Commercial license requirements - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Cosmo · RV-Dreams Community Member

Commercial license requirements

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Michael,

That is going to be determined by your state of domicile. In most states, as long as you are not commercial nor over a certain weight, a regular license is sufficient. You will need to check the Department of Motor Vehicle requirements for any state you are considering as a domicile state.

Even then, it may not require a commercial license. Some states may require merely an amendment or a different category of state license. CDL's are a federal license if I remember correctly.

Terry

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Michael & Layne,

Most HDTs you see pulling 5th wheel travel trailers not used for commercial purposes are actually registered as an RV. There are certain items that must be included in the HDT to be considered as an RV such as sink, cooking facilities, toilet, bed...etc. Each state has rules on what is considered an RV.

If the HDT is registered as an RV then you won't need a CDL. Most MDTs can be driven without a CDL if it's for private use only. Again each state has rules regarding MDTs.

California recently added a need for an addition to a class C license if you tow a 5th wheel that is heavier than 10,000 lbs and less than 15,000 lbs. Basically you have to pass the written part of the Class A license test to get the endorsment added. Funny thing is most California DMVs aren't aware of this law.

I've towed with an MDT on a Class C license for 4 years and haven't had a problem so far.... knock on wood....

-- Edited by The Bear II on Friday 21st of October 2011 09:31:31 AM

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Check with the DOT in your State. I just downsized from a Freightliner M2 to the 2012 Chevy 3500HD DRW's and had a Commercial lic. and had a form of a commercial Lic. since I was 21 years old. In the State of Tennessee you aren't required to hold a Class A (CDL) unless you have a job making money with your Truck. We have traveled in almost every State and I have never had a issue and never ever went into a Weigh Station. So check with your States requirement and you should be fine.

As a matter of fact this past June I renewed my Tennessee Lic. and dropped the Class A (CDL) because of the requirement of having to take a physical (cost $185.00) which in most cases is a very simple physical. But within the next 5 years all I have to do to re-instate my Class A (CDL) is take the physical..

I do believe "You can have to much Trailer but never to much Truck".. However since we no longer were towing a Chevy HHR behind the Mobile Suites I didn't have a need for the Freightliner. I don't know about the Drv 43 footers (weight) but there is no need for a HDT/MDT for towing the 38 footers, (2011 GMs and newer). And thats for sure true if you have a GM 3500HD DRW's, not sure about the 1 ton Fords or Dodges. I this past summer put a total of 13,600 (May 27 to first week of Sept.) total miles and the 6,850 mile trip to Colorado (thru the Rockies) was done with the 2011 Chevy 3500HD DRW's and the only difference from the Freightliner vs the 3500HD was the ride. With the Frieightliner I was riding on full air ride system, in 2011 GM made a dramatic change in the frame, suspension and the brake system and raised the tow rating and added the exhaust brake. I now have a 2012 Chevy 3500HD and the tow rating has been increased again. I'm not trying in anyway to change your mind about a HDT/MDT, I Love big Trucks. Happy Trails...

P.S. It want surprise me if all States start different things to get more of your money. For me to have kept my commercial Lic. the total cost would have been $250.00 vs $24.50 for 5 years. The tags per year cost the same for the Freightliner and Chevy 3500HD.

P.S. Jr. If you go to a HDT/MDT I would make sure that on both sides of the Truck "Private Coach Not fro Hire"

Cosmo · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for all the great information everyone! I knew it was for the most part up to my resident states laws but was curious if it was necessary on most other states. I have been tossing around a Chevrolet/GMC 3500 DRW, the Ford F450 DRW, Kodiak 4500 and a Sport Chassis to pull a 38'-40' 5er (although a 43' probably won't be much different).

Big John 57 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Micheal and Layne, I can tell you what I did. Bought a FL60 Freightliner hyd. brakes(abs) all around, can tow up to 26000 lbs it came with the Cat 3126 diesel eng. with Allison 6 speed auto trans. replaced my 3500 dually Dodge and got better fuel mileage and don't worry about being over weight, getting up and down mountains. To each there own but this worked for me.

beetlebob · RV-Dreams Community Member

How much does the Freightlines cost to run and buy. Looking at them or maybe a f650 Ford

-- Edited by beetlebob on Wednesday 21st of December 2011 04:28:02 PM

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Freightliners can go as high as $160,000, it depends on how many bells and whistles you want. My Freightliner M2 averaged 8.5 mpg and it only had a 300 hp Mercedes Diesel. My 2011 Chevy 3500HD DRWs, when towing the average was 9.5 mpg to 12 mpg. And when bob tailing my average was 14 mpg to 20 mpg. The fuel mileage was on a 6,850 mile trip into Colorado, Wyoming, Northern New Mexico and that was from home base in Tennessee and return. I haven't checked the fuel mileage on the 2012 Chevy 3500HD. The 2011 Chevy performed flawless and ran the passes up and down as well as the Freighliner. There is more cost for upkeep Oil changes, tires and maintenance etc vs the Chevy 3500HD. The Freightliner did ride better than the Chevy 3500HD. But since GM upgraded there GM tow ratings and I don't double tow I down graded. Happy Trails......

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

In general I feel you are better off with an HDT than a typical MDT. There are exceptions to that, based on circumstances, but in general that is true for most people. Personal preference comes into play, of course. But you can get far more truck for far less money with an HDT. And with few exceptions they are far more comfortable on the road. You can take a look on my website for more info on comparing an MDT/HDT.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bob,

A lot depends on what weight of trailer you will be pulling. We have a Mobile Suites 38TKSB3 with a GVWR of 18,500 lbs. While we were researching everything for what kind of RV we wanted we considered just about everything.

We looked at a SportsChassis which is one of the mini-Freightliners and a used one was listed at aroung $90,000 and a similar new one at roughly $125,000 or so. With the SportsChassis and our eventual choice of a Ford F450, there is good visibility all around by looking out windows.

While one can get a used HDT (full-sized semi tractor) and convert it for a fifth wheel for a LOT less than an MDT, visibility out of them isn't so great. You are pretty much dependent on either the mirrors or cameras. Having been a former 18-wheeler operator, I would rather have the visibility.

Having said that, if you are going to double tow (illegal in some states and restricted to length in others) or haul a mini-car of some kind, then the HDT would be best. It would give you the room to install a "carry" system behind the cab of the truck and in front of the nose of the fifth wheel.

Terry