Since my arrival is anticipated, here we go...
First off, if the List of Laws says any trailer over 1500 pounds must have brakes, it PROBABLY means 1500 lbs UNLADEN weight. If the law says 3000 lbs, it PROBABLY means GVWR. The list very carefully does NOT tell us that!
Now, as to the definition of TRAILER, exactly how can a trailer be designed to carry people? It is illegal for people to be in a trailer (other than a fifth wheel in some states) while it is being towed. In fact, Montana specifically does NOT say that a trailer is designed to carry people, it is designed to carry property only.
MCA61-1-101 (82)(a):
"(82) (a) "Trailer" means a vehicle, with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and constructed so that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle.
(b) The term does not include a mobile home or a manufactured home, as defined in 15-1-101."
Obviously, a Jeep (or whatever) is not designed just for carrying property, and is NOT designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle! Therefore, it is not a trailer.
Many states (and FMVSS) have braking performance standards. One of those standards relates specifically to "any combination of vehicles". Obviously, a motorhome towing a vehicle of any kind or a trailer of any kind IS a "combination of vehicles", so, here in Montana if I can stop within 40 feet from 20 MPH on a clean, fairly level, dry, hard surface, my rig is legal. (MCA 61-9-312)
For your information and edification, here it is:
"61-9-312. Performance ability of brakes. On a dry, hard, approximately level stretch of highway free from loose material, a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, upon application of the service brake, must be capable of stopping at a speed of 20 miles an hour within the following distances:
(1) 25 feet for passenger motor vehicles, except buses and pioneer vehicles;
(2) 40 feet for buses, trucks, and tractor trucks;
(3) 45 feet for motor vehicles registered or qualified to be registered as pioneer vehicles under 61-3-411(2)(a) when equipped with two-wheel brakes or 25 feet when equipped with four-wheel brakes;
(4) 40 feet for all combinations of vehicles; and
(5) 30 feet for motorcycles, quadricycles, and motor-driven cycles."
Specifically note para. (4)
I have yet to see a "List of Towing Laws" that is truly accurate.
On a related note, if that List gives a towing speed limit for Montana, that, too, is not factual! There isn't one!
CM1, USN (RET)
2017 Jayco TT
Daily Driver: '14 Subaru Outback
1998 Dodge QC LWB, Cummins, 5 speed, 4X2
2 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 ATVs.
Pride Raptor 3 wheeled off-road capable mobility scooter
"When seconds count, help is only minutes away!"
