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12-06-2017, 09:41 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,994
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I need your help towing park model
We own a 2003 Woodland Timber ridge park model. Model #M-4485-8 My father-in-law bought it new and installed it in a RV park in the gold country Ca. Well my inlaws have passed on. Now my wife and I have decided to move it to our 14 acres in Washington state.(I have to move it before 01/01/2018) I just returned from a 7 hour round trip from the trailer. It's a 2 axle and it has a tow hitch under trailer behind the skirt. It bolts on when you need to tow it. I'm capable of researching the web, but some of you are so much better, FASTER. I'm trying to figure out if it is LEGAL to tow it from Ca. through Oregon and up through Washington almost to Canada?? I would be towing it with a 2015 GMC Duromax diesel 4x4 long bed crew cab. Please any information you may have would be great.
__________________
2004 Montana 2955RL, 400 watt solar, 2000 watt inverter/charger, 4-Interstate 225AH 6volt golf cart batteries, All LED lights,Champion Remote start 3- fuel option 3100/3400 inverter/gen.- 2000 F-350 7.3 4x4 long bed crew cab SRW.
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12-06-2017, 09:54 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ontario, California
Posts: 2,429
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Provided the total combined length of your truck hitched to the trailer does not exceed 65 feet and the maximum width doesn't exceed 102 inches and you have brakes on the trailer, safety chains (crossed below the coupler) tail lights, clearance lights and brake lights (all working) and a 'break away switch" then you should be good to pull the trailer.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]2016 Newmar Dutch Star 4369
Newmar Owners Club
USAF 1966-1969,- Law Enforcement 1969 - 2003, Retired since March 2003
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12-06-2017, 11:39 AM
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#3
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: HillBilly country, Smokey Mtns
Posts: 4,171
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What LJowdy said. Plus one more caveat. Hitch weight should not cause your Chebby to be overloaded over the GVWR or rGAWR of the tow vehicle. So if everything else is okay, then stop at the first CAT scale on the road and weigh the rig. Add the weights on the front and rear axles of the truck and compare to the GVWR of the truck. Compare the weight on the rear axle to the rGAWR of the truck. If you exceed either the GVWR or rGAWR of the truck, then get rid of some weight in the trailer before you hit the super slab.
Measure the width of the trailer at the widest point. If it's not more than 8.5' (102") wide, then you don't need "wide load" tags or signs or permits. If the length of the rig from front bumper of the truck to the rear bumper of the trailer is less than 65', then you won't need a special permit to tow the trailer on the Interstate highways.
Per NADAguides, that trailer is 40' x 8'6".
2003 Woodland Park Timber Ridge Series M-4485-8 Specs
So it's a tad wide, but probably okay if you don't get stopped for stupid driving. And at only 40' long, that gives you up to 25' for the length of the tongue and your tow vehicle, so that should not be a problem.
But yeah, be certain the trailer brakes work to perfection. And be sure all the lights work on the trailer. If it's been parked since 2003, then you may need to replace some light bulbs.
And before you tie onto the trailer, pack all of the wheel bearings on the trailer. Yeah, I know, that's a nasty job, but necessary if you don't want to burn up an axle before you get where you're going. Been there, done that.
And inspect the trailer tires to be sure they are in perfect shape. In fact, I would probably replace all the trailer tires because 14-year old trailer tires are probably going to give trouble before you get to the back side of Washington state. And trust me, having blown out trailer tires in the middle of a trip is no fun. Been there, done that too. :(
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Grumpy ole man with over 60 years towing experience. Now my heaviest trailer is a 7'x16' 5,000-pound flatbed utility trailer, my tow vehicle is a 2019 F-150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost SuperCab with Max Tow (1,904 pounds payload capacity).
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12-06-2017, 11:48 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,994
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LJowdy
Provided the total combined length of your truck hitched to the trailer does not exceed 65 feet and the maximum width doesn't exceed 102 inches and you have brakes on the trailer, safety chains (crossed below the coupler) tail lights, clearance lights and brake lights (all working) and a 'break away switch" then you should be good to pull the trailer.
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Okay thanks, however when I read the laws for California, it says the 65' limit. But then it goes on to say that things like bumpers, hitch and a few other things are not to be counted in the length of the tow vehicle?
__________________
2004 Montana 2955RL, 400 watt solar, 2000 watt inverter/charger, 4-Interstate 225AH 6volt golf cart batteries, All LED lights,Champion Remote start 3- fuel option 3100/3400 inverter/gen.- 2000 F-350 7.3 4x4 long bed crew cab SRW.
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12-06-2017, 12:03 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,994
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SmokeyWren
What LJowdy said. Plus one more caveat. Hitch weight should not cause your Chebby to be overloaded over the GVWR or rGAWR of the tow vehicle. So if everything else is okay, then stop at the first CAT scale on the road and weigh the rig. Add the weights on the front and rear axles of the truck and compare to the GVWR of the truck. Compare the weight on the rear axle to the rGAWR of the truck. If you exceed either the GVWR or rGAWR of the truck, then get rid of some weight in the trailer before you hit the super slab.
Measure the width of the trailer at the widest point. If it's not more than 8.5' (102") wide, then you don't need "wide load" tags or signs or permits. If the length of the rig from front bumper of the truck to the rear bumper of the trailer is less than 65', then you won't need a special permit to tow the trailer on the Interstate highways.
Per NADAguides, that trailer is 40' x 8'6".
2003 Woodland Park Timber Ridge Series M-4485-8 Specs
So it's a tad wide, but probably okay if you don't get stopped for stupid driving. And at only 40' long, that gives you up to 25' for the length of the tongue and your tow vehicle, so that should not be a problem.
But yeah, be certain the trailer brakes work to perfection. And be sure all the lights work on the trailer. If it's been parked since 2003, then you may need to replace some light bulbs.
And before you tie onto the trailer, pack all of the wheel bearings on the trailer. Yeah, I know, that's a nasty job, but necessary if you don't want to burn up an axle before you get where you're going.
And inspect the trailer tires to be sure they are in perfect shape. In fact, I would probably replace all the trailer tires because 14-year old trailer tires are probably going to give trouble before you get to the back side of Washington state. And trust me, having blown out trailer tires in the middle of a trip is no fun.
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Great information. I just got off the phone with WOODLAND, I was told that the trailer with the hitch on is 43.5' long my son's 3500 crew cab is just short of 21', on here it says 2003 Woodland Park Timber Ridge Series M-4485-8 Specs and Standard Equipment | NADAguides the trailer weighs 9140lbs. But the guy at Woodland didn't sound sure when he said the furniture that came with the trailer is included with the above weight. As for the brakes, in 2003 the trailer left a lot in Santa Rosa Ca. and was towed about 200 miles and then tires removed and frame sits on peer blocks. So hopefully a cleaning and they will work for one last trip. And I will be buying new rubber, the wheels and tires have been sitting on there side under the trailer since 2003 with about 200 miles on them???
__________________
2004 Montana 2955RL, 400 watt solar, 2000 watt inverter/charger, 4-Interstate 225AH 6volt golf cart batteries, All LED lights,Champion Remote start 3- fuel option 3100/3400 inverter/gen.- 2000 F-350 7.3 4x4 long bed crew cab SRW.
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12-06-2017, 12:56 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Palm Coast Florida
Posts: 12,995
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How do you get something like this licensed to tow it on the public roads. I would think you need to take the title and get trailer plates before putting it on the roads. That is unless you can get a wavier from your DOT.
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12-06-2017, 01:17 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,994
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tuffr2
How do you get something like this licensed to tow it on the public roads. I would think you need to take the title and get trailer plates before putting it on the roads. That is unless you can get a wavier from your DOT.
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It has plates! Any park worth a cr-- requires all Trailers, mobile homes be licensed, Our trailer has had a current sticker since 2003 just like your RV.
__________________
2004 Montana 2955RL, 400 watt solar, 2000 watt inverter/charger, 4-Interstate 225AH 6volt golf cart batteries, All LED lights,Champion Remote start 3- fuel option 3100/3400 inverter/gen.- 2000 F-350 7.3 4x4 long bed crew cab SRW.
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12-06-2017, 02:50 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,317
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Before buying new tires for one trip, see if trailer movers will rent you a set.
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12-06-2017, 10:48 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Outdoors RV Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,539
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Make sure you inspect the roof and corner seams very well before and after towing. At that age the roof may be getting close to replacement and flexing after sitting for so long may open up some cracks. Since you are moving it to a colder, wetter climate you need to keep an eye on it.
It may be heavier than you think as well. I would have thought a 40' park model would way more than that and as you mentioned the furniture may not have been included in the weight.
Good luck with the move. Take some pics and show us how it works out. Good info for others contemplating similar moves.
__________________
2020 F28 RKS Titanium
2017 Creekside 23 RBS Sold
2016 F250 Super Crew XLT Overworked
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12-07-2017, 12:12 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Vintage RV Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: anywhere U.S.A, Currently back home in Thailand!
Posts: 4,245
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Quote:
Originally Posted by weredoingit
Great information. I just got off the phone with WOODLAND, I was told that the trailer with the hitch on is 43.5' long my son's 3500 crew cab is just short of 21', on here it says 2003 Woodland Park Timber Ridge Series M-4485-8 Specs and Standard Equipment | NADAguides the trailer weighs 9140lbs. But the guy at Woodland didn't sound sure when he said the furniture that came with the trailer is included with the above weight. As for the brakes, in 2003 the trailer left a lot in Santa Rosa Ca. and was towed about 200 miles and then tires removed and frame sits on peer blocks. So hopefully a cleaning and they will work for one last trip. And I will be buying new rubber, the wheels and tires have been sitting on there side under the trailer since 2003 with about 200 miles on them???
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Well you are under 65' long with your son's truck, and it sounds like it is up to the job of towing 10,000 lbs, so the really big question is the tire's? 14 year old tire's that have 200 miles on them and have been stored in a dry, no sunlight place? I would take them to a tire shop, have them inspected, and make sure they are quality tires to start with, up to the job of extended interstate travel? 4 hours one way, as long as you keep the speeds down, as i'm sure you will, that call is up to you to decide! If the tires were some cheap crap that they put on it to just make the 200 miles, then I would replace them! What ever you decide, take some pic's and tell us how it went!
Rail!
__________________
Retired, and "Always on Holiday!"
1996 Monaco Windsor 38PB, "Mona" 275 HP., 8.3 Cummins, 3060 Allison 6 speed, 2001 PT Cruiser, "Bailey"
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12-07-2017, 12:28 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 26,643
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14 year old tires are useful for bumper stops, play swings etc.
IF--BIG IF---they had been properly stored MAYBE
But they weren't ---they were laying on their sides under the trailer rotting away
Brakes........never used since 2003.
They will be rusted in place. Need to pull drums and clean plus a little lube on pivot points. SHOULD repack bearings also
Test voltage to magnets and need new battery pack for the emergency break away switch (should be a small battery for emergency brake system as 'destination trailers' don't have DC System)
__________________
I took my Medication today. HAVE YOU?
Dodge 3500 w/Tractor Motor
US NAVY---USS Decatur DDG-31
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12-07-2017, 12:48 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Foretravel Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Home is Where WE PARK IT...
Posts: 6,007
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I'm gonna throw a few things out there.....
8'6" wide is legal to transport...semi-trailers are that wide.
You most likely will not have suitable mirrors to extend far enough to totally "see" around the trailer,(And yes the cops will check this if there is any question....
I really think your tow rig isn't large enough to compensate for the width/length/height and most importantly the gross weight of a park model.(I suspect that the 10k# that was given to you is for a bare shell.)
Also PAY ATTENTION to your receiver hitch weight rating and how it is mounted to the pickup frame..and the size of the hitch ball...
Be sure to get on top the trailer and check it's condition and ,,,
MEASURE the total overall height AT the FRONT & AT the REAR! when you are hooked up and ready to move the trailer.
14' is normally the limit for CA/OR/WA.
There is a couple of places on I-5 that are less than 14' clearance!!!!!
If higher than that you will have to remove antenna's, A/C units and so on..
Measure the width.. 8'6" is it.. if eves/awnings and so on exceed 8'6" they will have to be removed I suspect.
Go to a truckstop and buy the latest issue of the Rand McNalley Motor Carriers Road Atlas. in the front there are listings for known height limits/restrictions for bridges and overpasses for each state.
Moving a "shanty" has a lot of rules & regulations that most RV's do not have to abide by. A "Park Model" may or may not be under an RV exemption for movement..
Also under the STAA regs the length of trailer is what counts the power unit is separate, unless on a restricted route ie: 45/55/65' overall length .
If there is current license & tags You should not need any extra permits.
And OR & WA will recognize the CA plate and tags.
Also.. As an "RV" you will not be required to enter a state POE or scales if open..
OR.. if not licensed/tagged
You can get a Cal trip permit for the trailer movement, just have to stop at the state POE's for those, not that expensive..and just like a temp license for you car, OR & WA should honor it as you are a private vehicle.
be sure to have insurance to cover the whole rig..
__________________
Retired truckdriver,
'02 Foretravel... "This Shack will do"
being pushed by an '06 Scion xB
SKP's of Box Elder, South Dakota
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12-07-2017, 08:35 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,994
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All great information. I'm leaving my house in a few minutes and going over to the park. My plan today is to remove the skirting, get my skinny brother to crawl under and drag out all the tires and rims (I'm not telling him about all the rattle snakes I've killed there over the years, there sleeping now anyway ). I'm also going to pull the drums off the drivers side. and inspect brakes and repack bearings. The right side has a redwood deck and a metal awning, blocking access to that side of the axles. I put an add on craigslist last night, for free deck and awning if you remove. I looked I have 12 reply's today. The guy that owns the dealership, where it was bought new in 2003, still owns it and he went to high school with my wife. So he said bring him the tires and he would set me up. As far as the weight well if you check the links above it gives the weight as just under 10,000 lbs. As I said above I called Woodland's main office, I told the lady what I needed and she transferred me a guy that was able to give the total length "with the tow hitch installed. He also verified the weight. Whoever when I asked about the furniture he said the weight posted on the specs. included the furniture it came with?? Ill be home tonight I'll try to post pictures. I'm going to pull out the tow bar today, I'm very curious what size ball it takes? Or if it is a ball? This whole thing hit us like a ton of bricks. Were just about to put our house on the market and go full time in our 5ver. We never planned on giving up the trailer in the park. It's more a place for our kids and grand kids to go for a free weekend of fun, and only a three hour drive. But this year it went from being owned by mom & pop to being sold to a CHAIN PARK and we always have a little $ raise every other year or so, But now it's not the yearly raise in fee's but as of 01/01/2018 it's going to be like a TIME SHARE almost, at least it makes it real hard to sell it, and after the 1st were locked into a LIFETIME contract. Anyway I'm rambling on, I need to hit the road. Also the slides have never been retracted since 2003, I don't enen see a switch to bring them in, like my Montana. I haven't had time to look on line. If anyone has some advice on the slides, please I would love to hear it. BYTW it's a 2003 Woodland timber ridge park model.
__________________
2004 Montana 2955RL, 400 watt solar, 2000 watt inverter/charger, 4-Interstate 225AH 6volt golf cart batteries, All LED lights,Champion Remote start 3- fuel option 3100/3400 inverter/gen.- 2000 F-350 7.3 4x4 long bed crew cab SRW.
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12-07-2017, 08:05 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,228
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Having hauled for a living I would never ask a legal question about motor vehicle laws on a rv website.
In my state a park model trailer comes under mobilehome's and may require a permit to move them depending on its size.
Drop by your local state troop hdqters and ask them if there any permits required or other legal issues.
__________________
'03 Dodge 2500 Cummins HO 3.73 NV5600 Jacobs
'98 3500 DRW 454 4x4 4.10 crew cab
'97 Park Avanue RK 28' 2 slides
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