Translating PA's towing limits - can I tow a 15,000 pound trailer?

[Hay Dude]

One of the requirements for a commercial drivers license. Non-commercial, there are no special requirements.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/dot-medical-exam-and-commercial-motor-vehicle-certification

Yes but “commercial” can include vehicles under the CDL limits. A box truck or a school bus under 26K driver may still need a med card.

At least that’s the way it was.

 

[LouNY]

Where can you get such a license? I’ve only ever heard of a CDL vs regular license.

Your state DMV.
It seems to be for mostly RV type vehicles that exceed the 26,000 pound limits and can pull a trailer.
Also every state is a bit different;
RV Driver's License Requirements by State (Table) - Changing Gears

 

[D&D]

Yes but “commercial” can include vehicles under the CDL limits. A box truck or a school bus under 26K driver may still need a med card.

At least that’s the way it was.

For business use, yes. Personal use, no.

I can purchase and operate a tractor trailer (80k) combo unit with air brakes and hazmat endorsements for my own personal use. I can donate my time and equipment to the church and other non-profits. No med cards, no log books….

If I went and got a job driving a school bus, I would have to get a commercial license, med card and urine screening. If I was charging people for my time and equipment, I would need a commercial license, med card and urine screening.

 

[D&D]

For business use, yes. Personal use, no.

Your state DMV.
It seems to be for mostly RV type vehicles that exceed the 26,000 pound limits and can pull a trailer.
Also every state is a bit different;
RV Driver's License Requirements by State (Table) - Changing Gears

No, the state decides the rules, not the rv industry. The non-commercial classes don’t predicate what you drive or purchase. Some of that language is in place to make sure RV owners are aware that they are not exempt.
IMO, Pulling a 47 foot, 13 foot clearance, triple axle 20k pound toy hauler should have mandated driving classes before purchase. Same with a class A motorhome.

 

[LouNY]

No, the state decides the rules, not the rv industry. The non-commercial classes don’t predicate what you drive or purchase. Some of that language is in place to make sure RV owners are aware that they are not exempt.
IMO, Pulling a 47 foot, 13 foot clearance, triple axle 20k pound toy hauler should have mandated driving classes before purchase. Same with a class A motorhome.

That is exactly what the article I linked says, each state can be different, some states require different licenses for RV's then others. Some require a non commercial Class B or A some do not.

 

[QRTRHRS]

When these CDL threads come up, I like to add this story about a friend that got stopped in Berks County. He was hauling hay with a truck and a trailer registered for 10k. The county DOT cop had him drop the trailer to weigh it separately. It was over so he had to leave it and go register in combination before he could move.

 

[Hay Dude]

For business use, yes. Personal use, no.

I can purchase and operate a tractor trailer (80k) combo unit with air brakes and hazmat endorsements for my own personal use. I can donate my time and equipment to the church and other non-profits. No med cards, no log books….

If I went and got a job driving a school bus, I would have to get a commercial license, med card and urine screening. If I was charging people for my time and equipment, I would need a commercial license, med card and urine screening.

I don’t know what the OP was planning on doing. If there’s ANY business being done (IOW, he’s making money) it’s business and he would be required to have a med card.

 

[D&D]

I don’t know what the OP was planning on doing. If there’s ANY business being done (IOW, he’s making money) it’s business and he would be required to have a med card.

This is great info. Thank you for this! My exact situation is that it's a combined GVWR of 26,600 between my truck (11,600) and trailer (15,000), and it's all for a non-profit Christian ministry situation, 100% volunteer.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to actually get my license to change its pronoun from "class C" to "class A."