Hope this link works. There have been many posts about who needs a CDL to tow there boat trailer. This post is about horse trailers but is the same as boat trailer. This was posted on Facebook and cover all the questions I’ve seen over the years. Read the hole acticle as the law are changing the December. https://www.facebook.com/ProtectTheHarvest/photos/a.179760862130894.40913.119216091518705/1478805055559795/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/ProtectTheHarvest/photos/a.179760862130894.40913.119216091518705/1478805055559795/?type=3&theater

It all comes down to if you receive any type of compensation or prize then your commercial.

I hauled my backhoe over to a friend to use, and he wanted to put fuel in the truck or pay something, and I would not let him. Even if he gave me a ham sandwich this can be used to give me a ticket.

On a note about EDL, My brother in law drives a big rig in his own lumber business. He has a 1999 Peterbuilt and does not have to install the EDL equipment. The reason he is exempt is because of the age of the truck. Anything older then 2000 is exempt

This has now changed to engines older than 2000 to protect the glider market.

So do we need to get rid of the Sport Chasis and get a true toterhome with a bathroom? What is considered an RV to tow the boat legally?

Do not know all 50 state regulations, but its my understating that anyone can tow it with anything so long as the total weight of the rig, boat and trailer is not more then 26K. If your over 26K or make/receive anything in compensation a CDL is needed. Actually sharing a ride where others provide gas money you need a CDL, but have not heard of things like this being enforced

That is incorrect. If you receive a prize, even if money, as long as it is deposited in a personal account, not a business account, you are not necessarily commercial. The determiining factor is if you are operating a business.

Maybe in your state but not in KY. Checked with local enforcement on this, and this is why I mentioned it.

I have been told by more than one DOT scale house operator that if you even receive a trophy that is considered compensation. when it comes down to it the law does not matter too much. what the DOT officer feels like writing you for matters. yes you can go and fight it but he will still write the ticket. the worst thing you can do is put any kind of name on your truck, even the name of your boat. as soon as the truck is lettered up they start looking at you.

That is part of the problem.. I am quoting the federal standard. Each state should be following the Federal guidelines, I know in PA many in law enforcement are not up to date on the federal laws and have some creative interpretation.

Could not be more accurate. I have experienced this with several different states, but PA is definitely one of the worst.