California Class C License Towing

[SmilesPerGallon]

Picked up a 12,000 GVWR enclosed cargo trailer.

From my understanding, this requires a non commercial Class A drivers license?

Any Class C endorsements available instead of the Class A?

DMV’s website is all over the place on this subject

 

[FlyByWire]

Any Class C endorsements available instead of the Class A?

Per the *law*, no. 10+K GVWR is class A.

 

[Singleton]

Per the law, no. 10+K GVWR is class A.

Does it have living quarters in the front of it…? Call it a travel trailer if so and you’re good.

Still would require non-commercial class A.
Any conventional hitch over 10k.
5th wheels go up to 14k

 

[beerrun]

Picked up a 12,000 GVWR enclosed cargo trailer.

From my understanding, this requires a non commercial Class A drivers license?

Any Class C endorsements available instead of the Class A?

DMV’s website is all over the place on this subject

Just pull it and if and that's a big if you ever get pulled over play dumb but more then likely the cop will not know any difference

 

[Singleton]

Picked up a 12,000 GVWR enclosed cargo trailer.

From my understanding, this requires a non commercial Class A drivers license?

Any Class C endorsements available instead of the Class A?

DMV’s website is all over the place on this subject

Have it re-certified to 9990.
My conversional hitch had a 19.5 capacity, weight stamp was 9990

 

[Jefftowz]

Class A is class A, Take the test with your rig and get a class A with no Air brake endorsement.

 

[Singleton]

Class A is class A, Take the test with your rig and get a class A with no Air brake endorsement.

You can’t tow the trailer to the non-commercial class A test. You need someone to pull it to the test location and can’t take test with a different trailer.

I was pissed when I got failed for towing a 12k trailer to the test. At that point I said F it, if I get stopped I will deal with it.

 

[SmilesPerGallon]

Have it re-certified to 9990.
My conversional hitch had a 19.5 capacity, weight stamp was 9990

How’s this possible?

 

[4Waters]

Just pull it and if and that's a big if you ever get pulled over play dumb but more then likely the cop will not know any difference

It's more if he gets in a wreck and he is out of class his insurance could deny the claim.

OP, if you end up getting your non-commercial A do not drive the rig to the DMV, have someone that is licensed drive it.

 

[CLdrinker]

It's more if he gets in a wreck and he is out of class his insurance could deny the claim.

Technically possible but very unlikely. Drive around any campground or go to glamis 1 weekend. A overwhelming majority of those rigs need a non commercial class A.

I bet less than 25% have proper liscense.

Think how many members here have a boat over 10k. I bet they don’t have the proper liscense.


It’s quicker and easier for insurance to pay the limit on your coverage and tell you to figure out the rest.

 

[aka619er]

Leave it all licensed and insured in AZ. Done.

 

[CLdrinker]

Per the *law*, no. 10+K GVWR is class A.

You write many out of class tickets?

 

[4Waters]

Technically possible but very unlikely. Drive around any campground or go to glamis 1 weekend. A overwhelming majority of those rigs need a non commercial class A.

I bet less than 25% have proper liscense.

Think how many members here have a boat over 10k. I bet they don’t have the proper liscense.


It’s quicker and easier for insurance to pay the limit on your coverage and tell you to figure out the rest.

There has been multiple threads about this, a former inmate knows of someone that did get in a wreck, long story short he went to jail and lost everything

 

[CLdrinker]

There has been multiple threads about this, a former inmate knows of someone that did get in a wreck, long story short he went to jail and lost everything

1 case out of millions.

I would like to hear the details. I bet it wasn’t a fender bender and he wasn’t just towing out of class by a couple thousand pounds.

 

[4Waters]

1 case out of millions.

I would like to hear the details. I bet it wasn’t a fender bender and he wasn’t just towing out of class by a couple thousand pounds.

It's like the threads don't exist anymore, unless the search isn't working for me.

It was a 5th wheel and if I remember correctly it was a swoop and stop and he couldn't stop and it killed someone. I think the driver of the car admitted to doing that but because the driver of the truck and trailer was out of class he was still found at fault.

I went on an accident on PCH where a drunk girl was stopped at a light and was rearended by a sober driver, the drunk girl was found at fault.

California, what can I say

 

[Singleton]

How’s this possible?

My trailer needed a new vin plate. Worked with manufacture to get new plate and was asked weight I wanted

 

[FlyByWire]

Still would require non-commercial class A.
Any conventional hitch over 10k.
5th wheels go up to 14k

Yeah I edited the post right after I posted it. I was mixing up a couple different classes.

 

[FlyByWire]

You write many out of class tickets?

I don’t think I’ve ever written an out of class ticket aside from M endorsements.

It’s not so much the ticket, it’s if you wreck it.. then you’re in for some shit… mostly insurance related.

 

[Singleton]

Also for 5th wheel trailers
A driver must have a fifth-wheel recreational trailer endorsement added to his/her Class C driver license to pull a fifth-wheel recreational trailer over 10,000 lbs., but not over 15,000 lbs

 

[Icky]

I keep meaning to do this too, I might study and head down to the fontana DMV and try and take the test and see what I really need to do. Supposedly that's one of the dmvs that does this test.

I've heard multiple stories of people getting pulled over and had to have someone with the correct license come get them. I don't tow at 75 in California so I haven't found out yet.

 

[crzy2bealive]

It's more if he gets in a wreck and he is out of class his insurance could deny the claim.

OP, if you end up getting your non-commercial A do not drive the rig to the DMV, have someone that is licensed drive it.

I mean they do they deny claims when you run a red light and get into an accident?

 

[CLdrinker]

Also for 5th wheel trailers
A driver must have a fifth-wheel recreational trailer endorsement added to his/her Class C driver license to pull a fifth-wheel recreational trailer over 10,000 lbs., but not over 15,000 lbs

I thought it was 10k bumper 15k fifth.

 

[CLdrinker]

It's like the threads don't exist anymore, unless the search isn't working for me.

It was a 5th wheel and if I remember correctly it was a swoop and stop and he couldn't stop and it killed someone. I think the driver of the car admitted to doing that but because the driver of the truck and trailer was out of class he was still found at fault.

I went on an accident on PCH where a drunk girl was stopped at a light and was rearended by a sober driver, the drunk girl was found at fault.

California, what can I say

I need crash cam I mean dash cam

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Per the *law*, no. 10+K GVWR is class A.

Is that by the trailer plate for max GVWR or what?

How about boat trailers?

 

[Singleton]

I thought it was 10k bumper 15k fifth.

Class C RV Endorsement for 10-14999lbs for 5th wheel

Non-commercial class A for bumper pull 10k or more OR 5th wheel over 15k

 

[Singleton]

Yet I can jump in my 36’ RV pulling a 24’ enclosed and be on my merry way with a class C

 

[Smupser]

Just like the guys back in the day going to glamis with grossly overloaded weekend warriors towing with trucks that were 5k underrated for the same trailer dry

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Just like the guys back in the day going to glamis with grossly overloaded weekend warriors towing with trucks that were 5k underrated for the same trailer dry

Back in the day?

I need more than one hand to count the number of trucks headed for the sand that are so poorly loaded or towing overloaded trailers that their headlights are pointed at the moon. FBW should be pulling over those guys and checking weights.

 

[Ziggy]

There has been multiple threads about this, a former inmate knows of someone that did get in a wreck, long story short he went to jail and lost everything

I remember that situation & end result. Sad for everyone involved.

 

[CLdrinker]

Back in the day?

I need more than one hand to count the number of trucks headed for the sand that are so poorly loaded or towing overloaded trailers that their headlights are pointed at the moon. FBW should be pulling over those guys and checking weights.

Shit you need to count them by the dozen.

 

[Blackmagic94]

How’s this possible?

It’s not. You can only downgrade the gvwr to the first owner on the first title and registration. And yet dot can still argue that it’s not that weight and the real weight. Ask me how I know.

If it’s been registered at any time prior to an attempted Downrate it is not down rated in reality.

 

[Rajobigguy]

If you’re considering towing out of class and hoping for the best you should listen to my story.
Years ago I had a towing service. I got a call to pick up a large flatbed truck over in Compton and on the way back to my shop I got pulled over. The cop told me that my truck wasn’t rated to tow that vehicle. I assured him that it was and he started checking. He called in the bins on both vehicles and yep I’m good but he is determined so he checks the tire ratings and date codes on my tires, good again. Then he tells me that I was right and my rig is good to tow it but I need a class A ( I believe it was called class1 back then ) for me to legally tow it.
I go to the court to pay the ticket and they tell me it’s not a simple fine it’s a fix it ticket and I need to get my class 1 license.
Ok I might as well get my endorsement so I don’t have to worry about this again. Read all the rules and laws until I’m comfortable and head to the DMV . I take and pass the written test and set up an appointment to do the driving test. I hook up that same truck to my tow truck and head back to the DMV for the test and when the proctor steps out he tells me I can’t use That rig to take the test. After a heated conversation about it and insisting that if I can be ticketed for towing out of class with that rig then I can test with that rig and after arguing with his supervisor and his supervisor’s boss they finally decided to let me test just to make me go away.
Tested and passed with flying colors now back to the counter to get my endorsement.
The girl at the counter tells me she can’t issue my endorsement because I have an outstanding ticket. I try to explain that it’s a fix it ticket and as soon as as she issues my endorsement I can have the outstanding ticket removed.
“Not our problem, deal with the court”
Back to the court with all my paperwork showing I passed all my tests.
Girl at the counter says you’ll have to see the judge so I make the appointment, show up with all my paperwork and explain what’s going on to the judge.
“Not the courts problem, go fix it”
How???
“that’s your problem, not mine”.
I finally gave up and just figured that I’m trapped in a perfect catch 22.
A few weeks later I get a notice from the court that the ticket has gone in warrant. Back to the court I go. After paying an exorbitant warrant charge I take my receipt to the DMV to use as proof that the ticket had been satisfied ( in reality it was just the warrant charge but I’m going to try to sneak under the wire here.).
After some bantering back and forth they finally issue my endorsement.
Back to the court, girl at the counter says I need to see the judge. Make the appointment, show up, present everything to the judge , case dismissed.

This is probably the longest post I’ve ever made here but if ever wondered why I get all “hate the world” whenever someone mentions the DMV this is one of the many reasons.

 

[NicPaus]

I know quite a few that have been nailed for the over weight out of class tickets. The losing everything story there's probably more to it.

One of the things that almost got a driver jail time. After being pulled over for over weight and out of class. Was not having the break away trailer brakes connected. The weight and out of class was a big ticket. But the brakes was reckless endangerment and with his prior record jail time. He was driving a company truck F150 and trailer. Owner of the company spent 40k in lawyer fees to keep him from doing jail time. That F150 now has a weight sticker on it.


I used to own 3 trailers that were rated over 9,999 lbs. Sold them all. Now I have 3 rated at 9,990 or 9,999. Just can't be 10,000.

 

[oldman]

My buddies wife tows this to Oregon every year with a Ca. class C as an RV

Total weight is around 55k. frame on the weekend warrior has been replaced with 8" channel, tractor is a manual 13 speed with 10th gear as a 1to1, three step jake, trailer has been upgraded to 21.5 rims with G rated tires. 4th axle does not touch the ground, it's spare tires and hubs.

and a closer look shows the front axle as an over weight setup. get 11 MPG over the road

 

[Jefftowz]

I don’t think I’ve ever written an out of class ticket aside from M endorsements.

It’s not so much the ticket, it’s if you wreck it.. then you’re in for some shit… mostly insurance related.

I’ve impounded years ago for out of class both trailers and trucks.

 

[monkeyswrench]

View attachment 1434870

My buddies wife tows this to Oregon every year with a Ca. class C as an RV

Total weight is around 55k. frame on the weekend warrior has been replaced with 8" channel, tractor is a manual 13 speed with 10th gear as a 1to1, three step jake, trailer has been upgraded to 21.5 rims with G rated tires. 4th axle does not touch the ground, it's spare tires and hubs.

and a closer look shows the front axle as an over weight setup. get 11 MPG over the road

That's all kinds of redneck sexy

 

[oldman]

That's all kinds of redneck sexy

He started towing that rig with a highly upgraded ford 550 ( tires, brakes everything to make it not a handful) and lost an intercooler tube coming down the grapevine. Said every trip was a white knuckle trip.
He went to the Volvo and has never looked back, chopped the third axle out of it, Tagged it as an RV in Ca, He carries 200 gallons of fuel, says it runs down the freeway at 70 and in overdrive can run 80 without any issue. 425 hp 1400 ft lb of Tq.

He carries a CarOne offroad car and quads for the three kids in it.

 

[FlyByWire]

I’ve impounded years ago for out of class both trailers and trucks.

Now that I think about it, we used to set up near one of the dumps and help the commercial folk, they took a lot of trucks for out of class. Was just never my forte.

 

[monkeyswrench]

He started towing that rig with a highly upgraded ford 550 ( tires, brakes everything to make it not a handful) and lost an intercooler tube coming down the grapevine. Said every trip was a white knuckle trip.
He went to the Volvo and has never looked back, chopped the third axle out of it, Tagged it as an RV in Ca, He carries 200 gallons of fuel, says it runs down the freeway at 70 and in overdrive can run 80 without any issue. 425 hp 1400 ft lb of Tq.

He carries a CarOne offroad car and quads for the three kids in it.

A class 8 is built to tow, no doubt. In 07...previous life...had a 40ft WW and a 550. It towed it fine, but felt strained I'd say in some respects. Sad thing is, that Volvo chassis probably turns sharper too!

 

[zhandfull]

Most here are under estimating law enforcement on their knowledge of towing laws.

Get pulled over and found driving out of class. Likely won’t be leaving that location till someone arrives with correct license to drive.

Haven’t been driving commercial class A for over ten years. Keep the license and medical up to date just in case.

 

[Angler]

My newer 5th wheel is rated 15500 GVWR, so I guess I need a non commercial A endorsement?

 

[4Waters]

Most here are under estimating law enforcement on their knowledge of towing laws.

Get pulled over and found driving out of class. Likely won’t be leaving that location till someone arrives with correct license to drive.

Haven’t been driving commercial class A for over ten years. Keep the license and medical up to date just in case.

You can go to the DMV an have them drop the commercial and retain the class A, that's my plan when I retire

 

[Maestro]

In Ca. You can get an RV endorsement added to your class C. 10-15k limit anything higher requires a class A or B.

 

[OCMerrill]

Now that I think about it, we used to set up near one of the dumps and help the commercial folk, they took a lot of trucks for out of class. Was just never my forte.

They are set up at the Brea Olinda Landfill a 1/2 dozen times a month. CHP is there along with DOT and commercial enforcement. I would imagine they find allot of truck inspection issues but driving out of class, those drivers have to know what the consequences are?

I also have a 9990# dump trailer. Its on my registration, the mfg sticker, and stamped. It's a 14K trailer and I bought it direct from the MFG down rated to avoid mechanical issues over long term use. I use Load range F 3960# tires. Pintle mount, 7500 lb axles. Bomb proof that trailer is.

 

[JL95]

@monkeyswrench pics of the f550 setup are never a bad thing lol

 

[oldman]

A class 8 is built to tow, no doubt. In 07...previous life...had a 40ft WW and a 550. It towed it fine, but felt strained I'd say in some respects. Sad thing is, that Volvo chassis probably turns sharper too!

That one is 45'. Your right on turning, and better fuel mileage also.... my bet

 

[NicPaus]

My newer 5th wheel is rated 15500 GVWR, so I guess I need a non commercial A endorsement?

Is it a camper if so non commercial class A.

If it's a flat deck trailer. Class A.

 

[RogerThat99]

Per the *law*, no. 10+K GVWR is class A.

When was the 10K weight limit on Travel Trailers put in place? I had a 34' trailer in the mid 2000's that my memory says it was approx 9,500 dry and around 12,500 GVWR. This was before the lightweight trailer building had fully taken off. Nothing on this trailer was light weight.

I did notice while shopping for a new travel trailer last year, almost all of the larger trailers are GVWR of 9,000 lbs to 9,900 lbs (sometimes very little payload weight available), and I wondered why.

 

[monkeyswrench]

@monkeyswrench pics of the f550 setup are never a bad thing lol

Sadly, previous life...I loved that truck. Only vehicle I've ever bought new. Was an 07, bought July 4th of that year. Unfortunately, that was when I thought money kept flowing. The repo man was very nice though.

I'll have to look...I know I had a few pics somewhere. White Lariat, Roll-a-long, 4x4...even at 17 years old now, and the infernal 6 leaker, I'd love to have it back. (Now I know how to work on them too )

 

[monkeyswrench]

That one is 45'. Your right on turning, and better fuel mileage also.... my bet

The WW I had was a 40.05...stupid way to measure I think. Nose to tail was 43, and the "deck" was around 36 or 37? The 550 got 11...the problem was, it got 11 towing or bobtailing. Previous to that I towed the WW with a V10 Ford, on 37's and a lift...4mpg to Barstow or Needles It looked pimp, but F' me, fuel and squirreliness had some pro pucker factor!