First post here. I'm retiring in a few weeks at age 57. But we have young triplet boys aged 6. So our vacation schedule is going to be the kids school vacation schedule.We're thinking of spending their 2 summer months off traveling in a fifth wheel, likely something like a Grand Design Solitude 377mb.Everyone here seems to say "make sure you get enough truck". So I'm looking at the new DRW F350/450's.Have any Californians had an issue getting regular non-commercial insurance or registering their truck in this state? I've searched around and seen a number of posts from people complaining that their ins co forces them to buy a commercial policy if it's a F450.I did call my carrier AAA today, and was told that my premium for the F450 Platinum would be about $1500. That's more than I'm paying for my Porsche!Actually I'd rather get a used truck, but my wife is adamant about having all the latest safety features such as blind spot monitor and adaptive cruise.

Lexx wrote:I've searched around and seen a number of posts from people complaining that their ins co forces them to buy a commercial policy if it's a F450.That wouldn't be good. You may have to stop at weigh stations.

I can't answer for California, but it made me want to know as I plan on buying an F450 next May. I just called my State Farm agent and for Alaska anyways, they have no problem insuring it for personal use. And I know I don't have to stop at weight scales in Alaska since it's not in commercial service. I have a tractor and lowboy for my hunting rig and here I don't have to stop at the scales as it's not in commercial service, but every state is different.Bill

Thats Kalifornicate for you. Most other states insure your vehicle for what it is. But your state thinks their stuff dont stink, so......

2oldman wrote: You may have to stop at weigh stations.On this issue I'm pretty sure the answer is you do NOT stop at weigh stations. In fact others have posted that the weigh stations have a sign that states "NO RV's".Only thing is in California if your GWV towing is over 16,500 lbs, then you need a Class A non-commercial license.

In any case, if you beg them I'm sure you can avoid a commercial license. After all, you're not commercial.

Insurance for F350/F450 DRW | Good Sam Community

2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2017
Lexx wrote:
I've searched around and seen a number of posts from people complaining that their ins co forces them to buy a commercial policy if it's a F450.
That wouldn't be good. You may have to stop at weigh stations.
Trackrig
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2017
I can't answer for California, but it made me want to know as I plan on buying an F450 next May. I just called my State Farm agent and for Alaska anyways, they have no problem insuring it for personal use.

And I know I don't have to stop at weight scales in Alaska since it's not in commercial service. I have a tractor and lowboy for my hunting rig and here I don't have to stop at the scales as it's not in commercial service, but every state is different.

Bill
donn0128
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2017
Thats Kalifornicate for you. Most other states insure your vehicle for what it is. But your state thinks their stuff dont stink, so......
Lexx
Explorer
Aug 19, 2017
2oldman wrote:
You may have to stop at weigh stations.

On this issue I'm pretty sure the answer is you do NOT stop at weigh stations. In fact others have posted that the weigh stations have a sign that states "NO RV's".

Only thing is in California if your GWV towing is over 16,500 lbs, then you need a Class A non-commercial license.
2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2017
In any case, if you beg them I'm sure you can avoid a commercial license. After all, you're not commercial.
2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2017
Lexx wrote:
In fact others have posted that the weigh stations have a sign that states "NO RV's".
Yes, because RVs aren't licensed commercial.

I'm sure if one pleads their case hard enough a commercial license will be avoided.
dfletch
Explorer
Aug 19, 2017
I am in Virginia and the dealer put truck tags on my 3500 dully. I went to the DMV and told them it was for an RV and they changed it to a standard plate. My insurance GEICO also insured me as a standard vechicle. Sometimes you just have to get them to understand it's not for business.
azdryheat
Explorer
Aug 19, 2017
Lexx wrote:
2oldman wrote:
You may have to stop at weigh stations.

On this issue I'm pretty sure the answer is you do NOT stop at weigh stations. In fact others have posted that the weigh stations have a sign that states "NO RV's".

Only thing is in California if your GWV towing is over 16,500 lbs, then you need a Class A non-commercial license.
CA says over 10,000 for a bumper pull and over 15,000 for a 5th wheel.
Rich1961
Explorer
Aug 19, 2017
Lexx wrote:
2oldman wrote:
You may have to stop at weigh stations.

On this issue I'm pretty sure the answer is you do NOT stop at weigh stations. In fact others have posted that the weigh stations have a sign that states "NO RV's".

Only thing is in California if your GWV towing is over 16,500 lbs, then you need a Class A non-commercial license.

Class A Non Commercial required for a 5th wheel over 15,000 GVWR. Travel trailer requires it over 10,000 GVWR.

Rich
JS_Kid
Explorer
Aug 19, 2017
Lexx,

I live in Elk Grove CA, I have a 2016 Ford F350 - Crew Cab - DRW - Lariat. I have insurance through National General. I pay 974.00 per year, full coverage. My truck is licensed the same as my F250. I just payed the renewal, it was $725.00 for the year.

Do not have to stop at the scales.

I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any questions.