Community Forums

6jsgrandma · 05-23-2016, 04:13 PM

We are purchasing a 2004 Fleetwood 40' motorhome. The Salamanca said my husband might need to take a short quiz at DMV or the air brakes. (This is in California)
We have 2 DMVs and they gave him 2 different answers. It seems no one at either facility was in th know. They said "read the book." From what we've read, it sounds like there is no requirement if the motorhome is 40' or less. We would appreciate any information that anyone out there knows. Thank you very much.

vsheetz · 05-23-2016, 04:20 PM

Over 40' has requirement in CA. Otherwise nothing special needed.

Dutch Star Don · 05-23-2016, 04:30 PM

Stay away from the idiots at the California DMV. You don't need any type of license or endorsement for a coach that is REGISTERED as a 40' coach, even though it may physically measure longer.

California requires an enhanced license for everything registered over 40'.

Elwood58 · 05-23-2016, 04:56 PM

Yep, 40 feet and under, you are good to go.

DD788Snipe · 05-24-2016, 07:08 AM

Ditto to DS Don.

raphaman · 05-24-2016, 12:05 PM

I'm so glad to hear this................it's been totally confusing for me. I feel very comfortable driving our 40 foot 2006 Monaco Diplomat 400 Cuminns. We are full timers now and my worst fears was getting pulled over and being told I couldn't drive it.

I've heard so many different versions from DMV and truckers that it's boils down to your own interpretation.... California dosen't help however they took our $12,000.00 sales tax really fast. We will domecil in Texas next year.

This is a great blog....lots of great information. See you on the road

John & Debbie Nielsen

Mr_D · 05-24-2016, 12:17 PM

Your drivers license is legal in every state if legal in your home state just like motor vehicle insurance.

6jsgrandma · 05-24-2016, 05:11 PM

We still don't know anything. They said today our credit was excellent, but they wanted to do a 20-year loan with higher payments. We told them $500 payments originally as we are rested, along with our trade in. They got us up"to $600 and $5,000 down. We said okay. Might have to cancel mossy of our cruises. Today, they said higher payments and 20 years. We said no can do. We are now waiting to see if they will accommodate us or not. They said they will call back today. So far, no call. Prayin they will drop the price. If not, we will keep our current motorhome and look for another deal, even though we felt like this was the motorhome for us. Thank you all for your input.

dan-nickie · 05-24-2016, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raphaman

We will domecil in Texas next year.

John & Debbie Nielsen

The answer to this question maybe different when you domiciled in Texas. And you may not like the answer

TQ60 · 05-24-2016, 09:39 PM

Check both dmv and tax collector as license and taxes may be much different.

May be better to start transaction in ca then complete in texas.

Meaning qualify and get loan to buy then title in texas.

But do consult a tax expert in whatever state you ate looking at.

Mr_D · 05-24-2016, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6jsgrandma

We still don't know anything. They said today our credit was excellent, but they wanted to do a 20-year loan with higher payments. We told them $500 payments originally as we are rested, along with our trade in. They got us up"to $600 and $5,000 down. We said okay. Might have to cancel mossy of our cruises. Today, they said higher payments and 20 years. We said no can do. We are now waiting to see if they will accommodate us or not. They said they will call back today. So far, no call. Prayin they will drop the price. If not, we will keep our current motorhome and look for another deal, even though we felt like this was the motorhome for us. Thank you all for your input.

Sound like they are "working" you over to make more money. You've already "given" them $100 a month for 20 years and $5,000 down. Sounds like it's time to pick up your marbles and keep looking!

Ray,IN · 05-24-2016, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6jsgrandma

We still don't know anything. They said today our credit was excellent, but they wanted to do a 20-year loan with higher payments. We told them $500 payments originally as we are rested, along with our trade in. They got us up"to $600 and $5,000 down. We said okay. Might have to cancel mossy of our cruises. Today, they said higher payments and 20 years. We said no can do. We are now waiting to see if they will accommodate us or not. They said they will call back today. So far, no call. Prayin they will drop the price. If not, we will keep our current motorhome and look for another deal, even though we felt like this was the motorhome for us. Thank you all for your input.

Bait and switch tactics, walk away. There are far too many MH's on the market to allow this tactic pulled on you. This is YOUR money they want.

Thewellz · 05-24-2016, 10:29 PM

I am not up on U.S.motor vehicle Laws, however I am surprised that you could operate a vehicle with air brakes without an air endorsement, if the vehicle is under 40ft ...length of the coach has nothing to do with the operation of the brake system...if i am reading these posts correctly how could you possibly ensure they have proper slack adjustment..the compressor is operating as it should...the check valves are working ect...if you have never been certified on an air brake system....this could mean financial disaster in a serious crash if your brakes are at fault i would think.The laws in canada require an air endorsment on any sized vehicle equipped with air brakes....sorry if i have missed something in any of the other posts!

vsheetz · 05-24-2016, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thewellz

I am not up on U.S.motor vehicle Laws, however I am surprised that you could operate a vehicle with air brakes without an air endorsement, if the vehicle is under 40ft ...length of the coach has nothing to do with the operation of the brake system...if i am reading these posts correctly how could you possibly ensure they have proper slack adjustment..the compressor is operating as it should...the check valves are working ect...if you have never been certified on an air brake system....this could mean financial disaster in a serious crash if your brakes are at fault i would think.The laws in canada require an air endorsment on any sized vehicle equipped with air brakes....sorry if i have missed something in any of the other posts!

I don't disagree with your logic and comments. However it is correct that regarding RV registered as 40' and less in CA do not require special license or other endorsement. States differ in their requirements.