Drivers Licenses and Total Combined Weight

[KA6WKE]

Hello!

I'm researching full time RV life and have become confused about the different driver's licenses and maximum weight. I'm looking at a RAM 3500 that had GVWR of 11500. I'm interested in domicile in FL. The class E license there is good to 26001 lbs total so this means I need to find a 30' 5th wheel <14500 lbs which I'm finding difficult to do. The descriptions for Class A/B/C are kinda confusing except for the one that's needed for hazmat Have I done the math right? Would I need a different class of license in order to tow ?

Thanks for reading!

Mark

[Star Dreamer]

Each state is different. According to the Florida website for drivers license, the class E license is good for the tow vehicle GVWR up to 26001#. GVWR does not include the trailer weight. That would be GCWR. 

 

[Jinx & Wayne]

No special license is required for a 3500 and a fiver in FL.  If you find out something to the contrary, please let me know as I don't have one.

Wayne & Jinx
2017 F-350 diesel, dually
2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

[Kirk W]

11 hours ago, KA6WKE said:

I'm researching full time RV life and have become confused about the different driver's licenses and maximum weight.

Welcome to the Escapee forums! We are always happy to see new members join us.

After reading post I thought that it can't be that hard (even though I'm not domiciled in FL) so I started to do research and I now understand your confusion. Part of the confusion for me is the number of URL's that seem to be official state websites. There seem to be at least 2 that give driver's license information that seem to be official. StateofFlorida.com and also FLHSMV.gov? They both seem to say pretty much the same thing, but worded slightly differently.

Quote

Class E Driver's License

The Class E license is the standard driver's license for people who drive personal vehicles. It allows you to drive a noncommercial vehicle that weighs less than 26,001 pounds. These include:

• Automobiles
• Trucks
• Vans that carry up to 15 people (including the driver)
• Recreational vehicles (RVs)
• Mopeds, scooters and other two- to three-wheeled vehicles that are not motorcycles

Quote

Non-Commercial Driver Licenses

CLASS E: Any non-commercial motor vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) less than 26,001 pounds, including passenger cars, 15 passenger vans including the driver, trucks or recreational vehicles and two or three wheel motor vehicles 50 cc or less, such as mopeds or small scooters. (see below). Farmers and drivers of authorized emergency vehicles who are exempt from obtaining a commercial driver license must obtain a Class E driver license.

I have read the entire section of each site and just like you, I do not see an answer to what is needed to tow really heavy fifth wheel. I must agree with you that it needs further explanation. Good luck!  😏

[Jaydrvr]

http://www.hhrvresource.com/node/44.html

[KA6WKE]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I've decided on FL to domicile instead of TX. Safe travels!

[Kirk W]

9 hours ago, KA6WKE said:

I've decided on FL to domicile instead of TX.

Thanks for the update. Drop by and join in from time to time as comments are always welcome. 

[Ray,IN]

There is a big difference between driving for hire and driving for personal use. The former requires a commercial drivers license/CDL, the later might require a NON-commercial drivers license uprate in some states. Try not to confuse the two definitions.