Having towed my large fifth wheel through Cali a few years ago and from Texas into Maine the past two summers, I've covered all of the areas that you say to avoid. You do have to stop at agricultural inspection stations in California. Otherwise no stops are necessary, even in "**** states".

 

When I come back to California from Nevada I have to stop (or sometimes waved through) in the Cali agricultural inspection station even if I'm in my CAR. Most RVs get searched.

 

RV *might* get checked for contraband onions at th ag inspection stations. They are NOT checking emissions, which was the OP’s question.

 

Way to try and keep it on point Don.. What the heck you thinking'...

 

OK, Rodney. Will do!

 

Op here. Thanks for all the input. Wasn't trying to start an inspection station debate haha - it was more of an example of what I may need to watch out for. Is there anything else like epa police or normal police looking under trucks down there? Not sure what sort of jurisdictional rights they would have over me in another country? Anybody have experience travelling through Ontario, Canada? Or if I just mind my manners and obey all the laws - sounds like should be good to go. ​​​​​It's tough trying to find real answers when searching this topic

 

Here in Colorado they passed the "Rolling Coal" law a couple years ago. If your tailpipe emissions produce a sufficiently dark cloud they can write you a ticket. But there won't be emissions testing for out of staters here in Colorado. Emissions testing is only in the front range and is required only to title/register a vehicle.

If you're towing, why would you want all that soot blowing back onto your trailer?

 

Lots of info, some good, some not so good.
I have towed and carried a camper in the west for several years.
I stopped at ONE weigh station with my big toyhauler and was told, STERNLY, NOT TO STOP AGAIN. Cormercial vehicles only.
there is a lot of confusion, and each state is different.
For all the ones I know of RV for personal use are exempt from weight stations.
If you are moving an RV for pay, then you must stop.
There are also Reciprical laws in most states. So what ever is legal in your home area, is considered acceptable in their area.
I personally wouldnt worry much, I myself would not go intoCalifornia. You just never know about them.
have a good tri . The odds are no one will even give you a second glance

 

Is that true for total length? Wyoming has one of the longest tow lengths allowed, while other states can be 20' shorter. If I had an 80' length rig (truck + trailer + trailer) would it be allowed in other states?

 

Jim, in my experience, when towing RV’s they don’t ever give you a second look. However, (don’t we just love that word), going to states that do not allow doubles I would be very skeptical about attempting it there.
One of my trips between AZ and ND I hooked my 18’ flatbed to the back of my 38’ gooseneck and down the road I went. AZ, NV, UT, ID, MT, and ND. I was just over 80’ long and no one even looked at me.

 

Don, I suspect that the more you look like a commercial transport, the more likely you would be scrutinized. I do agree that states that don't allow double tow would raise a red flag if you brought a double tow into that state.

Using just Google (not always an authoritative source!), Wyoming's maximum tow length is 85', while California's is 65' and Maryland's is 55'. These differences won't mean diddly squat to most RV owners and it's nitpicking of me to point out the tow length differences. <-- With just a common RV and truck the length is unlikely to exceed 55'. Nonetheless, having to know every state's towing laws sucks.

 

I crossed the state line coming in 5 times last year. Never was stopped. The only time I was ever stopped was coming into Washington from Victoria, Canada and that was in 1997. Lots of FUD here about that. For the OP, the only problem you might have is if you need to have your truck worked on at a dealer, they may give you some grief.

 

I live in wi. I have been to Alaska , Florida, Maine and most of the Midwest with pickup trucks. And have never in my 50 years have I stopped at a DOT scale. Some or those trips were with lettered up company trucks. Unless your state requires inspection you shouldn’t have any issues as long as your registration is current.