Special license for class 8

[outlawten5]

Is a special DL needed for an Explorer or XL class 8 truck?

[C Beedle]

Those coaches are registered as motorhomes, so most states only require a standard drivers license.

There are quite a few states that require you to upgrade your license, here is a link..
https://www.campanda.com/magazine/rv...-requirements/

[1JetDoc]

Originally Posted by outlawten5

Is a special DL needed for an Explorer or XL class 8 truck?

Florida does not require a special driver's license to operate a vehicle that is registered as an RV, but your insurance company may want one, or at least some specialized driver training before they will cover you. Talk with your friendly local agent to be sure.

[DaddyRV779]

I just read the article on the Campanda link. Just to comment - it didn't sound accurate - at least with respect to California Class A non commercial:
"California: Class B license required over 26,000 lb or over 40 feet; Class A license required for towing over 10,000 lbs"
I hold a California Class A non commercial - with respect to a fifth wheel...if the trailer is above 15,000 GSVW, you need a Class A non-commercial license.

IMHO - Campanda needs to do an update

[1JetDoc]

Originally Posted by DaddyRV779

I just read the article on the Campanda link. Just to comment - it didn't sound accurate - at least with respect to California Class A non commercial:
"California: Class B license required over 26,000 lb or over 40 feet; Class A license required for towing over 10,000 lbs"
I hold a California Class A non commercial - with respect to a fifth wheel...if the trailer is above 15,000 GSVW, you need a Class A non-commercial license.

IMHO - Campanda needs to do an update

US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a Class A CDL for towing a trailer over 10,000 lbs GVWR. Most states have adopted DOT rules for their state laws. Don't know why California would have a higher limit.

[Uncle_Mike]

This question comes up in virtually all Super C forums eventually. The only answer is: research the laws for your specific state because every state has its own requirements.

In Virginia, no special license or endorsement is needed for an RV, even one based on a Class 8 truck, even one that would otherwise meet class A or B standards. It is a little hard to believe sometimes...

[drewtk]

+1 to check your state’s laws. Typically, there are actually two questions: (1) Do you need a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)? Very unlikely. (2) Do you need an upgraded license due to the gross vehicle weight of the RV, OR the RV + what you plan to tow.

In Texas, I needed to upgrade from a Class C to a Class B to drive my Renegade Valencia, towing my Jeep Wrangler. If I was towing a heavy trailer, I’d actually need a Class A.

Again, check your state’s laws, and also consider whether what you intend to tow affects what class of license you need.

[az99]

Originally Posted by 1JetDoc

US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a Class A CDL for towing a trailer over 10,000 lbs GVWR. Most states have adopted DOT rules for their state laws. Don't know why California would have a higher limit.

I don't believe that is correct. That would only be if you were using in commercially. Not everyone towing a heavy 5th wheel. Some states, like Pa., do require a non commercial Class A to tow a trailer over 10,000 lb.

[MathComp]

The Campanda article says this:

Pennsylvania: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; [r]equired for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb


Yet PennDOT's website says this:

• CLASS A (minimum age 18): Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle(s) being towed is/are in excess of 10,000 pounds. Example: Recreational Vehicle, when the towing vehicle is rated at 11,000 pounds and the vehicle towed is rated at 15,500 pounds (total combination weight of 26,500 pounds).
• CLASS B (minimum age 18): Required to operate any single vehicle rated in excess of 26,000 pounds. Example: Motor homes rated at 26,001 pounds or more.

So according to Campanda, I would require a Class B license if I towed my 3000-pound CR-V behind my 24,000-pound motor home, since the combined weight is over 26,000 pounds. PennDOT's information disagrees with this, though. I shouldn't require any special license since either single vehicle does not exceed 26,000 pounds (class B) and the vehicle being towed doesn't exceed 10,000 pounds (class A).

I guess the moral of the story is to check the official state information; don't rely on a summary of compiled state information.

[Lt Dan]

The Campanda article says the same thing for Texas, which is wrong as well. The Penn statutes are almost exactly the same for Class A and B Operator's license in Texas.

[TXiceman]

The best current source for a Floridia license requirement is go directly to the Floridia DPS website and find the license classes. You cannot believe everything on the internet.

Ken

[az99]

Originally Posted by MathComp

The Campanda article says this:

Pennsylvania: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; [r]equired for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb


Yet PennDOT's website says this:

• CLASS A (minimum age 18): Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle(s) being towed is/are in excess of 10,000 pounds. Example: Recreational Vehicle, when the towing vehicle is rated at 11,000 pounds and the vehicle towed is rated at 15,500 pounds (total combination weight of 26,500 pounds).
• CLASS B (minimum age 18): Required to operate any single vehicle rated in excess of 26,000 pounds. Example: Motor homes rated at 26,001 pounds or more.

So according to Campanda, I would require a Class B license if I towed my 3000-pound CR-V behind my 24,000-pound motor home, since the combined weight is over 26,000 pounds. PennDOT's information disagrees with this, though. I shouldn't require any special license since either single vehicle does not exceed 26,000 pounds (class B) and the vehicle being towed doesn't exceed 10,000 pounds (class A).

I guess the moral of the story is to check the official state information; don't rely on a summary of compiled state information.

You would not require a Class B since the RV is not over 26K. The combinations are only in play if the trailer is over 10K.

[MemByTheMile]

Originally Posted by MathComp

The Campanda article says this:

Pennsylvania: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; [r]equired for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb


Yet PennDOT's website says this:

• CLASS A (minimum age 18): Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle(s) being towed is/are in excess of 10,000 pounds. Example: Recreational Vehicle, when the towing vehicle is rated at 11,000 pounds and the vehicle towed is rated at 15,500 pounds (total combination weight of 26,500 pounds).
• CLASS B (minimum age 18): Required to operate any single vehicle rated in excess of 26,000 pounds. Example: Motor homes rated at 26,001 pounds or more.

So according to Campanda, I would require a Class B license if I towed my 3000-pound CR-V behind my 24,000-pound motor home, since the combined weight is over 26,000 pounds. PennDOT's information disagrees with this, though. I shouldn't require any special license since either single vehicle does not exceed 26,000 pounds (class B) and the vehicle being towed doesn't exceed 10,000 pounds (class A).

I guess the moral of the story is to check the official state information; don't rely on a summary of compiled state information.

Be sure to pay attention to the wording, “rated”. If it is rated for 27k, but you only weight 25k, it appears to me that the rating is what counts. This is what the law enforcement can check when they stop you, reading the sticker on the door jamb.