need a CDL to tow with 4.10

[chipster]

I've been looking at a new 14 or 15 3500 DRW cc long box 4x4 with Aisin and 4.10. I live in so California and was told by one dodge dealer in Bakersfield that I'm now required to have a CDL with the 4.10 gears in a 1 ton and would be towing anything over 14k. Anyone out there herd of this or know the correct answer. I really would like the 410 but sounds like a big problem. Ill be towing a 5er with 21k GVW.Thanks

 

[Bug Out]

Ca required a non-commercial class A back when I lived(2005) there if you towed over X amount of weight even as a RV. Check DMV for "non-commercial" class A. I never got one and the chips that I worked with and knew, unless you wrecked, never enforced it. The Budget is tight there so anything is the limit.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

It's BS. Total BS.

5th wheel RV rated 15K and under no CDL. 15K+1lb etc requires non-commerical class A.

Bumper pull trailer rated @ 9,999lbs and under no CDL. Rated 10K and above, yes.

I'm in Ca also and you're within your legal limits. The dealer doesn't know squat.

 

[streetdoc]

Take a look here for drivers license requirements by states:
http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml

And California specific non-commercial Class A or B requirements:[h=4]How to apply for a noncommercial driver license[/h] A noncommercial driver license is issued in the following two classes:

• Noncommercial Class A
• Noncommercial Class B

A Noncommercial Class A license is required if you tow:

• a travel trailer weighing over 10,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) which is not used for hire.
• a fifth–wheel travel trailer weighting over 15,000 lbs. GVWR which is not used for hire.
• a livestock trailer that is not for hire, weight over 10,000 lbs. GVWR but not over 15,000 lbs. GVWR, and is operated within 150 miles of the farm by a farmer to transport livestock.

A Noncommercial Class B license and endorsement is required if you operate:

• A housecar over 40 feet but not over 45 feet. Exemptions: Holders of a commercial Class A or B license, a noncommercial Class A license, and all fire fighter license classes.

[h=5]Requirements for a Noncommercial Class A driver permit[/h] To apply for a Noncommercial Class A permit, you must:

• Visit a DMV office (make an Appointment(s) for faster service)
• Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44C). (An original DL 44C form must be submitted. Copies are not acceptable.)
• Give a thumb print
• Have your picture taken
• Verify your birth date and legal presence (you may use your California driver license). If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth date/legal presence document, see ”True Full Name“ and “How to Change Your Name” for more information. Provide your true full name if your name no longer matches the name on your birth data legal presence document.
• Pay the application fee
• Pass a vision exam
• Submit a Health Questionnaire (DL 546) dated not more than two years prior to the date of your application
• Pass the traffic laws and sign tests for the class of vehicle you currently have and also the Noncommercial Class A Vehicles test

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.
Once you have completed these requirements, you will be issued a permit. You can only drive with a person who has a California driver license in the same class as your permit and meets the age requirements.
[h=5]Requirements for a Noncommercial Class A driver license[/h] To obtain a Noncommercial Class A license you must:

• Have completed all the requirements for a Noncommercial Class A permit
• Call a DMV CDL office and make an appointment for a driving test (Cannot be made for the same day) (Noncommercial Class A driving test appointments cannot be made online)
• Bring the Noncommercial Class A vehicle with you
• Pass a pre–trip inspection
• Pass a skills test
• Pass a driving test

After you pass your driving test, you will be issued an interim license valid until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Verify your address before you leave DMV. Notify the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your photo license within 60 days, call 1–800–777–0133 to check the status. You will need to provide information from your interim license.
[h=5]Requirements for a Noncommercial Class B driver permit[/h] To apply for a Noncommercial Class B permit, you must:

• Visit a DMV office (make an Appointment(s) for faster service)
• Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44 or DL 44C).Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44C). (An original DL 44C form must be submitted. Copies are not acceptable.)
• Give a thumb print
• Have your picture taken
• Verify your birth date and legal presence (you may use your California driver license). If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth date/legal presence document, see “True Full Name” and “How to Change Your Name” for more information. Provide your true full name if your name no longer matches the name on your birth date legal presence document.
• Pay the application fee for a 5–year license
• Pass a vision exam
• Submit a Health Questionnaire (DL 546) dated not more than two years prior to the date of your application
• Pass the traffic laws and sign tests for the class of vehicle your currently have and also the Driver’s Examination for 45’Housecars test

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.
Once you have passed your test, you will be issued a permit. You can only drive with a person who has a California driver license in the same class as your permit and meets the age requirements.
[h=5]Requirements for a Noncommercial Class B driver license[/h] To obtain a Noncommercial Class B license, you must:

• Have completed all the requirements for a Noncommercial Class B permit
• Call a DMV CDL office and make an appointment for a driving test (Cannot be made for the same day) (Noncommercial Class B driving test appointments cannot be made online)
• Bring the housecar with you
• Perform a vehicle safety check. NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you are not required to pass an air brake law test or perform an air brake system check.
• Pass a skills test
• Pass a driving test

After you pass your driving test, you will be issued an interim license valid until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Verify your address before you leave DMV. Notify the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your photo license with 60 days, call 1–800–777–0133 to check the status. You will need to provide information from our interim license.

 

[PPineda]

FYI endorsement #41 may tow fifth wheel recreational trailer between 10,001 and 15,000 pounds GVWR just written test

 

[chipster]

Wow thanks streetdoc great post. That helps out alot.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

FYI endorsement #41 may tow fifth wheel recreational trailer between 10,001 and 15,000 pounds GVWR just written test

Almost every DMV in Ca won't have any idea what this test is. It took my local office roughly 30 minutes to find it. This was the only (free) test DMV had at the time but I've heard they charge now.

 

[RVTRKN]

You must have challenged him about the poor choice of Dodge's push of the 3:42 rear end. Stay within weight limits for non commercial use and you can tow with a 6:10 :-laf

 

[MJWenrich]

Just spoke to a CHP Sgt. at lunch today and asked about this requirement. He said it had been in force about 8 years or so and that most drivers do not know about it. To provide further information for those fortunate enough to live outside California, the DMV and what passes for our lawmakers sign off on numerous laws each year. Few of those are ever published. Some make it to the newspaper, if you happen to subscribe to one, on a one time basis only. Nothing comes from the state to inform you of the changes. I guess we are supposed to reread the entire vehicle code each year and it's only about a 600 page book. My guess is that the insurers are responsible for lobbying our legislature to make this a non-commercial Class A license over our regular Class C.

I admit that many people out there driving pickup trucks with trailers should not be allowed out of their driveway. Watching them back up a trailer is almost painful. But for this state to give a written test only on this matter is just ridiculous. If the concern is there, then require a driving test. Of course that would take more examiners and so on. Our trucks are so much better with engine braking and 6-spd transmissions and better brakes/tires. Still, we do see the idiots driving trailers with trailer tires and no sway control way over their rated maximum speed. I give them a lot of clearance.

 

[RVTRKN]

I'm sorry chipster, I was confused by your title "need a CDL to tow with 4.10". As long as your under a certain weight you don't need a non commercial Class A.

 

[RVTRKN]

This link should break it down a lot easier, I didn't know the specifics because I have a Commercial Class A, and didn't need to worry about the new law. I do like the fact I can tow my 5ver with the boat (doubles) with my lic.


https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/cdl_htm/lic_chart.htm

 

[TJJEEPER]

I've been looking at a new 14 or 15 3500 DRW cc long box 4x4 with Aisin and 4.10. I live in so California and was told by one dodge dealer in Bakersfield that I'm now required to have a CDL with the 4.10 gears in a 1 ton and would be towing anything over 14k. Anyone out there herd of this or know the correct answer. I really would like the 410 but sounds like a big problem. Ill be towing a 5er with 21k GVW.Thanks

Which is exactly why I bought my Dodge from Hunter out in Lancaster. Better deal, smarter sales people.

 

[Sandboxredneck]

I bought my 2014 3500 CC with DRW Aisin trans and 4.10 from Jim Manning in Dinuba, CA. They always have at least 12 dualies on the lot of different body stiles to choose from and test drive. (no other dealer within 200 miles had an inventory to match) I wanted specific options and color that wasn't available anywhere in the country, so they walked me through ordering it and offered it to me at a price that I couldn't beat. The staff introduced me to everyone involved in the delivery and prep when it came in and kept in touch with me after the sale. (again, no other dealer within 200 miles could compare or was willing to help) I don't regret driving 3 hours to buy my RAM. I drive 1 hour to get my oil changed because the closest dealer to me wouldn't answer the phone after 8 calls to schedule it. What's the point of all this? If you don't like what you are being told, either do alot of research to find the facts and laws, or find someone you can trust to give you advise.

 

[Newsa]

If you never pull off to weigh, they will never know what you weigh.

Here in Florida, they don't want vacationers to clog up their scales.

 

[MelvinPierce]

The weight may make a difference. The rear end ratio makes ZERO difference in licensing. Bet they did not have a 4.10, and wanted to sell you one with a different one!?