DX3 towing double

[johndjmix]

I had to leave my Raptor in Vegas (Transmission went out had to leave it at dealer) on a trip to SEMA a month ago.

For thanksgiving I was going to the dunes in Southern California. So on the way back through I had to pick up the truck in Vegas but I also had a small trailer. So…



Parked next to a semi w a sleeper and 53’ trailer I was about 10’ longer than him!

I towed double all the way from Vegas to denver, dropped the raptor and UTV there. Then headed south. Drove like normal, the only issue was merging. NO ONE wanted to let me in. I literally had to force myself into lanes when traffic stopped and there was a merge.

—john

[KRedburn]

You were slightly overlength
Many states have 75' max length without "long load" signage and CDL with doubles/triples endorsement.

In Washington, they don't allow any triple setups including commercial vehicles but for max length they don't show one for RV's but do for commercial.

It can get really confusing going interstate at times.

Many don't worry about it unless you get in an accident. Then all bets are off

[rskeans]

In CA max length is 65'.

[CyberShanks]

With the flatbed attached to our new coach, we're sitting at 64' 4" total length.

[Lubehead]

The question is: is the length limit enforced? If so, in what states?. From what I've read, it seems that only specific highways in CA are of concern.


I'm 70 ft long, so far no issue, but the day may come......

[CyberShanks]

https://www.rvia.org/system/files/me...V%20Length.pdf


This site has a pretty well put-together list by state.


Let's just say, I never plan on worrying about California myself.



Jim

[SeaDog]

that is a great reference thanks

[rskeans]

[QUOTE
Let's just say, I never plan on worrying about California myself.
[/QUOTE]


Smart. I'm working on my exit plan. But the roads are jammed going East.

[wildcatter]

Iowa enforces it if they see you, the dw and I and another couple were coming back from sturgis thru Iowa to omaha, he was like 72 feet, ISP pulled him over and gave him a ticket and made him drop his motorcycle trailer at a weigh station and come back to get it, I was right at 65 feet so I had no trouble. I made sure my truck/5th wh/mc trailer did not exceed 65 feet. There are some states I can't pull both the 5th and mc trailer in legally so I avoid those states.

[CyberShanks]

Curious how some of the M2s are getting away with large enclosed trailers behind their rigs. I know my XL comes in at 37' by itself, but, some of these are over 40'. I know I've seen some pics of enclosed trailers that are pretty good size. Curious if they are more strict when it comes to people actually pulling double trailers?


Jim

[Lubehead]

One would think the double trailer in and of itself would draw attention more than an RV (whether Class A or Super C) just pulling a trailer. To my knowledge, that configuration is not allowed here in New England and would be sure to be pulled over. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[NMWildcat]

I have known folks to get pulled over when the middle trailer was not a fifth wheel (two ball hitches in a row).
Several of my friends double tow, especially during hunting season. But most do not post pictures and descriptions of things they do that are not too smart and maybe illegal.... Just saying...

[johndjmix]

Double towing with a ball as the first trailer is legal in many states CO,UT, and NV to name a few.

Flat Towing a car/truck as the first is an interesting situation. In many states that is not considered a trailer since it doesn’t use a tow ball at all, and let’s face it, while a vehicle is being towed, it’s not a trailer. So the definition of “trailer” in the particular state is always worth looking into.

I asked a state cop in UT when I was at the truck stop If my double setup was an issue. His exact words “Keep it under the limit and don’t drive like an ******* and you’ll be fine with us - DOT only enforces commercial vehicles so with the RV your exempt from those guys. And hey nice rig!”

FYI, bike week in Daytona a few years back. I saw a 45’ provost pulling a 30’ stacker and a ski boat behind that. Insane length. Had to be 140’. Longest setup I’ve ever seen. How he pulled this off on the east coast blows my mind.

—john.

[twp5253]

I have read that the I-10 near Blythe is notorious for CHP enforcement. I happen to have a home in Blythe and the CHP has an office there and they send newly sworn officers there for training. Best you go by my neck of the woods at night and under the limit on speed. I plan on getting a 22' trailer that will put me right at 65'.

[rskeans]

Blythe is an ideal CHP training location.

1. State speed limit when towing is 55mph, although not strictly enforced.

2. Vehicles coming from AZ had a 75mph limit.

3. Many vehicles are heading to the Glamis Sand Dunes exceeding the weight limits for their DL's. If their Toy Hauler exceeds 15000 lbs they need a CDL.

I'm going to miss this State- NOT

[doc73]

Originally Posted by rskeans

Blythe is an ideal CHP training location.

1. State speed limit when towing is 55mph, although not strictly enforced.

2. Vehicles coming from AZ had a 75mph limit.

3. Many vehicles are heading to the Glamis Sand Dunes exceeding the weight limits for their DL's. If their Toy Hauler exceeds 15000 lbs they need a CDL.

I'm going to miss this State- NOT

Ca is crazy. Ive had a few tell me they enforce their CDL /license class upon outside drivers even if their state doesn't require special licensure. But it is their state and their laws. Still goofy.

[Tom in Ohio]

Originally Posted by CyberShanks

https://www.rvia.org/system/files/me...V%20Length.pdf


This site has a pretty well put-together list by state.


Let's just say, I never plan on worrying about California myself.



Jim

X2

[CyberShanks]

Two other things:



6 > 8


6 in a row, when ya wanna tow.


Jim

[1HasBeen]

^^^100%^^^

[johndjmix]

And now Cali, in their infinite wisdom, has banned gas generators from being sold starting 2024. Don’t worry guys we are ok as diesel is exempt.

But what will all the gas rv mfgs do???

—john