Any One Know The Rules For Total Lenghth Of Truck/trailer
 

I Need To Know What The Limits On Length Are For A Toter Home/ Rv Towing A Boat. Both Items Would Be Private--not Commercial. Im Considering Purchasing A New Toter And My Trailer Length Is 55 Feet. Thanks For Your Input.

Most states that I have checked are 65 feet combined, but I don't think they check it often.

The rules vary from state to state. We are just under 80' combined (truck and gooseneck trailer) and have never been bothered.

Here is the Fl statute.

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/mcco/rec_vechicles.htm

The DOT guys are looking for thrucks that fit the profile of "common problem" vehicles- the kind that are in below-standard operating condition. These are the trucks that most likely will be involved in accidents They're not eyeballing the national carriers and rarely do they look at medium-duty trucks. They're looking for ratty looking stuff. Big dumps with poor appearance are attention magnets for these guys as is anything that looks ratty. The thought is if it's in run-down shape outside, it's probably getting the same attention underneath.

When I move out crawler cranes, I have to permit over 65'.

Just don't stop at a weigh station.

Most States is 65' that is why the maximum length usually seen in commercial box trailers is 53'.
Also, private (non-commercial, not for hire) rigs/trailers are usually exempt from inspection/weigh stations.

Florida is about the only state actively enforcing the 65' rule on RV's / private coaches that are towing. There is an annual permit that can be had for a small fee. State Troopers there are looking for over length combo's.

Funny you should mention that...

I don't drive the shop trucks that much. When I do, it's usually an emergency or I'm pinch-hitting for someone who either F'ed up or didn't show. Then, if I'm driving one, I'm either on the phone or have 100 things on my mind. More often than not, I find myself breezing right by open weigh stations without pulling in. It's not intentional, it just seems to happen.

Not once has anyone come after me.

Lucky, I guess. I just don't thing they're looking for little guys. I think they are most interested in overweights that tear up the roads and in trucks in poor shape that might not make the next downhill grade.

Again, I think insurance and liability are a major concern. If there is a collision or any other mishap, even if you're not at fault, if you're way over, insurance won't pay.