Hey there Snowman8
I am new here, this is my first post. I live in Washington State and I am
well versed in this. I have a 97 Freightliner Classic. I have not started
a conversion but wanted to be able to drive the truck.
The governing body for anything relating to CDL's semi trucks, etc. is
The FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin. I thought it would be
smart to get their interpretation. In their rules 353.- and this is
a new addition to them.. If you own the truck, and your driving it
for your own use, you are excepted.
BUT, while traveling north on I-5, I pulled into the weigh station at Cottonwood CA.
You see, even though it may be for towing a travel trailer, the CHP expects you to
stop. It seems I was right on the FMCSA exception, but the State Of CA. has
a rule that superceeds this. I was told that A. if I could get the truck licensed
in WA as a motorhome, AND at least got a class B endorsement, they would'nt bother me anymore. Well, Dept. of Licensing in WA said " to be considered a motorhome, it needs toilet and/or
stove or oven as well as a bed. No problem... I thought!
Got stopped at the weigh station on I-90 last week. The officer was very nice but he decided that even with a toilet or stove of sorts, there is now way you could live in a semi truck.
Heres the wrap up...
1. Every Officer has interpreted all of this in 'THIER' view.
2. Every retiree has the right to drive a 50' long motorhome with no problem.
3. When it comes to a semi truck, no matter what we 'think' we converted it to
I had better have at least a Class B CDL with air brake endorsement.
I know this to be true as in July the State Of CA. gave me an OUT OF SERVICE ORDER
which meant I had to HIRE A DRIVER TO GET MY TRUCK BACK TO WA. they would not let me
leave the weigh station with my truck.. Thats not a good feeling.
Hope any or all of this has helped.
Blackie D.
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