Toter homes and the police in state border crossings

Doug Welch

I was wondering if any of you have had issues in traveling around the country with a toter/trailer and CDL requirements. I am thinking of getting a toter, titled as an RV, and was wondering if some states get cranky about such big trucks. and non-CDL drivers. One I'm considering is, as most are, a converted OTR truck with a 14' living section (toilet, shower, kitchen all that stuff) and a 45' trailer. Her in Colorado, an RV is an RV. Only a regular driver's license required.

Any issues?
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Doug

Curt Smock · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 7:28 am Post subject:

I know this is little help Doug but I know of a couple guys like that, they have MRV (motorized recreational vehicle) tatooed on each side so they aren't confused whit commercial vehicles.

Sounds like an excellent plan for you though!

Bob Baldwin jr · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 3579

Doug: If the Tractot/toter is registered as an RV and you are NOT a FOR HIRE CARRIER then you are GOOD TO GO . Most states ,particularly those with "Port of Entries " If you will be grossing over 26,000 lbs do require you to go across the scales . Not so much as to collect fee's but to be sure you are NOT overweight on your STEER or Drive Tires. The simple solution is next time you go out with the unit ,pull into any truckstop with a scale and ask for print-out on axle weights .
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Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out, shouting, "Holy **** what a ride!!!".

Rick Crist · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 8:14 pm Post subject:

Random thoughts, opinion form …

If you didn’t already know this … what you are considering building is what most States consider a “non- manufactured” RV, or something along those terms.

The original (chassis) MSO or MCO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin) on an OTR truck states just that, an over the road truck. And the original (chassis) MSO or MCO on an RV states just that, a recreational vehicle. In most cases, the vehicles MSO or MCO is the piece of paper that is converted into the vehicles title. This original (chassis) MSO or MCO information transfers over to the vehicle title. The reciprocating State to State legalities are as clear as mud in my opinion.

Florida is probably the worst of the worst when it comes to hassling non-CDL RV owners (racing rigs, plain Jane or not) about anything they possibly can. Especially vehicle safety infractions on “non- manufactured” RV’s. California, New York, New Jersey, Maine, and New Hampshire follow closely behind. California is the worst of the worst when it comes to DOT safety inspection checkpoint, legality or clarity, when it comes to infractions.

Some guys I know that have racing RV units like you are purposing … always get weight station checks in the State of Kentucky. Why? Because the Trooper asked them. Other than that, who knows. Some States have hassled guys I know because of plumbing valves. Yes, plumbing valves.

I’ll save the 1000’s of other stories and say this. In my opinion from past experience situations … Keep every “safety” related note or receipt, manifested, just like an OTR driver, and keep it log book style manifested, just like an OTR driver … and you should have little to no problems should you ever get stopped and potentially hassled by DOT.

You might find this helpful as well - http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml

When it comes to the build of unit, the mecca of RV part blems, factory seconds, or closeouts is … Mishawaka, Goshen, Elkhart, Middlebury, Nappanee, Wakarusa. You will find everything you need, even the box shell for the 14' living section you mentioned. So bring a flatbed trailer. Wink

Dave Stevens · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 10:15 pm Post subject:

Rocky if you're getting something like a Renegade toter or diesel pusher you'll be fine in most states as an RV. Technically any vehicle or combination of vehicles used in interstate commerce over 10,000 GVW is subject to USDOT commercial vehicle regs. Out here as long as the rig is well maintained they won't give you too much grief. I do hear FL can be pretty tight. Rick said CA was bad but many of the teams on the circuit out here have toters and stackers and go all up and down the western US. Even if you get a DOT number and a CDL it's not difficult to do and I'm betting a Shockwave liveried team toter and trailer would be a good promotional tool (and direct business expense/write off) Wink

Dave
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It's a cross between a chick car and a shifter kart
http://racing.roaddog.com/

Lyle Clark · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 1:48 pm Post subject:

If Jim Russell saw this, I am sure would share a few things. We had this same discussion at Texas World about 2 weeks ago. He nearly got nailed for something like $170,000+ for not having the right paperwork when in Florida.
Jim said that even stickers on the kart is not good.

Lyle
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Dave Stevens · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 10:12 pm Post subject:

A 170k? You've got a few extra zeros in there. Wink

Most of the guys doing business going to the races interstate, probably Rocky and certainly Jim Jr are commercial carriers as defined in the FMCSA rules. It's not difficult to get a DOT number as a private carrier. You apply, fill out paper work and keep records, get reciprocal registration and fuel permits. Your insurance might be a bit higher as you'll need commercial auto/truck insurance. While the driver licensing doesn't start until 26001 lbs the Feds commercial vehicle regs start at vehicles 10k or more.
_________________
It's a cross between a chick car and a shifter kart
http://racing.roaddog.com/

Lyle Clark · Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 5:12 am Post subject:

Jeffory Mott · Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 12:19 pm Post subject:

Florida does have a bad rep with trailers. Well earned from what I hear. I also remember coming back into Michigan after racing at Mosport about 33 years ago and customs made us take all the fuel back to Canada to get rid of it. Also Canada made us sign a release stating we would not leave any used tires in Canada when we went back home. The final insult was US customs seized our trophies as we had not "declared" them. Of course back then I was a dirty hippy with hair down to the middle of my back and a ZZ Top beard. Laughing

Bob Baldwin jr · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 3579

Jeffory : And they STILL let you back in this Country Question

:lol
_________________
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out, shouting, "Holy **** what a ride!!!".

Dave Stevens · Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 3:38 pm Post subject:

Rick Crist · Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 6:39 pm Post subject:

Random thoughts, opinion form …

My apologies upfront if I am being redundant with the following. If I’m not mistaken, Doug asked, illustrated, or posed, three separate questions or issues. Two of the three, the last two, are entirely different beasts when it comes to State to State DOT chop busting regulations, and what the DOT might do when it comes to potential fines or held for ransom situations.

Lyle Clark · Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 6:43 pm Post subject:

Lyle Clark · Posted: Sat May 08, 2010 9:10 pm Post subject:

Just heard from Jim, and I was off. It was $3 per pound at 40,000+ lbs for no Florida permit. Still a bunch of money.

Lyle
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Lyle Clark
owner
www.Trailer-Alarms.com
877.604.7381
**********************
Check out TattleTale
http://trailer-alarms.com/tattletale.htm
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