Campers and small trailers

#1 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 10:14 AM

I own a camper and I am a retired Trucker.How many others think that campers going down the road should be pulled or driven by those with CDL's as well ? I asked that question from day one and have never been able to get an answer. Lets face it ya gotta have an endorsement on your license for everything else why not for a camper or a trailer endorsement. I see a lot of trailers ( not just campers ) being pulled by people who shouldn't even have a license.

SMOKESTACK · #2 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 10:18 AM

That's true they should at least be tested in
some way to see if they can even back the thing
up into a parking spot. Yea and maybe random
drug testing too !

jakethebrake · #3 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 11:19 AM

I think anyone that owns/pulls a recreational camper should be required to get an ENDORSEMENT on their regular drivers license. It would consist of a study book, passing a written exam, and a physical driving test which would include turning and backing. A cdl is for the average motorist is overkill IMO.

mozartsghost · #4 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 11:27 AM

I agree with the endorsement idea... BUT 2 separate endorsements, make it one for Pulling a camper and the other for DRIVING an RV!! You might be good at the pull behind but can't drive a 53' diesel pusher to save your life! My uncle is a great example... He can pull his 15' gooseneck and back it no problem... He went out and bought a big 53' RV... Can't drive it to save his life... All over the road, can't back... He scares the heck out of me when he drives it...

vinocat · #5 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakethebrake

I think anyone that owns/pulls a recreational camper should be required to get an ENDORSEMENT on their regular drivers license. It would consist of a study book, passing a written exam, and a physical driving test which would include turning and backing. A cdl is for the average motorist is overkill IMO.

I agree, This is a good idea.

SMOKESTACK · #6 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakethebrake

I think anyone that owns/pulls a recreational camper should be required to get an ENDORSEMENT on their regular drivers license. It would consist of a study book, passing a written exam, and a physical driving test which would include turning and backing. A cdl is for the average motorist is overkill IMO.

Yep jakethebrake has the idea.
I would agree a CDL would be to hard for the avarage
motorist to get.

Cerberus · #7 (**permalink**) 12-21-2007, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakethebrake

I think anyone that owns/pulls a recreational camper should be required to get an ENDORSEMENT on their regular drivers license. It would consist of a study book, passing a written exam, and a physical driving test which would include turning and backing. A cdl is for the average motorist is overkill IMO.

i have to agree hear totally. i see to many rv'ers driving vehicles that they have no use being in. and what about renting a uhaul ? some of these are big too and the people behind the wheels in these sometimes have no more exp. than in a small compact car.

#8 (**permalink**) 12-21-2007, 08:02 PM

I didn't mean to say they should hold a CDL.I meant they should have an endorsement on their drivers license saying they are qualified to operate a piece of equipment.I was just trying to use the CDL as a guide about endorsements. Hell I saw people that couldn't even speak english rent a U-haul truck.

pcuthbert · #9 (**permalink**) 12-21-2007, 08:15 PM

In some parts of Canada, regrettably, a person who has a 4 wheel license can pull a 5th wheel trailer, and a second trailer on a ball hitch.

Imagine Ma and Pa Kettle on holidays with a 35 foot 5th wheel and their 22 foor boat behind. I just love it when they pass me, pull in too soon, and watch their gas gauge plummet because they can't get away from me.

All this with a 350 chev 1/2 ton. Most of them pull in to the next gas statioin without understanding why their mileage has gone down the crapper.

The only restrictions on these units is that they need brakes if each trailer is over 10,000 pounds, and they are limited to 82 feet overall length. Can we say "Unsafe"?

Kermit · #10 (**permalink**) 12-21-2007, 08:30 PM

How about those big 'ol motor homes pulling a SUV?