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BBT's avatar
BBT
Explorer
Mar 31, 2015

Towing Laws

Newbie (to be) in the RV World. We decided on having a Class A MH soon, not sure which brand, which dealer, length, and so on.

I'd like to pick your brains a little. :W

Currently I am wondering about the towing laws a little. In WA state the combined length of MH and trailer is 75 ft. See Towing World - WA
Let's say I have a MH and a trailer combination of 75 ft, registered in WA-State.
Can I legally(!) :h drive this combination to Oregon where the max length without permit is only 50 ft? See Towing World - OR

It seems that in this case WA-State law should apply in Oregon, since Towing World states reciprocity = yes.

I'd like to tow a closed trailer for my car and other stuff, I don't like the idea of towing wheels down.

Any insight in the law / reciprocity?

Thanks!

6 Replies

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  • gasser9's avatar
    gasser9
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2015
    When you get on the road you leave the USA & enter 50 individual countries with some city ordinances thrown in!You can drive 80 mph in several states, but the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia you will drive 55 if you have 3 axles or more.
  • BBT's avatar
    BBT
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2015
    Thanks folks!

    Of course you can't believe everything on the net. But before I dig too deep I wanted to know if it is worth digging. :)

    I didn't know that reciprocity only applies to vehicle license and DL. That's too bad.

    Thanks again to all of you for helping me out! :)
  • mowermech's avatar
    mowermech
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2015
    First, do NOT believe anything printed in a "List Of Towing Laws" on the internet. EVERY such list I have ever seen is WRONG in many ways! You have to do the research, and find the actual law for yourself.
    Second, Reciprocity ONLY applies to registration, driver licensing, and insurance. Even then, not always. For instance, even though my Kawasaki ATV is licensed and street legal as a Low Speed Vehicle here in Montana, that does not mean that other states will allow me to ride it on the public roads, and, as already noted, just because I can tow bumper-pull doubles (Travel Trailer/boat or ATV trailer; 75 foot maximum length) here does not mean that I can do so in other states.
  • W4RLR's avatar
    W4RLR
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2015
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Reciprocity is for drivers licenses and vehicle registrations

    Towing laws/restrictions are by individual states......and rarely enforced unless doing something stupid OR really stand out
    Like Old Biscuit says...In Tennessee I can legally tow a boat or utility trailer behind my fifth-wheel. Drive into Georgia, Alabama, or Florida while towing double and I am ticket bait.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Mar 31, 2015
    Reciprocity is for drivers licenses and vehicle registrations

    Towing laws/restrictions are by individual states......and rarely enforced unless doing something stupid OR really stand out
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2015
    There is a sub note in Oregon. I think the 50' is some smaller roads. My length 55'. Never been stopped in Oregon. Saw lots of MHs with toads longer than mine.

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