To all our brothers in the Golden State.
Here we go again, raising the stupidity bar even higher.
Today I went to DMV to renew my class C DL. while waiting, I started going through the drivers handbook. There on pg. 6 -5th-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under 15,000lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation AND with endorsement. When I inquired, no one knew anything about it. I ended up having to take the non commercial class A test, the class C test, and my MC written test. After several hours I walked out of the office with the first RSTR: 41 endorsement issued by the Los Banos office.

 

you take your trailer in for the "driving" part?

 

There is no driving test, just written.

 

Huh..must be a weight thing then, with 5th wheel. OR, if/now you buy a 5'er, you MUST take the driving test...poor cones. They were smashing them, left/right, other week i was there, waiting for my # to be called

 

Here's the link:
Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Recreational Trailer Endorsement

 

I am actually ok with this particular regulation. Hopefully more states will follow California's lead here. The facts are, towing a large RV isn't as simple as driving around in the family SUV. There should be a separate endorsement for those of us who want to pull RV trailers on public roads. I just skimmed the regulations and didn't see if 'permit' use is allowed. For instance, say you took the test and have the endorsement on your license...that is good. But what if you are sick or just tired and your wife gets behind the wheel for a little while? That should be allowed if the endorsement license holder is in the passenger seat.

Here in Arizona, I see all kinds of people towing triple axle 5th wheels like they are in some kind of race. Just because their truck is powerful enough to tow the trailer at 80 mph it doesn't mean they should do it. That just seems like a recipe for an accident to me. The other day I saw someone pulling a long trailer in the double turn lane and they were in the INSIDE lane! I'd probably lose my CDL license if I got pulled over trying to do something stupid like that....

Anyway....good for you for taking the test and passing the endorsement. Was there any practical information that you needed to know or learned in the process? (I am always looking for tips on safety and sensible driving. )

 

Hey Bill, congrats from here, as well...

 

There is someone else on here with a F450 that has that restriction too.

For clarification, the over 10,000 under 15,000 is for 5th wheel trailers. Tongue pull trailers are capped at 10,000 for regurlar non-cdl class c.

 

Bill thats funny. If you go thur the book it says you have to take a driving test and submit a medical question certificate. I printed your form out to see how that goes. Chet

 

Im with Greg on this one... Too many poeple on the road driving big trailers with idea how too...

 

I've been saying that for a LONG time.

 

CA DMV says you may tow up to 10,000lbs via tongue pull with a normal class C. Does anyone know what you need to tow 10,000+ via tongue?

My friend has a toy hauler trailer rated for about 11k or 12k thats a tongue pull. His dad (who tows it mostly) has a Class A so its ok, but he want to start towing it too.

 

CA DMV says you may tow up to 10,000lbs via tongue pull with a normal class C. Does anyone know what you need to tow 10,000+ via tongue?

My friend has a toy hauler trailer rated for about 11k or 12k thats a tongue pull. His dad (who tows it mostly) has a Class A so its ok, but he want to start towing it too.

 

I had to print out that form and show it to the clerks at DMV. I was in and out most of the day as they were totally confused. They have several different brochures and most are out dated. It is going to be interesting to read the posts on this forum as the rest of you go through this process. You will really get a chance to see your government employees in action.

 

Long overdue, but they need to require a medical card too. I don't know how many times over the years having to dodge Pa Frikett up on Donner...I'm 60' and he is "God Knows" how long and all over the road. Length should come into the equation of requiring a Class A and a driving test with the equipment would be nice.