94-D2 wrote:
What you say is true. However, I would and have written the ticket, placed out of service and impounded vehicles for irresponsible drivers doing it (not all since every case is different and may mitigating circumstances). It is the responsibility of the driver to know what is required when they are driving it. Don’t not do it (obtain the appropriate license) because you don’t like the answer or your afraid of it. Obtaining a class A license is a big deal and not easy. It’s is that way for a reason. The reason it is ambiguous for Leo’s and DMV personnel is because it is obscure and out of the norm for the other 26,000,000 licensed drivers in the state.
The 5th wheel endorsement is not an endorsement in DMV language. That is part of the confusion in asking for it. It is a restriction on a class C license in endorsement clothing, so to speak. To be clear, any class C operator needs the 5th wheel restriction on their class C license if towing a 5th wheel RV between 10,000 and 15,000 lbs. anyone towing a 5th wheel RV OVER 15,000 lbs or a travel trailer over 10,000 lbs must have at least a non commercial class A.
And, for anyone using an Anderson ball conversion, Class A if over 10,000 lbs. why, because of the adapter. It is no longer a 5th wheel connection and you loose the exception. Is every street cop goi g to know this.....nope but I do and therefore those I work with do too. So why chance it.
AZ also treats the Andersen as a ball hitch, so safety chains are required. Same if you use a GN adapter on a FW.
Lyle
