max trailer width in CA-OR-WA with permit? - Diesel Forum

red_georgia · 08-22-2005, 12:52 AM

AS usualy..the government web site is in code..... anybody know what you can legally tow with a "permit" for daily RV use?

a

kwazyca · 08-22-2005, 10:36 AM

It has been too many years since my Lowbed driving days. I hope I remember this correctly.

8'6" is the max you can be in CA without oversize load signs and permits.

Depending on the roads you are on, I believe you need at least 1 pilot car after 12' wide (sometimes 2).

If I remember correctly you need a CHP escort (+ pilot cars) after 14'6" wide. (again road dependant).

Keep in mind, it has been many years. Hopefully someone will come along with more current info and correct my bad memory. This should get you started though.

Tom

SmokeyWren · 08-22-2005, 11:57 AM

You don't need a permit - other than normal license plates - for any RV (or any other vehicle) up to 8' 6" (102") wide.

If your RV is more than 102" wide, you have an oddball that requires a permit. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

Here is a summary of the Texas rules for width, length and weight of vehicles. Click here.

In Texas it's 102" wide without a permit. Most "luxury" RV trailers and motorhomes are about 102" wide. For example, a Newmar Dutch Star diesel pusher is 101.5" wide, and a Newmar Kountry Aire 5er is 101" wide. So I suspect all other states would have at least 102" max width.

red_georgia · 08-22-2005, 01:48 PM

Actually looking for info. on max width for boat trailers with permit.

Wider than max without a permit is known issue...trying to determine what permit will allow without banners, guide cars, etc...

kwazyca · 08-22-2005, 07:12 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Actually looking for info. on max width for boat trailers with permit.

Wider than max without a permit is known issue...trying to determine what permit will allow without banners, guide cars, etc...

[/ QUOTE ]

That is probably going to be on a road by road basis. I-5 is going to be less strict on number of pilot cars, days of travel, etc. Than say Hwy 80, 50, etc.

You will have to have oversize signs and a permits on anything over 8'6".

Tom

smotu · 08-22-2005, 08:58 PM

This should give you some idea about California:

CA DOT

You should be able to search around this site to find what you need.

As far as towing with an RV, I believe the total length cannot exceed either 60 or 65 feet, can't remember for sure.

Teebird · 08-22-2005, 09:14 PM

MAX is 102" wide in Kali. That includes your awnings boys! Most with 102" RV's are illegal because the awning puts you over the limit.

j_apetersen · 08-24-2005, 02:36 PM

[ QUOTE ]
MAX is 102" wide in Kali. That includes your awnings boys! Most with 102" RV's are illegal because the awning puts you over the limit.

[/ QUOTE ]

You need to read 35103 of the california vehical code. awning can go to 108inches. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

justruck · 08-24-2005, 11:52 PM

Try Hauling Campers Commercialy, you need over with permits for several states, with the 8' 6" trailer, plus the awning, plus the exhaust on toy haulers your to wide, Wy has a annual permit it is 150 dollars, Colorado has one also, and there are several more that have them also.

Also they get you on the cgvw, truck 9900 lbs, trailer up to 17,000 lbs gvw, and you better have tags that cover both. In this case put you over 26,00- gcvh and you will need cdl with combination.

So there is a big diference in hauling commercialy and privately with the same rig!

j_apetersen · 08-25-2005, 09:40 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Try Hauling Campers Commercialy,So there is a big diference in hauling commercialy and privately with the same rig!

[/ QUOTE ]

I do haul commercial. But the post was for Ca. and Wa.

**Kanman** · 08-26-2005, 12:38 AM

[ QUOTE ]
AS usualy..the government web site is in code..... anybody know what you can legally tow with a "permit" for daily RV use?

a

[/ QUOTE ]

I would HIGHLY suggest that anybody and everybody that hauls an RV or any type of pull behind trailer go get themselves a Rand McNally "Motor Carriers Road Atlas" Make sure you get a current version, as roads and laws change much faster than what you think. You guys/gals will find an absolute ton of information in one of these Guides. They list legal load width, lengths, heights, bridge tables, etc... For each and every state including Alaska. Plus lots and lots of other great stuff for going down the road. I cant tell you how many times I have grabbed my map to see just how far the next rest area is [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

They come laminated and last for several years. Generally the cost is around $50, but if you look around a while you'll find them on sale for close to half. Every major truck stop in the US carries them.

Back when I drove a truck over the road I would take advantage of the laminated pages with a dry erase marker. I would map my trip out by drawing a dry erase marker over the route I would take. This becomes especially useful when going through an unfamiliar big city.

Two versions of this book exist. One if about half as thick and is just regular paper, and contains only about half the info. The other is fairly thick and has the laminated pages.

Link I have seen them on eBay/Half.com for under $20. ISBN 0528900625 They also have a large print version.

Leader · 08-27-2005, 05:26 AM

Don't think there is a maximum width "with" a permit. I'm doing a 30' wide by 30' high load today & it's not the biggest by any means.

SmokeyWren · 08-27-2005, 11:15 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Don't think there is a maximum width "with" a permit.

[/ QUOTE ]

There is for most loads in Texas. However, they will probably still issue the permit provided you complete "route and traffic studies" that prove the item can be moved on that route without banging into anything or disrupting traffic more than an acceptable amount. For example, they move huge oil-field drilling platforms that can barely squeeze through between the telephone poles. But often at 3 a.m. when traffic is nil.

From the link I posted earlier in this thread:

Texas Legal Size and Weight Limits

The State of Texas has established legal size and weight limits for vehicles and the loads when operating on state-maintained roads and bridges. These dimensions include:

Width Limits

Width is measured from the outside points of the widest extremities, excluding safety devices.
<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
Explanation Measurement

Legal width limit 8’6" (102")
Maximum width permitted on holidays 14’, except for manufactured housing
Maximum width permitted on controlled access highways (Interstate Highway System) 16’, except for manufactured housing
Maximum width permitted without route and traffic studies and certification by
applicant on file 20’

Maximum width permitted for new houses 34’
Maximum width permitted for existing houses 40'
Maximum width permitted for new tanks 34’
Maximum width permitted for existing tanks 40'
Maximum width permitted for portable buildings No limit
Maximum width for manufactured housing No limit
</pre><hr />
[*] There are special requirements for manufactured housing

red_georgia · 08-28-2005, 09:33 PM

Thanks for all the info...but guess I need to clarify.

I know Cali. has a "permit" for loads over 8'6" that you can haul oversize boats without pilot cars and wide load signs as a private hauler for personal use.

The permit is something like 150 per year.... just trying to find the code that describes the permit and what the maximum width is under this permit?

j_apetersen · 08-30-2005, 01:29 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for all the info...but guess I need to clarify.

I know Cali. has a "permit" for loads over 8'6" that you can haul oversize boats without pilot cars and wide load signs as a private hauler for personal use.

The permit is something like 150 per year.... just trying to find the code that describes the permit and what the maximum width is under this permit?

[/ QUOTE ]

Why ask us Go to the caltrans site and look it up Yourself. Sence you dont believe US.