About a year ago I was reading on another forum about a fellow who was stopped by the CHP east of Sacramento. He was pulling a 5th wheel that weighted over 10,001 pounds. Since he did not have the proper endorsement on his class C license he had to drop the trailer and go get the proper endorsement on his license. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this report but it did get me interested in looking into this since my trailer is rated for more than the 10,001 pound rating.
Sure enough there is a requirement that you have the endorsement to pull a trailer weighing between 10,001 and 15,000 lbs. So when my license was due for replacement this year I studied up for the RV part of the license.
When I went into the DMV I was prepared for them NOT to know what I was talking about and I was NOT surprised. Turned out I was the first one they had done. It took about an hour and a half to finally get it all done. At one point they were going to have me bring in my rig and take a driving test and get a health cert from my doctor! I patiently kept heading them back to their books and they finally got it right.
Turns out the test is really easy! Actually easier than the regular test one would normally take. Only 20 questions. There was also a self reporting health questionnaire. And there was no additional fee.
Just received my license in the mail and it reads: " 41. May tow fifth wheel recreational trailer between 10,001 and 15,000 pounds GVWR."
So if you're licensed in CA and your trailer is in excess of 10,001 pounds GVWR you should get the RV code 41 endorsement for your class C license. If you have a higher rated license then you're already covered. For those of you in other states.... you may want to check for your requirements.
HamRad
Spouse=Mary Kay
HamRad=Dennis
Stormy & Roscoe,
doxies.
Rig=2002, 3295RK; F-450 7.3PSD, CC, 4.88 gears.
http://www.picturetrail.com/hamrad
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