Community Forums

tcwventures · 05-09-2017, 07:58 PM

Hi,

My wive and I are planning on going full timing by the end of the year and we are considering a 42 foot fifth wheel. I have been hearing issues with fifth wheels over 40 feet and having to have special permits to move them, in over a dozen states. I would love any ones input or experience with this problem.

Thank you, Ty

spock123 · 05-09-2017, 08:33 PM

First I have ever heard of anything like that

SmokeyWren · 05-09-2017, 08:56 PM

20 states have a max RV trailer length of 40 feet. 11 states have a max combined RV trailer+tow vehicle length of less than 65 feet. Technically, if you want to tow a longer trailer or combined rig, then you would need a special permit in all those states.

However, practically speaking, no LEO is going to pull an RV over for too long a trailer or rig unless you are doing something really stupid, such as speeding or severely overloaded. While he's writing the ticket for stupid, he night add on that the trailer or combined rig exceeds the max length allowed in that state.

chertz · 05-10-2017, 03:46 AM

Interesting... our 5er measures over 40'... Never really thought about this aspect. Can you share the state's Smokey, or a link to this info... I would almost bet I have been thru at least one of those states!

xrated · 05-10-2017, 05:23 AM

Question.....since a 5ver "overhangs" into the truck bed by several feet, would they measure the entire length of the trailer, or just the length from the bumper of the tow vehicle to the back of the trailer?

SmokeyWren · 05-10-2017, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chertz

Can you share the state's Smokey, ...

States where 40' is max trailer length:
AK, AL, AZ, CA, CT, DR, FL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MS, NE, NJ, NM, OH, OK, RI, TN, WV
Oddball state where 35' is max trailer length = NC

States where less than 65' is max 2-vehicle combined length:
NJ = 50, MS = 53, MD = 55, DC = 55, CO = 60, GA = 60, IL = 60, IN = 60, MA = 60, NC = 60, RI = 60, WI = 60, UT = 61

Source: "Rules of the Road and Towing laws", 2017 North American RV Trailer & Savings Guide (Published by Trailer Life, Good Sam, Camping World, etc.)

FloraBama · 05-10-2017, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

States where 40' is max trailer length:
AK, AL, AZ, CA, CT, DR, FL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MS, NE, NJ, NM, OH, OK, RI, TN, WV
Oddball state where 35' is max trailer length = NC

Florida RV dealers sell 40+ feet units everyday so I would be interested in the source of this information.

Upon Edit:
Found this link to Good Sams. The question about how is a 5th wheel measured is valid. Manufactures (most) measure from the king pin to the rear most point. My unit is officially 34 feet but measures 38 feet. I really wouldn't worry about trailer length but be award of total combined length and I want even get into the Triple Towing craziness.

Link: https://www.goodsamcamping.com/plan/SizeLimits.aspx

ElvistheKing · 05-10-2017, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloraBama

Florida RV dealers sell 40+ feet units everyday so I would be interested in the source of this information.

Upon Edit:
Found this link to Good Sams. The question about how is a 5th wheel measured is valid. Manufactures (most) measure from the king pin to the rear most point. My unit is officially 34 feet but measures 38 feet. I really wouldn't worry about trailer length but be award of total combined length and I want even get into the Triple Towing craziness.

Link: https://www.goodsamcamping.com/plan/SizeLimits.aspx

Jusr because they sell 'em I would suggest means very little.

joshuajim · 05-10-2017, 08:55 AM

The devil is in the details. It depends upon how the 40 feet are measured. Here is CA law.

Twilightzone · 05-10-2017, 10:59 AM

Max length (truck/trailer) is 65' in California.
Measured from the front of the truck to the aft end of the trailer.

In California, over 15,000 lbs... you need a Class A (non-commercial) license.
Requires a medical form (every 2 years)... and a full driving test.

Class 'B' is basically for Motorhomes 40' to 45'. (Driving Test/Medical required)

Class 'C' with Recreational Vehicle rating... (No medical, no driving test).
Towing 5th wheel from 10,000 lbs to 15,000 lbs.

Class 'C' (basic) Motorhome up to 40'. TT up to 9,000 lbs. 5th wheel to 10,000 lbs.

Airmech · 05-11-2017, 06:18 PM

In wi it's 65' combined per dmv and class d license up to 26000 lbs gcw.

chertz · 05-12-2017, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

States where 40' is max trailer length:
AK, AL, AZ, CA, CT, DR, FL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MS, NE, NJ, NM, OH, OK, RI, TN, WV
Oddball state where 35' is max trailer length = NC

States where less than 65' is max 2-vehicle combined length:
NJ = 50, MS = 53, MD = 55, DC = 55, CO = 60, GA = 60, IL = 60, IN = 60, MA = 60, NC = 60, RI = 60, WI = 60, UT = 61

Source: "Rules of the Road and Towing laws", 2017 North American RV Trailer & Savings Guide (Published by Trailer Life, Good Sam, Camping World, etc.)

Thanks Smokey!

Per this I have been illegal in OH, TN, IN, and my home state of IL... good to know for sure.

As for another poster on drivers license.. IL is similar to your California... because the sum of GVW of my truck (14k) and camper (14k) exceeds 26k I had to go with a class A Non-CDL license.

That said the DMV lady even told me that it's extremely unlikely any coo would ever hastle me about it for an RV... but it cost me $5 and an afternoon... easy piece of mind.

rollondown · 05-12-2017, 04:07 PM

Call it what you want, but have you ever seen an RV dealer say "Nope, I can't sell you that one..... it's too long and illegal?"
I have never heard of anyone being pulled over for pulling a long 5th wheel rv.

Wileykid · 05-13-2017, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twilightzone

Max length (truck/trailer) is 65' in California.
Measured from the front of the truck to the aft end of the trailer.

In California, over 15,000 lbs... you need a Class A (non-commercial) license.
Requires a medical form (every 2 years)... and a full driving test.

Class 'B' is basically for Motorhomes 40' to 45'. (Driving Test/Medical required)

Class 'C' with Recreational Vehicle rating... (No medical, no driving test).
Towing 5th wheel from 10,000 lbs to 15,000 lbs.

Class 'C' (basic) Motorhome up to 40'. TT up to 9,000 lbs. 5th wheel to 10,000 lbs.

Minor clarification. In California, that 9,000 is if your tv weighs 4,000 or less. If your tv is over that, it is up to 9,999 for a tt on a class "c". Max trailer weight 10,000 is actually 9,999 and under, and so on.

That is why in California, you see 9,995 gvw stickers on the trailers.

I have the 5th wheel endorsement (known as a "restriction") on my license. Just a simple written test. Although if you are like me and have done the last number of license renewals online, you have to take in addition the written for every other license (basic, m/c) you have.

Mark