Forum Discussion

Fire_Instructor's avatar
Fire_Instructor
Explorer
Apr 03, 2016

California Maximum 5th Wheel Length

I got into a discussion with someone on another forum (a FB page), who pointed me to a AAA website that clearly shows that multiple states, including California, limit 2-axle 5th wheel trailers to a max length of 40'. Is this accurate? I thought that I've seen posts from folks IN California, with longer rigs.... Why would the manufacturers build a trailer that you can't take to certain states?

here's the link that started the discussion: AAA Driving Laws
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Apr 03, 2016
    They seem to be talking about King Pin To Rear Axle (KPRA) distance which would shave a foot or two off the nose-cone length and all of the trailer behind the rear axle. So the permitted trailer length would exceed the 38 or 40 ft limit by quite a lot. 6 or 8 feet or more maybe.

    As for 3 axles the limit is specified for "2 or more axles" so adding an axle wouldn't add any permitted length.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2016
    Probably a good rule and makes sense...I'd want a third axle for anything over 40 feet.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Apr 03, 2016
    According to the California Dept of Transportation, it is indeed a valid rule. Please read the attached summary sheet.

    Vehicle Length

    Jim

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