Community Forums

evolutn · 06-16-2017, 09:53 AM

Hi all

I am planning a 2 month trip in California this coming spring (2018). I have a 45 foot motor home and a 25 foot trailer (including the hitch). 70 Feet OVERALL.
After Texas and Arizone, I plan to hit SOCAL and then travel to Sacramento area before leaving for Oregon.
Published length limit for CA is 65' like many other states.. I have had no issues in the east but this is my first time going to the west coast.
I have heard that California is strict on length issues. CALTRANS says "no permit for you!"...

Any experiences driving big rigs like mine in California? Any run-ins with police, etc?

cruzbill · 06-16-2017, 10:00 AM

No problem in CA. See below for length restrictions:

45' Bus & Motorhome Map

GearyB · 06-16-2017, 10:04 AM

I live in SoCal. I have a new 42' RV and a 25' enclosed trailer. Been driving the same configuration for 20 years and never been stopped. The only area I avoid is the sand dunes at Glamis off the 8 FRWY outside of El Centro. Lots of trucks, trailers and RV's overloaded with dirt bikes and sand toys. CHP and sheriff's monitor the surrounding area heavily and will ticket the idiots with five dirt bikes and two sand rails stacked on a sagging flat bed trailer. Steer clear and stay on the freeway you'll be be fine.

Skip426 · 06-16-2017, 10:19 AM

Keep your speed ; under 60 ; on the CA freeways .

Remember your coaches radar signature is about the same as a 747 .

A fellow at the RV park where I spend my winters , was whining about getting a $700 + fine , when pressured , he admitted to being clocked at 77 mph when the towing speed limit is 55.

evolutn · 06-16-2017, 10:30 AM

cruzbill - Thanks for the info! Appreciate your reply ... My real concern is with the overall length... - Mike

BillJinOR · 06-16-2017, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evolutn

cruzbill - Thanks for the info! Appreciate your reply ... My real concern is with the overall length... - Mike

I am 67' overall and have never had a problem. in many trips to Calif and around Oregon Be aware though that you definitely are over length, and are so in many, if not most states. The Target however in Calif is the "racers" and "teams" who compete at tracks or as already stated have overloaded sand rails etc.in the desert. Keep a low profile , no racing stickers, keep under 60- 62 mph and this includes when passing trucks and other RV's as that's when they get most folks (Max 55 is the limit towing) etc. and you'll pass without notice!

Larrikin · 06-16-2017, 08:00 PM

California and Governor Moonbeam are bankrupt, they are looking for easy money!

greglisa2015 · 06-22-2017, 08:39 PM

Not sure what the he is talking about but just keep under 60 and you will be okay

Busskipper · 06-23-2017, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evolutn

Hi all

I am planning a 2 month trip in California this coming spring (2018). I have a 45 foot motor home and a 25 foot trailer (including the hitch). 70 Feet OVERALL.
After Texas and Arizone, I plan to hit SOCAL and then travel to Sacramento area before leaving for Oregon.
Published length limit for CA is 65' like many other states.. I have had no issues in the east but this is my first time going to the west coast.
I have heard that California is strict on length issues. CALTRANS says "no permit for you!"...

Any experiences driving big rigs like mine in California? Any run-ins with police, etc?

It's California - and you are over length - but you are over length in most of the states in the US - So up to you - IMHO California is beautiful - but it's California - lived there as a kid and one of my kids went to College there - so while it may beautiful it is really hard to go back - Laws are crazy - Enforcement is Crazy - and is really crowded, everywhere - if you get caught, you'll pay the fine.

Think my last RV trip there was 2000 - so in my case I'm lucky I've seen it -

If I were you I'd forgo the trailer and just tow 4 down and be somewhat legal. Or just fly in and rent a car.

JMHO,