California Maximum 5th Wheel Length

[Fire_Instructor]

I got into a discussion with someone on another forum (a FB page), who pointed me to a AAA website that clearly shows that multiple states, including California, limit 2-axle 5th wheel trailers to a max length of 40'. Is this accurate? I thought that I've seen posts from folks IN California, with longer rigs.... Why would the manufacturers build a trailer that you can't take to certain states?

here's the link that started the discussion: AAA Driving Laws

[Cummins12V98]

RustyJC wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
I know California allows double tow if the state your licensed allows it. Does anyone know for a FACT if WA State or Oregon allow it? I am licensed South Dakota.

My understanding 65' is MAX OA length in CA.

I am considering renting a U Haul Motorcycle trailer and hauling my new MC to WA for the Summer.

I'd double check that if I were you. Generally, driver license reciprocity laws don't apply to such rules of the road as lengths, weights, double towing, etc. Not trying to be a smartaleck - I'd just hate to see you get caught up in a bad situation. Recreational double towing is legal in Texas, but I personally wouldn't attempt to drive through states in which it is NOT legal.

Rusty

Rusty I "ALWAYS" appreciate your comments!!! I will know for a fact before I get
my @$&^# in a wringer.

[laknox]

RustyJC wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
I know California allows double tow if the state your licensed allows it. Does anyone know for a FACT if WA State or Oregon allow it? I am licensed South Dakota.

My understanding 65' is MAX OA length in CA.

I am considering renting a U Haul Motorcycle trailer and hauling my new MC to WA for the Summer.

I'd double check that if I were you. Generally, driver license reciprocity laws don't apply to such rules of the road as lengths, weights, double towing, etc. Not trying to be a smartaleck - I'd just hate to see you get caught up in a bad situation. Recreational double towing is legal in Texas, but I personally wouldn't attempt to drive through states in which it is NOT legal.

Rusty

I'm 99% sure you're correct, Rusty. You have to have a Class A DL to tow doubles, for sure. Not sure if a doubles endorsement is also required. OP needs to do a search on this.

Lyle

[RustyJC]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
I know California allows double tow if the state your licensed allows it. Does anyone know for a FACT if WA State or Oregon allow it? I am licensed South Dakota.

My understanding 65' is MAX OA length in CA.

I am considering renting a U Haul Motorcycle trailer and hauling my new MC to WA for the Summer.

I'd double check that if I were you. Generally, driver license reciprocity laws don't apply to such rules of the road as lengths, weights, double towing, etc. Not trying to be a smartaleck - I'd just hate to see you get caught up in a bad situation. Recreational double towing is legal in Texas, but I personally wouldn't attempt to drive through states in which it is NOT legal.

Rusty

[Cummins12V98]

I know California allows double tow if the state your licensed allows it. Does anyone know for a FACT if WA State or Oregon allow it? I am licensed South Dakota.

My understanding 65' is MAX OA length in CA.

I am considering renting a U Haul Motorcycle trailer and hauling my new MC to WA for the Summer.

[Gsport]

as I read it, it says from the king pin to the rearmost axel, not the rear of the 5th wheel

[time2roll]

Certain roads in CA have even tighter length restrictions.

[christopherglen]

35400.6. (a) Subdivision (a) of Section 35400 does not apply to a
fifth-wheel travel trailer that does not exceed the following
lengths:
(1) Forty-eight feet in length from the foremost point of the
trailer to the rear extremity of the trailer.
(2) (A) For a fifth-wheel travel trailer with a single axle, 38
feet in length from the kingpin to the rearmost axle.
(B) For a fifth-wheel travel trailer with two or more axles, 40
feet in length from the kingpin to the rearmost axle.
(b) A manufacturer of a fifth-wheel travel trailer described by
subdivision (a) shall include in the delivery documents the
information necessary to register that fifth-wheel travel trailer,
including its overall length pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision
(a) and a declaration that its length is in compliance with
subparagraph (A) or subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision
(a). The dealer may reject acceptance of the fifth-wheel travel
trailer if this documentation is not provided.

[JIMNLIN]

A vehicle length and a combined vehicle length are different. The OP asked about a vehicle length.

My state says a RV trailer can have a 40' length including the hitch and coupling. I see some state have a 42' max length for a single RV vehicle. Number of axles makes no difference.

And 65' truck/trailer combination.

The OP seems concerned about pulling RV trailers over 40'. Like all else about pulling a RV...... dot or leo or whatever the case may be, isn't interested unless your way over length or you've done something to attract their attention.

[cpaulsen]

It is 65' total.

[lanerd]

i've always heard that the "overall" length can't exceed 65'.


Ron

[agesilaus]

They seem to be talking about King Pin To Rear Axle (KPRA) distance which would shave a foot or two off the nose-cone length and all of the trailer behind the rear axle. So the permitted trailer length would exceed the 38 or 40 ft limit by quite a lot. 6 or 8 feet or more maybe.

As for 3 axles the limit is specified for "2 or more axles" so adding an axle wouldn't add any permitted length.

[downtheroad]

Probably a good rule and makes sense...I'd want a third axle for anything over 40 feet.

[TucsonJim]

According to the California Dept of Transportation, it is indeed a valid rule. Please read the attached summary sheet.

Vehicle Length

Jim