"The Michigan legislature passed, and the Governor signed Senate Bill 35 into law on April 10, 2012. Under Senate Bill 35, the maximum length of a recreational vehicle (RV) that has its own power (motor home), in combination with a trailer, can be 65 feet. However, if the operator of the RV... has a group commercial motor vehicle designation on his or her operator’s or chauffeur’s license, the maximum length can be 75 feet.
The Vehicle Code also specifies that a pickup truck with a towing rate equal to or greater than the weight being towed, equipped with an appropriate fifth wheel assembly, towing attached with a semitrailer designed for recreational living purposes, may tow an additional trailer or semitrailer under certain conditions. Previously, the total length of the pickup truck, semitrailer and additional trailer or semitrailer, and load could not exceed 65 feet. The bill increased the maximum combined length to 75 feet.
The changes are effective immediately.
The above changes can be found in Public Act 80’12 in the Michigan Vehicle Code."
Doesn't affect me but it might some of the members.
Interesting information. I know length and width allowed varies from state to state. So this can create problems when interstate traveling. I know California regularly enforces their own numbers. Seems a Federal ruling on this would better serve all concerned.
Oasis Bob
Wonderful wife & 4 Really Fun kids
2008 KIA Sedona 3.8L 24 valve V-6
2001 Bantam Trail Lite B-19
Quote: The Vehicle Code also specifies that a pickup truck with a towing rate equal to or greater than the weight being towed, equipped with an appropriate fifth wheel assembly, towing attached with a semitrailer designed for recreational living purposes, may tow an additional trailer or semitrailer under certain conditions.
That line should pique some interest. Not often that you see a requirement (beyond common sense)for adequate tow capacity codified.
I wonder if that means the manufacturer's tow rating, or that weird ability that seems to exist in some states wherein you can "register" a vehicle for just about any tow rating you want, until your money runs out.
Further, does that mean that if you're pulled over for questionable length, will the LEO check tow ratings and scale your rig? Does that lend any credence to the argument that liability increases when towing over capacity?
It would seem that an argument for liability is somewhat stronger when there is an attendent violation of the law.
chevor wrote: I have never seen a pickup truck pulling a semitrailer
That might be this definition:
"A semi-trailer is a trailer without a front axle. A large proportion of its weight is supported by a road tractor, a detachable front axle assembly known as a dolly, or the tail of another trailer. A semi-trailer is normally equipped with landing gear (legs which can be lowered) to support it when it is uncoupled."
Sounds like a 5th wheel trailer in the RV industry.
chevor wrote: I have never seen a pickup truck pulling a semitrailer
That might be this definition:
"A semi-trailer is a trailer without a front axle. A large proportion of its weight is supported by a road tractor, a detachable front axle assembly known as a dolly, or the tail of another trailer. A semi-trailer is normally equipped with landing gear (legs which can be lowered) to support it when it is uncoupled."
Sounds like a 5th wheel trailer in the RV industry.
Sounds like a regular TT to me also. The tongue jack is the same as the "landing gear" of a 5th wheel.
Barney
2004 Sunnybrook Titan 30FKS TT
Hensley "Arrow" 1400# hitch
2002 Ford F250 Super Duty, 7.3L PSD Visit our website here
(Almost) All trailers are semi trailers, wagons are full trailers - as in the only weight the TV carrys is part of the weight of the coupling device, the trailers front and rear axles support its total weight.
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