Community Forums

Scarab0088 · 03-21-2015, 12:57 AM

Very confusing.

So, please describe what is this proposed vehicle that is the focus of your quest?
As I read your posts, I keep picturing in my mind - a class 7 or 8 truck mod'd as a RV Hauler.

There tens of thousands of 1 Ton trucks towing RV's all over CA that do not get a second look from LawEnforcement - like our Cummins 4x4 Dodge 3500 DRW used most often to haul the boat pictured below.

And we do not need to have special licenses, registrations, or rules...and do not enter the weigh stations.

Best luck

Timon · 03-21-2015, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

Very confusing.

So, please describe what is this proposed vehicle that is the focus of your quest?
As I read your posts, I keep picturing in my mind - a class 7 or 8 truck mod'd as a RV Hauler.

There tens of thousands of 1 Ton trucks towing RV's all over CA that do not get a second look from LawEnforcement - like our Cummins 4x4 Dodge 3500 DRW used most often to haul the boat pictured below.

And we do not need to have special licenses, registrations, or rules...and do not enter the weigh stations.

Best luck

In our case it would be a RAM 5500 Chassis Cab with a pickup bed addition. My wife doesn't like or wants to climb up into a class 7 or 8 truck nor do we want to try and get our two very large dogs up in it. A RAM 5500 with a GVWR of 19,000 and a GCVW over 37,000 should handle it nicely.

I'm not sure how RVHaulers are being registered as MHs and still being able to pull a 5er based on my current reading of the CAVC but I've not been specifically looking of it.

There are several conditions that trigger all of these rules. Your RAM 3500 DRW triggers them since it's either over 8001 unladen weight or it's GVWR is over 11,500 lbs either removes the "Pickup truck" status. In fact I'm surprised you were even able to register it without filling out a CVRA form.

Now once you connect your RV then everything changes and the CHP won't even look at you and they don't want you pulling into the scales.

I see your a moderator, I like to change the title of the thread so it makes more sense. Maybe some like "California, licensing your large trucks and when to enter scales." or maybe some similar but better written.

Scarab0088 · 03-21-2015, 11:19 AM

John,

Please notice - Title changed

Our Dodge 3500 was a breeze to register - as a pick-up. Bought it in TX with a 30 temp tag (lots of inexpensive pick-ups there). The DMV here asked me to get a weight ticket for the registration (was 8,200lb empty) and I paid my due to Sacramento.

It IS registered as a "Commercial Licensed Vehicle, as is EVERY open bed pick-up in CA (from a 1 ton truck to a Ford Ranger or the tiny VW Rabbit pick-up - remember those?), so we have to pay a "Use Fee" every year based on that weight ticket. That has become the larger part of the annual re-registration fee.

Me and the DMV just never dug deep enough to read the 8,001lb rule. Don't even know who would...until now.

Safe travels

UsualSuspect · 03-22-2015, 12:23 AM

I am not sure what is confusing here, you are not towing for hire. Just make sure you have a sign that states "Not For Hire" visible on the outside of the 5500. If you do enter, they will green light you.
Personally I do not stop, never been questioned, while operating a "Not for hire" vehicle that has commercial plates, and I doubt you will see any in the agriculture areas drive in there either.

cpaulsen · 03-22-2015, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

Commercial plates stop. Non commercial plates....have a nice day unless you enjoy playing "big trucker"

ALL pickups in California have commercial plates unless you have a camper shell and never take it off then you can get it licensed as a passenger vehicle. And pickups do not stop at the scales.

brobox · 03-22-2015, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaulsen

ALL pickups in California have commercial plates unless you have a camper shell and never take it off then you can get it licensed as a passenger vehicle. And pickups do not stop at the scales.

I was born and raise in CA. I moved because I could not take all of the new laws, taxes and over crowding. If CA thought they could collect and extra $, they will.

timetogo · 03-25-2015, 10:48 AM

Curious if the OP has a Commercial or non-commercial Class A license?

Timon · 03-25-2015, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timetogo

Curious if the OP has a Commercial or non-commercial Class A license?

Don't have it yet but it would be a noncommercial Class A.

wingnut60 · 04-01-2015, 10:51 AM

After reading all the posts, the only thing I gather out of them, is not to move/live in California...
Joe

Dasmoeturhead · 04-01-2015, 04:27 PM

Or South Dakota :-)

Timon · 04-01-2015, 04:38 PM

Not moving to California I understand which is why we're looking to leave but I thought South Dakota was a good place.

Dasmoeturhead · 04-01-2015, 05:09 PM

That's our official place of residence. Pretty good taxes (no state personal income tax), easy driver licenses, and low vehicle registration costs .

I meant SD is a good thing .

Highway 4x4 · 04-02-2015, 10:07 AM

I've lived in So Cal all my 63 years and have to admit, had it up to here. But I do have a good life here and would like to stay but..... No, I don't pull into check stations and would say that no MH, 5th wheel, or TT would have to no matter what size they are. But I am not the CHP. BTW, isn't WY and ID the best states to relocate and retire? in the northwest anyway.

Timon · 04-02-2015, 08:28 PM

Nice looking burner, my step son has one and he's just a lovely dog.

We're looking at ID, OR or WA. Not sure which one yet. WA has its good points except they will charge you tax on your rig no matter how long you've owned it if taxes were never paid so some state.