Seats must be equipped with safety belts.
33 14 years of age and older; 13 or older in HI.
34 Required on trailers 3000 lbs. and over.
35 If passenger can communicate with driver, and exit can be opened from both interior and exterior. CA: Seat belts required. OR: Safety glass in windows required & Towing Laws
36 Suggested, but not required.
37 Required on bumper hitches only.
38 Required if gross weight is more than 1350 kgs.
39 Headlights must be used when visibility is less than 500 ft. YT: always, outside of city.
40 Total maximum combined length of 75 ft.
41 Total maximum combined length of 65 ft., QC: 19m.
42 Total maximum combined length of 70 ft.
43 With certain qualifications. Only with fifth-wheel trailer in AZ, IL, MI, MN, MB (maximum length 23 m.), SK and YT.
44 Total maximum length of 72 ft.
45 See state and provincial regulations, SK 14m with permit.
46 Total maximum combined length of 80 ft.
47 Total maximum combined length of 21m.
48 Total maximum combined length of 23m; ball hitch OK on fifth-wheel only.
49 Total maximum combined length of 20m.
50 Total maximum combined length of 55 ft.
51 NT - 4500 kg GVWR requires ABC type extinguisher.
52 NH - 53’ trailer permitted on special routes.
NOTE: While every attempt has been made to verify this information, Towing World cannot guarantee its accuracy, and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Changes may have been made since this data was compiled. Call state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
Lightly Lifted and Locked LJ
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
Re: Towing Laws
Do I have this correct... Max speed limit is 65 mph when towing any trailer and 60 mph if the trailer is over 10,000lbs?
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- Peak Putters Member
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Re: Towing Laws
Yes, max speed limit towing is 65. Whether that is enforced or not, well...
Paul
'84 XJ, '19JL
'84 XJ, '19JL
Re: Towing Laws
i thought there were two of interest
Brake Laws Towed Cars No laws regarding.
Triple Tow no
again, no mention of double, such as: MH flat towing a jeep towing a small tent trailer. jeep with brake buddy braking system.
Brake Laws Towed Cars No laws regarding.
Triple Tow no
again, no mention of double, such as: MH flat towing a jeep towing a small tent trailer. jeep with brake buddy braking system.
Lightly Lifted and Locked LJ
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
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- Peak Putters Member
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- Location: WEST RICHLAND, WA
Re: Towing Laws
I think Washington requires trailer brakes on anything over 1500 pounds. Not sure if they would consider flat towing a car as a trailer, or if they would just say anything towed weighing over 1500 requires brakes regardless of what it is. Any I have heard that any time a vehicle is towing anything, the "truck" speed limit applies, which is normally 60 on the interstate.
Re: Towing Laws
The information posted for WA says trailer brakes required for weights over 3000lbs or 40% of tow vehicle. Max speed for pulling trailers is 65mph.
I don't Text (at least not very well), I eat Blackberrys, and I only Twitter after sex...
Re: Towing Laws
That also applies for flat towing. I had to install a braking system on my mom's Ford Edge so she could legally tow it behind her motorhome.
You can follow me.... but it's gonna hurt
Re: Towing Laws
Lurch wrote:That also applies for flat towing. I had to install a braking system on my mom's Ford Edge so she could legally tow it behind her motorhome.
not what danny says. who told you that? show me the facts!
Lightly Lifted and Locked LJ
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
Re: Towing Laws
That's what the RV places say. If it's that heavy what's the difference between being on a trailer or flat towed. Puts the same amount of stress on the tow vehicles braking system.
You can follow me.... but it's gonna hurt
Re: Towing Laws
Lurch wrote:That's what the RV places say. If it's that heavy what's the difference between being on a trailer or flat towed. Puts the same amount of stress on the tow vehicles braking system.
They wanted to sell you more parts and labor.
Re: Towing Laws
No supplimental brakes required for flat towing in Wa State. A towed vehicle is not a trailer. RV and brake dealers will tell you otherwise.
2018 JLU Rubicon
Tow bar mount
Trailer hitch
Tow bar mount
Trailer hitch
Re: Towing Laws
still no thoughts on double towing?
Lightly Lifted and Locked LJ
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
Re: Towing Laws
While in Montana, we saw several folks pulling either a fith wheel or regular travel trailer with a boat or small tailer in tow. It looked pretty scary as they snaked their way down the interstate at nearly 80mph. They definitely used their whole lane. I imagine they could not back those outfits up very well.
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- Peak Putters Member
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Re: Towing Laws
scumby wrote:still no thoughts on double towing?
1) I have never seen a trailer that was setup with what I would consider a proper hitch or tow wiring to safely pull another trailer. A second trailer would have to be either light enough not to need brakes, or have surge brakes on it.
2) Haven't checked the laws myself, but I was told in Washington, you can only double-trailer if you have a CDL.
Paul
'84 XJ, '19JL
'84 XJ, '19JL
Re: Towing Laws
i was thinking MH flat towing jeep (with brake buddy) towing our small tent trailer (800 lbs max)
what do you suppose they mean by "Two Vehicle Length 75' ". tow vehicle and towed or two towed vehicles?
what do you suppose they mean by "Two Vehicle Length 75' ". tow vehicle and towed or two towed vehicles?
Lightly Lifted and Locked LJ
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
- Rottwheeler
- Posts: 244
- Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 11:58 am
- Location: Kennewick, WA
Re: Towing Laws
You may be able to find your answers here... http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/roadrules.htm
Rottwheeler
White 13' JKU Rubicon, 3.5" Rubicon Express Super Flex suspension, 3:73s, 35" Nittos on American Racing ATX black faux bead locks... for now.
White 13' JKU Rubicon, 3.5" Rubicon Express Super Flex suspension, 3:73s, 35" Nittos on American Racing ATX black faux bead locks... for now.
Re: Towing Laws
Rottwheeler wrote:You may be able to find your answers here... http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/roadrules.htm
not seeing what you are referring to for my answer.
Lightly Lifted and Locked LJ
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
Re: Towing Laws
Wrench wrote:scumby wrote:still no thoughts on double towing?
46.44.037
speaks of tractors and semitrailers, don't see how it applies.
Lightly Lifted and Locked LJ
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
I'm Scumby Dammit, take it or leave it!
Re: Towing Laws
My motor home manual reccomends a trailer brake for towing anything over 1000 lbs. it's just a recommendation and my motor home is small.
Re: Towing Laws
Not sure about WA but in IL you could double tow no CDL but the first towed trailer had to be a gooseneck or 5th wheel with a class IV receiver hitch at the back to tow a second trailer.
If you ever wondered why some 5th wheel trailers have hitches on the back from the factory that's why. Not exceeding your truck's GVWR could be a challenge though
If you ever wondered why some 5th wheel trailers have hitches on the back from the factory that's why. Not exceeding your truck's GVWR could be a challenge though
2004 TJ Wrangler X (Rubiclone)
2.5" OME Lift, 1.25 in Body Lift, Flat Fender Flares
35x12.50x15 Maxxis Razor MTs
D30 ARB 4.56s Rear JKD44 w/ 8.8 disk brakes Ford 9" goodies, 4.56 and ARB.
2.5" OME Lift, 1.25 in Body Lift, Flat Fender Flares
35x12.50x15 Maxxis Razor MTs
D30 ARB 4.56s Rear JKD44 w/ 8.8 disk brakes Ford 9" goodies, 4.56 and ARB.
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- Peak Putters Member
- Posts: 1237
- Joined: Sat May 30, 2009 7:23 am
- Location: in a van down by the river
Re: Towing Laws
scumby wrote:Wrench wrote:scumby wrote:still no thoughts on double towing?
46.44.037
speaks of tractors and semitrailers, don't see how it applies.
Sorry, I fat-fingered it.
46.44.036
Cliff notes: combination cannot consist of more than TWO vehicles.
You owe me a beer for taking time out of my busy schedule to help your retired, lazy butt.
Paul
'84 XJ, '19JL
'84 XJ, '19JL
Re: Towing Laws
Hmmm... Al's works 40 often outdoors in this heat running saws and such. Not so much retired.
I don't Text (at least not very well), I eat Blackberrys, and I only Twitter after sex...
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- Peak Putters Member
- Posts: 1237
- Joined: Sat May 30, 2009 7:23 am
- Location: in a van down by the river
Re: Towing Laws
His original question was asked about a month ago, and it took me like 10 minutes of digging to find the answer. Cant I razz him a little?
Paul
'84 XJ, '19JL
'84 XJ, '19JL
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