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05-13-2011, 11:57 AM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 4,200
M.O.C. #11401
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trailer behind 5er
i see folks towing second trailer...golf cart ..bike...4 wheeler...do you beef up hitch on trailer rear or use as manufactured?
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05-13-2011, 12:03 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Troy
Posts: 1,980
M.O.C. #808
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Larry, if you are referring to the factory 1 and 1/4 inch, it just barely holds up two bicycles. I would not trust it to pull a trailer and the factory advises against doing that. If you are going to tandem tow, install a class 3 hitch, and don't forget the wireing also.
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05-13-2011, 12:36 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 908
M.O.C. #7915
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Emmel
Larry, if you are referring to the factory 1 and 1/4 inch, it just barely holds up two bicycles. I would not trust it to pull a trailer and the factory advises against doing that.
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Good advice.
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05-13-2011, 02:32 PM
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#4
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Macomb
Posts: 293
M.O.C. #5709
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Some states allow it and some don't. You need to check the states that you would be towing in and see if they allow it. Also have to watch maximum length. Michigan, for instance, allows it but you have to have a special endorsement on your license.
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05-13-2011, 05:25 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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One of the first things I did to my new 3150RL was to cut off the useless (to me) piece of metal advertised as a hitch and installed this one that I made out of 2.5" steel square tube 1/4" wall. I also welded a bike rack onto it. It's bolted to the fiver frame with six 1/2" bolts. I actually made it for my 2005 Montana, but it also fits my current one. I like to water ski and cruise lakes ... hauling the boat behind a second tow vehicle isn't an option for me. West of the Mississippi, 65' is the average combined length ... none of the states I tow in require any special licensing for my setup. Some fear double towing, but I have no issue with it. Just be aware of your length, the added weight, and what that entails.
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05-13-2011, 07:36 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: St.Maries
Posts: 1,010
M.O.C. #7329
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I had a hitch made for our Mountaineer. It probably would have been cheaper to buy one but the welding shop made a real good one. They also wired the plug for me. I hauled two quads for four years.
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05-14-2011, 12:25 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Okeechobee
Posts: 2,150
M.O.C. #11206
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Hi
Florida allows it for Semi type tows (5th wheel) for the front trailer but limits the trailer length to 28 ft each trailer.
Phil P
__________________
2009 Montana 3665RE
2009 Duramax 3500 DRW quad cab
personal web page https:// www.sallyscoffees.com
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05-14-2011, 01:28 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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Clutch Emmel and Dieselguy are right on, get a good welding, or hitch shop to fab up a sturdy one for your trailer. (Dieselguy did his own.)
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05-16-2011, 11:51 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Eastern
Posts: 1,155
M.O.C. #7270
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What Ozz said. I did mine also.
Bobby
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05-16-2011, 12:43 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
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I towed a 2009 Chevy HHR since Aug 2009 had no issues. However we do have a 15" frame and a factory mounted 2" receiver. I did add two braces to the factory hitch.
Our issue was with the Freighter,SOB, and the Chevy HHR we were 75' in length. Towed thousands of miles and was stopped one time in Kansas and was issued a warning, and was told I was almost out of Kansas, was 250 miles from the Colorado border..
We just returned form a visit to the Factory for some tweaks and adjustments. But with todays climate in America I just didn't like being over length afraid I would be sued, if involved in a accident.
Towed thousands of mile thru the Colorado rockies and never ever had a issue. The set was done very Professional, brakes in the HHR etc. Double towing isn't for everyone. I have seen many Montana's towing boats, small two wheel trailer hauling ATV's etc. The ones I seen up close and looked at the Hitch were professional.
Most States the length limit is 65'. Double towing isn't a problem if you have the proper equipment, large Truck and a professional system for the equipment being towed... Always be properly trained and drive within your ability... Good Luck...
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05-19-2011, 02:54 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 908
M.O.C. #7915
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From what I'm reading it seems the concern is the hitch. That's only part of the equation...the weak Lippert frame is a major problem.
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05-20-2011, 07:14 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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Quote:
That's only part of the equation...the weak Lippert frame is a major problem.
Perhaps ... I've had 3 different Montanas 2000, 2005, 2011 ... installed a home made hitch on all 3 with no issues involving the frame. In fact I believe the hitch in a fasion beefs up the rear of the frame as to flex.
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05-20-2011, 07:19 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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I am with you on this.
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05-20-2011, 11:05 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 908
M.O.C. #7915
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by dieselguy
Quote:
That's only part of the equation...the weak Lippert frame is a major problem.
Perhaps ... I've had 3 different Montanas 2000, 2005, 2011 ... installed a home made hitch on all 3 with no issues involving the frame. In fact I believe the hitch in a fasion beefs up the rear of the frame as to flex.
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It's your RV and certainly your decision. However, if Keystone puts a little 1 1/4" receiver back there, says max weight is 200#, and says your warranty is void if you exceed that amount...IMHO, that's a major problem if you exceed it. If something was to break loose on a hitch that exceeded Keystone's limit, and a another party injured, seems to me a smart lawyer would have you in court.
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05-20-2011, 02:54 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: merced
Posts: 983
M.O.C. #6171
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I have towed doubles for 16 years and two trialers with no problem but I probably over killed on the hitches. No only did I build a reciever across the back but I also extend the support about 3 foot further into the trailer in an attempt to eliminate any up and down twisting force.
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05-20-2011, 04:51 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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Hooker ... we could go back and forth all night, so I'll cut my replys off here. Take a look at HitchHikers and some Forest River products ... very similar frames sporting factory hitches rated for say a small boat or motorcycle. Your opinion is noted. Life's too short with too much fun to be missed to worry about all the "ifs".
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05-21-2011, 06:17 AM
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#17
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: The Dalles
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #11255
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Here is a website that I got off this forum. It looks like a neat idea, unfortunately, it is not legal in Oregon.
http://www.doublehitch.com/index.html
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05-24-2011, 05:15 AM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 908
M.O.C. #7915
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by dieselguy
Hooker ... we could go back and forth all night, so I'll cut my replys off here. Take a look at HitchHikers and some Forest River products ... very similar frames sporting factory hitches rated for say a small boat or motorcycle. Your opinion is noted. Life's too short with too much fun to be missed to worry about all the "ifs".
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Okay...we'll agree to disagree. BTW, I have looked at HitchHikers...that's an apples to orange comparison with a Montana.
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05-24-2011, 10:38 AM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Harford
Posts: 948
M.O.C. #7122
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What does double towing do for the GCWR of the tow vehicle?
__________________
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05-24-2011, 01:44 PM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Castle Rock
Posts: 1,338
M.O.C. #4624
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I've always heard here on this site that your warranty from Keystone/Montana would be void if you towed another vehicle behind your trailer. Just what I heard, I don't have a dog in the fight.
mac
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