How long should a truck conversion be?

[BravestDog]

I know there are a lot of variables that are not being considered, but if you could summarize how long the maximum length should be, would it be fair to say to stay at the maximum lenght or less so anyone can drive at anytime with a standard license for the state you reside?

Since I am in California where our Governor Arnold Schwartznegger is an action figure, it would have to 40' or less.

 

[LooseClu]

Hiya BravestDog,
Texas seems focused on the weight more so than the length. At 26,001 pounds TX regs require a Class B (no CDL requirement for motorhomes). If you tow a trailer above a stated weight, a Class A (again non CDL) is required. As far as I can determined the courts have resolved what is a very apparent conflict within the TX law by making anyone driving a rather large vehicle show they have an idea how to operate it safely.
Its another hurdle to go through but there is a logic to it that is hard to oppose.
Roy

 

[BravestDog]

Are class 8 sized truck conversions considered motorhomes in Texas, where a standard license is acceptable to drive one, even if it's GVWR is over 26k lbs?

 

[LooseClu]

Yes & no. In Texas you can register a truck conversion as an RV but you must have a class B nonCDL license to operate it if its over 26,001 lbs. At least that's what the state's DOT assistant director told me after I got several different answers from the local TxDot office. They make you take a written and driving test but the driving portion varies with where you take it (some require a more extensive demonstration that you can actually maneuver the beast)
Roy