I live in Atlanta and boat at Hartwell most of the time. Also like the Tenn river and plan to go to some poker runs this year.

I think you will be OK. you may get a wide load 1 time permit for california. Do not go through Indio on the 10! Go up the 15 to the 40. Indio is a commercial enforcement area and you probably will get pulled over. Do not get a CDL in california! The absolute worst thing that could happen is you are told to disconnect and hire a tow truck to tow the boat to needles. I really have never heard of hassles on the 15 to 40 route. Remember 55 in California, speeding will get you pulled over!

The problem is the boat and truck are brand new and I will making this trip on dealer plates...

Where is Indio? I don't think I have to go into California to get to Havasu from Atlanta. Was going to take I-40 most of the trip.

our F-450 carries a F Plate and CDL is required .

Dealer plates will be a red flag. Take the time to get the plates before you leave.

I just got the truck yesterday and don't even have the boat yet. The tags take about 3 or 4 weeks to come normally.

Throw a cap on the back,put a ****ter in the bed and a blow up matress and go to your local dmv and get rv plates

After the first ticket its just like a permit but more expensive.

Trust me get the proper paperwork before you go its cheaper.

Elim, I don't want you to think that I'm stalking you but I think the weight of that boat and trailer is well over 10,000 lbs. Is that 36 beam only 8'6"? My Jag is 9'4" and I was stopped for overwidth. I trailered from California to Loto a few years back, going I pulled permits in every state that I entered because I had reservations and a time line. My return, I pulled none, I really didn't care when I returned home so while waiting to obtain a permit would have been both a hassle and expensive, I had time and it wouldn't have messed up my vacation time at the lake. The big trucks put you into the same laws as a big rig. You can have a CDL without an air brake endorsement. I had to get a CDL to pull both my boat and my 48' enclosed car trailer. Trailer weight and length are your enemy. No, you don't need to get into California to get to Havasu. I didn't mean to freak you out but only to make you aware that it only takes one trooper to ruin a well planned vacation unless you have the correct license and permits. Hell, I get random drug tested now and with a CDL your blood alchohol threshold is .04 so don't even think about that 2nd beer. Big trucks are cool but open up a big can of worms. Doug