Michigan law allows passengers to ride in an RV, fifth wheel trailer and truck camper even though they do not have seat belts. All trailers must have two strong safety chains and a breakaway switch in order to be towed, and those over 3,000 lbs. must have trailer brakes. Some states require devices that allow two-way contact between the fifth wheel and the driver, such as walkie-talkies, but Michigan is not one of them.
On most Michigan highways, the combined length of the fifth wheel and the vehicle towing it cannot be more than 65 feet, and on some roads the maximum length is 60 feet. Motor homes and trailers pulled on Michigan roads can be no longer than 45 feet. The maximum height allowed for fifth wheels is 13 feet 6 inches, and the maximum width allowed is 8 feet 6 inches.
Although it's legal, riding in a fifth wheel can be dangerous. There are no seat belts to hold you in your seat if the driver has to slam on the brakes or if the trailer sways during travels. Wind from larger vehicles passing a fifth wheel can buffet the vehicle. The effects of an accident in a fifth wheel are more severe than those in a small car. There are lots of heavy items in fifth wheels that can fly around and crush you, and even the most expensive fifth wheel is held together with staples that are unlikely to withstand a crash or rollover. Regardless of the law, it's safer not to carry passengers in a fifth wheel RV than to deal with the consequences if an accident occurs.
