Forum Discussion

Let_s_Travel's avatar
Let_s_Travel
Explorer
Oct 05, 2014

Too big to travel? (45' X 101")

New poster here! Looking for your advice before I purchase a new Motorhome. I'd like a 45' long class A that's 101" wide, but I see there are many States here in the US that you can't drive something that big in. Would I be better to get something under 40'? Even then most of the big DP's are wider that 8'. I must be missing something here? Taking my info from the web, specifically HERE. I can't believe all these coaches are built this big if you can't drive them across the US. We will have a small toad, so the parks and tourist sites are no problem. Just need to know that we can actually cross the state and get to where we can drive the toad to the places we want to see. What do all of you with the big motorcoaches do?
Class A

37 Replies

Show More
  • msmith1199's avatar
    msmith1199
    Explorer II
    Oct 05, 2014
    Let's Travel wrote:
    Thanks to all! I figured there wouldn't be DOT folks out with their tape measures but didn't have any personal experience in those states. That chart said 8' maximum width in Arizona. So basically you're all just saying go, no problems encountered? I'm looking at either a Thor or a Dutchstar, both 45X101. Alright, now to decide....


    The Arizona limits have come up a lot on here. The charts do say 96" for Arizona, but when you get down to the letter of the law there are so many exceptions that I think it makes it impossible to enforce, assuming AZ even wanted to enforce it. Not to mention in the winter AZ probably has more 102" wide RV's in the state than any other State in the land. Every time the subject comes up, nobody has ever said they got a citation in AZ. I've been there several times in my 102" wide motorhome and never had an issue, and I've driven it right through the middle of Phoenix.
  • Let_s_Travel's avatar
    Let_s_Travel
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2014
    Thanks to all! I figured there wouldn't be DOT folks out with their tape measures but didn't have any personal experience in those states. That chart said 8' maximum width in Arizona. So basically you're all just saying go, no problems encountered? I'm looking at either a Thor or a Dutchstar, both 45X101. Alright, now to decide....
  • ricardo's avatar
    ricardo
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2014
    Just got back from the East coast and traveled all over including New Jersey. I've never had a problem any where in the country although we've not traveled in California and don't plan on it.
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2014
    Federal rules define rvs as limited to 400 square feet in their traveling mode. This standard cannot be userpt by individual states under the interstate commerce provisions in our US Constitution
    101" x 45' = 378.75 square feet.
    Search RVIA, RVPA, ICC, the answers are there.

    Max
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer III
    Oct 05, 2014
    The federal maximum non-permit width for federal highways is 102". Access roads that lead to those highways also must allow that width for a reasonable distance. Note that even the few states where 96" is the state max, there are generally exceptions. I don't recall ever reading of any RV'er on any of the several RV forums I follow, or hearing anyone in any park or campground I've stayed in, mentioning that they've been stopped as overwide, or even knew of anyone that had been stopped for that reason. I would not be concerned about it, and I have passed through or stayed in most of the states with a 96" max without any width issues.
  • Peralko's avatar
    Peralko
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2014
    Our coach is 8.5 feet wide and we have pretty much been all over the U.S. with it. I have never heard of anyone getting in trouble for being over the 8-foot limit. Pretty sure our next coach will be 45 feet, and of the places we have been, we are not too concerned, although some commercial California campgrounds are a bit tight.
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2014
    You might look at the chart again. Only four states prohibit 45' coaches and you probably wouldn't want to take a 45' there anyhow, like New Jersey or Maryland. The standard allowed width is 102", again per the chart you're looking at. That is the standard RV width for modern coaches. The only issue with a 45' coach is that some states require you to have a special license for a rig that long.

About Motorhome Group

38,763 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 22, 2018