Pulling a large trailer and not having a CDL

[99wranglersport]

Going to pick up a 40' gooseneck trailer 21k GVWR and have a one ton truck, so I will be well over the 26k allowed on my license. I live in Mississippi just for the info. What's everyone doing that is hauling these redneck camper haulers for recreational only? Honestly not really worried to much, only trouble I have had in the past was when I was driving way to fast and got caught. BUT I would like to be prepared due to all the sue happy sorry mf'ers these days if there was a wreck.

My plans is to do the "not for hire" stickers on trailer and get a weighted tag for my pickup. I wanted to get a legal tag for my pick up but have been told anything over a b-10 requires to have atleast a class D cdl. Any thoughts or opinions?

There are restrictions on any trailer over weight. If it's an RV they usually don't mess with you. If you are not making money with it you don't need a CDL. If it is for recreational purposes only you only need a class A license. But like I said earlier if it's a RV you are good. Usually. The C in CDL is for commercial. If you are not making money doing it it is not commercial.

 

[Boba-Vett]

There are restrictions on any trailer over weight. If it's an RV they usually don't mess with you. If you are not making money with it you don't need a CDL. If it is for recreational purposes only you only need a class A license. But like I said earlier if it's a RV you are good. Usually. The C in CDL is for commercial. If you are not making money doing it it is not commercial.

Yes same test though still requires a vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and on road drive. What you show up with dictates what restrictions if any that you will have. Only difference is the med card to my knowledge

 

[ridered3]

This flow chart makes it more clear, they standardized it across all states. The only other thing is California offers and endorsement for 5th wheel rv trailers between 10,000 and 15,000 gvwr. No drive test necessary just a simple endorsement. However it's primary use must be an rv, crawler haulers and toy haulers are not eligible as they consider it's primary function as a transport. Same thing for horse trailers with living quarters. All three must obtain a commercial or non commercial class A license.

Flowchart really sums it up. Thankfully for me, the trailer + truck weight is below 26k both on paper and on the scale, so no CDL for this particular setup.

 

[Boba-Vett]

Flowchart really sums it up. Thankfully for me, the trailer + truck weight is below 26k both on paper and on the scale, so no CDL for this particular setup.

Mint!

 

[ridered3]

Mint!

Agreed. Saved that flowchart for future reference as well.

Random question that you may or may not have an answer for (and I am just being lazy by asking here vs looking into myself), what's changing in the CDL requirements for 2022? I've heard several mentions of getting it now in 2021 due to changes coming in 2022 but no idea of what those changes are.

 

[Boba-Vett]

Basically, 15 hours minimum documented behind the wheel experience, 5 of which can be backing skills, also documented cargo securement course. It was supposed to be implemented this year but as with everything with dmv it's a crap shoot. One day they will tell us it changed a week prior and the change will take effect.

 

[ridered3]

Basically, 15 hours minimum documented behind the wheel experience, 5 of which can be backing skills, also documented cargo securement course. It was supposed to be implemented this year but as with everything with dmv it's a crap shoot. One day they will tell us it changed a week prior and the change will take effect.

Ah I see. Thanks for the info and was just curious.

 

[Beerj]

Flowchart really sums it up. Thankfully for me, the trailer + truck weight is below 26k both on paper and on the scale, so no CDL for this particular setup.

I don't like that chart, for the opposite reason that you like it. Explains why my trailer was de-rated from the original sticker.

 

[ridered3]

I don't like that chart, for the opposite reason that you like it. Explains why my trailer was de-rated from the original sticker.

Ha that sounds about right!

 

[Bebop]

This flow chart makes it more clear, they standardized it across all states. The only other thing is California offers and endorsement for 5th wheel rv trailers between 10,000 and 15,000 gvwr. No drive test necessary just a simple endorsement. However it's primary use must be an rv, crawler haulers and toy haulers are not eligible as they consider it's primary function as a transport. Same thing for horse trailers with living quarters. All three must obtain a commercial or non commercial class A license.

Damn.
Seems like a lot of people need class A licenses...

 

[Boba-Vett]

Damn.
Seems like a lot of people need class A licenses...

Yes, but not always. The catch is you either need the license, or you are towing beyond the rated capacity of your tow rig keeping it under 26000 gcwr. They got you either way, for instance they sit at the entrance to the ocean dunes and wait for 3 axle trailers and do a license and gvwr evaluation. Handing out tickets like oprah

 

[toot toot]

Been running this with a 40' Sundowner and another 40' trailer for 4 years with any problems. Blow by the scales in La,Tx,Ark and Ok

 

[ridered3]

View attachment 159077
Been running this with a 40' Sundowner and another 40' trailer for 4 years with any problems. Blow by the scales in La,Tx,Ark and Ok

Sweet setup!

 

[xjcrawler]

View attachment 159077
Been running this with a 40' Sundowner and another 40' trailer for 4 years with any problems. Blow by the scales in La,Tx,Ark and Ok

Nice Truck # !!!!

 

[ridered3]

Our current setup of truck (F-250) plus enclosed trailer with living quarters (28' overall) is under the 26k weight requirements both on paper and on the scale so I'm good to go there. We only have personal use so that's the nature of the following questions and are located in Tennessee if location matters.

1) I've always had the understanding that tow vehicle (pickup truck for example) + trailer (camper or otherwise) cannot exceed 26,000 pounds without an endorsement. Is that understanding correct?

2) It's also been my understanding that the only exception to the 26k weight restriction without an endorsement is if the tow vehicle (motorhomes or converted semis) is registered as a rv/motorhome with GVWR greater than 26,001 pounds. Is that understanding correct as well?

What brought this up was a discussion in the Crawler Haulers FaceSpace group in which a couple of people stated that as long as the trailer was registered as an rv/motorhome then the 26k weight restriction did not apply.

3) So basically either my understanding has been incorrect or their understanding is incorrect. Which one is it?

 

[paradisepwoffrd]

My understanding, in NC atleast:

- 26k limit on your license does not include RVs.
- Weight rating on your tag, includes truck, trailer, and all load; but is not needed when hauling an RV.
- Only "Property hauling vehicles" are required to have a weighted tag. Most SUVs, RVs, and some vans are not considered property hauling vehicles.

 

[extremetownie]

I tried and was told in TN . There is no RV registration by my county. So I just keep my fingers crossed and keep on rolling.

 

[ridered3]

My understanding, in NC atleast:

- 26k limit on your license does not include RVs.
- Weight rating on your tag, includes truck, trailer, and all load; but is not needed when hauling an RV.
- Only "Property hauling vehicles" are required to have a weighted tag. Most SUVs, RVs, and some vans are not considered property hauling vehicles.

That's pretty interesting. So maybe my understanding was partially correct and partially incorrect.

 

[ridered3]

I tried and was told in TN . There is no RV registration by my county. So I just keep my fingers crossed and keep on rolling.

Interesting. I know Batmobile Will Stewart had a Class 8 semi registered as a rv/motorhome but not sure if the original paperwork change was done in Tennessee or elsewhere.

 

[paradisepwoffrd]

Interesting. I know Batmobile Will Stewart had a Class 8 semi registered as a rv/motorhome but not sure if the original paperwork change was done in Tennessee or elsewhere.

There are folks here that have done the same thing. The challenge seems to be getting insurance for them, that is reasonable.

I have heard the same thing about converting enclosed to RVs. Insurance coverage becomes more of a challenge, because it doesnt have the "official" RV stamp on it.