2004 holiday rambler toyhauler

[Gustavo]

2004 33' next level bumper pull... sleeps 8, TV, stereo, black leather sofas, full kitchen, bath, front sleeper, fuel station, a/c, heater, onan 5.5 generator, triple axle, removable carpet, fiberglass sides. Weight distribution hitch. Excellent condition 32K. Any question e-mail me at ls1c5guy@yahoo.com

[PeckerHead]

Just remember...You have to have a "Non commercial" Class a driver license to tow that thing. I believe it's endorsement #71 on your driver license. Commercial written test, fill out a physical evaluation (don't have to visit a doctor} and a drive test.

[AyatollahGondola]

Just remember...You have to have a "Non commercial" Class a driver license to tow that thing. I believe it's endorsement #71 on your driver license. Commercial written test, fill out a physical evaluation (don't have to visit a doctor} and a drive test.

huh?

[PeckerHead]

Is that a word? Look it up, it's got a GVW rating over 10,0001 #.

[RodeoChippie]

I looked into this issue when i was going to buy a living quarters horse trailer. According to the DMV's RV and Trailers Handbook, DL648, you have to do the following for a class A non-commercial license:

submit health questionaire
pass class C laws test
pass class A non commercial vehicles test
pass vision test
pass pre trip inspection test
pass skills test
pass driving test.

This is required as PH stated for travel trailers with a GVWR of greater that 10,000lbs or a 5th wheel trailer greater than 15,000lbs.

The endoresment is for 5th wheel trailers with a GVWR over 10,000lbs and not greater that 15,000lbs. No driving test or health questionaire required there.

[WantToBeCHP]

I looked into this issue when i was going to buy a living quarters horse trailer. According to the DMV's RV and Trailers Handbook, DL648, you have to do the following for a class A non-commercial license:

submit health questionaire
pass class C laws test
pass class A non commercial vehicles test
pass vision test
pass pre trip inspection test
pass skills test
pass driving test.

This is required as PH stated for travel trailers with a GVWR of greater that 10,000lbs or a 5th wheel trailer greater than 15,000lbs.

The endoresment is for 5th wheel trailers with a GVWR over 10,000lbs and not greater that 15,000lbs. No driving test or health questionaire required there.


This in only for 5th wheels right? Not bumper pull?

[Gustavo]

Well know that we've cleared that up... Correct me if I'm wrong but class c licensed drive should be okay pulling this, dry weight is 9,700lb.... What were the rules for a 5th wheel? I also own a fifth wheel that I think weights 13,500lb dry. Do I need a class A non-commercial license?

[RodeoChippie]

I looked into this issue when i was going to buy a living quarters horse trailer. According to the DMV's RV and Trailers Handbook, DL648, you have to do the following for a class A non-commercial license:

submit health questionaire
pass class C laws test
pass class A non commercial vehicles test
pass vision test
pass pre trip inspection test
pass skills test
pass driving test.

This is required as PH stated for travel trailers with a GVWR of greater that 10,000lbs or a 5th wheel trailer greater than 15,000lbs.

The endoresment is for 5th wheel trailers with a GVWR over 10,000lbs and not greater that 15,000lbs. No driving test or health questionaire required there.


This in only for 5th wheels right? Not bumper pull?
Its greater than 10,000lbs for bumper pull travel trailers and greater than 15,000lbs for 5th wheel travel trailers.

[RodeoChippie]

Well know that we've cleared that up... Correct me if I'm wrong but class c licensed drive should be okay pulling this, dry weight is 9,700lb.... What were the rules for a 5th wheel? I also own a fifth wheel that I think weights 13,500lb dry. Do I need a class A non-commercial license?
Its not based on the dry weight its based on the GVWR. You need to check your paperwork to see what the listed GVWR is. Based on that you can tell if you need a Class A n/c.

[PapaBear]

"California Driver Handbook" (2006) PDF verision.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl600.pdf

Just page down to License Requirements

[AyatollahGondola]

Is that a word? Look it up, it's got a GVW rating over 10,0001 #.

geez. Talk about living up to ones name. what I didn't get was how you were able to derive the weight from the post. Or is there a length limit now for non commercial. I've been out of the loop for a while.

[PeckerHead]

I looked into this issue when i was going to buy a living quarters horse trailer. According to the DMV's RV and Trailers Handbook, DL648, you have to do the following for a class A non-commercial license:

submit health questionaire
pass class C laws test
pass class A non commercial vehicles test
pass vision test
pass pre trip inspection test
pass skills test
pass driving test.

This is required as PH stated for travel trailers with a GVWR of greater that 10,000lbs or a 5th wheel trailer greater than 15,000lbs.

The endoresment is for 5th wheel trailers with a GVWR over 10,000lbs and not greater that 15,000lbs. No driving test or health questionaire required there.



You nailed it. I think the endorsement for the fifth wheel is #43.

[PeckerHead]

Is that a word? Look it up, it's got a GVW rating over 10,0001 #.

geez. Talk about living up to ones name. what I didn't get was how you were able to derive the weight from the post. Or is there a length limit now for non commercial. I've been out of the loop for a while.


Little thin skinned aren't we? It's a THREE Axle,THIRTY THREE foot bumper pull, toyhauler. Go to an RV show and educate yourself. Most of the people that tow these behemoths, don't have the proper driver license to tow them. As a matter of fact there are websites out there where people blatantly say they won't comply with the driver license requirements until they are cited for it. To bad they're all driving over the speed limit.:biggrin:shock:ubt:

[RodeoChippie]

Is that a word? Look it up, it's got a GVW rating over 10,0001 #.

what I didn't get was how you were able to derive the weight from the post.
The GVWRs for all of Holiday Rambler's trailers are listed on their website.

[AyatollahGondola]

Is that a word? Look it up, it's got a GVW rating over 10,0001 #.

geez. Talk about living up to ones name. what I didn't get was how you were able to derive the weight from the post. Or is there a length limit now for non commercial. I've been out of the loop for a while.


Little thin skinned aren't we? It's a THREE Axle,THIRTY THREE foot bumper pull, toyhauler. Go to an RV show and educate yourself. Most of the people that tow these behemoths, don't have the proper driver license to tow them. As a matter of fact there are websites out there where people blatantly say they won't comply with the driver license requirements until they are cited for it. To bad they're all driving over the speed limit.:biggrin:shock:ubt:
I am trying to educate myself. that is why I'm here by the way. And mentioning the attitude of people driving out of class:
The dealerships that sell them are openly encouraging them during sales pitch. Also encouraging them to pull with undersized vehicles. After you have purchased a 40K dollar trailer and cannot make the class due to health or some other requirement, it is no small wonder that defiance springs forth. Now I'm not defending the behavior at all. Just saying DMV or CHP might want to look into another source of the problem. That is unless tickets are more amusing.
I have class A commercial by the way. So that is why I am not up on non-commercial.
Thin skinned? Yeah, that's me. Where can I donate to the de-caf coffee fund in your area?

[PeckerHead]

[quote=AyatollahGondola
I am trying to educate myself. that is why I'm here by the way. And mentioning the attitude of people driving out of class:
The dealerships that sell them are openly encouraging them during sales pitch. Also encouraging them to pull with undersized vehicles. After you have purchased a 40K dollar trailer and cannot make the class due to health or some other requirement, it is no small wonder that defiance springs forth. Now I'm not defending the behavior at all. Just saying DMV or CHP might want to look into another source of the problem. [/quote]

Hey look, there no use in us bickering about this. You are absolutely right. The dealerships only care about the sale. Personally I think they should have to advise the buyer and make them sign documentation they were advised. But then again, I'm not one for more laws and red tape. But, maybe a simple sticker by the door would help (won't help thier sales.) People get pretty angry when you tell them they can't tow their fancy trailer down the road without the proper driver license. Why can an old guy (or any person for you age sensitive readers) drive a 40' diesel pusher and tow a suburban with a class C? Makes no sense to me.

[PapaBear]

The information in the following link is easy to read and can easily be obtained from a local DMV free of charge. It explains the where and what-for about towing vehicles.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt12.htm

[Gustavo]

[quote=AyatollahGondola
I am trying to educate myself. that is why I'm here by the way. And mentioning the attitude of people driving out of class:
The dealerships that sell them are openly encouraging them during sales pitch. Also encouraging them to pull with undersized vehicles. After you have purchased a 40K dollar trailer and cannot make the class due to health or some other requirement, it is no small wonder that defiance springs forth. Now I'm not defending the behavior at all. Just saying DMV or CHP might want to look into another source of the problem.

Hey look, there no use in us bickering about this. You are absolutely right. The dealerships only care about the sale. Personally I think they should have to advise the buyer and make them sign documentation they were advised. But then again, I'm not one for more laws and red tape. But, maybe a simple sticker by the door would help (won't help thier sales.) People get pretty angry when you tell them they can't tow their fancy trailer down the road without the proper driver license. Why can an old guy (or any person for you age sensitive readers) drive a 40' diesel pusher and tow a suburban with a class C? Makes no sense to me.

they made me sign a paper for the tow vehicle when i bought my 40' toyhauler. i asked the sales guy, whats this for? he replied we have to see what your going to pull this with... then he peaked outside and said "as long as it not an s-10 or something we dont care".

[PeckerHead]

[quote=Gustavo
they made me sign a paper for the tow vehicle when i bought my 40' toyhauler. i asked the sales guy, whats this for? he replied we have to see what your going to pull this with... then he peaked outside and said "as long as it not an s-10 or something we dont care". [/quote]

Is that a fifth wheel? I've never heard of a 40' bumper pull (nothing would surprise me though.) What'd ya get? I wish they would plumb them for a roof mounted evaporative cooler for desert camping. I personally don't like to run the on board genset to run both A/C's if I can help it. I usually carry a small Honde generator for just running the microwave, TV, kids gamecube , etc. Those roof mounted evaporative coolers are as expensive as the A/C units, but a lot less parts!

[Gustavo]

Yes, its a 07 5th wheel 4005cl Weekend Warrior. I dont know if you ever been in one. There really appealing at first but once you've owned one you notice how poorly made they are.... first and last one I buy...live and learn I guess. What part of the desert do you go to?

[AyatollahGondola]

Yes, its a 07 5th wheel 4005cl Weekend Warrior. I dont know if you ever been in one. There really appealing at first but once you've owned one you notice how poorly made they are.... first and last one I buy...live and learn I guess. What part of the desert do you go to?
I have a 43' fifth wheel Weekend Warrior that is now parked because of the condition it is in. sides delaminating, frame coming apart, wood rotting.
It served a purpose back when I bought it, but I wouldn't buy another WW.
In fact, we didn't. We have 30' Pilgrim now. Seemed better built than most being produced now.

We also owned a Terry. Talk about going from really good to really bad! As soon as Fleetwood bought Terry, they turned that good name into trash. It came apart on us out in the wilds of Alaska. Had to take the entire skin off of it over the fifth wheel portion and have a welder imported to make something work. All this without any real tools. The hell of it was that Terry(Fleetwood) knew this was happening, but did nothing to warn the owners. They lost my business and recommendation forever.

As far as new laws for dealers:
I don't like new laws either, but as long as they build new equipment, they'll need new regulations. I have seen so very many people pulling these giant toy haulers with f-350's and it just makes me cringe. Stopping power is crucial. They will not have it when the crisis comes.

[PeckerHead]

I spent a year looking at toyhaulers, before I purchased a 29' Vortex. Wish I could say it's the best out there, but I know it isn't. I looked at WW's and was disappointed in the fit and finish. The Desert Fox wasn't any better. I'm not sure if the Raptor is any better, but I do like the floor plan. I strongly recommend to anyone buying any trailer..get on your back and look under it. That'll tell you a lot about how it's built. You'll find cheap sheet metal screws holding everything together (until your first road trip!) Electrical wiring hanging down, gas lines plumbed below the frame, etc! Owning one of these is definately a learning experience, but I do enjoy taking it fishing in Montana, especially when you can drop down the ramp, put on the screen room and sit on your back porch watching the river. I added a second A/C because one will not cool down that box! I was in Hamilton, MT a couple of years ago and it was 104 degrees. I could only cool the box down to 85 degrees. Sorry, but I'm to spoiled to be that hot! I would also recommend the sat dish in the dome. I installed a Wingard crank up that goes on the roof, but noticed it vibrates when the A/C is on. Sometimes it will lose the signal.

[AyatollahGondola]

We sure liked the layout of those Tahoe toy haulers. They had a "garage" in the back that seperated the living quarters. Huge trailers though. 36' and out of reach financially. Also would require a step up the chain in tow vehicles, which would pretty much put you out of the "pick up" class.
I thought the desert fox was a strong trailer. I may have it confused with another. I remember one that was made for the colder climates and had some real insulattion which again drove up the cost. It was a better frame and construction overall. Just too much money for us now..
I also like those back porches that slide out from underneath.
Let's face it. they are building trailers like they do everything else these days. aimed at the large market and as cheap as possible. there are only a few companies now as the buyouts have done to the RV manufacturers what they are doing to retail outlets. That way what few are left can conspire and all produce the same cheap junk and you'll either have to buy one from column "A" or "B".
Same as your choice of politicians.

[Tom]

Don't buy the Tahoe! Get underneath and look at it! I have a Crossroads Crossterrain 36' toy-hauler...some glitches but I am happy with it overall.

http://www.crossroadsrv.com/line/ct.asp


Tom

[AyatollahGondola]

CrossRoads Is Purchased By Thor Industries

(Topeka, Indiana) - 11/2/2004


Crossroads RV was purchased by Thor Industries, Inc. on Monday November 1, 2004. As with all Thor companies, Crossroads RV will operate as an independent division of Thor Industries.

This is what I don't like about it.
As far as the Tahoe:
there's no danger of me purchasing one of those right now. Way too poor

[Tom]

CrossRoads Is Purchased By Thor Industries

(Topeka, Indiana) - 11/2/2004


Crossroads RV was purchased by Thor Industries, Inc. on Monday November 1, 2004. As with all Thor companies, Crossroads RV will operate as an independent division of Thor Industries.

This is what I don't like about it.
As far as the Tahoe:
there's no danger of me purchasing one of those right now. Way too poor

Don't understand your point...Thor also owns Airstream, along with several others. Good luck.

[AyatollahGondola]

The point was that thor is a company similar to fleetwood that buys up good trailer manufacturers and then cuts the quality to pay for the buyout costs. Airstream used to be a good brand. it is now going the way of terry, prowler and others.

[Tom]

Build your own..it would probably be better.

[AyatollahGondola]

Hardly,
I know my limitations:biggrin: