Can You Legally Ride In The Back Of A Towed Camper Or Fifth-Wheel In Minnesota?
Brad Lewis YouTube
Minnesota has a lot of laws when it comes to traffic and safety. When you cross the border into the state, you'll notice the "hands-free phone law" sign posted. We have regular extra enforcement weekends for DUIs, speeding, and inattentive driving. So given the regulations that the state has, traveling in the back of a travel trailer can't be allowed, right?
Wrong. Technically, there is no law prohibiting people from riding in a travel trailer or fifth-wheel camper. Minnesota is one of many states that don't have a law against it. That being said, it's a terrible idea.
Why shouldn't you ride in the back of a camper?
Unlike RVS, most travel trailers and fifth-wheels have zero safety protection. They lack seatbelts or airbags, and they are designed to be lightweight. It's not made to take an impact, it's made to travel light. Have you ever seen an accident involving a travel trailer? A lot of the time, all you see left is the frame and wheels. Even what would be considered a minor accident could lead to serious injury or death for occupants in the trailer.
Hidden danger: Carbon Monoxide
I heard of a chilling story once where a father allowed his children to sleep in the truck camper while he drove cross country. They died in their sleep because of carbon monoxide that made its way from the exhaust to inside the camper. How tragic.
Watch a video of trailer crashes and you won't want to ride in one.
One of the most common ways that travel trailers get into accidents is when they start to sway and the driver loses control of it. It's terrifying to watch, and just imagine what it would be like if you were in one.