Contact your local mva! Or look on line for the info. In Maryland, you do not need anything special for anything under 26,000 lbs and private reg. A CDL is required if it is commerical reg. Anything over 10,000 gvw requires a DOT medical card. Any trailer over 8'6" needs a wide load permit.

Every state has their own rules. If you tow in them you must conform to them. Lots of people do get away without following them though.

this doesnt make sense to me. someone correct me if im worng

an 2011 F450 pickup is rated to tow 24k lbs and the the truck has to weigh abt 9k. i know this doesnt require a CDL

A friend of mine was stopped by the DOT while pulling his 46 Outerlimits behind his F450. They would not let him continue driving without a CDL. Lucky for him, my other buddy in the passenger seat held a class A CDL. He had to Drive home. Also, he was over the maximum vehicle length law, without a permit. I am pretty sure, the max is 65FT, from front of tow rig, to very end of trailer. If you are longer than that, you need a permit, and more than likely will only be allowed to tow during daylight hours. Anything over 8'6" wide, same deal.

If I get a CDL, I was told I have to stop at all the weigh stations and if it is a RV, I don't. This crap is confusing.

My boat is 8'6" wide and 42' long on trailer.

you got that right. i never would have thought the above about the f450

in the last powerboat mag they have a tow guide that list each states maximum

I dont believe a CDL is required for 26,001 lbs weight of truck and trailer combined. A power unit (truck) that has a factory GVW of 26001 or more requires a CDL B license to operate. If it has air brakes, you must have air brakes on your license. To tow a trailer, with that vehicle, that is heavier than 10,000, you need a class A CDL. Air brakes is mandatory with a Class A.

Honestly, there is so much between the lines on this subject, there are DOT officers who don't even know whats legal and whats not legal, when it comes to recreational towing laws. They mainly focus on the big rigs, but every once and a while will make a example out of some guy pulling a big ole fancy go fast boat, and teach you a thing or two about the LAW.

If you are towing a big over width cat, that weighs more than 10k lbs, no permits, no cdl, not plated for enough weight, you might wanna steer clear of the State Troopers, or you could have a really $hitty day, and a expensive one at that! And one thing those troopers hate, is "Sorry Officer, I wasn't aware i needed all that stuff". :eek:

You should be fine....

If only 8'6" wide then tag truck in Ga as under 26k and ride. Do not stop at weigh stations and you will be fine. If over 8'6" get permits.

Where do you boat?