5th Wheel CA DMV Endorsement

[Parker Dreamin]

Stumbled across this and had no idea it was required- any others deal with this?


10-15k 5th wheel you need to take a 20 question written test for the endorsement. No fee or anything else required.

 

[rivrrts429]

It's not new, most just aren't aware of it. Lots of threads here have discussed it in detail throughout the years.

It became a popular topic when folks were getting popped hauling triple axle toyhaulers on 3/4 ton trucks during that last big economic boom. Not only were they over weight but didn't have the endorsement either.

I have a commercial class A license so I've always been covered but always tried to warn friends who didn't.

 

[spectras only]

If you've noticed, most bumper pull travel trailers have a max loaded weight capacity at 10.200 pounds. My Dutchmen Denali 289RKS has a max weight cap at 9600 lbs.Over 10.200 endorsement on DL required, here in Canada anyways.Same goes for mohos with airbrakes. Lot of the smaller gasser mohos come with hydraulic brakes and ABS now, becoming popular, because they don't require endorsement.

 

[Parker Dreamin]

I will be making a trip to the DMV.

 

[3.Slow]

The do not offer the endorsement any longer, now you need to get the non-commercial class A, i did it a few years back, not hard. But, what they dont tell you is if you get a ticket, traffic school will not take it off your record. You wont have a point, but it will still show an infraction and thus increase your insurance, doesnt matter what vehicle you were driving at the time, i was on my bike. But, It is better than getting stopped and not having the proper license, or worse.

 

[riverroyal]

It's not new, most just aren't aware of it. Lots of threads here have discussed it in detail throughout the years.

It became a popular topic when folks were getting popped hauling triple axle toyhaulers on 3/4 ton trucks during that last big economic boom. Not only were they over weight but didn't have the endorsement either.

I have a commercial class A license so I've always been covered but always tried to warn friends who didn't.

Thank you weekend warrior.....scumbags

 

[Mandelon]

If the CHP is tough you won't be able to continue on your trip either. They will tow it, or you need to find a licensed driver to take your rig.

 

[Paul65k]

Anyone know if there is a similar requirement in AZ??? My 5th wheel is tipping the scales at 14,600 :eek

 

[Dylan]

Are you sure? Noncommercial class A from my understanding is only required for
Over 10k lb bumper pull
Over 15k lb 5th wheel

 

[TPC]

If you're towing a triple set up you need a commercial class A according to all my CHP Friends.
Non commercial class A for the big toyhaulers:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/28423ba0-bba6-4347-9e21-db274e970772/dl648.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

 

[spectra3279]

So my boat needs a class a? Triple axle.

 

[rivrrts429]

So my boat needs a class a? Triple axle.

If over 10k and a ball mount, yes.

 

[spectra3279]

Fuckem. I ain't doin it.

 

[milkmoney]

I have a license to drive anything anywhere in north America with a passcard ( passport), for a small fee u can hire me to drive ur clunkers around
[emoji6] [emoji202]

 

[Parker Dreamin]

I believe most DMV dont know much about this endorsement and just settle for setting up the class a non commercial, i have read elsewhere to tell the dmv it is restriction 41 and that should assist them. I am going to dmv Monday- we will see.

 

[Sandlord]

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/28423ba0-bba6-4347-9e21-db274e970772/dl648.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

 

[lf2]

You also can't drive your trailer to the dmv to take the test. Must have a licensed driver drive it there for you or you can get an automatic fail.

 

[Patyacht]

Don't u luv CA. It's so controlling and smarter than you. I think I'll move there. Puke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HotRod82]

Is AZ still any combination as long as it is under 26,000 lbs for a standard driver's license?

 

[UHHH SUCKA]

Stumbled across this and had no idea it was required- any others deal with this?


10-15k 5th wheel you need to take a 20 question written test for the endorsement. No fee or anything else required.

Yes....I had to deal with this 2 years ago after a buddy got popped on the way back from Glamis. DMV didn't even know anything about it.

 

[napanutt]

Problem I have, class A which I have or not, is length. My motorhome and boat is just over 67'. CA is 65' legally.
I've gathered they aren't too stringent on the length thing but illegal is illegal. [emoji19]

 

[Parker Dreamin]

You also can't drive your trailer to the dmv to take the test. Must have a licensed driver drive it there for you or you can get an automatic fail.

Per website you dont have to take skills or pretip part of it- just 20 question written.

 

[4Waters]

Per website you dont have to take skills or pretip part of it- just 20 question written.

I don't know, when I was getting my commercial class A I watched someone doing skills for a noncommercial class A

 

[thmterry]

There is 2 different endorsements, the 1st is an RV endorsement which is just a written test and doesn't give you anything more then a regular Class C except a sticker on your license. If you have a 5th wheel over 15,000 lbs or tag over 10k you are suppose to have a non commercial class A which requires a driving test.

I have heard of people that only took the written test and got a non commercial class A license because the DMV person imputed the wrong info into the system.

 

[Kachina26]

Also, my understanding is if something really bad happens and you're not properly licensed, you can be held criminally liable. There was a story about a guy that lost everything 10 years ago or so on one of the sand forums. I believe he didn't have enough truck for what he was towing and not properly licensed. Sad deal.

 

[Backlash]

^^^^ Must have been a Ford.






(Sorry couldn't resist!)

 

[Parker Dreamin]

Well that was fun........

Appointment at 2:30 today, got right to the window and the clerk seemed like a seasoned DMV worker - has set this up in the past but has not had this request in over 10 years. He was pushing me into a Class A Non Commercial but I stated I do not want that, I want the Class C with the RV endorsement, that shows Restriction 41 on my license. It took him about 45 minutes to figure it out but he did. Then took a new picture and he said OK, go in the testing room - and they will give you the permit - I said hold on, for what? He said you will need to take the skills test. NO, read your booklet you handed me, no other test than the written test is needed. Went and took the test, passed and have the temp with the R41 on it, new license in the mail 1-2 weeks.

I would suggest that anybody that tows a 5th wheel 10-15K pounds get this endorsement - obvious reasons, it is the law and might help keep you out of extra financial trouble if an accident happened.

And get this - there is no Fee, can you believe the DMV actually has something that does not require a fee.

 

[Fun Times]

Clerk seemed like a seasoned DMV worker - has set this up in the past but has not had this request in over 10 years. He was pushing me into a Class A Non Commercial but I stated I do not want that, I want the Class C with the RV endorsement, that shows Restriction 41 on my license. It took him about 45 minutes to figure it out but he did.

Seems you aren't the only one that found a confused DMV. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1108830-california-restriction-code-41-a.html

 

[JB in so cal]

So my 38' fifth weighs empty about 12k. I have to get an endorsement to be legal when I tow it in California? :grumble:

 

[Dylan]

Thanks to this thread my appointment is tomorrow at 4pm.

 

[Parker Dreamin]

Thanks to this thread my appointment is tomorrow at 4pm.

Make sure you know what to ask them for and dont let em push you into something not needed - like a class a. Post how it goes and good luck.

 

[Parker Dreamin]

So my 38' fifth weighs empty about 12k. I have to get an endorsement to be legal when I tow it in California? :grumble:

Yes, and if over 15 you need a class A

 

[Dylan]

Okay just got it, a few notes to make it more smooth.
It is a class C restriction, not class A. That wasted 15 mins right there.....

It's a test out of a file cabinet no one knew existed.

Slow down over ice
Two mirrors Left and Right needed when rear blocked.
Fire extinguisher accessible.
Have someone help you backup
Right lane only on 4 lane road or less.
Health report renews every two years
Safety chains keep vehicle and trailer from separating.

Aced it.

 

[milkmoney]

Okay just got it, a few notes to make it more smooth.
It is a class C restriction, not class A. That wasted 15 mins right there.....

It's a test out of a file cabinet no one knew existed.

Slow down over ice
Two mirrors Left and Right needed when rear blocked.
Fire extinguisher accessible.
Have someone help you backup
Right lane only on 4 lane road or less.
Health report renews every two years
Safety chains keep vehicle and trailer from separating.

Aced it.

Ok I got to laugh. Have someone help u back up. [emoji6] [emoji202]

 

[3.Slow]

Yes, and if over 15 you need a class A

I think it is based on the weight rating of your trailer, if your towing a 5th wheel with a GVWR over 15k, wether or not it is loaded to that weight you need the proper license.

 

[Jed-O]

Problem I have, class A which I have or not, is length. My motorhome and boat is just over 67'. CA is 65' legally.
I've gathered they aren't too stringent on the length thing but illegal is illegal. [emoji19]

Cut the bumpers off. It's only 2 foot over. Or just try a different prop....