Michigan RV's + Trailer Length Warning - Page 8

Chris1529 · 08-13-2010, 08:30 AM

I think that most of us would follow the rules if we just knew what they were.
The trouble is that the people enforcing them really don't know them either. They are trying to lump everyone into commercial vehicle status. The way I look at it, if I am going to the races with my truck and trailer, it is no different than a family hauling their travel trailer to go camping. I saw a toy hauler type travel trailer the other day that had triple axles and a 13,200 gvw. If its treated as an RV, why would a box trailer with a racecarbe looked at any differently.

as most have said on here though, it is easy money for the states. It doesn't appear that anyone can have much luck in fighting it.

what about these triple trailer combinations? What state DOT approved them?
We don't have them in the mountains of WV where I live, but I saw plenty on the OH turnpike last weekend.

BlueOval Ralph · 08-13-2010, 09:19 AM

what about these triple trailer combinations? What state DOT approved them?
We don't have them in the mountains of WV where I live, but I saw plenty on the OH turnpike last weekend.

Just be aware that The Turnpikes have again different rules than the Federal Interstates an state highways.. That's why you see 36 foot tripples on turnpike and the dropoff lots at exit's.

Bob Verwold · 08-13-2010, 09:43 AM

Longhorn Motors, Ltd has a list for all states that includes combined trailer/towing vehicle length, height, width and other info. If I knew how to post their website I would.
I keep a copy of this in my truck along with a certified copy of truck and trailer weight just in case (don't know if this will help but makes me feel better).

By the way Michigan is 60' ........ Special provisions apply to fifth wheelers (don't know what that means)

FED 387 · 08-13-2010, 10:03 AM

Seems to me that these "length" rules are all helter skelter!!!! One state says 85 feet ,the state right next door is 60 feet, next state over says 65 is OK then you drive back into your own state and your back to 70 feet. No rhyme or reason here. Now most everyone will drive on an Interstate going to a race nobody uses the local highways (also known as the back roads) unless you live locally ---less than 10 miles from the track so those vehicles(Interstate) are subject to an entirely different set of rules compared to the local state rules.
I fully understand states rights but many of these rules were written more than 30-40 years ago (1960-1970) BEFORE a lot of the Interstates were constructed when Motorhomes were not even thought of and trucks/semitrailers were really starting to move large volumes of freight. I understand that the States are hurting financially but this is like fishing in a rain barrel you have a captive audience and what may be legal in Ohio is not legal in Indiana but is legal in Illinois. They know it and they plan on taking full advantage of it!!! But in all fairness to the motoring public these rules need to be updated. This is "entrapment" at its finest.
Also regarding the post a little earlier about pigs--- most of the people I have met in law enforcement have a "Napolean complex", a real attitude problem, a power thing dominating thing if you can call it that over people. Don't even get me started on the whole police thing my blood pressure goes up about 40 points right away but back to reality this motorhome thing is totall overblown if it's not the drag racers its the stock car racers or the horse show people whatever... It's just not fair-- Comp 387

charlie westcott · 08-13-2010, 05:07 PM

I told the MDOT when we had our meeting, that they should go start writing tickets at the casino because they are playing for money, therfore are commercial, and need CDLs to drive their cars home.
They didnt really have a canned answer for that one.

John Kelley · 08-13-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie westcott

I told the MDOT when we had our meeting, that they should go start writing tickets at the casino because they are playing for money, therfore are commercial, and need CDLs to drive their cars home.
They didnt really have a canned answer for that one.

How about the guys towing their boats to a fishing tournaments with vans covered with sponsor decals ?? They don't fish for "CHUMP CHANGE" !
There is BIG $$$$ in those bass fishing tournaments !!!
Or the guys "hauling" thei bowling balls to BIG $$$$ tournaments ???

08-13-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Grubbs

SS ENGINE GUY while I may agree with the general nature of your post. I find your reference to police officers offensive.

Offensive? =(

How about calling them what they really are...Tax people with guns! Or just plain worthless...

Ed Fernandez · 08-13-2010, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Fuller

Offensive? =(

How about calling them what they really are...Tax people with guns! Or just plain worthless...

Yeah right.And when the ***** hits the fan who gets the first call?Then when they get there a$$holes complain that they got there too late.
Some communities have drive along programs.All you bitchers and moaners should seek one out and see what they have to deal with on a day to day basis.
As far as ticket enforcement,yeah some are regular a$$holes,but the majority are following the quota procedure laid out to them.No tickee,no jobee.
If it wasn't for police officers you would really have chaos.Right Bobby B?

Chris1529 · 08-14-2010, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie westcott

I told the MDOT when we had our meeting, that they should go start writing tickets at the casino because they are playing for money, therfore are commercial, and need CDLs to drive their cars home.
They didnt really have a canned answer for that one.

I've made that same comment myself!

Steve Williams · 08-14-2010, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Fuller

Offensive? =(

How about calling them what they really are...Tax people with guns! Or just plain worthless...

It is not the law enforcement officers fault he or she has to enforce a poorly written law. Your complaint is with the people that took the State of MI Bill and passed it into law. Next time you come into to town, go over and do some shopping off the Davison Fwy and see if your car is their when you come back or if you manage to escape with your life after you get robbed at gunpoint. Call 911 and ask for the "just plain worthless Tax people with guns" and see if they can come out and help you. I find the comments offensive and disturbing.

08-13-2010, 08:30 AM	#71
Chris1529 VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,366 Likes: 6 Liked 70 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Michigan RV's + Trailer Length Warning I think that most of us would follow the rules if we just knew what they were. The trouble is that the people enforcing them really don't know them either. They are trying to lump everyone into commercial vehicle status. The way I look at it, if I am going to the races with my truck and trailer, it is no different than a family hauling their travel trailer to go camping. I saw a toy hauler type travel trailer the other day that had triple axles and a 13,200 gvw. If its treated as an RV, why would a box trailer with a racecarbe looked at any differently. as most have said on here though, it is easy money for the states. It doesn't appear that anyone can have much luck in fighting it. what about these triple trailer combinations? What state DOT approved them? We don't have them in the mountains of WV where I live, but I saw plenty on the OH turnpike last weekend. __________________ Chris Bowman The Mountain State Mustang 1984 Mustang GT350

08-13-2010, 09:19 AM	#72
BlueOval Ralph Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 852 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Michigan RV's + Trailer Length Warning what about these triple trailer combinations? What state DOT approved them? We don't have them in the mountains of WV where I live, but I saw plenty on the OH turnpike last weekend. Just be aware that The Turnpikes have again different rules than the Federal Interstates an state highways.. That's why you see 36 foot tripples on turnpike and the dropoff lots at exit's.

08-13-2010, 09:43 AM	#73
Bob Verwold Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fayetteville Ohio Posts: 656 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Michigan RV's + Trailer Length Warning Longhorn Motors, Ltd has a list for all states that includes combined trailer/towing vehicle length, height, width and other info. If I knew how to post their website I would. I keep a copy of this in my truck along with a certified copy of truck and trailer weight just in case (don't know if this will help but makes me feel better). By the way Michigan is 60' ........ Special provisions apply to fifth wheelers (don't know what that means) Last edited by Bob Verwold; 08-13-2010 at 09:48 AM.

08-13-2010, 10:03 AM	#74
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,422 Likes: 532 Liked 333 Times in 180 Posts	Re: Michigan RV's + Trailer Length Warning Seems to me that these "length" rules are all helter skelter!!!! One state says 85 feet ,the state right next door is 60 feet, next state over says 65 is OK then you drive back into your own state and your back to 70 feet. No rhyme or reason here. Now most everyone will drive on an Interstate going to a race nobody uses the local highways (also known as the back roads) unless you live locally ---less than 10 miles from the track so those vehicles(Interstate) are subject to an entirely different set of rules compared to the local state rules. I fully understand states rights but many of these rules were written more than 30-40 years ago (1960-1970) BEFORE a lot of the Interstates were constructed when Motorhomes were not even thought of and trucks/semitrailers were really starting to move large volumes of freight. I understand that the States are hurting financially but this is like fishing in a rain barrel you have a captive audience and what may be legal in Ohio is not legal in Indiana but is legal in Illinois. They know it and they plan on taking full advantage of it!!! But in all fairness to the motoring public these rules need to be updated. This is "entrapment" at its finest. Also regarding the post a little earlier about pigs--- most of the people I have met in law enforcement have a "Napolean complex", a real attitude problem, a power thing dominating thing if you can call it that over people. Don't even get me started on the whole police thing my blood pressure goes up about 40 points right away but back to reality this motorhome thing is totall overblown if it's not the drag racers its the stock car racers or the horse show people whatever... It's just not fair-- Comp 387

08-13-2010, 05:07 PM	#75
charlie westcott Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 131 Likes: 0 Liked 216 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Michigan RV's + Trailer Length Warning I told the MDOT when we had our meeting, that they should go start writing tickets at the casino because they are playing for money, therfore are commercial, and need CDLs to drive their cars home. They didnt really have a canned answer for that one.