Safe roads to travel

[jcwhitty]

Hello Everyone: I was choosing a route to travel in my motorhome, and knew it was a two lane curvy road from looking on a map. Once I got on the road, I passed a warning sign stating that "30 feet or more between kingpin and rear axle not recommended". I understand that this is for truckers, and the kingpin I assume is the point where the trailer attaches and pivots on the tractor. How does this sign translate to the length of a motorhome with a tag axle?

[CampDaven]

Disregard. You are under that with a 35 ft MH.
We have gone where have been warned we should not. I am comfortable with my rig and have not had any issues. Well, we will go slowly if the path warrants it.
But the journey is our destination!
Where will we not hurry to next?

[amanda_h]

Not that I'm necessarily disagreeing with CampDaven but since you're talking about a tag-axle coach, it possibly could be over 40' ...you didn't say what length of coach you're talking about.

California, for instance, considers a 40' to 45' bus or motorhome an "over-length" bus and as such, doesn't recommend that such a vehicle use a route which is posted with the advisory "Tractor-Semis Over 30 Feet Kingpin to Rear Axle Not Advised."

Here's what it says:

"Over-length buses may travel on virtually every State route EXCEPT those signed with a 30-foot kingpin-to-rear-axle (KPRA) advisory sign. This sign advises trucks with a KPRA of more than 30 feet not to use the route. There are also KPRA advisories signs with 32, 34, 36, and 38 feet. These advisories that are 32 feet and higher ALLOW over-length buses to use the routes."

Source: click here (this particular reference pertains to buses with bike racks but the KPRA advisory would seem to apply with or without a bike rack.

I'm thinking it is similar for other states.


-harry

[Rick & Hope]

Here is link to Over Length Motorhomes
45' Motorhomes

[Charrua72]

Originally Posted by jcwhitty

Hello Everyone: I was choosing a route to travel in my motorhome, and knew it was a two lane curvy road from looking on a map. Once I got on the road, I passed a warning sign stating that "30 feet or more between kingpin and rear axle not recommended". I understand that this is for truckers, and the kingpin I assume is the point where the trailer attaches and pivots on the tractor. How does this sign translate to the length of a motorhome with a tag axle?

You are correct about the terminology, these signs warn truckers that their trailers will track into the oncoming lane in some corners if they measure longer than what's posted.

[CampDaven]

Profile of the OP states 35 foot

[pumper9x9]

I found one of those while coming down from Oregon to Ca along the Smith river. The problem was that there was no place to turn around once we crossed the border. Ca has some screwy warning sign systems. If you find yourself on those roads look out for logging trucks pulling a pup they like to take their half of the road out of the middle.

[amanda_h]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Profile of the OP states 35 foot

No, like I say, I'm not disagreeing with you pertaining to a 35' coach. It's just that the OP specifically is asking about a tax-axle coach. Maybe he is considering purchasing one or his profile is not up to date?

-harry

Originally Posted by pumper9x9

I found one of those while coming down from Oregon to Ca along the Smith river. The problem was that there was no place to turn around once we crossed the border. Ca has some screwy warning sign systems. If you find yourself on those roads look out for logging trucks pulling a pup they like to take their half of the road out of the middle.

Yes, good point. I believe I've seen that particular sign too but I have a shorter coach so it didn't mean much to me. However, I'm thinking it is not necessarily illegal to proceed, it's just not "advisable" ??

-harry

[jcwhitty]

Thanks everyone for responding. The link to the CAGOV was especially helpful.My question I intended as general. How do I apply that dimension (30') to the wheelbase of a motorhome. I do currently drive a 35, but as Harry mentioned, I am looking at longer coaches.

Regarding the drive down the Smith River, made that in my Landcruiser in January to go Steelheading with some buddies from the Bay Area S.F. Absolutely gorgeous area! Try to go down every January and stay at the Middle Fork Ranch, just above Gasquett. Usually watch more football, eat and drink than fishing, but always a great time. One of the best steel head rivers in the country.

Thanks again for all the responses.

John.