over length in most states

Let me first say that I no longer pull doubles (truck, FW, utility trailer) because it was just to much of a hassle.

I was never pulled over but was approached twice by a CA DOT officer while we were stopped for the night. I wasn't over length so no issues. The second time the LEO said that he would use surroundings to judge length. Example if you are near a 53' commercial semi and look longer you are probable over 65'.

Many states will allow you to pass through as long as you are legal in the state you are registered. In Oregon we had the opportunity to talk with a state trooper and while we were apparently illegal in Oregon the fact that we were legal in CA (all were registered in CA) his head office instructed him too not write us up.

In all the miles we pulled doubles we drove safe, within speed limits and were in compliance with CA regulations and never had a problem. Every time we were approached we were stopped for the night or having lunch.

One other thing I do is never take one website too seriously. If several sites agree, then I will take that as a sign that they are probably correct.

Of course, my wife thinks that commercial about "reaching the end of the internet" is about me!

In addition to just getting stopped, another potentially bigger problem would be if you are involved in an accident, your fault or not. Seems good excuse for an insurance company to not pay. I know nothing about double or triple towing, just a thought on liability.

wirenutz wrote:
http://towingworld.com/towinglaws.cfm, here ya go write to them and explane why its called towing doubles, and now my disclaimer;
my posts are for entertainment purposes only and may not be constituted as scientific, technical, engineering, or practical advice. Information is believed to be true but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed / or deemed fit for any purpose

There seems to be a rash of silliness on this board lately. Another member block in place.

wirenutz wrote:
http://towingworld.com/towinglaws.cfm, here ya go write to them and explane why its called towing doubles, and now my disclaimer;
my posts are for entertainment purposes only and may not be constituted as scientific, technical, engineering, or practical advice. Information is believed to be true but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed / or deemed fit for any purpose

Rub some liniment oil on your skin buckeroo, it's a little too thin. :B

Travelon

wirenutz wrote:
http://towingworld.com/towinglaws.cfm, here ya go write to them and explane why its called towing doubles, ...

No.

Like I said, if you are towing three trailers, you will obviously be over length.

If you are towing two trailers, it will be hard to know if you are over length without measuring your rig.

And, not all the states have the same limits. Many of them may offer an over length permit that you can purchase before getting there.

For nearly 17 years I drove a rig that was 123', and did the permitting and measuring daily. I made it my job to know the bridge formulas better than the enforcement people.

http://towingworld.com/towinglaws.cfm, here ya go write to them and explane why its called towing doubles, and now my disclaimer;
my posts are for entertainment purposes only and may not be constituted as scientific, technical, engineering, or practical advice. Information is believed to be true but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed / or deemed fit for any purpose

I have a doubles and triples endorsement on my license. If you are triple towing, you would most likely get stopped. If you meant double, chances are you won't get stopped unless it is for something else. It is difficult to judge a length being over a couple feet at highway speeds.

It will depend on your comfort level with possibly being slightly over length. Not all the states have the same limits.

Gee! I guess "Towing World" is more correct than the wording in the Florida Statutes. [[Double Towing]]

oldchief7155 wrote:
Darn, 33 years on the California Highway Patrol including time as a commercial unit supervisor and I called it the wrong thing for all those years as did and still do the current officers.

Explain why it is called triple "towing" when only two vehicles are being towed.

Explain why commercial drivers license endorsement says doubles towing. There is also an endorsement for pulling three commercial trailers in states where it is legal, and amazingly it is called triples towing.

X2

My CA. License says the same thing. In CA. two trailers are considered doubles. (65' OAL)

I tow doubles, fifth wheel and boat trailer, and I e mailed California Dept. of Transportation, HQ Traffic Operations, Office of Truck Services, Truck Size & Weight Unit and asked them to clarify Over All Length. The following is the reply.
" Thank you for contacting the Office of Truck Services. Length is measured from the front bumper of the truck to the end of the boat trailer, not the load on the trailer (the boat in this case). The load on the trailer that extends past the last point of support is considered overhang."

My OAL is 64'-9" plus 18" over hang. Hope the e mail will keep me on the road.:h