Do you need a CDL to transport RVs?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “Do you need a CDL to transport RVs?” We will discuss transporting an RV and the license requirements along with types of commercial driving licenses. We will also talk about a few tips on transporting an RV and list out the methods of transporting an RV.
Do you need a CDL to transport RVs?
Yes, you will need a CDL to transport an RV if you are doing it on your own. A Commercial Driver’s License is required when you transport any motorhome, trailers, or RVs. Transporting an RV will require some paperwork and permits. As a transporter, you will be running under transporter tags. Hence, it is required to have a CDL when it comes to transporting RVs.
If you are driving a motorhome for a living, then you are required to have a CDL. There are a few states that require a CDL even if you are not transporting an RV. Washington DC and Hawaii need a CDL for any type of motorhome that is weighing more than 26,000 pounds. The Commercial Driver’s License is only required if you are transporting RVs.
Transporting an RV and license requirements
There is a difference between transporting and driving an RV for personal use. For most states, only a standard driver’s license is required to drive your RV. The regular license allows you to drive an RV within the limit of 26,000 pounds. Some states will also require a CDL if the RV is transporting more than 16 people including the driver.
- To put it in a nutshell, you are not required to have a CDL if you are driving an RV that is lesser than 26,000 pounds, and you are not required to have a CDL if you are driving an RV for personal use.
- When it comes to transporting or delivering an RV, you will need to have a CDL for your RV. The truth is that not many people transport their RV, they simply drive down if they need to take it to another place.
- If the distance is too long, you can hire a professional or contact an RV transport company to get to job done for you.
- RV transport companies have experienced and expert drivers who have a valid CDL license and can transport your RV with ease. The types of commercial driver’s licenses vary according to the vehicle and the purpose.
Types of Commercial Driver’s License
There are different types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses for operating large vehicles. These are applicable for trucks, livestock vehicles, and motorhomes. If you have an income by driving RVs, then you must have a CDL. Here are the types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses that are available according to the vehicle.
Class A CDL
With a Class A CDL, you can operate a vehicle that is more than 26,001 pounds. This can also be a combination of vehicles like travel trailers and towing vehicles. However, the towed vehicle must be a minimum of 10,000 pounds. With the Class A CDL, you are allowed to drive vehicles including livestock carriers, flatbeds, and tractor-trailers.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL allows you to drive vehicles that have a total weight of over 26,001 pounds. It’s the same as for Class A CDL. However, the only difference is that the towed vehicle must not be more than 10,000 pounds. Apart from that, you can operate straight trucks, dump trucks, and passenger buses.
Class C CDL
A Class C commercial license is more specific. You will be able to drive vehicles with up to 16 or more passengers. You are also allowed to transport hazardous materials. The Class C CDL holder can drive vehicles such as passenger vans and small HazMat vehicles. These are not operator’s licenses and are different from operator’s licenses.
Those are the types of Commercial Driver’s licenses according to the requirements. An RV is not in the picture and you do not need a CDL to drive an RV except for the states that have a weight limit. Moreover, the chances of exceeding 26,000 pounds in an RV or a combination of trailers are rather slim.
Tips for transporting your RV
Transporting your RV on your own is going to be a tough challenge. The easy way out is to get in touch with a transport company to make the job hassle-free. This way, you don’t need to worry about the type of license and how to go about the task. Here are a few tips to know when shipping your RV or trailer to another place.
- Remove all items that are hanging on the walls.
- Be sure that the windows, cabinets, and doors are locked properly.
- Switch off every single electric appliance.
- Remove any loose items in the vehicle.
- Disconnect the gas line and the power supply.
- Lock all the slide-outs in your vehicle.
- Be sure there are no leaks in your RV. Double-check on fuel levels.
- Check the battery and check the tow bar along with the hitch.
- Make sure there are no leaks from any fluids.
- Check if the turn signal, indicator lights, and parking lights are functional.
- Be sure to check the pressure in all tires and make sure they are right.
These are a few tips that are important to remember before transporting your RV. These are important steps for safety purposes. It is also recommended to read the owner’s manual for any specifications. Call the RV transport company and ask them if they have any requirements. You can also ask them to inspect the RV before transporting it.
Choosing the shipping method
Assuming that you are planning on transporting your RV to another state or place, you will need to choose the shipping method. RVs are usually shipped across the country by mainly three methods. This will also depend on the size of your RV or what Class they belong to. Here are the three shipping methods that you can choose from.
Tow away services
This is a pretty common method of shipping your RV to another place. It’s simple as your RV will be hauled to a particular destination. The transporting service will get the job done, but there will be special equipment for safe transportation. The transporting service will take care of all the equipment and you have nothing to worry about.
Flatbed services
Flatbed services are carrying away your vehicle to the destination. These are large trucks and flatbed trailers that are built especially to transport large vehicles. By using this method, they usually take multiple vehicles and campers at the same time. Distance is not an issue if that’s what you are wondering about.
Driveaway services
This is probably the easiest method as the RV transportation company will send out a driver who will drive your RV to the particular destination. You will not need any additional equipment for transporting your RV. There is no need to worry about any commercial driving license since the person who is transporting your RV will have a CDL.
To sum everything up, the fact is that you will only need a CDL if you are working for a transporting company or if you are transporting someone’s RV as a service. RV rules can vary from each state and it is advised to contact a professional to get your RV to your destination. The only possible way to do it on your own is by driving down your RV.
If you are moving to a neighboring state, it is possible to drive down on your own. Imagine traveling from one end of the country to the other. It will take you weeks or months and you will need to camp as much as possible. The distance matters in this situation and is sure to read up on the RV laws of every state.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “Do you need a CDL to transport RVs?” We have discussed transporting an RV and the license requirements along with types of commercial driving licenses. We have also talked about a few tips on transporting an RV and listed out the methods of transporting an RV.
