Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > General Discussions about our Montanas
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-10-2022, 11:34 AM   #1
cghsatx
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 67
M.O.C. #22453
Texas DL class for over 26,000 pounds

My first post with lots of detail disappeared when I tried to review. So, the short version with no review is does anyone know the details (forms and process) of getting a Texas drivers license endorsement for non-commercial over 26,000 pounds combined weight? Thank you.
 
__________________
Greg H.
San Antonio, TX
2019 3731 w/20K GooseBox, 2021 F350 Crew cab TD dually
cghsatx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2022, 06:56 PM   #2
Lee-CI
Montana Master
 
Lee-CI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Northeast TX
Posts: 932
M.O.C. #30262
A call to one of our DMV offices will get you the most up to date info. I went from Class A CDL to regular Cass A many years ago. No longer wanted to pay the extra for the CDL endorsement that I no longer used. Many farmers and ranchers utilize the Class A non CDL. I suspect most of the test info will come straight out of the CDL manual though. I know the troupers in our area are great to work with. Good luck and let us know how you come out.
__________________
Lee, Edith, Lil' Bit & Cuddles
22 MHC 331RL, Surge Guard 35550, SumoSprings, Kodiak disc brakes, 412Ah Lithium, Gen 3 Goosebox, Sailun 85s
22 Ram 3500 CC DRW 6.7 CTD Herrin Hauler Classic Bed, 45 gal AUX tank
Lee-CI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2022, 07:03 PM   #3
Ram Montana High Country
Montana Master
 
Ram Montana High Country's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,877
M.O.C. #19944
Heard it's a fairly easy written test Also said you have three tries. Followed up by a driving test. DMV requires you make an appointment for written test.
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
Ram Montana High Country is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2022, 08:29 PM   #4
BB_TX
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,133
M.O.C. #6433
Here is the written info. I was just under 26,000 so didn’t have to do it.

https://itstillruns.com/requirements...e-6046351.html
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
BB_TX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2022, 11:40 PM   #5
twindman
Montana Master
 
twindman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 2,926
M.O.C. #5651
Your max trailer weight limit is 14200. So I am pretty sure you will be well under the 26000 weight.
__________________

Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
twindman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2022, 12:17 AM   #6
Carl n Susan
Site Team
 
Carl n Susan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,324
M.O.C. #4831
Quote:
Originally Posted by twindman View Post
Your max trailer weight limit is 14200. So I am pretty sure you will be well under the 26000 weight.
Not exactly. A 2019 3731FL has a dry weight of 13.394, a cargo capacity of 3,286 for a GVWR of 16.680.

Source (there are many but here is one): https://www.keystonervsource.com/spe...3731fl-tr37985

A 2021 F350 crew cab dually is easily over 9,000 lbs (loaded) with a GVWR of 14,000 or so.

Depending of the TX interpretation of their 26,001 lb limit the weight of the RV and the weight of the truck put it close, if not over, the limit. If they use just GVWR ratings of both vehicles (which wouldn't suprise me), then the combo is definitely over the limit.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB

Carl n Susan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2022, 08:58 AM   #7
BB_TX
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,133
M.O.C. #6433
Texas specifies a GCWR of 26,001 lbs which is the combined total of the GVWR of the tow vehicle and the GVWR of the trailer.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
BB_TX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2022, 09:58 AM   #8
Ram Montana High Country
Montana Master
 
Ram Montana High Country's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,877
M.O.C. #19944
Double check Texas Class A Exempt (non-CDL) - believe it might also be required if trailer is over 10,000 Lbs. So being under 26001 could still require the license.
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
Ram Montana High Country is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2022, 11:58 AM   #9
BB_TX
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,133
M.O.C. #6433
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ram Montana High Country View Post
Double check Texas Class A Exempt (non-CDL) - believe it might also be required if trailer is over 10,000 Lbs. So being under 26001 could still require the license.
This one is not clear. Per the Texas DMV for class A the requirement is;

“A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) towed is in excess of 10,000 lbs.”

Notice the “provided the …is in excess of 10,000 lbs.” Seems to imply 26,001 AND 10,000. Meaning under 26,001 does not apply.

Class B requirement is;

“A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more and any such vehicle towing either a vehicle with a GVWR that does not exceed 10,000 lbs. or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lbs.“

Here it says 26,001 AND towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs.

And class C (the basic license);

A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs. towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lbs

But here it says a class C is for a trailer not to exceed 10,000. Which all Montanas do exceed.

So. Which actually applies? Looks like an oversight in wording. I towed 14 years on a class C on this technicality because my GCWR was around 25,700 lbs but was never stopped and checked. Had the statute ready to pull out and show the LEO if stopped but never had to test it.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
BB_TX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2022, 02:41 PM   #10
C&P RV
Montana Fan
 
C&P RV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Schertz, TX
Posts: 147
M.O.C. #30294
Here's some info from Escapee's Guide to Texas Driver's License:

"The table below can help you determine whether you need more than a Class C license in Texas to legally operate your rig. Find the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your motorhome or tow vehicle in the first column, the GVWR of your trailer or toad in the second column and the combined GVWR of both vehicles in the third column. The last column shows the class of license you will need.

Be aware that all the regulations use GVWR, which is the maximum weight for which the vehicle is rated. Your vehicle’s actual weight (gross vehicle weight or GVW) does not matter. "

Image Attached.

Like BB_TX, I've been towing for nearly 20 years on Class C License based on the same interpretation (Prowler, Everest, Montana 3850FL and now a 3791RD)
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Texas-Driver-License-Class-Requirements-for-RVs.png
Views:	26
Size:	44.7 KB
ID:	11931  
__________________
Clark & Peggy
2022 Montana 3791RD, 800i solar, 2x100ah Battleborn
2017 Ford F350, CC, LB, 6.7, 4x4
C&P RV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2022, 08:02 AM   #11
Montana Man
Montana Master
 
Montana Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
Can't speak much about Texas DMV requirements but I would look for the non-commercial class A. Or a class A with restrictions. No sense in dealing with air brake systems.
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
Montana Man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2022, 10:15 AM   #12
Andy Smith
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Belpre
Posts: 171
M.O.C. #25951
question about this thread

I may be suffering from some brain fog here, but looking over this, are these requirements for driving through Texas regardless of home registration, or for if registered within Texas? I have an Ohio Class D motor vehicle driver's license with no trailer endorsements and I was trying to think logistically if it's required to have a particular state's license requirements met when traveling through. I'd like to head through Texas next year but am not really interested in getting a specialized license to go through the state.
__________________
Andy + Shari (plus our furry friends Goose and Huge). Fulltiming since 3/2020. 2020 Montana 3855BR. 2016 RAM 3500 SRW Tradesman with Tow/Haul package. Curt E16 Slider Hitch.
Andy Smith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2022, 10:29 AM   #13
Carl n Susan
Site Team
 
Carl n Susan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,324
M.O.C. #4831
State driver's license requirements are for drivers of vehicles registered in that state. Other states have a reciprocity agreement with other states where "if you are legal there then you are legal here"
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB

Carl n Susan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2022, 10:36 AM   #14
Andy Smith
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Belpre
Posts: 171
M.O.C. #25951
Thanks Carl! I figured I was having some kind of brain fog.
__________________
Andy + Shari (plus our furry friends Goose and Huge). Fulltiming since 3/2020. 2020 Montana 3855BR. 2016 RAM 3500 SRW Tradesman with Tow/Haul package. Curt E16 Slider Hitch.
Andy Smith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2022, 05:10 PM   #15
twindman
Montana Master
 
twindman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 2,926
M.O.C. #5651
I goofed somehow! I don't have any idea where I got the 14,000 weight of the rig! lol
__________________

Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
twindman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-15-2022, 06:33 PM   #16
snowmanfx4
Montana Fan
 
snowmanfx4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Moline
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #21279
The odds that a cop will take you to a scale is pretty slim. Most states don't have the funds to have cope watch for Campers that might be over weight.
__________________
Dennis and Rickey
2021 3931fb
2017 F350 Dually
snowmanfx4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-15-2022, 06:39 PM   #17
BB_TX
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,133
M.O.C. #6433
Quote:
Originally Posted by snowmanfx4 View Post
The odds that a cop will take you to a scale is pretty slim. Most states don't have the funds to have cope watch for Campers that might be over weight.
They would not have to take you to a scale. The weights are based on the GVWR, not the scaled weight. And the GVWRs are on the stickers on your truck and trailer. So a simple traffic stop could do it. Still not likely they would check unless someone did something to get on their wrong side. Like going 60 in a 35 in their small town. Or blantantly running a red light. Or they were just “that type”.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
BB_TX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2022, 03:25 AM   #18
snowmanfx4
Montana Fan
 
snowmanfx4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Moline
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #21279
Quote:
Originally Posted by BB_TX View Post
They would not have to take you to a scale. The weights are based on the GVWR, not the scaled weight. And the GVWRs are on the stickers on your truck and trailer. So a simple traffic stop could do it. Still not likely they would check unless someone did something to get on their wrong side. Like going 60 in a 35 in their small town. Or blantantly running a red light. Or they were just “that type”.
They still couldn't get you for over weight. They will not know what you have in your trailer unless the weight it. They will not ever going to stop you unless you are spending. If dumb enough to go 60 in a 35 you should go to jail.
People are worried about there weight. Take it to Cat Scale and weigh it.
__________________
Dennis and Rickey
2021 3931fb
2017 F350 Dually
snowmanfx4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2022, 07:55 AM   #19
BB_TX
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,133
M.O.C. #6433
Quote:
Originally Posted by snowmanfx4 View Post
They still couldn't get you for over weight. They will not know what you have in your trailer unless the weight it. They will not ever going to stop you unless you are spending. If dumb enough to go 60 in a 35 you should go to jail.
People are worried about there weight. Take it to Cat Scale and weigh it.
In Texas (and some other states) you are required to have a class A non CDL if your GCWR (combined rated weights) is 26,001 lbs. That is the RATED weight, not the ACTUAL weight. On a scale your truck and trailer may weight 24,000 lbs. But if the combined sticker rated weights (GVWR) of the truck and trailer total 26,001 lbs then you are required to have a class A non CDL. So they do not have to know your actual weight to give a ticket if they were so inclined. And not likely to do so unless they pulled you over for some other infraction, which could be as simple as failing to give a turn signal or not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
BB_TX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2022, 06:26 PM   #20
snowmanfx4
Montana Fan
 
snowmanfx4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Moline
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #21279
Quote:
Originally Posted by BB_TX View Post
In Texas (and some other states) you are required to have a class A non CDL if your GCWR (combined rated weights) is 26,001 lbs. That is the RATED weight, not the ACTUAL weight. On a scale your truck and trailer may weight 24,000 lbs. But if the combined sticker rated weights (GVWR) of the truck and trailer total 26,001 lbs then you are required to have a class A non CDL. So they do not have to know your actual weight to give a ticket if they were so inclined. And not likely to do so unless they pulled you over for some other infraction, which could be as simple as failing to give a turn signal or not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.
Your wrong. If the cops want to give a ticket for being over weight they have to take you to a DOT scale. I have a CDL and drove over the road for 30 years. They have to take you to a scale to give you a ticket.
snowmanfx4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
000 pounds, for over 26, texas drivers license

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:44 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.