14 RV Laws you might be Breaking (And 6 that are surprisingly LEGAL)

[@alanhester9984]

I am form WA state and two years ago while driving my motorhome in AZ I got pulled over and received a ticket for no mud flaps on my motorhome. When I was told why I was pulled over, I laughed at the cop (maybe not the thing to do) but I argued and said we have owned that motorhome almost 30 years and have never been stopped. The next day I called the WA State patrol and asked if I had to have mud flaps on my motorhome in WA state and how it applies when driving in other states. The guy had to call me back but in 10 minutes he did and said RVS are like cars and have no requirement to have mud flaps installed, and the rules of the state you are from as far as equipment follows the state you are from. I then called AZ state patrol who gave me the ticket and informed them what WA state said. Then they told me the same thing that I should not have got the ticket and RVs fall in the passenger car rules in AZ too. The ticket got dropped but it seems even law enforcement have a hard time with the laws that pertain to RVs..

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Wow! What an interesting experience. Glad it got dropped. Thanks for sharing.

[@nanachick05]

The lesson, states need to stop making so many flippin rules. LOL!

[@keithjohnsonsr5622]

I am big on certainty. If your not sure, don’t cite. Even though you got it dropped, it probably was time consuming to do what you had to do. Congrats on your justice. Say it with me like Leslie Nielsen, I Was Wrongfully Accused! 😂

[@mxplixic]

Ignorance of the law is no excuse... Unless you have a badge.

[@apparentlynot1stLeonchubbs]

I think you were targeted for the ol' copper grift 🤷 ..not as bad as Oliver, GA where literally half the town's budget comes from enforced fines, but still.. Great reminder to know your laws folks! Knowledge is power 💪

[@Malember]

So many bridges and overpasses are grandfathered in to not have to meet the "new" 13' 6" height standard. The Can Opener Bridge (which has its own youtube channel) was raised from 11' 8" to 12' 4' and yet still gets hit about once a month.

[@nyenergytrader]

Hey Frank, the RV hauler here, some of these I’ve encountered as well, but one good thing to have. If you have an RV that’s on the larger size is a GPS that allows you to put your trailer and weight specifications in this way you can avoid parkways and roads with low bridges, weight, restrictions, and length restrictions. I use the Garmin RV 890, also, gives you active campgrounds in parking areas for your RV

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Thanks for the tip. :) It's on our list

[@Therapy1044]

Is there an app for that?

[@valerief1231]

YES! That couple they got stranded in the mountains in their motor home, (sadly he passed away) also had a toad. They couldn’t even get to help in their car. Their dilemma could have and would have been avoided if they’d used even a truckers GPS. And please, before heading out, cross reference your route against other GPS apps. Then take screen shots of all the steps in case you lose cell service, or your device becomes incapacitated.

[@danielbabcock7004]

​@valerief166 google maps lets you download map data for offline use. So long as you have gps signal, you dont need data to load the map, so you can use it offline

[@dontfencemein-rving7439]

The earbud thing has always been a law ever since Walkman's came out. If you have music blaring in you can't hear ambulances or police sirens.

[@BonFShaw]

It was against the law in the 60's as well. Maybe earlier. But it wasn't earbuds. It was headphones.

[@domin8ss]

Not a law in the state I learned to drive in -- Utah. conversing came up a bit in high school, but it was determined to not be a violation, however it definitely isn't the smart thing to do.

[@dallasarnold8615]

Waaaaay back when I took my driver's exam, anything that would obstruct the driver's ability to hear was prohibited, including loud sound systems. Never knew anyone that got a ticket for it, but it was on the test.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Yeah, I don’t know why someone would want to drive deaf anyway Esp hauling a 44’ in back! In NYS I used to drive with one in but I was chancing it.

[@paulne1514]

It’s against the law to cover your left ear. Cb headsets have been around since the 80’s, with the earpiece only on the right ear. As the top reply says, so you can hear horns and sirens.

[@davidmiller4928]

Buying a road atlas at a truck stop would help figure out road restrictions and weight limits. There are a few sections in the front of them that explain what rules are different for each state. Truckers love them and they are updated annually.

[@teamdada2194]

Lol road restrictions in an rv. Cmon man

[@sylviaisgod6947]

What's so funny about that?@@teamdada2194

[@roberthepburn7461]

The parkway law is because there are a lot of 11' Bridges mixed in with some newer 13'6" bridges

[@joemilbrandt9320]

Well being a N. Y. resident for 68 years I know the no rvs on parkways. Well I have been on the parkway from Niagara Falls to Hamlin beach in our car, once, and I will never drive on them again! You could get a smoother ride on an old railroad bed. I worked for oprhp office of parks,recreation and historic preservation for 38 years and my father did also for 43 in the Allegany region. Well rumor 😂😂has it that Parks believe the roads belong to DOT and DOT believes they belong to Parks so in typical New York fashion neither one does anything to fix at least this portion of the parkway. Some nice little State Parks along that Parkway but use other routes in this area!! 104 and 18 are a couple we pull our 35 fifth wheel and standard cab 8’ dually totaling 48’ oh those crazy rules. Nice informative video and you better pour yourself another cup of coffee you lawbreaker you 🤣🤣🥴

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

@@joemilbrandt9320 oh its more then that, remember its also no 18 wheelers and no... buses on parkways. now this is a point of contention as some claim it was for racist reasons or for keeping the poor from visiting wealthy beaches. But in reality, it was simply a cost/space issue as it took much more space, materials and such to keep a standard grade so a bridge could be raised to 15' rather then 10.

[@Mithrandyr.]

What’s a parkway?

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

@@Mithrandyr. its whats known as a Controlled-access highway. They were a set or series of car only highways built between certain cities and certain "special" locations. They were designed for cars only, no trucks or buses, partly to keep the cost down. by limiting the size of the vehicles they could make the bridges lower, meaning they cost much much less and were quicker to build. In doing so these parkways were build faster and cheaper.

[@dougvanberkel5027]

As George Carlin asked, “why do we drive on a parkway, and park on a driveway?”

[@JPHuber]

On the topic of GPS, it can be useful to use Truck/RV applications instead of ordinary/regular ones. These take into consideration height/width/weight restrictions that others do not. I have seen a couple of RV'ers in very tight situations where the Truck/RV GPS apps would have routed them around. Great topic and yes, I may have "witnessed" one or a few of the situations you mentioned.

[@tsandhage]

There’s an app called “State Lines” which contains most of these laws. Many of the laws are determined by the state in which you live and then your state laws apply to the other states in which you drive.

[@stever6986]

The 'no headphones/earbuds" laws are so that you can hear emergency vehicles approaching...and CO is one of the states that allows triple towing (but I don't think I'd want to try it).

[@rihatcher]

How do deaf people hear emergency vehicles?

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Lights mostly and some ems vehicles have things called "thumpers" which emit a very low tone that as they approach you can feel the vibrations from. Its an outside speaker/siren under the ambulance so it's not loud inside. We had one in our Flight For Life ambulance in CO.

[@stever6986]

@@NoOrdinaryPath True, we heard just such a thing in Denver the other day...but I think most of those 'no headphone' laws predate that technology.

[@Desertdweller1965]

@Tommy Ealey We had to go to CA for a horse show, with wagons. The event was 40 miles from the boarder. We timed our travel so one could drop the trailer at the AG station, settle trailer/horses, as the second person arrived, the first went back for a wagon, then the second. An 80 mile trip beats a 450 mile round trip!

[@RiverWoods111]

@Tommy Ealey You are wrong. Legally blind doesn't necessarily mean pure darkness. Many who are legally blind can see lights or have diverse levels of low sight. The determining factor is that glasses/contacts can't correct their sight. I am sure that those who are deaf have the same spectrum. There are several channels like Molly Burk's channel who is a blind KZbinr who educates about blindness, and she constantly talks about how it affects people differently and exposes the stereotypes that are not true either. There are also several channels that are deaf KZbinrs who educate about living life deaf. While on the subject you can also find a number of Channels of autistic adults who do education also about being autistic. The same goes for ADHD.

[@melissarose6012]

We converted our fridge to work on electric only so that we wouldn’t need to keep propane on.

[@jimnoeth3040]

The triple tow thing, depending on where you are, also depends on what you are towing. For example, a fifth wheel is a semi trailer, not a trailer. Therefore, towing a trailer behind your fifth wheel is not the same as towing two 'bumper pull' trailers.

[@hankblossom]

A bumper pull is a semi trailer also, it's not how its hooked up it's how the weight is carried, partially on the tow vehicle. A full trailer none of the weight is carried by the tow vehicle.

[@davidkisner8332]

Having been a Class A CDL driver I knew most of them. The 13' 6" rule is for over head bridge clearance. But in NY, Pa, De and the NE you will find overheads with less. Always check a trucking atlas (do not depend on a GPS or mapping program)to find lower clearance or call the Local fire Dept as they will know all of them. Invest in Handfree CB radios (they usually have a stick mike headset) these work great when guiding a trailer up.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Like, lots with less clearance In NYS

[@puddintame7794]

As an aside, the interstate highway system was designed to allow the transportation of nuclear missiles.

[@sylviaisgod6947]

Those low bridges are racist.

[@campnut6076]

I never took that much notice until we upgraded to a 13'4" fifth wheel, there are many overpasses here in PA that are not even marked with the clearance height. The ones that are marked are marked so close to the overpass, if you were traveling at speed, you could never get stopped in time. You would think there would be a warning well ahead of a low clearance overpass.

[@kevinford2644]

Absolutely true about the parkways. Parkways are for cars. No trailers or commercial vehicles. You will sometimes see them on there, but it is supposed to only be for cars. The CA 55 MPH thing, those signs are everywhere.

[@dieselsoggydog6299]

Max width is 8.5 FT not 8 Ft. You do not need a CDL for a RV, you may need a Class A or B. CDLs are for commercial use, hence "Commercial Drivers License". Max length varies from state to state but I found generally 65FT combined. Triples are when you have THREE (3) trailers behind the tow vehicle, some states you can some you can't. If you have TWO (2) trailers behind the tow vehicle that is called doubles, legal in every state. You can only ride in a 5th wheel, you can't in a travel trailer in most states, the rest you can't ride in either.

[@larryjanson4011]

not all states will issue a class A non commercial permit.

[@douglasolsen1208]

In our first RV experience in 1977, my wife, our three-year old daughter and myself were towing our trailer from Bremerton, WA to Keesler Air Fore Base in Biloxi, MS where I was attending a school for the military. My wife didn’t much care for the early morning starts, so, since it was legal then to ride in the trailer, we decided she and our little girl would sleep in while I drove in the morning. We did not have any walkie talkies then, so communication between the trailer and the truck was an issue. The trailer did have louvered windows and I told them to just waggle the windows in and out whenever they wanted me to stop. Since the windows were clearly visible in the rear view mirror, this seemed a good idea. I got the rig on the road bright and early, leaving the gals snoozing comfortably. I watched, or thought I did, for the waggling windows and never saw them going. After a couple hours, I decided to stop just to check on them. Apparently, the windows had been semaphoring to beat the band for quite some time. I honestly had not seen them going at all. The sleeping in had not lasted for much more than fifteen or twenty minutes before they had had enough ‘relaxing’. They reported the ride in the trailer was pretty horrible. Noisy, bumpier than was fun and very unstable. Scary was one word they used. There was no problem getting up early to get going after that, even though I told them sleeping in was still an option.

[@nanachick05]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 great story.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Oh my! I bet that was quite a ride! Thanks for sharing 🤣

[@douglasolsen1208]

@Tommy Ealey It was an old one. 1972 Prowler.

[@arbonneladyTN]

@@douglasolsen1208 Guess you never saw the 1960 (or so) Lucy & Desi movie: “THE LONG LONG TRAILER “ I saw it as a kid. My favorite movie of all time!! When I proposed to my family that we get our 36’ TT & van (we had a 23’ class C that had gotten too small with now our 4 kids)….. We had Movie night with that movie. Then popped the idea of the TT that I found to buy💁🏻‍♀️ My kids and hubby had a blast with the movie and never once asked to stay in the TT on travel days🤗 Thanks for your service… even though it was with the ‘Chair Force’😏 Blessings to you and your’s! Signed: NAVY wife & NAVY brat 👍

[@douglasolsen1208]

@@arbonneladyTN I didn’t see that movie before we made that trip. When we did see that film, sometime after that adventure, we laughed over that part and the part about her collecting rocks to commemorate the trip. My wife loves to collect rocks. Still does. I don’t find them in the RV, but do find them in various nooks and crannies in the truck.

[@ClissaT]

I don't know about The USA, but in Australia, many of the things you pointed out are already illegal but I won't go into them. What I did want to say was that as long as your vehicle and trailer comply with the regulations in the state in which it is registered, you are free to go to any other state. I suspect the same would apply in USA. So you may be lucky enough to have registered your vehicle and rig combo in a lenient state and for that you should consider yourself very lucky. It is probably why you have not got any tickets thus far. Alls well that ends well.

[@kathyerikson637]

We’ve been driving with propane on in our campers for 40 years. We also like a cold refrigerator

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@Nasty Habitz don’t open door for the 4-5 hrs u drive Just like during a power outage at home

[@ksgoldwing1]

Todd, from NRVTA recently gave a video explaining why it is dangerous to travel with your propane refrigerator on. Because of the wind while traveling it boils down to The burn chamber not applying heat evenly and causing the metal to expand at different rates in the little burn chamber which eventually may cause it to leak. If it does leak, then hydrogen gas which is part of the process is released and with the open flame right there it could catch fire. He is about the most knowledgeable guy on KZbin about RVing and becoming a RV technician. something to think about, although I do understand having a cold refrigerator is nice. Kerry

[@meseahunt]

This is why u use an inverter or 12v or a generator….

[@TheMissPoovey]

Unless you’re traveling for days, the fridge will stay cold a long time. Especially if full of cold items.

[@DandD_Discoveries]

In Alabama, Size limitations: Height, 13'6"; Width, 8'6"; trailer length, 40'; motorhome/RV length, 45'; combined length 65'. Triple towing is not allowed. Required Equipment: Safety chain, breakaway switch required on trailers over 3,000 pounds.

[@kacythomas7436]

There was once a law in California about no shoes ( like 60 years ago). The reason was the pedals had rubber covers that wore out, the metal pedal was slippery , bare feet just slipped right off, very unsafe. I know because I drove such a vehicle.

[@chautiendung]

Where is the freedom?

[@jameskitzmann6268]

Never bothered me in a standard.

[@joebloe9901]

The reason is because your feet fall asleep while driving without shoes and you cannot push the brakes. I used to try driving barefoot across country and this happened a lot, I don’t do it anymore.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Pretty sure it was in NY too My aunt got a ticket 😁

[@davids9577]

True, you are not required to stop at weigh stations. Just be aware, if you are in an accident, insurance companies will deny your claim/coverage if they can determine you were overweight/length for the state you are currently in. More money in their pocket. All those laws are for safety (and stop people/families from injury/death) and/or to protect the roads/bridges from damage. I have seen semi towing a heavy load (transformer) sink into the asphalt of the a road in triple digit temps. lol Great subject! This was a very interesting video.

[@niceatrya3477]

Please stop spreading these fallacies, that are just plain not true. Let me guess, you know a guy, who had a friend who got denied a claim because he was 5 pounds overweight. Put it this way, if this was true, then every guy who got into an accident and was found to be legally over the limit for alcohol, every claim would be denied. But guess what, they still pay your claim. They may raise your rates astronomically, or drop you all together, but they will settle your claim.

[@MrTommy001]

In NV the length law is 70' and you can tow a second trailer behind a TT. We did it for years with our 25' travel trailer and trailer for our two ATV's. I was a truck driver and had a Reno to SLC run. I stopped at the Wendover port of entry (to Utah) and asked the scale master if I could tow doubles like in NV. He asked how long I was. I wasn't sure but he said however long I was, just stop in and they would sell me an "overlength" permit - by the day, week, month, or year. That was that. It was about the money.

[@jleiben72]

Most toyhaulers are 102” wide which is max width for interstate travel but not legal on some roads off the interstate. Most commercial trailers are 102” so I never had issue with it.

[@dannyschacht4274]

In California, we had a 37 ft. Colorado fifth wheel that weighted more than 15k lbs. I needed to get a "restricted 41" endorsement. I did NOT need to get a Commercial Driver's License.

[@leroybullied7705]

In western Canada it's called a Heavy Weight Trailer endorsment for any trailer utility or recreation that has a gtoss vehicle weight rating over 10141 lbs.

[@stewartgorley2523]

Most length restrictions are called Bridge laws and it's usually measured axle from Center of axle to center of axle and they're mostly for commercial Motor Vehicles

[@reberhardt]

I live in Alabama and my trailer is 102” wide. No problems registering.

[@kethf4301]

I'm just gonna say...Yep, we've done several of these things. As far as the propane.... In our class A we used to. Our first RV, it seemed the thing to do with a 2 way fridge. Did it for a few years actually. Then one day at a gas station refueling on a trip it hit me, "I'm at a gas pump with a freaking open flame not 10 feet from the gasoline fill door. After that I'd always make sure I turn it off before we get to a station, then turn it back on away from the pumps. Most of the time now we have it cold before we leave, then just fill the fridge & freezer with those frozen and refreeze-able gel packages you get from a sporting goods department until we stop for the night or get to where we are going.

[@kradwonders]

I have seen a 45’ 5th wheel with a 25’ boat in tow behind it making the total length close to 100’ and they were traveling at 70mph. I have never seen somebody towing a RV at 55mph however, in an accident an insurance company may not cover the RV because it was traveling over 55mph if is illegal in that state. I have seen insurance cancelled after an accident because a motorhome operator did not have a supplemental brake system in the towed vehicle.

[@larryjanson4011]

if a insurance co can say NO. then you had better be doing it there way. NO over weight, NO over length, NO propane on, NO double towing, NO anything they say.

[@elusiveeskimo3013]

Keeping up with laws while traveling from state to state can be a major pain. Especially if they decide to enforce their laws. And there is the grey area RV conversions often fall into, where various laws can seem to be conflicting. What it was, verses how it's been changed and now used, creates issues in how it's classified, knowing which laws apply to it. And this to can vary from state to state. My RV is a 34 ft Limo Bus (shuttle) that I converted. Have not had many encounters with law enforcement but found the best way to deal with them is to stay calm, be patient, while they sort out what they're dealing with. Most end up full of curiosity, with many questions about my rig. One allowed me to make a quick roadside ride-height adjustment, to what he felt was safe and legal (air-ride suspension system, easy change, no problem). None have given me an actual ticket. When looking at buses and trucks for my RV project I settled on the bus in part to avoid issues truck conversions may encounter when passing Weight Stations. Don't want to look like a Drive By and have them chase me down for a conversation. That would be a waste of everyone's time. And definitely don't want to be stopping at all Weight Stations. That would be wasting time and money. Not modifying the outside appearance of the bus (still looks like a bus) has allowed me to drive through areas where RV restrictions are enforced, overnight stealth camp everywhere that I've parked it. I see it as lightly bending, not actually breaking local laws. And we all peacefully coexist.

[@teamdada2194]

They love to hammer out of staters

[@Rocki5pr]

Most states have reciprocity statutes where you may get a warning (or ticket if officer thinks you won't challenge it) but, since you're legal in your state of residence, you're covered in states it's illegal.

[@what_the_mike]

I recently saw a pickup truck on the highway in CA that was pulling a travel trailer with a ball hitch and lost it. His bumper got bent a bit but the trailer was literally a pile of rubble; it looked like it had been hit by a tornado and the owners were picking through it. A person would have to be crazy to ride in one of those.

[@tommypointer7876]

I know in ok you can ride in a 5th wheel or gooseneck hitched only, bumper hitch is illegal. I did once not by choice and the ride sucks lol

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Absolutely insane Anyone who’s ever seen a smashed camper would know not to!

[@Kittycat822]

Some of the things you talked about are for commercial vehicles for hire. The mud flaps for instance…in California a pickup truck is registered as commercial in order to carry anything in the back. Also by weight. Duels have to have mudflaps. Some states the weight of the trailer or motor home having air brakes requires a commercial rated licensed. The rules apply to what state you are licensed in.

[@jplutchak44]

In CA you can only ride in 5th wheel, not TT, but need to have a way to communicate with driver

[@carolinemoffatt7441]

We have our propane on so the fridge will stay cold also. Need a cold beverage ready when we stop for the night

[@r2db]

4:23 The weight issues specific to recreational use of RVs are mainly an issue of whether you need a non-commercial class A or B (some states issue these, and therefore would require them of drivers licensed in those states). Other states do not issue non-commercial class A or B licenses. If the state issues a non-commercial class A then in order to tow a trailer above 10,000 pounds you need that class A. In order to operate a straight truck above 26,000 pounds you would need a class B. In general, if you are not using the vehicle "in commerce" and if it is registered as a recreational vehicle/ motor home, then you likely do not need a CDL. If you are driving a dually pickup "in commerce" and towing an RV then you may not need a CDL but you do need a DOT number on the side of the vehicle. If you are towing a trailer over 10,000 pounds "in commerce" with the dually then you likely need a class A CDL. That is the exact scenario of a classmate in CDL school. He was towing fifth wheel RVs to deliver them to purchasers. If he was just driving around for fun he would not have needed the CDL, and the purchasers did not need a CDL to tow it, but since he was being paid to deliver the trailer he needed it.

[@tonyaweeklyjr1331]

Much of the laws you mention would only apply if your rv was used for commercial purposes. If used for private purposes you are the same legally as a standard automobile. In every state.

[@glenacord]

I recently found myself feeling compelled to tow my trailer faster than I'm comfortable with to avoid indirectly causing accidents. I normally prefer a 62 MPH max when towing. But I was just driving on a two-lane highway in Nevada with a 70 mph speed limit, with no passing lanes or slow-vehicle pullouts. I was obviously delaying traffic and being passed frequently. On two occasions truckers passed me in unsafe locations, on blind curves in a no-passing zone, with oncoming traffic way too close for comfort. After the second occurrence, when the oncoming car hit the shoulder to avoid a head-on, I decided to increase my speed to 70 mph just to reduce the unsafe passing. Even at 70 mph I was still being passed frequently by drivers going 75-80. I'm going to try to minimize driving on this type of highway in the future.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

U Were Not Causing or Almost Causing Accidents The fool drivers being very unsafe were

[@markiefufu]

I do the exact opposite. I drive 55-60 and if I'm on a 2 lane highway, I get my right tires on the white line and take my foot off the pedal. That gives the people behind me more room and gets them around me faster.

[@glenacord]

@@markiefufu Good idea, I'm doing that from now on.

[@-_.._._--_.-.-_-_-_-...-.-]

Break the law and put yourself in danger so the terrorists can win, good idea!

[@dawg7915]

I've driven with propane ( fridge) on for 20 years... no issues.. I turn it off for fueling and tunnels. Some laws are blanket laws based on 18 Wheelers. (mud Flaps) Interior light.... I drive with it off because it takes some of your vision away at night. its like trying to look out your house window at night with all the lights on in the inside.... you cant.

[@werkspartsllc7856]

There are a few states that require a special driver license endorsement to tow/drive an RV over a certain weight class. NO state requires a CDL (commercial driver license) for a private RV rig! This is misunderstood about everywhere. In Texas if you drive a motorhome or truck/trailer with a gvwr over 26,000 you must get a "Class B non cdl" endorsement. If you are pulling a trailer 10,000 lbs and over and the total gvwr of the trailer and tow rig is over 26,000 lbs, you must get a "Class A non cdl" endorsement on your driver license. Many fifth wheel rigs will need a class A. I have a Class B to cover my motorhome and since I never tow 10,000 I don't need a Class A. All I need to do is take a driver test with a 10,000 or higher trailer to get that upgrade to class A, as the written part of the test is the same for both class A and B. Few even know about this law, even in states where it is law. This class is for Farm equipment and RV use mainly.

[@RiverWoods111]

They will regret not paying attention if they are ever in an accident and they don't have the right license because insurance is likely to say, "we ain't paying you were not driving legally!"

[@werkspartsllc7856]

@@RiverWoods111 Exactly! Lawyers would call out negligence. I hope what I wrote clears up the story that you must have a CDL ( commercial drivers license) to operate a 26,000 pound or larger RV rig in some states. I think all states should have this requirement. Not that hard to pass the written part at all. It IS based on CDL tests, but only 20 questions. Some of which you will find quite important to understand should you break down on the road or have little driving experience. You do have to take the driving test....and should you fail that it makes everyone else safe! Cost to take this test was about $20 in Texas.

[@werkspartsllc7856]

Let me add this about the 26,000 pound weight. This is the GVWR of your rig! And the GVWR of the towed vehicle! NOT the weight of the vehicle like it would be at a scale!!! Every vehicle has a GVWR label on it. Say your motorhome has a scaled weight of 25, 600 pounds and you have a certificate from the scale to show that to an officer. Doesn't matter, the GVWR label of the vehicle is what the law goes by. That motorhome, unless already overloaded, would likely have a GVWR of well over 26,000 pounds! Next, if your F 350 has a GVWR of 12,000 pounds ( I have no idea how close that figure is....) and you are towing a fifth wheel with a GVWR of 13,000 pounds....you are legal with a Class C license. But if that fifth wheel has a GVWR of 14,001 pounds ( many are well over that..) you must have a Class A non CDL license to legally tow it. Empty weight vs loaded weight has no bearing, only the manufacturers certificate of GVWR for the chassis.

[@projectmayhembronco5457]

This! I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it. I would just add that you only have to meet the license requirement for your home state, even if that is a lessor license than the state you are traveling in. For instance in Idaho there is no special license for any size RV so an Idaho resident doesn't need the class A non commercial license even if driving in Texas where it is required.

[@RiverWoods111]

@@projectmayhembronco5457 Correct.

[@ShiryouOni]

I love some of these laws that "force" you to do something that actually compromises safety.

[@dallasarnold8615]

I must NOT have been paying attention. Which of these laws forces you to do something that compromises safety ?

[@Zamugustar]

@@dallasarnold8615 for one the 55mph max speed limit, when most of the highways are 70mph+ being that slow compared to the rest of traffic is unsafe.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@Zamugustar no it’s not lol Ur the driver I avoid when driving 🤦‍♀️ If u feel unsafe, get in the right lane and all the Mario Andrettis can go around u

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

I would love to know other unsafe laws she mentioned

[@MrBirdnose]

@@Zamugustar I just stay in the right lane, with all the semis that are governed to 60 mph.

[@kevintvedt2278]

When you are talking about weight needing different type of license that is only for commercial use. Rv’s do not fall under that registration, UNLESS you are using it for business purposes. Many contractors have to have a class A because they have a one ton P/U with and over 10,000 GVW TRAILER. Also it is about the rating of the parts not actual scaled weight.

[@Stephan_Rothstein]

Just for technical accuracy, the weight requirement for a CDL is set by federal law at 26,001 lbs or more. RVs are also exempt from CDL requirements by federal law. But many states will require a higher class of license even if they do not require a CDL. Texas, where I live will require you to have a class A license if the combination weight is over the 26000 pound limit, even if you do not have a CDL.

[@dandycox2200]

The rainy travel day on “gravel”…mostly muddy road we had to take to our current campground in Michigan showed us how bad we need mud flaps!!

[@rubydually]

Might want to check out which states it's illegal for vehicles with hitches to leave the receiver attached when not being used. West Virginia is one. §17C-15-47a. Vehicles to remove hitch tongues and related accessories when not in use. Any vehicle, equipped with a hitch, designed to accommodate hitching tongues with mounted hitching balls or other hitching tongues connected to luggage carriers, bicycle carriers or the like, shall not be driven or left stationary with a hitching tongue left inserted into the hitch or otherwise attached, when the hitching ball is not in use for towing or the particular device or implement for which the hitching tongue is designed to hold is not in use for the particular purpose for which it is intended.

[@annesullivan2993]

Weigh stations are for commercial vehicles. Even the smaller utility and delivery trucks are required to stop at those in some conditions.

[@reginakevinbarnett7969]

We have our rear camera screen mounted on top of the dash board with the cellphone/GPS mounted to an air vent directly below it - it’s a heck of a lot easier to monitor quickly without taking your eyes off of the road. We tried lowering it, and neither of us felt safe driving with it that low.

[@kenmartin1919]

On Ca highways when towing you must stay to the right (2 lanes in each direction) except when passing another motorist. If 3 lanes, you cannot use the “fast”. If 4 lanes use right two lanes &!3rd lane only for passing, etc.

[@twentyeightnovember1774]

Height restrictions are in place not as an arbitrary law but because of bridge heights. There still are a few bridges on interstate routes in NC that are under 13'6" but they are working hard to get them replaced.

[@kylehawk9055]

When people ask for advice for whatever reason. I tell them don't drive in sandals take them off. I've had it happen personally on a mostly empty highway. I tapped the brake and my brakes locked up even after I took my foot away. My flip flop got wedged on the brake and I fishtailed from 60mph to 20mph before I could figure out what and fix the situation

[@randallparr680]

In 2020, my trip was meant to include a 7 night stay at the Gateway National Park in Brooklyn (NYC). In the planning stage, I noticed that the Belt Parkway would allow me to exit onto Flatbush Avenue almost within sight of Floyd Bennet Field (my destination). Imagine my chagrin when I learned about the New York Parkway rule. Instead, I had to plan to drive about 4 miles on Flatbush Avenue (in an RV with a Jeep as a dinghy tow) which did not appeal to me. I ultimately never made the trip because it was, well. 2020. Ans due to the rapidly rotting social fabric as shown in the news recently, I will allow NYC to pass me by. 💥

[@AlaskaErik]

I avoid Maryland and every coastal state north of it for numerous reasons. But the rotting social fabric certainly is one of the top reasons.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@AlaskaErik MDs so tiny tho For the 3 min ur in it, it’s fine lol

[@mattriding5588]

Propane on...May not be illegal but here is a tip that I use. Keep a couple of soft ice packs in your freezer. When you travel move them to you fridge to keep things cold and then put them back into the freezer once your back on power. Also, when not travelling I keep them in my home freezer. They are ready to put in the fridge and freezer when you head off on your next trip. That way you can pre-fill you fridge/freezer with your food instaed like a cooler. Aslo, once your plugged in at your site the ice packs bring you fridge to temp faster and then move them to the freezer once at temp.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Sounds like a good plan

[@jonesyaaron]

The propane in a tunnel rule is for commercial tanker vehicles. Any tank 40lbs or under are not subject to the federal hazardous and dangerous conditions rules and are not required to be turn off to go through tunnels. *According to the PA DOT inspector that I consulted when we made out trip down the coast.

[@betterwithrum]

Maryland pulls trailers over all the time. I see RVs pulled over a few times a month during the summer. It’s usually because the rear is slammed from tongue weight.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Interesting. We stayed in Maryland for three months at the very start of our adventures. I never noticed anything but I also wasn't looking. :)

[@oldbearsden9819]

If you go to Wyoming and are pulling a camper or driving a motorhome you are required to pull into all weigh stations. Don't know why but they will come after you. You don't need a special license but you have to scale. They will ticket you if your tow vehicle does not cover the weight of the combination vehicle. By the way 96 inches is 8 feet.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

??? We have been through Wyoming. You mean all those RVs are breaking the law? Seems off.

[@oldbearsden9819]

@@NoOrdinaryPath check the law. You seem smart enough to know how to do that. The scales on I 80 stop all rvs.

[@dondavidson3440]

Horse puckey!!!!!!! I lived in Wyoming for a number of years. Pulled my 41’ 18000 lb 5er thru there multiple times…….no one ever paid any attention to me.

[@oldbearsden9819]

@@dondavidson3440 yeah when did you leave? I rolled through Wyoming just this past spring in May and they had 6 rvs pulled in the weigh station with no DOT numbers on them and car plates on the rvs and vehicles. So tell me why they were pulled in. It wasn't because they were being transported by a commercial movers. Looks like they changed the law since you left.

[@dondavidson3440]

In other words, you “saw” the RVs at the scale and assumed that they are required to stop at all times. ANY LEO in ANY state “can” and “may” pull over a RV and require them to preoceed to the nearest scale. Also the scale “can” and “may” pujt up signage that requires RVs to stop. However, “generally” they are busy enough with comercial rigs that they don’t want to mess with RVs. Was through Big Wonderful Wyoming last year with my 3500 RAM dually pulling my 18,000 pound Raptor and rolled past all scales no problem.

[@aqueousone]

There may not be a law restricting the height of your rv but there are many overpasses that do.

[@RiverWoods111]

That is why you want to always use either a RV GPS system or Trucker's GPS system that allows you to put in your height, weight, and length. These GPS systems will keep you off roads you don't belong on.

[@robertthompson3447]

CA Our roads are more reinforced in the two most right hand lanes. That is why in addition to the trailer speed limit we also have the lane restrictions.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

How interesting!

[@billwiz4463]

I used to haul RVs for a living, a lot of what you're talking about the rules and regulations going in and out of scale houses and things like that pertain to the drivers that carry the RVs from the factory to the dealers, they are considered truck drivers then it must keep a log just like truck drivers. In Wyoming we had to get special permit, because the larger units had the awning on the outside of the vehicle and that made us over-dimensional / wide load Once a consumer purchases said unit the laws change completely

[@Dadoutdoors24]

Driving barefoot isnt advised because it is easier for your foot to slip. Which on the brakes, especially in an emergency, that would be bad. Also your toes are contained in an accident if wearing shoes, so maybe they can be reattached.

[@mikebrant192]

I am told that in Oregon, you can use the weigh scales when the station is closed. That is, you can weigh your vehicle yourself, free. Why isn't that true in all states, I wonder?

[@luminousveiws]

I've done so in several states, WHILE CLOSED! (No harm no foul) I think they leave the systems on for this purpose.

[@djohnson542]

Most states do not allow overnight parking in Interstate rest areas. However, toll road service plazas are somewhat different. Some service plazas on the Ohio and New York Toll roads actually have RV electric hookups for overnight parking.

[@chartle1]

Just note in Pittsburgh we have 3 "parkways" called Parkway East, South and West. They are just names not categories of roads. They are part of the interstate system.

[@ScottWinebarger]

Wrong on the CDL license.. C stands for commercial. If the camper you pull is titled to you and is not being used for commercial use, CDL does not apply. Some states have a special license like a CDL but not commercial. It only applies to the state you reside in, not the ones you travel through. …

[@chrispake7127]

On the weigh station, it depends. If you are using your RV in commerce ie: as part of your job, in Wisconsin if over 26,000 lbs you need a CDL and USDOT number and then you would need to stop at a scale

[@westernwrangler1542]

There are so many laws on the books. federal, state, and local that everyone of us young, middle, old, male, female, breaks at least one law practically every day. No way not to really. Sometimes in order to comply with one law, you are breaking another. That isn't to say you should set out to do so, but it is inevitable that despite our best intentions, and hopes, we will break some even pulling an RV from time to time. Mostly unknowingly.

[@nathanbrodeur]

The reason why some places have the towing speed limit of 55 mph is to reduce the chances of a tire blow out and some trailer tires are not rated for speeds above 55 mph and because of the terrain of the roads

[@MrBirdnose]

The part of CA I live in has a lot of grades of 6% or more. I feel like I'm doing pretty good if I manage to hold 55 mph up those. ;)

[@frankdank7507]

It's not "triple towing", it's called "towing/pulling doubles". You are only towing two trailers, not three. And it is legal in a lot of states. Follows the same rules as commercial semi-trucks.

[@fuzion430journey3]

There’s some tunnels you can’t go through at all even if the propane is turned off keep that in mind, I’ve never ever turned my propane off and yes on a ferry it has to be turned off

[@marymadalenem2351]

Get a Jackery, to plug your frig while you drive. Propane can explode if for some reason the seals get loose.

[@alanwanchorlytellc194]

Good to know! Thanks! Turtle, my little Class B, is only 8' 1" high, which is great. I have yet to find a drive through that we don't fit under.

[@fredsmith2299]

How many laws are broken everyday ... and the people don't even know it .... Wow ... Thanks for sharing and caring ....

[@chrispake7127]

Before I retired I was a DOT inspector. In Wisconsin if you use your RV in connection with a commercial activities you must have a CDL of the proper class you are operating.

[@rosscollins2910]

So is creating KZbin videos with your RV considered a commercial activity?

[@camprose]

If you see an RV in a scale or port of entry, that is a transporter and they are considered "commercial" and as such are subject to DOT regulations and are required to stop if required to stop, ie the sign say "truck must enter", if ma & pa pull in the staties will probably get annoyed.

[@tommypointer7876]

My son is a (leo) we were checking on pulling doubles he called 3 OHP officer's and they were clueless on what the law is , after digging at the Pd computer we found out in okla you can pull doubles with a 5th wheel only no gooseneck no bumper pull and you can't exceed 65' . But it's funny the Leo's dont know this so you can do what you want for know.

[@bigwes789]

7:55 mainly because if an emergency vehicle is trying to get through it makes it harder for you to hear them!

[@mrbohl]

I live in New York and we see tractor trailers on parkways. They rip off the tops on the bridges. Most parkways have low bridges. Watch out!

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

We saw that first hand in Boston. Yikes!

[@MrBirdnose]

I have a 12V fridge so I don't drive with the propane on; the only propane appliances I have are the furnace and the stove. As for illegal things, I have a homemade motorcycle trailer with no fenders. Adding them would be a pain because of how the trailer is structured, so I'm kind of waiting to see if I get hassled for it before I try. The guy who built the trailer built it in 1972 and apparently has never had any issues, so I think it's gonna be fine.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Fingers 🤞 for you. 😊

[@mollym5587]

Fun video! We are tent campers but it’s interesting to see all the different laws.

[@BikerDrum]

My understanding is that the 10,000lb weight for a CDL refers to trailer weight only, Combined Federal CDL limit is 26,000lbs. NYS Parkways: Commercial vehicles, Trucks, Trailers or Tractor Trailers are not Permitted on some Downstate New York Parkways, this is primarily due to LOW underpasses built in the 40's or 50's. (look up the Can Opener Bridge on KZbin!)

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Those bridges are no joke!

[@BlackyBlackerson]

I spent a few years stationed in downstate NY during my military career, and you’re right about the parkways. It’s not common knowledge that you can’t tow a camper on them. They have “no trucks” signage, but that’s it. I’d say you were very lucky not to encounter any low clearance underpasses, as many of those parkways definitely have them. The Taconic and Palisades parkways for sure.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

It's weird if you aren't from there. I had never seen them until we traveled East

[@burkepete110]

The Taconic Parkway in NY has an EIGHT FOOT height restriction. You can disregard the limit if you don't mind having your RV wedged under ancient overpasses designed for autos only.

[@johnwrigley1624]

The Hutchinson River Pkwy didn't even let pickup trucks on in the 90s. Don't know if this is still true.

[@grapepanta7265]

I am new to RVing, and in the organizing/testing phase of creating an rv based business that would partly consist of replacing the rv chassis with salvaged commercial vehicle chassis for increased GVWR. This has involved an insane amount of vehicle code research into rv vs. commercial vehicle codes. The trailer weight and several others mentioned, I am 99.9% sure apply to commercial vehicles only. A commercial truck with over 26k lb GVWR requires a cdl. An RV doesn't require cdl for any weight.

[@rodreich5422]

Technically you are correct - however, allot of states require a "Non Commercial CDL" if the combined weight of your truck and trailer exceed 26k.

[@saltyroe3179]

Legnth and weight limits are uniform on interstates and the defined national network. If you get off the national network you may go to a destination by the most direct route.

[@BackSeatJunkie]

Sizes of rigs is more focused on living in that state and buying rigs to register in those states. AND most rigs are built to basic standards to comply with the smallest size allowances of any particular state. YES, there are some random exceptions.

[@tammygraham6416]

You missed a state regarding pet restraints. In New Jersey, "pets in moving vehicles must be secured in a carrier or wear a seat belt. Failure to comply can result in a fine of $250 to $1000." There are special harnesses that attach to a buckled seat belt. Do we use it? (Sips coffee) 😉

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Good to know!! :)

[@JordieCatastrophe]

As a CDL-A driver, just to clarify the one in California: You're not allowed in the left-most lane so if you're on the interstate and there's you know three or four lanes heading your direction. You can't. You can be in all of them except for the left-most, similar signs will be in other states. It'll be clearly marked in other states and on specific routes usually involving very steep, slow climbs.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Interesting! Every state is a little different.

[@asbjorndodsbringaren1945]

the length of a 5th wheel includes the pat that is over the 5th wheel so the is about 5 foot of over lap. that is why you don't find trailers longer than 45 ft

[@alexis700]

Great video! This is some good content and discussion. Thanks for posting! Regarding driving with you propane on, I'm not sure of the legality of it (I think it is illegal in some states). However, the safety instructions for my trailer states in several sections that the propane tanks must be shut off while the trailer is in motion. I certainly think it's primarily a matter of safety, especially in the event of a crash. Might be worth checking with you manufacturer and/or the states you're driving through just to be sure. Personally, I would rather deal with icing the important foods versus having a gas leak and fire while towing though.

[@gpenrod5221]

Looking at it logically, there would be very little "safety" reason to do it. If you are going to be in a wreck, you would hope you have propane valves turned off because there are multiple reasons for a propane leak, kinked lines, etc. However, I did just watch a youtube video of a trailer tech who swore up and down that you must turn your fridge off for traveling because they "require to be level for operation" for reliability. He claims to have had to fix many refrigerators because they broke while traveling. That said, I think there is a balance on food safety (cold foods preserved correctly) vs. other reasons. Something I'll be researching out more for my own peace of mind and knowledge

[@codeman99-dev]

11:00 It is quite unsafe to drive with heels or any foot wear that is too loose. Basically, think about an emergency stop.

[@markb448]

Many things you bring up are state specific with regards to your trailer or vehicle and not enforceable in other restrictive states you are "Passing through".

[@markfoertch]

Putting our dogs in harnesses and securing them was the best thing we could do for them. They are safe and cannot get out. When we stop it is easy to take one out at a time. Much safer for them. In an accident they can't run away. Never going back to letting them run amuck.

[@mymai5859]

Agree. The chances of a loose dog in the car seeing a cat or other animal it wants to chase, the minute you open the door - is a recipe for danger

[@dcijams]

A lot of people don’t even pay attention to the white signs at bridges. Maximum Bridgeway based on the distance between your axles, If you’re going to run any kind of RV with a trailer you should really be following the Rand Denali, truckers GPS. And get yourself an up-to-date road atlas.

[@xw0lfpack91x]

Length laws in states like Alabama or Connecticut only counts for part of the vehicle touching ground, in the commercial aspect we refer to this as bridge law. Industry standard for a commercial trailer is 53 feet in length however in states like Alabama we cannot exceed 40 feet in length for bridge law, it seems impossible until you realize that trailer length is measured from the center of your kingpin (or other hitching device) to the center of the last axle, so while the body of your trailer may be 42 feet you may actually only be 30 something feet in length according to bridge law

[@timlincoln2246]

Being from NY, and near the Ontario parkway, the reason for the law is the height. The parkway has lower bridges that a commercial vehicle will not fit under.

[@loricurtis753]

We always have propane on, unless like you said, tunnels or somewhere requires it off.

[@hfyeomans]

In Boston when they say cars only it’s becsuse the bridges are less than 10’ on multiple roads. We have a past time here in Boston watching moving trucks and semis hit the rubber cars only signs, keep going and getting their rigs shaved off and destroyed because people think we are just saying “no cars” but nope we mean it. We call it “storrowing” for the name of one of the drives Storrow Drive.

[@Neverdie242]

I thought that those 96 in wide and length laws had all been changed to the 102 wide and 53 foot length. RV's are restricted to real near 400 sq ft of inside space. Mud flaps on your truck and trailer go by what your home state laws are. Arkansas no mud flaps, Texas mudflaps on trucks. Enjoyed this video very much.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Yes laws change frequently. This was more for fun and some things like width may be outdated. But then again each state is different so it's hard to tell unless you look up laws on every state through each official website.

[@badgerpa9]

The federal law changed to allow 102 inch wide and 53 foot trailers in 1982 for Commercial Vehicles on the National Network which is the Interstate and most state highways. States can still have requirements of smaller vehicles on roads not part of the National Network. Also HUD no longer has the 400 sq foot rule, not sure what they made it but it is bigger now.

[@meyatetana2973]

I know one that probably every RV tower breaks, and thats the people who replace breaks and suspension parts to haul the weight of the Trailer and although it's same tuck as the bigger weight capacity the truck is not rated and that's a DOT violation a serious one for RVers :)

[@canundrumsixnine6830]

In California there are differing laws on RV's and Weigh Stations from County to County, but Statewide, if you see a Sign that say "ALL Vehicles with Trailers Must Exit to Weigh Station. That means you too. I thought since I was driving a Ford Escort with a nine foot U-Haul trailer, I'd be ok. Nope, I got ticketed by the CHP.

[@jamesbeecher4431]

The reason it is illegal to have earbuds in is because you cannot hear horns or sirens of approaching emergency vehicles. You may ask why do you see firefighters with headphones on then? It is because of the constant sirens and airhorn they are exposed to while responding and the, officially, not only is the driver but also the officer is watching out for traffic and other dangers and the headphones are actually intercoms and they can talk then.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

N they are trained how to behave with them on to compensate for no hearing

[@glamphiker]

Hello, there is a weight station in Maryland that requires all vehicles weighing 10'000 pounds or more to pull in. Also, it isn't legal to pump fuel in your RV with an open flame going, such as your refrigerator running on propane. However, I did find your video very interesting.