LLeopold wrote:
Ummm. Some clarification is in order from the post in Beginning RVing.
All from the CA DMV Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook where one may download a copy from: https://apps.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648.pdf and from the CA DMV license chart available at: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/cdl_htm/lic_chart.htm#classc
Assertion #1: If you are a California resident, to legally pull a 5th wheel with 15K GVWR in California, you must have a NON-COMMERCIAL CLASS A license.
Clarification #1: You may pull a 5th wheel that is 10K GVWR or less with a Class C license. You may pull a 5th wheel between 10K and 15K GVWR with a Class C license with a "Restriction 42" endorsement (I have this particular endorsement and it is not well-known at the DMV). Over 15K requires the non-commercial Class A license.
Assertion #2: To legally pull a travel trailer (bumper tow)with 10K GVWR, you must have a NON-COMMERCIAL CLASS A license.
Clarification #2: One may pull a travel trailer that is 10K GVWR or less with a Class C licence. Over 10K does, indeed, require a non-commercial Class A license.
Assertion #3: To legally drive a Motor Home that is 40 ft or greater, you must have a NON-COMMERCIAL CLASS B license.
Clarification #3: One may drive a motor home that is less than 40 ft. with a Class C license. Over 40 ft. does, indeed, require a non-commercial Class B license (a non-commercial Class A is also permitted).
If we're going to cite items, let's try to be as complete as possible and include citations to official sources.
As to visitors, the state recognizes other states' licensing to a degree. Double or triple towing (5th wheel towing a boat, for example) gets a bit dicey.
Hope this helps with full clarification.
.
The Mod has it right - except he shouldn't call them assertions - the requirements he cites are
*FACTS* !However, the assertion that the CHP doesn't check is partly correct and partly incorrect.
Does the CHP (or other LEO's) go out of their way to pull over drivers towing 5th wheels (or other RVs) to check for a correct DL? NO.
Would the CHP (or other LEO's) check for the appropriate DL *if* he/she pulled you over for some infraction?
Yes / Maybe/ possibly. (take your pick)
Tow a CA licensed toad behind a MT licensed MH - and chances are you will have a "chat" with the CHP - and produce your ? DL.
(Yes, that's a fact also - and a whole 'nother story)
Could you be sued if you were in an accident, without the proper DL for what you are driving/towing?
Emphatic - *YES* ! Any attorney worth his salt will thoroughly explore ALL / EVERY avenue/s to insure a successful outcome (and put $ in his/her pockets).
Regarding the last - I was required to give a deposition regarding an accident that had occurred two years previously.
The driver (who was at fault) was suing the *estate* of the other driver for compensation.
(The other driver had died - due to causes *completely unrelated* to the accident).
Back to licensing - the Class A NON-commercial DL is becoming a "standard" requirement in many states, not just CA.
IMO - can't see any reason a "driver" towing/driving something well above a car/pickup shouldn't be tested for his/her abilities to do same in a safe manner - just like a commercial driver.
BTW - "KCFD" has incorrect info. He is not required to have a "commercial" DL (CDL) for his RVs - or driving Fire Apparatus.
(In CA, drivers of Fire Apparatus has it's own driver's license designation).
Roll on!..:)
~