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Old 11-21-2012, 10:29 AM   #1
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Just looking for feedback on this topic.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety Drivers Handbook, in order to tow a total of 26,000 pounds or more you need to have a Class A drivers license. The GVWR for my F-350 and 36RL is about 28,000 pounds. After some research, I find that a recreational vehicle that is driven for personal use is considered exempt. Very confusing!

I also understand that if you don't have the proper license and are involved in an accident it could be an issue with you insurance company.

Do I need to start studying for a Class A license or am I OK towing with the normal Class C license?

Are there any other states that require a special license certification to tow a large fifth-wheel?
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Old 11-21-2012, 11:40 AM   #2
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Actually I think there are quite a few States, I think it's patterened after a Fed DOD reg, but don't quote me. It gets quite confusing but for the most part if you're towing a trailer over 10000 Lbs and the combined Gross is over 26000 Lbs in a majority of states require some sort of special permit. Now probably 95% of the folks towing or driving MHs are unaware of this. I know for NY it's a driving test and you need someone to drive you rig home after the test since you're not presently licensed to drive/tow the combination. This makes it rather hard for the normal individual to do. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
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Old 11-21-2012, 11:44 AM   #3
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I don't think you'll need a class A license. It states that's for recreational - you are exempt. Aside from that, your RL doesn't come close to 28,000 lbs and that's what you are towing. More likely about 16,000 lbs.
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Old 11-21-2012, 01:04 PM   #4
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Nope....you only need the special lic. if you are hauling a Redwood for hire.
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Old 11-21-2012, 02:33 PM   #5
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Here in Nevada. You need a J endosement to pull a trailer over 10,000 lbs with compo totalup to26,000 lbs. with no air brakes.If the total is over 26,000 lbs or you have air brakes,you need a RV CDL. All of this require a writen, pre drive inspectionand driving test. If you get stopped, with out them, $800.00 and they may tow your trailer and or motorhome. We all know how the states need the money.



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Old 11-21-2012, 04:22 PM   #6
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Never had a special licence for my motorhomes two of which were over 26000 lbs. base. Sure glad we saw the light and switched to a Redwood soooo much lighter and no air brakes.$$$$$$$$
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Old 11-21-2012, 04:51 PM   #7
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What I was referring in my previous post is something fairly recent, it's not a requirement for a CDL, but for an endorsement to a standard Driver License. And at least in NY State does affect RVs. There are different combinations, but for a trailer it affects a trailer over 10000 Lbs when the TVand RV exceed 26000 Lbs which puts us with our RL right on the fence as our Gross scale weight before a recent trip was 25720, so I'm positive that we were over the 26000 Lbs limit when we headed South for the winter. Right now enforcement is lack, but as States look for new ways to make money who knows. As I mentioned, I believe this is an effort to standardize state to state and is based on a Fed DOD standard/regulation.
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Old 11-21-2012, 06:18 PM   #8
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I'm safe...I've had a commercial drivers license for over 30 years with endorsements that cover everything on the road including charter coaches. I've seriously thought of giving up the commercial license but I guess I should hold on them for a while.

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Old 11-21-2012, 10:12 PM   #9
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All,

I went thru this when looking at buying the 38BR and my F-350 dually. Check your local DOH or DMV websites or stop by the scale. I did with my truck... it was 33 kgs over limit for a non-commercial vehicle because I got all my options factory installed. They told me they would look the other way if stopped. The big shock was that the truck needs to be registered for the combined weight of truck and trailer... $$$$$ for 2-3 weeks a year. Still have truck registered by itself. Ontario has a Class A RV exemption for trailers over 4600 kg if used for personal use, trailer is a 5th wheel, truck cannot have more than 2 axles.


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Old 11-21-2012, 10:58 PM   #10
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Here in BC Canada the requirement is that anendorsementisrequiredfortheirdrivers licence if you are TOWING an trailer over 10500lbs. This requires taking awrittenand driving test and the driving test here you have toparallelpark fun fun fun

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Old 11-21-2012, 11:40 PM   #11
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Now I know where our politicians and their silly laws come from....eh

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Old 11-22-2012, 11:13 PM   #12
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Yaa... you betcha... that's why they don't let us have guns up here in the Great White North.... we'd use 'em!

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Old 11-23-2012, 11:28 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BradPAjax
Yaa... you betcha... that's why they don't let us have guns up here in the Great White North.... we'd use 'em!
Next year after I get through all my health treatments we're going to have more fun and one of the places I want to take my wife to is the Great White North.
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Old 11-23-2012, 11:38 AM   #14
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Here in California you are required to have a 5th wheel endorsement if the GVWR for the 5th wheelis below 15,000 lbs, if it is above 15,000 lbs (like my 35RE is) then you need a class A license. I had a Califormia class C with motorcycle endorsement (M), so when I went to the CA DMV they made me take the written test for A, C and M, then I had to make an appointment to take the class Adriving test at the CDL test facility in West Sacramento.
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Old 11-24-2012, 12:53 PM   #15
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DoddsCP,



Have you done anything special to your Ford F250 to tow your RW35RE? I purchased a new 2012 RW34SK and am having Air Lift air bags and compressor kits installed on my 2010 F250 diesel crew cab. Just wondering....
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Old 11-24-2012, 11:42 PM   #16
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Screw the government and everything that they are taking from us why don't they get a job OH sorry there crooks
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Old 11-25-2012, 03:05 AM   #17
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jlandon13399 I have the same truck and did the firestone air bags. The air bags really made a difference in the ride. In am planning to add the Banks six gun tuner and exhaust as well.. More tow power and better fuel economy when not towing.

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Old 11-25-2012, 11:35 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sinder
jlandon13399 I have the same truck and did the firestone air bags. The air bags really made a difference in the ride. In am planning to add the Banks six gun tuner and exhaust as well.. More tow power and better fuel economy when not towing.
I put the Spartan tuner on mine as well as new exhaust and cold air intake. The truck didn't really have any problems at all pulling my trailer before but now it really pulls it down the road. The REAL epa increase on my set-up was 2-3 mpg either towing or solo. That's with mine set at 120 ft. torque. I'm being told if I do the EGR plate it will increase another 2-3 mpg. Set at 120 I don't have a bunch of black smoke following me around and it only added a slight rumble to the sound. So when I'm done I'll have an increase between 4 and 5 mpg

If your going to drive a lot it will pay for itself but to most folks it's going to take some time. In my case I drive my truck anywhere from 3-4000 miles a month so it works for me. It does void your warranty unless you have an open minded dealer which we have here.
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Old 11-25-2012, 02:03 PM   #19
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Here is another option instead of the air bags. These are very easy to install and the do not effect the ride when there is no load on the truck. I had a set installed by a firestone dealer and he recommended them over the airbags. I also have the frame mounts for my fifth auto slide hitch so could not put on the air bags. I had them installed on my F150 before and they worked very well and at half the cost and they install in about 1/2 hr and you can do it your self. I am going to be putting these on my F350. Below is the link.

Rick and Kerry
Vehicle Suspension Kits - Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems
www.timbren.com/



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Old 11-25-2012, 02:06 PM   #20
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I have Firestone airbags with compressor on the F250 and I have pulled it up and down the mountain areas here in northern California with no problems.
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