Forum Discussion

timmac's avatar
timmac
Explorer
Nov 16, 2013

Double Towing Behind Motorhome

I am in the market for a canoe/small boat or a inflatable, also considering the boat on a small trailer, double towed behind my Jeep that is being towed by my Motorhome, but still considering carrying the boat on the top of my Jeep, but need more info on double tow laws, I know the laws in most states but Cali has this listed below, I have Nevada license and no endorsement needed for double tow in Nevada but Cali requires this am I exempt from this..

Licensing

In California drivers need a special endorsement on their driver's license to pull two trailers behind a car, SUV, truck or RV, any trailer weighing more than 10,000 lbs. or a single motorhome over 40 feet in length.

:?
Class A
  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2013
    The CA law you cite is applicable to CA residents ONLY. Here is the law that applies to you. DRIVER LICENSING for DOUBLE TRAILERS - NONRESIDENTS

    12502. (a) The following persons may operate a motor vehicle in this state without obtaining a driver's license under this code: (1) A nonresident over the age of 18 years having in his or her immediate possession a valid driver's license issued by a foreign jurisdiction of which he or she is a resident, ....


    In summary, nonresidents may tow two trailers with a non-commercial license IF their base state allows it. However, they would still need a valid medical certificate per 12502 CVC.


    Only 4 states of the 39 that allow double tows, require the 1st hitch to be a 5th wheel and CA is NOT one of them. Also, one of those 4 has defined 5th wheel in such a manner that a pinned tow bar fits the description. Also, many states only have length restrictions in their commercial vehicle code, not the standard vehicle code, so you must check that very close. CA is hard nosed on the 65' length and I have seen a citation for 18" over.

  • mowermech's avatar
    mowermech
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2013
    I have heard that CA requires a Class A CDL with Doubles Endorsement for towing two trailers behind anything, recreational or commercial.
    The reason given for the CDL is that it is the only license in CA that can carry a Doubles Endorsement.
    I have heard that in CA the first trailer must be a fifth wheel hitch, and the second trailer must be a watercraft. I have also heard that this WAS true, but has been changed.
    I do not know if this is true. I have not investigated the issue, because I will never tow doubles in CA, nor will I ever be a resident of CA.
  • crabbin_cabin's avatar
    crabbin_cabin
    Explorer II
    Nov 16, 2013
    GS CG directory has "Rules of the Road" by State and Province. Many state and provinces do not allow "double' towing and tmost of the others ONLY allow it if the first tow is a fifth wheel. Chances are - behind your MH is a NO No in many jurisdictions - but you might just get away with it but you dont dare break any traffic laws!
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2013
    What I don't understand with this Cali endorsement is if it applies to me, my Jeep in only 3600 lbs and boat and trailer should be under 1000 lbs and motorhome 33ft, {65ft max length all 3} so am I in the clear or is this also for any double tow in Cali regardless of weight.

    Licensing

    In California drivers need a special endorsement on their driver's license to pull two trailers behind a car, SUV, truck or RV, any trailer weighing more than 10,000 lbs. or a single motorhome over 40 feet in length.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2013
    For whatever reason, double towing draws the ire of many here. Hope you have thick skin, as you will likely be chastised for being unsafe and illegal, both of which may be untrue.

    There are a few states that require the first two to be a 5er, but most do not. My advice is to figure out which states you would tow through, and do the research of legality yourself, don't rely on posts here or generic lists that people are bound to link.
  • robatthelake's avatar
    robatthelake
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2013
    From what I have been able to find out ,the First Towed Unit must be attached the the Towing Vehicle by means of a fifth Wheel Hitch!
    This eliminates the Motorhome as the primary Tow Vehicle!

    As to licensing the Driver , that is a reciprocal agreement matter which is pretty much universal around the World. I can't find any Country that won't honour a valid Drivers Permit or License!

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