Camper Hauling: Permits, Rules, And Regulations

The requirements for hauling a camper vary depending on the location and the dimensions of the camper. In California, single-trip permits are valid for seven days and are usable on loads within the maximum dimensions of 15 feet wide, 17 feet high, and 135 feet in length. In New York, tractor-trailer vehicle combinations not exceeding 13'6 in height, 8' in width, and 55' in length can travel on interstates and truck routes.

Commercial driver's license requirements

The requirements for a commercial driver's license (CDL) vary depending on the state you are in and the weight of your vehicle. Here is a breakdown of the CDL requirements for different states:

California

In California, a Class B license is required for vehicles over 26,000 pounds or over 40 feet in length. If you are towing a vehicle over 10,000 pounds, you will need a Class A license. For a fifth-wheel travel trailer weighing over 15,000 pounds, a noncommercial Class A license is required.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, a Class B CDL is necessary for a single vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds. If you are operating multiple vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds, you will need a Class A CDL.

Arkansas, Hawaii, Kansas, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C.

These states require a CDL for vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds. In the case of Arkansas, this requirement specifically applies to vehicles over 26,000 pounds.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin mandates a CDL for vehicles over 45 feet in length.

Maryland

In Maryland, a Class B license is required for vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds in weight.

North Carolina

For a single vehicle over 26,000 pounds in North Carolina, a Class B license is necessary. If you are operating multiple vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds, a Class A license is required.

Nevada

Nevada's requirements are similar to those of North Carolina. A Class B license is needed for a single vehicle over 26,000 pounds, while a Class A license is mandatory for multiple vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds. Additionally, a "J" endorsement is required if you are towing a vehicle over 10,000 pounds, provided the combined weight is less than 26,000 pounds.

New York

New York mandates an "R" endorsement for vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's requirements are similar to those of Connecticut and Nevada. A Class B license is needed for a single vehicle over 26,000 pounds, while a Class A license is required for multiple vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.

South Carolina

In South Carolina, a Class E license is required for a single vehicle over 26,000 pounds, while a Class F license is necessary for multiple vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.

Texas

Texas follows the same requirements as Connecticut, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. A Class B license is needed for a single vehicle over 26,000 pounds, and a Class A license is required for multiple vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.

Wyoming

Wyoming has slightly different requirements. A Class B license is needed for a vehicle over 26,000 pounds that is towing under 10,000 pounds. If the vehicle is over 26,000 pounds and towing over 10,000 pounds, a Class A license is required.

It is important to note that each state has its own specific regulations, and it is always advisable to check with your local DMV to confirm the requirements before operating any large vehicle. Additionally, there are federal regulations established by the Department of Transportation and implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that provide a broad framework for CDL requirements.

California oversize permits

There are restricted times for loads over 10 feet wide, Monday through Friday:

• Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Diego areas: 7:00 am–9:00 am and 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
• Los Angeles area: 6:00 am–9:00 am and 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
• San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge: 6:30 am–9:00 am and 3:30 pm–6:30 pm
• Over 11 feet wide or overheight require highway patrol escort
• Over 12 feet wide restricted to 11:00 am–1:00 pm Monday–Friday

Over 15 feet wide, 17 feet high, or 135 feet long are considered super loads.

The maximum dimensions a load can have, even with a permit, are:

• Length: 135 feet
• Width: 15 feet
• Height: 17 feet

The maximum weight your load can be, even with a permit, are:

• Single Axle Weight Permits: 20,000 pounds
• Tandem axles Weight Permits: 46,000 pounds
• Tridem axles Weight Permits: 60,000 pounds
• Trunnion axles Weight Permits: 60,000 pounds
• Five axle Weight Permits: 112,000 pounds
• Six axle Weight Permits: 117,450 pounds
• Seven axle Weight Permits: 158,000 pounds
• Eight axle Weight Permits: 181,300 pounds

There are different types of permits:

• Single-trip permits
• Annual permits
• Repetitive permits
• Variance permits

Weight restrictions

• The maximum gross vehicle weight for a semi-truck and trailer combination is typically set at 80,000 lbs without a special permit.
• The Federal Bridge Formula dictates how weight is distributed across a vehicle's axles based on the distance between them, ensuring a balanced weight distribution.
• Steer axles, located at the front of a semi-truck, typically support a total weight of 12,000 to 15,000 lbs.
• A standard semi-truck features two drive axles, with each axle's tires not to exceed 17,000 lbs in weight, resulting in a combined total of 34,000 lbs for the two drive axles.
• Two consecutive sets of tandem axles are allowed a maximum gross weight of 34,000 lbs each, but the overall distance between the first and last axle in these sets must be at least 36 feet.
• The weight restrictions for a camper can also depend on the number of axles it has. For example, small campers typically have a weight range of 500 to 4,500 lbs, while large campers can weigh up to 20,000 lbs.
• Some states, like California, have specific restrictions for oversized vehicles, such as requiring permits and limiting operating times.
• Weight restrictions can also vary based on the type of road being used, such as interstates, truck routes, or parkways.

Driver's license classes

The requirements for drivers' licenses for towing campers vary across different states and regions. Here is a summary of the relevant driver's license classes:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

In the United States, the federal government establishes regulations regarding when a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required. The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines the rules, which are then implemented by each state. A CDL is generally needed when driving a "commercial motor vehicle" for "commerce." The term "commerce" is broadly defined and includes any trade, traffic, or transportation between states or that affects trade between states.

CDL licenses are divided into categories based on the type and weight of the vehicle and trailer:

• Class A: Required when the total gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of the truck and trailer is 26,001 pounds or greater, and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the trailer/load is greater than 10,000 pounds.
• Class B: Applicable when the total GCWR of the truck and trailer is 26,001 pounds or more, but the GVWR of the trailer/load is less than 10,000 pounds.
• Class C: Needed for transporting hazardous materials or human passengers.

Non-Commercial Special Driver's License

Some states require a non-commercial special license for driving recreational vehicles (RVs) that exceed certain length or weight thresholds. The specific requirements vary by state:

• California: A Class B license is needed for vehicles over 26,000 pounds or over 40 feet, while a Class A license is required for towing over 10,000 pounds.
• Maryland: A Class B license is required for vehicles over 26,000 pounds.
• Michigan: A Recreational Double "R" Endorsement is necessary to tow a fifth wheel plus a trailer.
• North Carolina: A Class B license is needed for a single vehicle over 26,000 pounds, and a Class A license is required for multiple vehicles with a combined weight over 26,000 pounds.
• Nevada: Similar to North Carolina, Nevada requires a Class B license for a single vehicle over 26,000 pounds and a Class A license for multiple vehicles with a combined weight over 26,000 pounds. Additionally, a "J" Endorsement is needed to tow a vehicle over 10,000 pounds if the combined weight is less than 26,000 pounds.
• Ontario: The relevant licenses for RV towing are Classes A, D, and G. A Class A license is required for towing trailers that exceed a total gross weight of 4,600 kilograms (10,141 pounds). A Class D license is for driving any truck or motor vehicle combination exceeding 11,000 kilograms, provided the towed vehicle does not exceed 4,600 kilograms. A Class G license is for driving any car, van, or small truck with a towed vehicle up to 11,000 kilograms, as long as the towed vehicle does not exceed 4,600 kilograms.

No Special License Required

The following states do not require a special driver's license to operate an RV:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Vehicle restrictions

When hauling a camper, it's important to be aware of vehicle restrictions to ensure safety and compliance with local laws. Here are some key considerations:

Vehicle Weight and Capacity

Determining the weight and capacity of your vehicle is crucial for safe hauling. The weight limits can vary significantly depending on the type of vehicle and its equipment. Know your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and attached trailers. Also, consider the tongue weight, which is the amount of weight placed on the hitch. It's essential to stay within these limits to maintain control and avoid overloading your vehicle.

Licensing Requirements

Licensing rules vary by state, so it's important to check the regulations in your specific state. In general, a standard driver's license is sufficient for driving most RVs unless you're transporting hazardous materials or have an exceptionally heavy Class A RV. Some states may require an additional endorsement on your license if your RV exceeds certain weight or size thresholds.

Towing Regulations

If you're towing a trailer, there are additional regulations to consider. Some states mandate safety devices like equalizing hitches, sway control, and independent brake systems for heavier trailers. It's typically illegal for passengers to ride in the trailer during towing, although some states allow it with proper safety precautions. Be sure to check the laws in the states you plan to travel through.

Vehicle Dimensions

The length, width, and height of your vehicle and trailer must comply with legal limits. Maximum trailer lengths vary by state, typically ranging from 40 to 50 feet. Combined lengths of the towing vehicle and trailer are usually restricted to 50 to 65 feet. The maximum allowable width for most RVs is between 8 and 9 feet, but specific width restrictions may depend on the roadway. Height restrictions are crucial, especially when passing through tunnels and underpasses.

State-Specific Rules

Each state has its own unique set of rules and regulations for RVs. For example, some states require larger vehicles to stop at roadside weigh stations to ensure they don't exceed weight limits. Others have specific restrictions on parking and overnight street parking for RVs. It's essential to research the regulations in the states you plan to visit to ensure compliance.

Frequently asked questions