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Old 12-16-2019, 08:20 PM   #1
7.3Ford
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What Class Driver License do you have.

Hi Folks,

We just sold are 2001 Ford F350, which had a GVWR of 9,900 lbs. We have a new 2020 RAM 3500 SRW on order with a GVWR of 12,300 lbs. The Montana has a GVWR of 16,000 lbs. I watch a video last night, and have done some research today, and it appears about 2-3 years ago most states now for call for a non-commercial Class A license or as in my state SC, a Class F RV license. Our truck and trailer scaled in just under 26,000 as well as CGVWR 9,900+16,000. But here is the kicker, they don't use scale weight, the use the GVWR of the vehicles (12,300+16,000=28,300 lbs), so now I will need to get a Class F license, even if I scale below 26,000 lbs.

So how many folks have standard Class C license, and how many have the next level up? How did you get your 5th wheel to DMV to take the driving test, when you don't have anyone around with a Class F (RV over 26,000 lbs) license either?

If you get pulled over or in accident and have the wrong class, the will write you up for driving without a license. Again most states require other than Class C if the CGVWR on the manufacturers sticker is over 26,000 lbs.
 
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Old 12-16-2019, 08:42 PM   #2
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After I bought the Montana, I upgraded my class C with >10k towing "J" endorsement to a non-commercial class A. Cat scale said 26,700#.

I just drove it to DMV. The DMV examiners didn't question it since I had the heavy tow endorsement. They even questioned why I was taking the test. I had to explain the 26k part.
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Old 12-16-2019, 09:09 PM   #3
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No special license required in AZ for RVs.
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Old 12-17-2019, 02:38 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 7.3Ford View Post
Hi Folks,

We just sold are 2001 Ford F350, which had a GVWR of 9,900 lbs. We have a new 2020 RAM 3500 SRW on order with a GVWR of 12,300 lbs. The Montana has a GVWR of 16,000 lbs. I watch a video last night, and have done some research today, and it appears about 2-3 years ago most states now for call for a non-commercial Class A license or as in my state SC, a Class F RV license. Our truck and trailer scaled in just under 26,000 as well as CGVWR 9,900+16,000. But here is the kicker, they don't use scale weight, the use the GVWR of the vehicles (12,300+16,000=28,300 lbs), so now I will need to get a Class F license, even if I scale below 26,000 lbs.

So how many folks have standard Class C license, and how many have the next level up? How did you get your 5th wheel to DMV to take the driving test, when you don't have anyone around with a Class F (RV over 26,000 lbs) license either?

If you get pulled over or in accident and have the wrong class, the will write you up for driving without a license. Again most states require other than Class C if the CGVWR on the manufacturers sticker is over 26,000 lbs.
Yep it doesn’t matter what you scale at,it’s the potential of running at the gcwr. Even in the commercial world they look at the gross. Nebraska doesn’t require a special endorsement however for work reasons I do have a class A cdl.
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Old 12-17-2019, 08:57 AM   #5
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I guess mine is a C with a M for my motorcycle. I got a new Cam Am Ryker.
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Old 12-17-2019, 09:15 AM   #6
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Thank goodness Washington state has not delved into that pool ...yet.
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Old 12-17-2019, 10:11 AM   #7
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I've been RVing since 2003 with no issues, but after reading this post, I decided to call my local BMV. I provided them my weights;
(truck 14000lbs GVWR, RV 16960lbs GVWR - 30960lbs GCWR).
According to the Ohio BMV, no CDL or special endorsement is required for towing an RV.

WHEW !
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Old 12-17-2019, 12:23 PM   #8
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By most states I think you mean 8 states. Check with your DMV, they will tell you if you have to have a licensed driver bring you. CA is the only one that I am aware of that requires that. TX does not require you have a licensed driver accompany you.
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Old 12-17-2019, 01:58 PM   #9
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When Kansas went to needing a motorcycle endorsement we were just asked if we wanted one. After that you had to test etc. Hopefully if they get a wild hair and decied we need another license they'll do the same thing.
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Old 12-17-2019, 02:17 PM   #10
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I just renewed my CDL even though I retired about 2 years ago and don't ever anticipate driving commercially ever again. Not really sure if I need it, but the regulations seem a little ambiguous. All I know is that if I do need it, or they start requiring it, it's a lot easier to renew than to reapply
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Old 12-17-2019, 02:35 PM   #11
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I know Texas requires a class A non CDL over 26,000 GCWR but don’t know what is required you do to get it. I am below that.
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Old 12-17-2019, 05:03 PM   #12
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I know Texas requires a class A non CDL over 26,000 GCWR but don’t know what is required you do to get it. I am below that.
If you have a simple Class C (standard drivers license) and are towing 26,000+ (RV & Truck) combined gross wt. then you need to go take a test (written & Driving) to get a Class A. If You have a CDL but don't want it or need it you can simply downgrade to Class A. There is also a Class B for towing less . It gets pretty complicated talking about the specific weights of trailer being towed so check with DPS online to see what you need. I had CDL but they started changing the requirements for that and I did not need any more hassles and did not need CDL anymore so I just downgraded.
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Old 12-17-2019, 05:50 PM   #13
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Found this. Not sure how old it is. Hope it helps
https://www.campanda.com/magazine/rv...-requirements/
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Old 12-17-2019, 06:17 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by Theunz View Post
I just renewed my CDL even though I retired about 2 years ago and don't ever anticipate driving commercially ever again. Not really sure if I need it, but the regulations seem a little ambiguous. All I know is that if I do need it, or they start requiring it, it's a lot easier to renew than to reapply
I am with you. TN does not require one, yet, but I prefer to renew my CDL than to reapply if the law changes.
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Old 12-17-2019, 08:32 PM   #15
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A regular drivers license is all that is needed in South Dakota for towing an RV and is probably all that is needed for driving a motorhome.
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Old 12-18-2019, 06:58 AM   #16
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I know Texas requires a class A non CDL over 26,000 GCWR but don’t know what is required you do to get it. I am below that.
Yes that is what I have now as of this year when we passed back through Texas after reading the article in our Escapees bi-monthly magazine. There are practice test and info on what you need to know through the Texas DMV on line before you go and take the actual written and driving test. I took the written and driving test when we stayed in Fredericksburg Texas. Not all DMV'S offer the driving test and you have to schedule it.
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Old 12-18-2019, 09:03 AM   #17
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No special requirements in Ohio just a plain ole drivers license IF you are not pulling for hire.
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Old 12-19-2019, 06:57 PM   #18
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Yes that is what I have now as of this year when we passed back through Texas after reading the article in our Escapees bi-monthly magazine. There are practice test and info on what you need to know through the Texas DMV on line before you go and take the actual written and driving test. I took the written and driving test when we stayed in Fredericksburg Texas. Not all DMV'S offer the driving test and you have to schedule it.
No plans to take the test, but curious. What does the driving test consist of? Do you have to parallel park it?
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Old 12-20-2019, 12:13 PM   #19
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No plans to take the test, but curious. What does the driving test consist of? Do you have to parallel park it?
That is the discretion of the examiner
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Old 12-22-2019, 01:08 PM   #20
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It's going to depend on your rig and your state of residence. This page shows the current licensing requirements for the states - hope this helps:

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state...IE_v3knSjWtl04
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