How Wide is Too Wide

bka0721 wrote:

languiduck wrote:
As for the overall width, the comment about the rule of thumb and mirrors isn't quite accurate. The overall width is just that...overall width. The ONLY exception to that width is the mirrors (or a permit), which can be wider than 8' 6". (I have cited Virginia law and suspect most other states and DOT interstate rules are the same) So if your jacks are 9' wide, you run the risk of being cited but more importantly you could cause damage or harm to someone or something.

I agree with you, on the width. But that is not what I stated in my comment. While I am not familiar with all the statutes across the country, they are built upon the Federal DOT(1957)Uniform Traffic Code (Just like UBC, Uniform Building Code) for each state. Yes, the rule of thumb stated is correct. If you are driving a car down the road and you are not 8'6" wide in your Toyota Camry and you try to tell me, after I pull you over, just what you said, I would have nodded my head about the point you made, but still would write you a citation. That being the ladder sticking out the passenger window of your car about 2 feet beyond the edge of the mirror.

That's the point, you are still required to have anything attached to your vehicle in a safe manner, permanently or temporary. (Be sure to look up the side marker locations on a vehicle requirement too). Enforcement is not all Black and White.

Yes, you have the maximum width correctly stated. But, that didn't help the guy I cited with a Kayak attached to the side of his camper. (I need to scan that picture some day)

"Sorry Trooper, but I couldn't get it up on top of my camper, so I just hung it on the side with those Ladder Hanging Brackets."

The judge laughed too. Then found him guilty. :B

Awnings, window coverings, lifting Jack legs, they might all fall within the legal width, but they still must be transported in a safe and prudent manner.

b