overlength vehicle

[chevy620]

Hey guys, I am afraid it isn't going to get better real soon.

I manufacturer the Trailer Toad motor home hitch which allows the motor homes to tow heavy trailers without damaging the motor home itself and I get a lot of input from racers/customers on what they are seeing out there on the road.

Here is what a lot of them do:
Check the DOT websites for the states you travel through the most often. They might offer a low priced overlength permit and you can see what the rules are.
Prepare yourself to be stopped. Be respectful, the guy is just doing what some pencil pusher in an office told him to do, and listen to what he says.
Have a copy of the DOT Exemption 390 in your "log book" (yes, if I was you I would have one) and be ready to use it.
Have all you lights working, extra fuses, fire extinguisher accessible from outside compartment, Pre-Trip inspection records, Liability Insurance Card, A copy of your NHRA/IHRA Physical or a DOT Physical form. Have all this in a notebook so you look organized and can answer his questions correctly.

As for the "Do you race for money? Then you are a commercial entitiy" speel, I have went over this a couple times.
I tell them, Yes I do have a chance to earn some money at the event, I also have a pretty good chance to make ZERO money. THere is no guarantee, any moneys made go against the expense to get there and I claim my winnings on my personal income taxes.
If your truck and trailer are in a company or corporate name, you might have a little more problem on this as they know it is a tax deductible business.

I suggest you treat your towing like it is a commercial entity as far as preparation goes. Make sure you have MSDS sheet if you carry race gas or methanol. It is a simple form that lists the product's UN number and quantity you have in trailer. Safety chains crossed under hitch, breakaway battery connected correctly, etc, etc.

EVERY STATE is looking for more money and to think they will overlook the racers is dreaming. THe enforcement officers, at least most of them, understand what they have been told to do is plain wrong. If you are cooperative and ask what you can do to prevent it in the future I htink you will see them work with you rather than bother you.

I am leaving on a 15 state run promoting Trailer Toads at races so I guess we will see if they stop a 38' motor home, 2' Trailer Toad, 5' tongue and 26' stacker with commercial signage. I have everything ready, I will report back here on what if anything happens.

Great forum and excellent input, glad I signed up.

Jok Nicholson
Trailer Toad