Community Forums

tllapointe · 08-23-2009, 12:37 PM

I just used the Trailer Life Directory program to plan a trip with a 42' RV. The program said that in DC, MD, NJ, RI, & WI that RV's were restricted to 40 feet long. It also said that most western provinces in Canada limited RV's to 41 feet.

Is that true?

Thanks,
Tom

Route 66 · 08-23-2009, 12:55 PM

In the USA, those length restrictions may be on the books, but no one has reported any problems with either registering or driving in any state except California.

There was a problem a while back in California with 40+' MH's being restricted to certain roads, but there has not been any recent posts about it.

georgetown350 · 08-23-2009, 02:58 PM

Tom the list is actually longer then what you mentioned. Currently 16 states techincally do not allow longer then 40 ft. to add to your list Alaska, Ark, Conn, Del, Mass, Mich, Neb,Ny, Penn, Sc, and Wv. I would only be slightly concerned if you were pulling a long trailer behind your large rig.

tllapointe · 08-23-2009, 04:39 PM

I just bought a 2006 Travel Supreme 42DS04. Haven't even picked it up yet. I planned to drive all across the US and take a trip to Alaska in the next 1-2 years.

What a surprise that it is technically illegal in many states I want to visit and travel through.

Does anyone know about Canada? Do they stop you at the border or while on a trip?

Thanks,
Tom

LaserMark4 · 08-23-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tllapointe

I just used the Trailer Life Directory program to plan a trip with a 42' RV. The program said that in DC, MD, NJ, RI, & WI that RV's were restricted to 40 feet long. It also said that most western provinces in Canada limited RV's to 41 feet. Is that true? Thanks, Tom

I always wonder who can eye ball the difference between 40', 42', or 44' at 65 mph to even warrant a stop. I can't seem to master that talent sitting still in an RV park after all these years (and I study all the makes and models).

Many (most?) US states and Canada allow semi-trailer trucks as "triples" as well as allowing "Turnpike Doubles" (i.e.- two (2) 48 foot trailers with a 20' to 25' tractor for a whopping 121 feet total length)

So, for some Smoky to be focusing on gray haired RV drivers.....well, I just don't think it's a big risk to loose sleep over.

skigramp · 08-23-2009, 06:44 PM

I live in Wisconsin ... I have only seen one motorhome with a tag axle being stopped along a highway in Wisconsin ... we have a 65 mph speed limit ... this rig passed me going about 80 mph ... a deputy sheriff had him pulled over and was visiting with him when I went by about 10 minutes later when I caught up to him ...

That is the only tag axle motorhome that I have ever seen stopped by law enforcement in Wisconsin ...

Raca-roni · 08-23-2009, 08:16 PM

Tom,
I've been all over the place, in the US, in a 43' & 42' coach and never had any problems.....go-for-it!

tllapointe · 08-24-2009, 03:03 PM

Thanks to all.

I still wonder about travel in Canada.

Tom

Greyhound · 08-24-2009, 05:55 PM

We just returned from a 56 day traveling through the Canadian Maritimes in a 42 ft motor home and had no problem. We crossed in Quebec, rode two ferries to Newfoundland, travel their highways and backroads. The only problem we experienced was alot of road construction.
As a side note, we have also traveled from California to Maine in a 42 footer with nary a problem.

Horknee · 08-24-2009, 06:27 PM

I bought my 45' in Alberta & have traveled in BC.Sask,Man & Ontario-no problems

Go for it

tllapointe · 08-25-2009, 04:41 AM

Everyone - thank you very much. This really helps us first time RV owners better understand the rules of the road.

I now feel real comfortable traveling in our 42 footer anywhere we want to go.

Tom

TW · 08-25-2009, 08:54 AM

go for it.
It's legal in BC up to 45 feet....

RVgreetings
TW

georgetown350 · 08-25-2009, 07:24 PM

There are only 4 provinces that restrict motorhomes to a length of 41.01 feet >>>>>>>> NB, NL, NWT, AB the rest of the provinces allow up to 45.93 feet.

I doubt these 4 provinces enforce these out dated restrictions........

Wayne M · 08-26-2009, 08:08 AM

This applies to trucks. I would think that it would also apply to a MH. (for the U.S.)

"The Federal law (sec.411) mandates that every state allow a minimum of
48'ft for single trailers, 28'ft each for double trailers. A maximum of 53'ft
(57'ft in some states) for single trailers. This law overrides the state laws
establishing limits less than 48'ft for interstates,& some designated highways.
No state is allowed to set tractor length limits."

It is possible that this has been amended, so do your research.