Posted: 26 January 2004 at 8:43pm | IP Logged

I am looking into having my boat trailer modified to pull my jet ski trailer behind it.

The trailer is a 03 Loadmaster #7000 GVWR. The scaled weight of boat trailer gear etc is #5600. Trailer has electric drum brakes on both axles. My tow vehicle is a 03 F-250 Super Duty with 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel auto trans, full tow package.

Has anyone done this? If so any problems? Anything special I need to look into before doing this? One thing I have checked is the towing laws where I will be using this. Ohio and Michigan both allow 2 trailers. Ohio has overall length limit of 65'. Michigan has length limit of 60'. My outfit will be about 64'. Not sure how this will be with troopers.

Thanks for any info.

Posted: 27 January 2004 at 7:44am | IP Logged

R Scott,

Make sure those length limit laws are for non-commercial vehicles. There may be different laws governing commercial & non-commercial vehicles.  I have seen several two horse trailers and even a camper trailer & boat trailer combo. towed in this manner on interstates and highways in many states. 

One thing to consider if you proceed with this is you may have to move your boat forward on its trailer to offset the extra, although minimal, tongue weight of the jet ski trailer on the back of the boat trailer.  Also, since you will likely not be able to see the jet ski behind the boat, you might want to check into one of those cameras and monitors like they use on RV's or even a secuirity camera so that you could monitor the jet ski and its trailer in case something went wrong.  You could mount the camera on the back of the trailer or boat.  Just depends on how far you want to go with this (both project and distance).

Garrett

Posted: 28 January 2004 at 11:30am | IP Logged

Thanks for the replies. I am checking further into the towing laws to make sure what I want to do is legal.

The remote camera idea is a good one

Posted: 04 February 2004 at 12:28pm | IP Logged

FYI for anyone wondering. I have finally been able to verify the laws in the 2 states I am wanting to do the 2 trailer setup. Ohio says that 2 trailers are legal only restriction is total length (65') and width (8 1/2').

Michigan says 2 trailers are legal as long as the 1st trailer is a fifth wheel and the driver has a recreational double trailer license.

Thanks for all the replies. Now I am trying to decide if I want to leave something at home or drive 2 vehicles. I am all for taking the 2nd vehicle, the BOSS is not all that keen on the idea. I have until August to work on her and try to get her to see my side. Of course you all know who will end up winning! (I doubt it will be me)

Posted: 09 February 2004 at 8:05am | IP Logged

Kenpcfl the truck bed is going to be full of all our other stuff.

Sandpebble I would love to get either a bigger boat or larger trailer, the boss decided what we have will work just fine.

Posted: 09 February 2004 at 11:24pm | IP Logged

Actually, Sandpebble's idea about the longer trailer is reasonable.  I made myself a nifty invention. I utilized a design simialar to the telescopic traler tounge. I welded two tubes to the underside of my trailer. Then inserted a smaller tube inside that one. The larger tube has a set of holes at the rear. The inner tube has a double set. The first allows me to push the tube all the way in, the second allows me to extend the tube about 3 feet behind the bumper. On the end of the small tubes, is a removable padded craddel. (With tie down eyes of course) Everything is adjustable with pins and hairpins, for quick adjustment and removal.  I also added an additional set of lights . I had to pull the boat about 8" forward to compinsate for the ski, but other than that it works great. I have about $130 into it, and marina lets me launch both the boat and ski, for just the cost of the boat. I'd take some pic and e-mail them to you, but the boat is in the back yard under the snow. If you can wait about a month, I'll send you some.  Opps, almost forgot, get a good pair of ear plugs, you are going to be called all sorts of names for the extra 3 minutes it takes to launch both vessels. The ear plugs are to insure you have a good day, despite the jerk who things he owns the ramp. I always tell them, you should have got here before me if you were in such a hurry.

Posted: 09 February 2004 at 11:48pm | IP Logged

As a after thought: The there is a trailer maker that has a upper and lower bunk to accomidate Jet Ski or other water craft above the boat. Looks almost like a Car Hauler type trailer. After the Boat is removed the 2nd level lowers down on cables to be even with the bottom of the boat and then you can launch.  I don't think it would work with say a 25' or larger but the picture I saw had a boat about the size of mine. 18'.

I will see if I can find it again.