Riding in the Montana

[50sboy]

OK...so the wife has a little something going on - neurapathy in her feet...so gets a little wiggy sitting for long spells.
We have a 347th (37' 5th wheel). Does anyone have a passenger(s) who ride in the trailer? They say its legal...is it like being in a motorhome on the road - scary? Bad idea? Thanks for the help. Trip coming up next month and need a 'just in case' plan.

[Loneoak]

I guess it depends on where you are. In Ontario it is not legal to ride in a trailer.

[DQDick]

I would be surprised if it is legal. Regardless, it's not something we would do even to our cats.

[drog55chev]

There are many states that allow you to ride in a 5th wheel trailer. Most if not all do not allow you to ride in a regular pull behind trailer. Here in Oregon you have to have a way of communication to the rider, egress, safety glass around where the person will be along with some other safety items. My wife used to ride in our old 5th wheel all the time. She would ride over the truck bed and said it was like being in the truck. Is it the safest thing going. Not really in case of a fire or roll over but then being in the tow vehicle has it's issues too.

[Hblick48]

I believe it's legal in a 5th wheel in California so long as there is a way to communicate. Used to be walkie-talkie, now probably cell phone, however it's illegal to use the phone while driving unless you have hands free.

[QKnot]

Each state has its own laws governing riding in trailers/campers/5th wheels. As mentioned above, Oregon allows it, but right next door Washington and Idaho only allow riders in truck campers. You would need to find out from each state you are planning on traveling through what the applicable laws are.

Have you talked to the doctor to figure out alternatives? It may be better to get advice from a medical professional in this case.

[50sboy]

Thanks. Oh this is a last resort thing. We have been and are seeing a number of Docs. No one really has a handle on this nerve stuff. Infusions, meds, 'smoke'...got em all goin'. Hopefully shell be fine and I'll just plan on shorter runs to an overnite. Just thinking of this for 'one last hour' to get to a destination. Cant stand to see her in pain....and she cant stand to think of not traveling around. Thanks for all your help!

[1retired06]

We would never do that, not really much protection in the event of an accident.

[DmaxDually]

FYI..
https://www.tripsavvy.com/passengers-in-campers-504228

[Theunz]

I too have neurapathy in my feet and fingers after receiving chemo last year. In my case it is lessening. I understand her discomfort. Usually if it rears its ugly head while driving I can alleviate the pain by wiggling my feet and legs a bit. Would it help if you just stopped and let her walk around for a minute?

[mlh]

I love to ride in my camper. Get in the bed going down the interstate and it will rock you to sleep. But if you have a wreck you aren’t likely to survive at interstate speeds. If she rides back there be sure it’s on a safe road then you be especially careful, but it’s a great ride and even better nap.
Lynwood

[beeje]

A few years ago we got to our favorite campground very late in the dark. So we decided to just stay in a field for the night and move in the morning. The next morning I got up early to make the move, however the DW was not even thinking about getting up. I told her to just stay in bed and keep your feet away from the end of the bed. I then pulled in the slides and drove around 1/2 mile on a very rough rocky road to our usual site. She said it was like being in a earthquake and would not do that again.

[richfaa]

I would suggest you try it.We did once just to answer the question.It is not a pleasant experience.

[50sboy]

Shes at a 3 everyday...in the afternoon it jumps for a 7 or 8...and noting really dulls it well. She cant walk when this happens...you would think someone would figure this out! But well get thru it. Thanks for your response....and best of luck with yours.

[Theunz]

Please give your wife my best wishes. I would classify mine as mild and now more of an annoyance than a hinderence. I hope hers subsides as well.

[Jimmer]

My wife tried it when we had a 27ft. We went about 2 miles and it was at 40mph of less. She also said it was like being in a earthquake. When I stopped she was ready to get out. Hope your wife feels better. I agree it is not safe to ride in 5th wheel trailer. Might be better to stop every so often. My wife has a bad back and we stop at every rest stop and take a break about every 2 hours and she can stretch. Good Luck.

Jim Bonhote, 14 3582RL, 15 Ford F350 Platinum Crew Cab.

[vacationer]

Now what happens when you have to hit the brakes suddenly . You don't have a seat belt on you could end up flying thru the trailer. Not to mention the motion back and fouth up and down. Not a good idea in my mind even if it is legal in some places. And like most I would have done stuff like that any time when I was young. Not now

[rohrmann]

I know this may be interpreted as the lawyers covering Keystone from lawsuits, but this is what is published in their owner's manual, which is usually not given much value.


Riding in Trailer
Do not allow passengers to ride in the trailer during travel. The trailer does not have seat belts and is not designed to
carry passengers. This may also be prohibited by state law.

[scottz]

Would you ride in the truck without a seatbelt? Not me or any of my passengers.

[50sboy]

Thanks All. Option is closed. We'll just stop if we need to. I would be worried the entire time anyway!