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StrayTrons's avatar
StrayTrons
Explorer
Jul 05, 2025

RV-Vehicle-Trailer tows (nCDL time?)

For those of you who double tow (RV towing a vehicle with a trailer attached to the towed vehicle) be aware that several states are jumping on non-commercial drivers license double-triple endorsements (like a CDL but not valid for commercial driving) bandwagon. CA (surprise, surprise, surprise) seems to be leading the pack with nCDL's for double/triple and over 26,000lb class RV's.

Reports from NY are that they are enforcing a double triple endorsement requirement, even for out of state drivers. But this seems to be somewhat inconsistent between counties, and even NYSP patrol zones. I called a DMV in Lewis County as I am planning a trip to Fort Drum and have a Jeep JK and sub-2000lb MC trailer double tow setup. I'm under 26,000 but have a CDL-A without double/triple endorsement.  The lady was not sure of the rules and said someone would get back to me, two weeks ltaer I'm still waiting...

Class A
Tow Vehicles

3 Replies

  • StirCrazy's avatar
    StirCrazy
    Moderator
    Jul 07, 2025

    where I am is similar, we don't need a commercial licence but we do need an endorsement on our normal licence when you get over 10500lbs (trailer weight) you can go the commercial rout and get a heavy trailer endorsement, which will let you use it for any reason.  Or, you can go the rv route and get a "house trailer" endorsement which means you are only legal when towing a rv.  the other component "double towing" isn't allowed in BC at all and if your noticed you will be stopped and ordered to unhook and tow each trailer separately, weather it is legal in your state/Provence or not.  where as in the next Provence over it is fine, as long as the first towed vehicle is a 5th wheel. My dad used to tow a small fishing boat behind his 5th wheel all the time and would get upset when he had to leave it home when he came out here haha.  

  • bid_time's avatar
    bid_time
    Nomad II
    Jul 06, 2025

    I long ago reached the limit for reasons I won’t go to CA or NY. Apparently you have an higher tolerance then me.

    • StrayTrons's avatar
      StrayTrons
      Explorer
      Jul 06, 2025

      I'm 100% with you on that, CA may as well be the moon for all the likelyhood of me ever going there.  I have not been to NY in decades, but still have family around Watertown. Figure one trip into enemy territory can't be that dangerous, not like I'm going anywhere near NYC.

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