Forum Discussion

rookie_rv's avatar
rookie_rv
Explorer
Sep 10, 2017

Maximum Driving Length and License

Rookie RVer here :C I want to know what the rules / law is regarding maximum driving length, and if specific driver's license required.

After years, and years of begging I finally got permission to upgrade from the family's financial adviser. One idea is to get a toy hauler. The other idea is to get a Class A and a 16ft trailer (hold two ATVs). Do you know if there's a special driver's license requirement for......let's say.......a 30ft Class A towing a 16ft trailer?

Where would I start to research this?
Class A
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2017
    rookie_rv wrote:
    Rookie RVer here :C I want to know what the rules / law is regarding maximum driving length, and if specific driver's license required.

    After years, and years of begging I finally got permission to upgrade from the family's financial adviser. One idea is to get a toy hauler. The other idea is to get a Class A and a 16ft trailer (hold two ATVs). Do you know if there's a special driver's license requirement for......let's say.......a 30ft Class A towing a 16ft trailer?

    Where would I start to research this?

    check your home state's licensing regulations. my belief is if you're legal in your home state you'll be legal in the other 49 due to reciprocity.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2017
    In Texas, under 26,000 pound GVWR RV or I believe 10,000 pound trailer, no special license is needed. Above that you need a Class B exempt.

    And, yes, licenses have reciprocity-- legal in your home state, legal in all 50. NOT true of speeds, lengths, etc. where each state determines the rules for that state.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2017
    Make sure the Class A you are considering is capable of pulling the 16' trailer with two ATV's inside. Plus whatever gear you carry in the trailer.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2017
    gbopp wrote:
    Make sure the Class A you are considering is capable of pulling the 16' trailer with two ATV's inside. Plus whatever gear you carry in the trailer.

    excellent point. the amount of weight you can safely tow will be the lesser of the following:

    - the gross combination weight rating of the MH minus the actual weight of the MH (based on individual axle weights) as it is loaded and configured for travel

    - the weight rating of your hitch

    - the weight rating of your tow bar
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Sep 10, 2017
    65' is the most common max combined length in many states. Some are longer and a few shorter.
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2017
    I recently got a used A toy hauler......for my CanAm Spyder.....and I would never pull a trailer again.

    Was BSing with an RV salesman last week and found out that a class C toy hauler exists with a 13 foot garage section. That's huge.

    So apparently they come with "garages" from 9 foot to 13 foot.
    MUCH more convenient that pulling a trailer......once you get comfortable with where you can and can't go with a BIG motorhome.
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    Sep 10, 2017
    rk911 wrote:
    rookie_rv wrote:
    Rookie RVer here :C I want to know what the rules / law is regarding maximum driving length, and if specific driver's license required.

    After years, and years of begging I finally got permission to upgrade from the family's financial adviser. One idea is to get a toy hauler. The other idea is to get a Class A and a 16ft trailer (hold two ATVs). Do you know if there's a special driver's license requirement for......let's say.......a 30ft Class A towing a 16ft trailer?

    Where would I start to research this?

    check your home state's licensing regulations. my belief is if you're legal in your home state you'll be legal in the other 49 due to reciprocity.


    Your belief is WRONG with regard to things like length, weight, yes.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2017
    as stated, if over 26,000 lbs. a special license is required in many states.
    bumpy
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Sep 10, 2017
    MH (RV's) are exempt from the 26K/CDl requirement, Ca. has a Class A requirement for heavier rigs.
    Oddly enough, you can get behind the wheel a a 50,000 MH with no expeirience or knowledge of air brakes and drive around the country.

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