Last modified on October 16th, 2021 at 7:37 am
Regulations Regarding Travel Trailers Every Camper Should Know
Do you call yourself a camper, or have you visited more than half of the US with the help of a trusty trailer? Well, then you might already know some of the things we’re about to tell you.
However, the chances that you don’t know some of the important regulations regarding these travel trailers are quite high. Moreover, not knowing them can have serious consequences for your camping trip.
As such, without any further ado, here are the regulations that you should know about!
Trailer Dimensions
Naturally, this is the most important thing when it comes to traveling with a trailer. The main issue when it comes to the dimensions of your trailer is the fact that every state comes with its own laws.
Now you could be in the green zone, fully allowed to travel, and in the next minute, you could be driving a vehicle deemed illegal. In the US, the dimensions of the trailer vary from 13.5-14 feet high and from 40-50 feet long.
Keep in mind that things change when you add a towable, an extra vehicle, trailer, boat, and so on.
Driving License for Trailers
You read that right! There are certain cases when you are required, by law, to have a special driver’s license suited for driving trailers. Still, this applies only when your trailer is too big to be considered a regular vehicle anymore.
The size and license issue becomes quite troublesome if you’re stopped for a DUI check. If you’re caught with a DUI and with the wrong license for your trailer, you might need a good DUI defense attorney to help you solve this problem.
It’s always better to double-check before buying or choosing a particular trailer.
Trailer-Only Regulations
We mentioned above that every state comes with its own laws for trailers – and not only that. This means that there’s much consideration to be given to the trailer’s accessories. For example:
- A decent number of states require trailers to be equipped with equalizing hitches to increase maneuverability and, obviously, reduce the risk of accidents.
- The same applies to sway control. Most states out there do require that you have to have on your trailer.
- Depending on the trailer size and weight, it might also have to be equipped with an independent brake system. Double-check this for your state, as such a system might be required regardless, according to a state’s laws.
- Last but not least, some states added breakaway brakes as a trailer requirement as well. When you’re buying a trailer, the authorized seller will most likely be able to tell you what you must further equip your trailer with.
The Bottom Line
Most people would think that driving around with a travel trailer is very easy. Well, it might be easy – but it certainly isn’t easy to comply with all of the laws related to such trailers.
But, if you want to become a real camper and travel around the entire US, then you need to know more details than just the ones mentioned above. However, what we just mentioned will keep you in the green in most cases.