Community Forums

jrj89134 · 04-18-2020, 04:17 PM

Do all RV drivers out there get licenses to operate over 26000 . With TOAD that’s not hard to do? Thanks. John

450Donn · 04-18-2020, 04:21 PM

Totally depends on your states requirements.

slowmachine · 04-18-2020, 04:26 PM

Yes, it is up to the states. Here in New Hampshire, I can operate any size and weight of RV with the same license that I would need for my CR-V. Because there is no more stringent licensing requirement for heavy vehicles and air brakes, there is also no training available outside of CDL schools.

Solo_RV_Guy · 04-18-2020, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj89134

Do all RV drivers out there get licenses to operate over 26000 . With TOAD that’s not hard to do? Thanks. John

Typically I'd say consult your state's agency that issues driver licenses and ask. If they're confused call up the enforcement commander of your state patrol/HP/troopers and ask. While you have them on the phone (or email) ask about towing - length and weight, etc.

If your state does not require a different class of license to operate your motor home/towed combination, you're legal to operate in all states. You will still need to abide by each states laws regarding length limits, allowed tow weights, multiple tows, etc.

aether_one · 04-18-2020, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj89134

Do all RV drivers out there get licenses to operate over 26000 . With TOAD that’s not hard to do? Thanks. John

For your reading pleasure:

rrtribble · 04-18-2020, 04:54 PM

John's question was "Do all RV drivers out there get licenses to operate over 26000"
Plus he added a statement about adding the toad weight.

In answer to your question about Do they - my response is I know several in IL who continue to say 'NO' to getting a non-commercial Class B or A license even though the State requires one. One driver told me, 'I've been driving MHs for years and no one has ever asked to see my license." May be true but doesn't mean its legal.

When I was looking to buy my first DP I talked with salesmen in IL, MO, AZ, FL and TX. All, without exception stated there was no requirement to have a different DL than what is required to drive your car. When I mention the State's weight and towing statute they acted as if I was crazy.

My insurance agent told me they will insure the vehicle but if you have an accident that is your fault the company may refuse to cover costs due to the driver not being licensed to drive the vehicle.

I called the State Police. The officer said they don't normally ask for RV driver's license unless they have an accident and if they do not possess the correct license they will be ticked for driving w/o valid DL plus any other tickets.

As to the Toad's wieght. In IL you can drive a MH with a gross weight of less than 26,001 lbs with a normal DL. These MHs have a tow rating of 5,000 lbs and do not affect the DL rating.

For MHs with a gross wieght of 26,001 or more IL has 2 non-commercial categories. The Class B is for MHs rated at towing 10,000 or less pounds. The Class A is for MHs rated at towing in excess of 10,000 lbs.

IL does not have any additional licensing requirements such as Air Brakes.

After all is said in done my recommendation is don't worry about whether the other guy is properly licensed or not - just make sure you meet the requirements of your State and ENJOY!

Drive safe - Richard

I've learned I'm not responsible for what others do, only for myself.

Mr_D · 04-18-2020, 05:05 PM

Depends entirely on what the state that issues the license requires, nothing more.

SuperGewl · 04-18-2020, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn

Totally depends on your states requirements.

DITO
It depends on your licensed state requirements.

asuperheat · 04-19-2020, 06:13 AM

Not required here in Florida. It's legal for a 16 year old with a drivers license to drive a 50,000 lb diesel pusher LOL!

twinboat · 04-19-2020, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asuperheat

Not required here in Florida. It's legal for a 16 year old with a drivers license to drive a 50,000 lb diesel pusher LOL!

With one foot on the dash and texting.

Ivylog · 04-19-2020, 07:27 AM

Yes, in Nevada where it looks like you live, you need a special license, but the majority of states you do not.
Nevada Non-Commercial Class A & B, Endorsement J
RV, boat and trailer owners need a Class A or B license to drive vehicles 26,001 pounds or heavier. An Endorsement J is needed to tow a vehicle over 10,000 GVWR. If the combination of the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle(s) exceed 26,001 pounds, a Class A license is required.

Additional written and skills tests are required. For further information regarding the tests, license classes and Endorsement J, see the Non-Commercial Class A & B, J Endorsement Study Guide.

**Lt Dan** · 04-19-2020, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj89134

Do all RV drivers out there get licenses to operate over 26000 . With TOAD that’s not hard to do? Thanks. John

The 26,000 lb threshold in states that have a restriction does not include the towed vehicle, only the motor home. The amount you tow is a separate restriction depending on the weight. In Texas you can tow up to 10,000 lbs with a Class B license but over 10,000 requires a Class A

UTTransplant · 04-19-2020, 08:49 AM

My state doesn’t require a special license, but I actually think there should be one. Driving a big 13+ton vehicle is NOT like driving a car, and a person’s ability to drive such a beast should be tested. Oh, and I drive a 32,000 pound rig.

Gary RVRoamer · 04-20-2020, 11:41 AM

Quote:

My insurance agent told me they will insure the vehicle but if you have an accident that is your fault the company may refuse to cover costs due to the driver not being licensed to drive the vehicle.

Mostly a scare-tactic from your agent. The insurance covers the rig even if your 3 year old climbs into the driver seat and puts it in gear. The company may refuse to renew the policy if they learn your license is invalid, but you can read the fine print and almost surely prove that lack of a proper license is not a reason to void coverage. Note however that Canadian policies tend to be stricter than USA policies on things like that.

I don't know of any state that has a license weight limit that includes the toad on a motorhome. Where there are limits, it will be the coach GVWR, not actual weight and not anything towed. That may NOT be the case where states have separate license weight classes for tow vehicles plus trailers. Toads are usually excluded form those, however. Check your states specific requirements - other states and other peoples opinions aren't relevant. Including mine!