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Old 02-01-2013, 04:45 AM   #1
jlb27537
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Double Towing with a 3400RL

Hello Group,

We are considering the purchase of a used 3400RL with the drop frame design. I will need to pull a small 6x10 open trailer that will weigh 2500lbs or less with 10% on the ball.

I would have a 2" receiver hitch bolted to the rear frame rails.

Thanks
Jim
 
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Old 02-01-2013, 06:59 AM   #2
TLightning
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You don't mention the year of the "used" 3400RL. With my 07, I was told by the dealer (and others) to put absolutely NOTHING on the back of this thing with the exception of a couple of bikes...and don't try to pull anything. I'm sure there are people doing it, but not me.
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Old 02-01-2013, 08:13 AM   #3
Art-n-Marge
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I think the only considerations for a Monty (and most SOBs) is that they are not intended or designed for double towing and therefore a warranty is void if you try. However, that doesn't mean there aren't smart people who know how to shore up the rear end for a tow bar to tow something of that size and magnitude.

I am like TLightning in that I would use nothing but bikes at any rear hookup (up to 200lbs) if I had one.

Jim, I'm just saying that you might need more than bolting a 2" receiver to the rear frame rails on whatever trailer you purchase. I'm guessing you'll also need some amount of square tubing welded to the rear frame besides any bolt-ons to support the weight you plan to tow. It has been done, there have been posts and pictures showing this, not just here on the MOC but in other RV forums I sometimes frequent. I have also read of "failures" when this is down, such as broken welds, stuff breaking, so reasearch plenty and work with experts! A worker at a weld shop is NOT necessarily an expert.

Then you might also need a different driver's license if you only have a Class C. For example, in California, I have a Class C with an RV endorsement and I cannot double tow with that.

I do at least know, there's definitely more to this than just bolting on a 2" receiver especially if you plan interstate travel. Differences may vary state to state, too.
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Old 02-01-2013, 08:59 AM   #4
jlb27537
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Thanks Guys,

The drop frame was introduced in '08 so '08 or up. I would have a welding shop build a sub frame and then using best practices attach it to the frame.

Nu-Wa has a 320/3000lb hitch and Excel has a 400/4000lb hitch that are factory options.

I may have to re-think cause I am going to double tow.

Jim
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Old 02-01-2013, 09:32 AM   #5
pineranch
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This is what I bolted and welded on plus additional custom support.
http://www.etrailer.com/Specialty-Tr...urt/13703.html
I tow a smart trailer with a ATV on board.
Mike
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Old 02-01-2013, 09:46 AM   #6
jlb27537
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by pineranch

This is what I bolted and welded on plus additional custom support.
http://www.etrailer.com/Specialty-Tr...urt/13703.html
I tow a smart trailer with a ATV on board.
Mike
Thanks Mike, That is what I had in mind.

Jim
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Old 02-01-2013, 10:28 AM   #7
Montana Sky
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Jim, look at the Redwood 5th Wheel as well. They have a 3k hitch on the back of them standard equip from the factory.
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Old 02-01-2013, 04:38 PM   #8
DQDick
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Be aware, however that you can't double tow on either coast. As long as you stay in the middle your ok, but don't go too far east or west.
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Old 02-01-2013, 04:54 PM   #9
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You can tow on the west coas but you need a class A,
Also I have towed doubles for years on more than one trailer, besure to have the welder bring your supports in at least 3 feet. that will eliminate alot of torque on the frame.
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Old 02-01-2013, 11:36 PM   #10
jlb27537
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Thanks Guys,

I'm licensed in Texas. Texas has a non cdl class A and non cdl class B for those towing over 26,000lbs as a RV'er could. I have a non cdl class A and it allows me to drive, pull combinations over 26,000lbs as long as they are not a commercial use.

So I'm good. I DO NOT do Calif. The only issues are length. I double towed this last summer with my motorhome, car, and trailer thru 4 states. I am 69' long. (Over length in 2 states) Not a single police, sheriff or highway patrol even looked my way. They have other issues than a guy in a RV double towing.

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Old 02-02-2013, 01:23 AM   #11
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by pineranch

This is what I bolted and welded on plus additional custom support.
http://www.etrailer.com/Specialty-Tr...urt/13703.html
I tow a smart trailer with a ATV on board.
Mike
Taken from the ad: "GTW up to 3,500 lbs and TW up to 350 lbs"

Please note the "up to" portion. As the hitch is spread wider, I bet the rating goes down. Before buying this, I would contact them and ask what the rating is at your specific frame spread. It may be a lot lower than you think.
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Old 02-02-2013, 01:58 AM   #12
jlb27537
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Tom S.

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by pineranch

This is what I bolted and welded on plus additional custom support.
http://www.etrailer.com/Specialty-Tr...urt/13703.html
I tow a smart trailer with a ATV on board.
Mike
Taken from the ad: "GTW up to 3,500 lbs and TW up to 350 lbs"

Please note the "up to" portion. As the hitch is spread wider, I bet the rating goes down. Before buying this, I would contact them and ask what the rating is at your specific frame spread. It may be a lot lower than you think.
I agree. I looked under the back of a Excel with a factory installed hitch rated at 400/4,000lbs and it had a LOT of steel in it. The e.trailer one would need some beefing up or just have one welded up.

Jim
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Old 02-02-2013, 04:13 AM   #13
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We are in Fla. and in the last campground there was a 2007 3400 a few sites from us and he had a hitch on the rear with two bikes and he was towing a smart car behind it. He was from Conn.
I would not do it but he said he had no problems.
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Old 02-02-2013, 04:15 AM   #14
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I had the folks at MorRyde in Goshen, IN, weld a stronger hitch on my '06 3400 that was certified for 300 tw and 3500 lbs total weight. They went in about four feet from the rear and started the weld. I only carried 2 bicycles on it and never towed, but I did not have anything back there to start with. Doing what you are doing I would not skimp on cost or materials to have it done. If your Monty is out of warranty anyway, who cares. One extra point is you might check with your insurance carrier to get their take on it. I would have loved to have towed one of the Smart cars or little Fiats around to country but alot of our travels was up the least coast and down the best coast. Have fun and enjoy the lifestyle, we miss it and are thinking of a Class C to go north from Casa Grande during the summers...........
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Old 02-02-2013, 07:14 AM   #15
TLightning
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Many are discussing "hitches." They are not the issue, the issue is the weak frame.
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Old 02-03-2013, 04:26 PM   #16
scductman
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Jim I would have a welding shop build the hitch. mine is 3x3 tubing frame to frame braced with 2x2 tubing welded to the frame and it also braces the frame. mine is not the drop frame model so I don't know about the frame under them. I have had the belly out when I installed the hitch so I feel fine with it. BTW you can double tow on the east coast. JMHO And I didn't sleep at a holiday Inn Express last night. LOL
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