Ask a Trooper

By Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol

Q-What are the requirements for RV triple towing in Minnesota?

A-With warmer weather around the corner, we are sure to see more RVs and boat trailers on the roads being towed. A recreational vehicle combination may be operated without an over-length type permit if:

1. the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing rating of the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed;
2. the combination does not exceed 70 feet in length;
3. the operator of the combination is at least 18 years of age;
4. the trailer is only carrying watercraft, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorized golf carts, or equestrian equipment or supplies, and meets all requirements of law;
5. the vehicles in the combination are connected to the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor and each other in conformity with the trailer hitch laws; and
6. the combination is not operated within the seven-county metropolitan area during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.

The recreational vehicle driver does not need a special driver’s license, but please keep in mind the statutory definition of a “Recreational vehicle combination” found in M.S.S. 169.011 Subdivision 62 (a). This law says that a “Recreational vehicle combination” means a combination of vehicles consisting of a full-size pickup truck or a recreational truck-tractor attached by means of a kingpin and fifth-wheel coupling to a middle vehicle which has hitched to it a trailer. And (b) For purposes of this subdivision, a “kingpin and fifth-wheel coupling” is a coupling between a middle vehicle and a towing full-size pickup truck or a recreational truck-tractor. Please note that a simple ball hitch for the first trailer does not meet the legal requirements.

Please make sure that all trailers are properly secured, safety chains are attached and lights are properly working. When towing, reduce your speeds and increase your following distance.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson – Minnesota State Patrol at 1131 Mesaba Ave, Duluth, MN 55811. (You can follow me on Twitter @MSPPIO_NE or reach me at [email protected]).