Question:
Is it legal to have passengers riding inside a fifth wheel camping
trailer while on the road?
Answer:
-If you belong to AAA, check the camping guide books. There is a small
breakdown chart of trailer laws. It's not comprehensive, but does
give max length, whether you can have someone ride in a trailer, etc.
Bottom line is more states allow riding in a 5th wheel than not. Most
do not allow riders in a travel trailer. Personally, I fail to see
a big difference in them as far a riding in them goes. In either case
if it comes unhitched you're in deep do-do. But if you know what you're
doing, it should never come unhitched.
-According to the Trailer Life Campground/RV Park & Service Guide it is legal to
ride in 5th wheels in the following states with no restrictions listed. AZ,
ID, IL, IA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OK, PA, TN, WV. These
states have restrictions, CA Must have audible or visual device with tow
vehicle and safety glass and atleast one exit must be opened from outside and
inside. OR If pasenger can communicate with driver, and exit can be opened
form both interior and exterior. SD with audible or visual device with tow
vehicle and safety glass. WI Some exceptions.
All states except MS, NH, ND, NC, PA, and WI allow passengers in a pick-up
camper. There again some states have restrictions. There are CA, GA and NY.
These state allow passengers in a travel trailer, ID, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, MT,
NC, OK and TN. There are no restrictions shown for travel trailers.
From this I would say the states consider a pick-up camper the safest and a 5th
wheel second.
