Can You Ride in The Back of a Fifth-Wheel
Fifth wheel trailers are popular movable homes, but their roomy interiors tempt some to utilize the space in a very unsafe and generally illegal way – by carrying passengers while the trailer is in motion. This article examines the hazards of traveling in towable trailer living quarters and legalities across North America. And while it is possible to ride in the back of a fifth wheel, and even legal in some states, it is absolutely not something that we recommend you do.
Introduction to Fifth Wheel Trailers
Fifth wheel RVs distinguish themselves from other campers and travel trailers with their spacious interiors and home-like amenities. They offer comfortable living space for road trips, camping, and full-timing RV living, either as standalone units or with pickup truck beds underneath. When stationary, the rear area normally provides ample room for sleeping, living, and storage. However, conditions and regulations change once they set out down the road.
Is Traveling in the Back of a Fifth Wheel Possible?
While it may seem convenient to carry family, pets, or cargo inside while moving, most fifth wheels utterly lack accommodations for safe transit. Passenger seating, restraints, padded compartmentalization, and driver communication methods are typically missing. The only thing preventing uncontrolled movement is whatever furniture or storage items are in place – wholly unsuitable for protecting live occupants.
Is Riding in a Towed Fifth Wheel Legal?
Laws explicitly prohibit riding in manufactured home towables in most U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions during travel:
| State | Allowed | Conditions |
| AZ | ✅ | Two-way communication, designated exits |
| CA (fifth wheel only) | ✅ | Safety glazing, two-way communication, designated exits |
| DC | ✅ | Two-way communication, designated exits |
| ID | ✅ | Two-way communication, designated exits |
| IN | ✅ | |
| IA | ✅ | |
| MD | ✅ | Two-way communication, designated exits |
| MI | ✅ | Two-way communication, designated exits |
| MN | ✅ | Two-way communication, designated exits |
| MO | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| NV | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| NC | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| ND | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| OH | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| OK | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| OR | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| PA | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| SD | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| TX | ✅ | Two-way communication, designated exits |
| UT | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| WA | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| WI | ⚠️ | Emergencies/loading only |
| 🚫 | Rest of US | No |
Hazards and Risks of Riding in the Back of a Fifth Wheel
Safety is the overriding reason why North American jurisdictions ban carrying passengers while an RV trailer is being towed:
No Restraints: Seat belts and harnesses critical for passenger protection are missing in trailer living areas. Unrestrained occupants can easily be thrown about or ejected.
Grueling Physics: The rear portions of any towed vehicle experience pronounced kinetic forces – bouncing, fractious motions, centrifugal effects, severe and Sudden stops. Unsecured contents and occupants can become high-speed projectiles.
Vulnerable Interior: Human bodies are no match for solid furniture, walls and fixtures inside a moving trailer. Being thrown against them can cause major injuries or fatalities.
No Visibility: Without a clear view of road conditions, inability to communicate with the driver further imperils occupant safety.
Pet Hazards Too: Unrestrained pets face the same physics and injury risks. They should always be properly secured.
FAQ
Can children legally ride in towable trailer living quarters?
Absolutely not. Child endangerment charges may even apply for those willingly putting minors at risk this way.
Are there any US or Canadian jurisdictions where riding inside is legal during transit?
Very few localized exceptions exist. This practice should be considered outlawed everywhere, with no exceptions granted for makeshift restraints. Motorhomes designed for passenger occupancy are the only safe option.
The Bottom Line: Stay Out of Towable Trailer Interiors Underway
Put simply it is both extremely dangerous and illegal per most state, provincial and federal laws to have human occupants inside fifth wheel trailers or any towable RV while driving. Manufactured homes lack the required stable structures, restraints, abatement and design elements to safely transport people or pets. North American roadways are no place for unsecured bodies rolling around trailer interiors. For safe passage, live cargo of any kind belongs up front in properly equipped vehicles or motorhomes.
