California combined length limit

During an FMCA chapter rally in Victorville, Calif., two officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) presented a seminar about RV regulations and safety.

Tom Ainsley, a member of FMCA's Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee, attended the seminar, which included a question-and-answer session.

After the presentation, Ainsley briefed both officers on FMCA members' concerns about the state's 65-foot maximum length limit for motorhome/towed vehicle combinations.

Ainsley mentioned reports of citations being issued on the Interstate 10 corridor for motorhomes/towed vehicles exceeding the length limit.

"Both officers indicated there is no concentrated effort to enforce length restrictions on RVs," Ainsley said, "and they were not aware of the citations mentioned. "The officers said length may be an issue if an officer pulls over an RV for some other infraction and then notices a possible over 65 situation."

The CHP occasionally does crack down on trucks and other commercial vehicles, Ainsley said, but the officers were unaware of any program concerning RVs.

The legal length limit for motorhome/towed vehicle combinations in California is 65 feet. The California Department of Transportation does not issue permits for combinations exceeding this limit.

FMCA members Rick and Barbara Kent, of Searcy, Ark., said they were issued a citation while driving between Indio, Calilf., and the state line. A state police officer measured their 45-foot motorhome and towed car at 68 feet.

When sharing their experience with other motorhomers, the Kents heard talk of a “grace measurement” — the availability of a permit for a combination longer than 65 feet.

FMCA has confirmed with the California Highway Patrol that this is not an option. California Vehicle Code limits the total length of any combination of vehicles to 65 feet, and the department of transportation does not issue over-length permits.

The Kents have researched towed vehicle lengths to see what they can legally tow. “We have found that with a 45-foot motorhome the only thing you can tow in California is something similar in length to a Jeep Wrangler or Volkswagen,” Mr. Kent said. “The Chevrolet Tahoe is nearly a foot too long.”

Mr. Kent, treasurer of FMCA’s Prevost Prouds chapter, often carries rally materials in the towed vehicle. “There is no way I can carry everything we need for our prerally in a Jeep Wrangler. It is also not feasible to buy another car just to tow when traveling to California.”

According to FMCA’s most recent Motorhome Regulations survey, 32 states have combined length limits of 65 feet or shorter.