Max tow length

Looks like most states have a max rv and trailer of 65'. The rv I'm getting is 40' and want to use my 24' trailer whic is probably closer to 30 with the tongue. Anyone run into trouble with this issue 

It's easier to ask forgiveness than to seek permission?

In reply to 1988RedT2 :

True that

Probably depends on the jurisdiction,  from both a rules and enforcement point of view.

I know a guy who had to remove the two tires from the non brake equipped axle on the trailer, and chain it to the frame,, because you could not have wheels without brakes there, while it was legal here. I was also told a story about having to leave a camper in Montana, come home and borrow a bigger truck to continue his trip.

Both of these stories are from 30-40 years ago, but forgiveness can be an expensive gamble.

I've heard everything from cops looking the otger way, to rules only apply off of an interstate to California will make you rent another vehicle to tow the trailer. 

I plan on visiting National Parks along the way, so I won't just be on interstates. Also, oddly, are the triple towing rules you see and how states are anywhere from 50 to 85'. Best part, of course,  are how all this interferes with the notion of interstate commerce ideologies,  especially when many of the craziest rules apply only to commercial vehicles. 

You are buying a combination that you already know is illegal to run. No point in asking for encouragement from internet strangers. Either break the law or don't.

No personal experience, but my general impression is that they don't usually bother RVers much about those sorts of things.  Truckers, OTOH, they are much more strict with.  That said, if you end up in an accident, someone is injured, and it goes to trial then it could be sticky.

I wouldn't  want to worry about that all the way across the country.  One jackass cop could mess you up.

National Parks are already crowded and difficult to navigate.  Don't be that guy who clogs them up further with this over length Rig.

Our rig is ~73' total length bumper to bumper.  42' Class A + trailer toad + trailer.  I spent a lot of time researching, because I knew we were going to be over 65'.  The general consensus on the RV forums is that most places don't care about RVs.   The exception is all white Super Cs/ big stackers that look commercial... those seem to attract more attention.  And if you are stopped and admit to accepting 'prize' money for racing, or have sponsors, some have reported the Highway Patrol in some states will consider you 'commercial'.   

I have been told by many folks that one exception to this is CA around the AZ border.  There is a LOT of RV traffic from both CA and AZ that goes to the Glamis area and CHP is reportedly ruthless in this area.   Apparently, they have significant problems with the 'dunes' crowds.

We have traveled AZ, NM and CO without permits and haven't been hassled.  For CA, I get permits.  Most states have an online permitting process, but costs and conditions vary.

In reply to Rodan :

Thanks for the input. I hadn't heard about permits.  Is this essentially a fine ahead of time, or sone form of special validation? My rig will ne a 40' traditional class A and a common 24" enclosed trailer. 

In reply to Docwemple :

It's basically the same permit a semi-truck gets when they're oversized.  In CA it was ~$16 for a one-trip permit in 2023...  far less than a citation for being over length.

Cool. So I need to plan and contact states. Thanks!!

Alberta lets unqualified people tow really stupid E36 M3 that no other province would allow.

Like your RV towing your truck which is towing your boat.

In reply to ShawnG :

Double, even triple towing is permitted in some states

Been across country a bunch of times and have seen many "No trailers over 40'" signs on some very scenic byways. Plan accordingly. 

I would get the permit.  It would not be fun to have to leave your trailer and come back with a shorter tow vehicle to get it home.  Chances that will happen may be low, but never zero.

In reply to 81cpcamaro :

I agree. Trying to figure out our route and what parks we want to visit.  Definitely Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Zion. Kinda strange how few cool parks there are east of the Mississippi 

Docwemple said:

I agree. Trying to figure out our route and what parks we want to visit.  Definitely Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Zion. Kinda strange how few cool parks there are east of the Mississippi 

The National Park Service was created in 1916, and by that point many of the things in the eastern US that might have made good national parks were already something else.  The west was much more sparsely populated (and still is).

BarefootSkater can tell you more (he lives nearby) but please do some advanced planning if you intend to visit Zion.  As I remember, the main entrance is along a Canyon narrow road and getting turned around and back out isn't very easy for a Rig your length.

Are you guys taking a toad (towed vehicle) for these side trips?

In reply to Indy - Guy :

No towed vehicle

In reply to Indy - Guy :

That canyon run from, or to, Hoover Dam is part of the experience.  Absolutely gorgeous 

I never worried about it.  I had a 36' TT (plus about 3' of tongue) hitched to a crew cab dually.  Total length was probably 58-60' which is a little extra for some states, but I did 48 states over a period of 7 years and never got pulled over.

Most law enforcement doesn't even know what that number is in their state.  They spend their entire career knowing speed limits, judging if you went through that yellow light a little late, or assigning blame at an accident site.

The ONLY time I ever got a weird ticket was in Montana.  The muffler had fallen off my truck and I got pulled over for being 2dB too loud.  They didn't care what my length was.

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

2 decibels? Meanwhile a HD blew by putting out 20 dB over

The Florida Keys is particularly strict on trailer specs; rest of FL not so much.