| Author |
Message |
Skorpio (24.92.193.195)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 9:33 am: | |
I understand that 45' conversions are now being done. Do the same max length rules apply to RVs as Trucks? I know in some states you had to be under 60' total length (of course that was before 53' trailers were the standard). And I think in California you have a maximum wheel base of 40' for semi-trailer combinations. Do these rules apply to RVs? Also I've read on here of buses weighing in at 47,000 lbs, isn't the limit like 20,000 lbs per dual set and 10,000 per single and steering set, does this not apply to RVs? |
joe shelton (Littlewind) (165.247.5.177)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 1:33 pm: | |
I think the laws are set by each state. The 2003 FMC Membership Directory includes a table of "Motorhome Regulations" listed by state and provence. It includes length and combined length. Combined length for W. Verginia is 55' while for Wyoming is 85'. |
Sean Welsh (Sean) (64.81.73.194)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 1:59 pm: | |
Laws regarding motorhomes are set by the states, and vary considerably. In addition to the FMCA, I believe you will find several other sources for condensed state-by-state information.
The exception to this is commercial vehicles used in interstate commerce. These vehicles have individual ICC license numbers and must follow a set of federal rules, in which case the states must allow them. However, states can restrict their movement to the interstate highway system and reasonable distances therefrom to obtain services. Routes permitted for ICC-compliant trucks off the interstates are marked with blue signs with white circles with either an "S" (route permitted for access to services) or a "T" (route permitted for access to terminals).
Interstate commercial buses likewise.
Some states restrict oversize motorhomes in the same way as trucks. Here in California, you can't take a 45 (or, for that matter, a 41) on, for example, Highway 1, The Pacific Coast Highway, which is a very popular scenic route for motorhomes. Some states restrict them altogether -- I don't believe NJ, for example, allows any motorhomes over 96" wide (even though they are mandated to allow ICC-placarded buses of that width).
-Sean |
Skorpio (24.92.193.195)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 6:10 pm: | |
So does this mean if you have a CDL you can't drive the 102" in Jersey if it has RV plates? How does Madden cover the Giants? Does he have a 96" coach (which I doubt)? Or does he have to have it licenced as a coach? My understanding is that if you licence it as a coach, you have to insure it like a revenue coach. CDLs are really not that big a deal to get and having already taken the written (several years ago) for everything but hazmat, it wouldn't scare me off if I needed one to drive a coach, I don't know if it's changed but you only needed to drive a 28,000 lb straight truck to get a air/bus cert. I'm not sure that you even needed to test in a tractor/trailer to get a combo cert. They just cared weather you knew how to do an air brake inspection. I don't remember but I did also take the multi-combo written which was for 2 or "more" trailers behind the tractor. Still have my permit somewhere but it's expired now. |
Johnny (67.242.221.101)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 8:25 pm: | |
The CDL test (took it last June for my class B) requires the appropriate vehicle: a class B truck (over 26,000lbs GVWR, with air brakes if applicable, I guess you could use a transit or a coach if you wanted to--I tested in a Ford L8000 soda truck) for a class B test, a combination vehicle (99% of the time, a semi) for a class A. The test is not easy: air brake check, in-cab, pretrip, paralell parking to both sides, a sight-side alley-docking, backing straight, pulling forward to a line without going past it, and a measured right turn. If you pass this part, then a road test.
Any class B vehicle would be fine for a coach--the only "bus" that needs a special licence is a school bus, which has a different test and more things to check (like a breakdown drill). That MUST be done in a school bus. |
Sean Welsh (Sean) (64.81.73.194)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 2:14 am: | |
A driver having a CDL does not make the *vehicle* a commercial vehicle.
Madden's coach is commercial. But that's irrelevant -- it's Madden's. The cops want a tour, not to ticket it.
Here in CA, up until last January, a CDL driver driving a commercial bus was able to drive a 45' bus (on approved routes), but the SAME driver driving the same type coach, but without the PUC or ICC number (such as a motorhome) could not drive the vehicle in CA.
I don't know what the law is in NJ, but I would guess it is similar.
-Sean |
FAST FRED (209.26.115.1)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 5:34 am: | |
The FMCA Jan issue is a must buy ( at many Borders or big bookstores)
as not only are the coach sizes and widths that are legal in every state , but the width & total rig length also.
The most interesting fact is that probably 90% of the RV folks are operating ILLEGALY.
Most states REQUIRE that at a certain point the towed vehicle requires an independant brake system.
A quick look shows 3000 Lbs as the most common , but a few are WAY low.
CA has the requirement kick in at 1500# as does ID,NH ,NV and TN.
New York is only 1000# as is NC .
A few states are 4000# .
Another very depressing chart of vehicles that can be flat towed shows the vast majority of new cars are over 3000lbs.
Probably the cops won't pull you over for a weight check ,
but think what their Liar for HIRE will do in a tiny fender bender.
And in some states , checking for TOWD brakes could be a CASH COW.
Guess my old VW Rabbit just went up a couple of bucks in value.
FAST FRED |
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