Where do you find out what the law is?

[Crumm]

For several years we pulled doubles(travel trailer and boat)down to Valdez for our annual silver fishing trip. We never had any hassle from the law but many people have told me "you can't do that". We have since sold the boat because we outgrew it but are thinking about picking up a new one. Question is where do I find out just what the law is regarding pulling doubles in Alaska. I have searched and searched and all I can find is all the laws about pulling doubles with a commercial vehicle. I cannot find anything that says I can or cannot do it with my personal vehicle. I pull double 45ft vans and flatbeds all the time with a commercial vehicle so I have the proper license endorsements but I just don't have any proof that it is OK to do non-commercially. I have found r/v sites that list states that allow doubles but they don't list where they got there information. I have also heard that some states such as California allow it as long as the first trailer is a fifth wheel and in some states the second trailer must be a boat. Just where does a guy go to get a copy of the law? I have asked a couple of state troopers about it and they just kinda shrug and say "I think it is OK". I would just like a copy of something that says it is OK in-case I run into a hard nose one of these days. I would hate to have to leave half my outfit alongside the road.

 

[DaveBen]

Your DMV should be able to tell you. We can pull doubles in Calif if you have a commercal license. Click ; http://www.state.ak.us/dmv/ for the Alaska DMV.

Dave

 

[Crumm]

I have searched that site from front to back including all the quick links. There is plenty of information on commercial doubles but no non-commercial.. When I call them I just get the run-around. Maybe they only print stuff that you cant do and don't want to talk about what you can do??

 

[95_stroker]

Call the highway patrol.

 

[95_stroker]

Here is a site I found, as I said above though I would contact the Highway patrol office but its on the internet so it must be true.................



State by state towing regulations.

 

[BIG JOE]

Hi Crumm, I feel yer pain... I just went thru the "Hoops" down here, cuz I let the Commercal part of my license exspire (don't do that anymore). I went to the local DMV, picked up a copy of the Commercail Drivers Hand Book. In IT was a section on the>>NON<< Commercal, Class "A" drivers License.

From what I understand, States that alow you to pull a (RV type, or boat) trailer, behind a RV trailer require the driver to have at least a Class "A" (or your states equivelent) type license with the Doubles endorsement (take the test). It does'nt have to be Commercal.

And, because the average Troopers arent sure sometimes... What I did was: took my FW with the boat on the back, down to the CHP, had the hitch and brakes inspected. They put a numbered inspection tag on my boat trailer tongue, with the DMV/CHP logos on it. I'v been stopped a couple times, just because, I think. When they see that tag, they get more friendly and send me on my way.

Sorry this is'nt Alaska specific but I hope it helps. Most states are the same, or purdy darn close.

Get a copy of the Alaska, CDL handbook.

JOE

 

[Crumm]

Here is a site I found, as I said above though I would contact the Highway patrol office but its on the internet so it must be true.......

The Troopers (highway patrol) don't seem to know. According to that site it is legal in Alaska just like I think it is but I don't know that BOB SCOTT RV'S website would stand up in court. According to that site they say 65' is the maximum length. I will be 75' with my crew-cab, 27' travel trailer and a 21' boat. The commercial laws say you can have 95' of trailer (2-45' + dolly tongue)and an overall length of 120ft. If you stay under 75' you don't have to run an "oversize sign on the back".

 

[Crumm]

From what I understand, States that alow you to pull a (RV type, or boat) trailer, behind a RV trailer require the driver to have at least a Class "A" (or your states equivelent) type license with the Doubles endorsement (take the test).
JOE

I have a class A CDL with doubles, tankers and haz-mat endorsement. I am fairly sure I am good to go I just want some proof for the septics..

 

[BIG JOE]

I have a class A CDL with doubles, tankers and haz-mat endorsement. I am fairly sure I am good to go I just want some proof for the septics..

Crumm, I did'nt think of it til' after I posted ya but, the place to go for the info you want is..... The nearest SCALES (Chicken Coop), them guys would know. especaily them inspecter dudes. (Even if they don't know... they can make some'tin up , you know how they are )



JOE

 

[Crumm]

I have asked a few DOT officers at the scales and they give me the "you can't do that" but they cannot show me where it says I can't. I want to show them where it says I can..