I now have a 5th wheel with a gooseneck conversion and I was researching the Ca DMV website. I can't find anything that seperates the two types of trailers. I just want to make sure I'm legal to tow. So far it looks like I need a RV endorsement. I'm also looking into getting my "Doubles Endorsement". Here is a link to the page that I expected to have information on the two types of trailers: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt6.htm

BTW,
Don't beat me up about the gooseneck conversion. I'm looking to the the strength issues with regard to the pin box and supporting structure.

from a "license standpoint" I believe they are both the same. I believe you need safety chains with a ball not not with a pin, I haven't looked that one up yet so do take it as gospel.

as for what license you need, whats the GVWR of the trailer - that will tell you what you need... tag trailers rated over 10001 and fifth/goose trailers rated over 15001 are not comvered under a basic class C... do your homework and search this forum for the countless threads on what license you need for what type of trailer... be advised that the DMV and the CHP will give you conflicting stories on what you need as well as everyone here ;)

in regards to your link, the key word there is "recreational". I don't believe their are any companies out their that make an approved classified "RV" with a ball coupler for an in-bed hitch....at least I've never seen or heard of one. All the "gooseneck ones I've seen were "cargo" or "utility" or " equipment" trailers that were converted...


:usa:

Thanks,
I'm planning on having certified weight tickets for my trailers and truck. I'm also going to carry a copy of the comercial driver's handbook with tabs on the pages covering what I'm towing. I don't want to rely on the CHP officer's memory.

These are the weights of everything I have now:
Truck ------- 7300lbs
5th Wheel --- 9000lbs
Car Hauler --- 2100lbs
FToy -------- 3100lbs

Total of 21500. That puts me over my 21000lb limit. I'm also over my 65' max. I'm going to try and cut weight and length on my car hauler.

The 5th wheel definition in the DMV book is a hitch that is mounted at or forward of the rear axle, no mention of the type be it kingpin or ball. At least that is what I found when researching my license needs.

The California standard Class C allows a maximum trailer GVWR of 10k, regardless of attachment type.

There is an endorsement (Restriction 41) that allows for Class C holders to tow 5th wheel recreational trailers between 10-15k GVWR.

The definition of a recreational trailer/RV is one that has living space of some minimum area, toilet facilities and the like. It also requires that the whoel thing be part of a single chassis. To me that means no slide-ins on a gooseneck will qualify. Now that one thread where the guy took the small 5er of its original chassis and put it on a gooseneck permanently mounted should be okay.

If you want to haul a non-recreational trailer over 10k regardless of attachment type, you need a full blown Class A. A non-commercial Class A in CA will only cover recreational trailers over 15k GVWR, not equipment trailers.

reread your post, you should be fine with the gooseneck conversion, wouldn't worry too much about it.

as for the doubles endorsement, I beleive that you need a full Class A for that in CA

Yeah,
I'm studying for my Commercial Class A with Doubles endorsment.

Thanks