Trailer Width Question

bobjarrard · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 6:38 pm Post subject: Trailer Width Question

I am confused about legal boat/trailer width. In the various charts on line, some state only allow 8' max width and others allow 8'6"". So do yo just not take a C-25 to some states or do they allow you in if your home state of registration allows 8'6" or so they just not check. Thanks for the reply.
Bob Jarrard

Captains Cat · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 7:13 pm Post subject:

Bob, where did you find your info? I don't know of anyplace that limits it to 8'. There is a requirement for different lights on an 8-6 trailer but that's the only restriction I know. My trailer for the TC is over 8' and I don't think I'm restricted anywhere.

On edit, found this on a website:

"There are 15 states that allow only 8'0" trailer width, but federal rules dictate that 102". or 8'6" is the national size limit, so interstate highways in all states are 8'6". This means that some roads in some states have 8' limits. You can buy the "Motor Carrier's Road Atlas" at any truck stop to see a map of roads in all states that have width restricted to 8".

When I looked, only found 1 state AZ I think and DC that had an 8' limit. I wouldn't worry about an 8.5 ft trailer at all.

Charlie

tsturm · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: Trailer Width Question

JamesTXSD · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 8:05 pm Post subject:

Also in the Trailer Life Campground Guide you will find a section on trailering limits and laws. We have towed our CD-25 back and forth across the country and have not had an issue. I know from our RVing over the years that there are some states on the East Coast that have 8.0' limits on roads other than federal highways and Interstates. We have been on some pretty narrow roads with our 25 (and our RVs). I'd suggest: drive careful and take your boat where you want.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

BrentB · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 10:44 pm Post subject:

Here is a table
http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

bobjarrard · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 1:31 am Post subject: Thanks for your replies

Thanks - lots of action on my first post. Wife and I are looking at buying a C-Dory 25, C-Brats has been a big help in figuring out if this will work for us. I have boated lots of the sites you all have visited and can tell you that doing it alone is OK but it is a lot more fun with other folks to share the good times with and to act as backup if trouble hits.
Bob Jarrard

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 8:00 am Post subject:

As I'm sure Jim and others will tell you, the biggest danger with a wide trailer and narrow highway is dropping the outside tire set (if it's a tandem) off the pavement onto a shoulder that might be lower than the highway. If you do that, correct VERY gradually to bring the rig back onto the hard or you may be in deep trouble... Cry

The trailer tire/axle width is wider than the set on the rear of my Dodge 2500 and the fact that the truck is on the hard doesn't necessarily mean that that elephant following you is! Mr. Green

Charlie

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:34 pm Post subject:

One note- The enforcment on width is ot ussually done by the police or sherriff but by state department of transportation or similar agency.

Six inches is not goung to make much difference, and can't be calibrated by eye. At least that's what she said.... Embarassed