Double Towing in CALIFORNIA

[JIMNLIN]

Originally Posted by MnTom

Here is a manual for RVs in California (revised in 2011): https://apps.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648.pdf

Its important to read the disclaimer at the bottom of the handbook which refers to the CA DMV handbook.
Now as lay persons we have no idea how the department will interpret/enforce a code. As others are saying the only folks that can help is the commercial enforcement folks as they have jurisdiction over all private or commercial vehicles on the road.

This number/names is about 5-6 years old but maybe it can lead you to those that can help.

Should you desire any further information, please contact Officer Ron Leimer, of my staff,
at (916) 445-1865. Sincerely,
S. B. DOWLING, Captain
Commander
Commercial Vehicle Section"

[Papatoo5]

Originally Posted by Chiefrocka

I am good on lengths.

I measured from the frt bumper to the 5th wheel plate, then from the kingpin to the rear of the RV....then from the boay tongue to the end of my jetpump. I came up with 63'

This gives me 2' to play with ballmount location, and when I add the rooster tail to boat ....

I think it will matter on the officer and his or her knowledge and patience.

More homework for me ....

If neither trailer exceeds 28.5' you can legally tow up to 75' in California.

[papaj2007]

Yes, double towing is allowed in CA. You MUST have a Double/Triple endorsement. IF your 5er is between 10,001# & 15K#, You MUST have an endorsement as well. IF you get a Non- Commercial Class A or B. (NOTE: both aforementioned requires Physical every 2 years, Class C does not.)
In either case, max combined length is 65' and GCVW must be less than 26,001#.
I have personally had a Class A with all the endorsements since I was 21, so just easier to keep them.

[Cummins12V98]

I have been under the impression that since I am licensed in SD that CA recognizes me to double tow in CA. WA and OR do NOT recognize SD.

[MnTom]

Every state has reciprocity covering your drivers' license, vehicle registration, and insurance. If you are legally licensed and insured in your home state you are legal in all states. Just because I can pull doubles in Minnesota doesn't mean I can pull doubles in a state that does not allow them. The motor vehicle laws are state specific.

[Cummins12V98]

Anyone from personal experience double tow in CA being licensed in another state that it's legal?

[DWRichard]

Feel free to double tow in California if you're licensed to drive in a state where it's legal to do so.

Just remember that you're on California soil, and THEIR laws apply. Your license goes with you (part of your constitutionally-protected right to interstate travel), but your state's laws only apply on your state's soil.

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

Anyone from personal experience double tow in CA being licensed in another state that it's legal?

Still waiting!

[DonDee]

Originally Posted by Dupdyke

Well you are not quite correct, IF I have a cdl A lic with doubles or tripples endorsment I can tow about anything I dare.

My partner is an old UPS tripples train driver and got stopped and Ok trooper said sorry I will have to give you a ticket and you can not leave here with that thing.

He handed him the lic and the answer was Just a minute I gotta check on how this works. Trooper said sorry have a nice day and left...

Yep. That's correct.

[papaj2007]

Originally Posted by DWRichard

Feel free to double tow in California if you're licensed to drive in a state where it's legal to do so.

Just remember that you're on California soil, and THEIR laws apply. Your license goes with you (part of your constitutionally-protected right to interstate travel), but your state's laws only apply on your state's soil.

In case someone is confused by the aforementioned, Driving is a "Privilege" NOT a right and as such, NOT protected by the Constitution of the US. With a CDL, MOST States will recognize you license and yes, with a CDL and proper Double/Triple endorsement, it is legal to double tow in CA. Nowhere in the California Vehicle Code, that I have been able to locate, states anything to the contrary, just to be clear. CVC 21715: No passenger vehicle regardless of weight, or any commercial vehicle less than 4000 lbs shall tow more than one vehicle in combination except for a car on a tow dolly. This is the ONLY section I can find in the CVC that applies. And the key here is whether or not your truck has a commercial plate or non-commercial plate. My 1 ton has commercial plates, weighs over 8K lbs, and I have a CDL w/ endorsements, so this section WOULD NOT apply and could be argued successfully pretty much in ANY Court.
The bottom line, IF they want to mess with you, THEY WILL. If you are abiding by the posted speed limit and operating your vehicle in a safe manner, the odds of being stopped by any LEO is pretty slim. Chose your battles!
Here is a link to some info that some may find useful: Here are the California Towing Laws You Need To Know Before You Tow

[NevadaNick]

Not only is towing doubles legal in Ca, towing 2 bumper pulls is legal there. I was stopped several years ago towing there and after he contacted his superior did he finally learn that i was legal. Also to the statement about being 75ft, you have to have a truck that is rated over a certain amount to be in the 75ft class. I recently read this and cant remember the rating but believe it was 11,500. This puts the truck in a different class which allows the 75ft. I emailed CHP about towing double bumper pulls a few years back and kept the response from them.

[DWRichard]

Originally Posted by papaj2007

In case someone is confused by the aforementioned, Driving is a "Privilege" NOT a right and as such, NOT protected by the Constitution of the US.

And in case YOU'RE confused, I never claimed that driving was a right.

It is your right to interstate travel which is protected, which is why IF you have the privilege of having a driver's license in one state, it is universally recognized by all states.

[Cummins12V98]

Anyone here double tow in CA?

[timetogo]

The only problem with double towing is it might be one trailer too many. Have fun.......