<div><em>Class A RV in Booklet, Georgia. Photo by Damon on Road.<br></em><br></div><div>&nbsp;<br>Any standard US state drivers license is valid to drive or tow recreational vehicles up to 40 feet in length and weighing less than 26,000 pounds. Certain states require a CDL (Commercial Drivers License) for driving recreational vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds. Class C and B RVs typically weigh less than 26,000 pounds. Class A RV’s may weigh more than 26,000 pounds. It is important to check with each state for special license requirements when renting a Class A RV, or when towing a larger trailer. In this article, we will present a guide for drivers license requirements by state.<br><br></div><h1><strong>The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets guidelines for CDL use.</strong></h1><div><br></div><div>There are guidelines on when you would need a commercial drivers license (CDL). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license">https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license</a> ) sets these guidelines. A CDL has to be obtained from the state one lives in, that is, your home state. Most states do not require a special license for RVs weighing under 26,000 pounds or towed vehicles under 10,000 pounds. Most Class B and C&nbsp; RVs weigh well under 26,000 pounds. An important distinction is when a recreational vehicle is being driven for business purposes, for instance, a bus or transportation company. In this instance, most states do require that the driver possess a CDL.</div><div><br></div><div>The CDL requirements exist for the safety of society. It is important that individuals driving bus size RV’s, for instance Class A RV, be able to drive them safely and maneuver tight turns and steep roads. In the process of obtaining a CDL, individuals must prove that they possess&nbsp;</div><div>the higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities to drive vehicles in that category.&nbsp;</div><div><br><br></div><div><strong>&nbsp;</strong></div><div><strong>Average Weights of recreational vehicles:</strong></div><div><br></div><div>Class B: 6000 - 8000 pounds</div><div>Class C: 10,000 - 12,000 pounds</div><div>Class A:&nbsp; 13,000 - 30,000 pounds</div><div>Camper Trailer: 5,200 pounds</div><div>Fifth Wheel: Wide range from 8,000 - 20,000 pounds</div><div><br><br></div><h1><strong>State Licensing Requirements For RVs</strong></h1><div><br></div><div>Here is a detailed chart explaining what the requirements are for each state.</div><div><br><br></div><div><strong>Alabama:</strong>&nbsp; No special license required.</div><div><strong>Alaska:</strong>&nbsp; No special license required.</div><div><strong>Arizona:</strong>&nbsp; No special license required.</div><div><strong>Arkansas:</strong>&nbsp; Drivers need a CDL for vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>California:</strong>&nbsp; Drivers need a Class B license for vehicles that weigh more than</div><div>26,000 pounds or have a length of over 40 feet. Drivers need a Class A license to tow anything more than 10,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>Colorado:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Connecticut:</strong> Drivers need a Class B CDL to drive single vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. Drivers also need a Class A CDL for vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>Delaware:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Florida:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Georgia:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Hawaii:</strong> Drivers need a Class B CDL to drive single vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. Drivers also need a Class A CDL for vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>Idaho:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Illinois:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Indiana:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Iowa:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Kansas:</strong> Drivers need a Class B CDL to drive single vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. Drivers also need a Class A CDL for vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>Kentucky:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Louisiana:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Maine:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Maryland:</strong> Drivers need a Class B license for vehicles that weigh more than</div><div>26,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>Massachusetts:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Michigan:</strong> Drivers towing a fifth wheel plus a trailer at the same time need to get a special recreational double R endorsement.</div><div><strong>Minnesota:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Mississippi:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Missouri:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Montana:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Nebraska</strong>: No special license required.</div><div><strong>Nevada:</strong> Drivers need a Class B license for single vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. Drivers need a Class A license for vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds. Drivers towing a vehicle that is more than 10,000 pounds need to get a special J endorsement.</div><div><strong>New Hampshire: </strong>No special license required.</div><div><strong>New Jersey:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>New Mexico:</strong> Drivers need a Class B CDL to drive single vehicles that weigh more</div><div>than 26,000 pounds. Drivers also need a Class A CDL for vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>New York:</strong> Drivers need an R endorsement for vehicles over 26,000 pounds.</div><div>North Carolina Drivers need a Class B license for single vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. Drivers need a Class A license for vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>North Dakota:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Ohio:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Oklahoma:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Oregon:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Pennsylvania:</strong> Drivers need a Class B license for single vehicles that weigh more</div><div>than 26,000 pounds. Drivers need a Class A license for vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>Rhode Island:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>South Carolina:</strong> Drivers need a Class E license for single vehicles over 26,000</div><div>pounds. Drivers need a Class F license for vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>South Dakota:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Tennessee:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Texas:</strong> Drivers need a Class B license to drive a single vehicle over 26,000 pounds. Drivers need a Class A license to drive vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds.</div><div><strong>Utah:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Vermont:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Virginia:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Washington:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>West Virginia:</strong> No special license required.</div><div><strong>Wisconsin:</strong> Drivers need a CDL for vehicles longer than 45 feet.</div><div><strong>Wyoming:</strong> Drivers need a Class B license to drive a single vehicle over 26,000</div><div>pounds or to tow anything less than 10,000 pounds. Drivers need a Class A license to drive vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds or to tow anything over 10,000 pounds.</div><div><br><br></div><div>These are intended as guidelines, and not to be taken as legal advice. Check with The <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/">Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)</a> and your state of residence for specific guidance.</div><div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div>

<div>Drivers License Requirements for RV driving by State</div><div><br></div>

<div><em>Class C RV: Thor 4 Winds Mercedes Benz Sprinter in a park in Louisiana</em><br><br>When it comes to planning the perfect family vacation and choosing the <a href="https://mangorv.com/rv-catalog">best RV for a family of four</a>, just like anything else the options can be endless. With different types of RVs to choose from, we’ll tell you why the Class C makes for the best RV vacations and is the best RV for a large family.</div><div><br></div><h1><strong>What features and what equipment should RVs have for a family of 4?</strong></h1><div><br></div><div>RVs have been a great way for families to enjoy road trips, vacations and outdoor camping adventures. They’ve also been the perfect option for people looking to use an RV for full time family living. Traveling or living in an RV with kids often requires preparation and researching which RV best fits the family's needs. A family of four with either an infant, toddlers or school-aged children would need a fully loaded RV that simultaneously meets necessity while providing luxury and comfort.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The ideal RVs for this traveling family offer spacious living quarters with semi-private bedrooms, overhead bunks, bathrooms and generous storage space. A family of four would need a kitchenette equipped with a microwave to conveniently heat food, a stove to cook light meals, and lastly a compact fridge to preserve any drinks or groceries purchased on the trip. The family would also need an RV with an upgraded heat and air conditioning system that’s user friendly as they may want to control the RVs temperature in the hot summer months or cold winter season. The great thing is most RVs nowadays come with all if not most of these amenities as well as other essential equipment to accommodate a family of four.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

<div><em>Spacious Interior of MBS Forester 2401S Class C RV<br></em><br></div><h1><strong>What types of RVs are suitable for a family with 2 children?&nbsp;</strong></h1><div><br></div><div>Generally there are eleven different types of recreational vehicles grouped into two categories based on body, size, functionality and amenities. Much has been written and researched about RVs and there are great <a href="https://koa.com/blog/rv-classes-guide/">guides</a> with lots of information available to read online. The two RV categories are Motorized RVs and Towable RVs.</div><div><br></div><div>Motorized RVs come in <a href="https://www.roverpass.com/blog/rv-classes/">3 Classes</a>, Class A, Class B and Class C. Motorized RVs are built on a truck or van “chassis” which is the base frame of a car, carriage or any wheeled vehicle. Their engines run on either fuel or diesel and they are very durable and reliable with the ability to withstand long distance travel. Motorized RVs are currently in high demand and are considered true motorhomes. They offer various floor plans and modern amenities that make for the best RV trips for families.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Towable RVs come in different styles and sizes that include Toy Haulers, Truck Campers, Folding/Tent/Pop-up Campers, <a href="https://campaddict.com/hybrid-travel-trailers/">Hybrid Travel Trailers</a>, Fifth Wheel Trailers and Travel Trailers. They are great for lot campers and a budget friendly option for traveling across the country. For families looking to travel lightly it could be a slight permitted to ride in Towable RVs.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Both Motorized and Towable RVs are unique and offer various features that allow families to have the best RV vacations. Here is a list of the five best RVs for a family of four or more and reasons why the Class C is our number one choice for most suitable.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5. &nbsp; Hybrid</strong></div><ul><li>A mix between the pop-up camper and travel trailer with a simple set up</li><li>Hard body provides safety and protection from harsh weather</li><li>Weighs about 3,000 - 7,000 lbs, sleeps 4-8 people</li><li>Major benefit is pop-out beds provide more space without added weight&nbsp;</li><li>Flexibility to use the pop-out when needed&nbsp;</li><li>Downside, wet bathroom, noise and leaks, not ideal for families camping</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4. &nbsp; Travel Trailer</strong></div><ul><li>A towable trailer with solid walls and optional slide-out</li><li>Closely resembles the Hybrid camper</li><li>Weighs 1,000 - 10,000 lbs, sleeps 2-8 people</li><li>Major benefit is simplicity, great at campsites and for minimal campers&nbsp;</li><li>Downside, dependent on tow capable vehicles, less room, privacy and accommodations for families with children</li></ul><div><br></div>

<div><em>Family of 4 full-time rv'ing in large 5th wheel. Photo by Matthew Osborn.<br></em><br><strong>&nbsp;3. &nbsp; Fifth Wheel</strong></div><ul><li>Large body, heavy trailer designed for pickup trucks</li><li>Very spacious and has dedicated bedroom with optional slide-out</li><li>Weighs 7,000 lbs and up, sleeps 4-8 people</li><li>Excellent for pick-up truck owners and best trailer for towing</li><li>Downside, dependent on heavy duty truck, passengers not allowed to occupy trailer while on the road, takes away from RV road trip experience</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2. &nbsp; Class A</strong></div><ul><li>Largest RV, luxury motorhome with plenty of room and amenities</li><li>Built on commercial bus or truck chassis</li><li>Fuel, runs on gas or diesel</li><li>Stretches 20 to 45 feet in length, sleeps 8-10 people</li><li>Major benefit, great for luxury RV travel and the best rv for large families</li><li>Downside, fuel cost, difficulty to drive for novices because of size, difficulty of finding parking, limitations on clearance and city roads and often need CDL to operate. Oversized and may lack practicality for a family of four.</li></ul><div><br></div><ol><li>Class C</li></ol><ul><li>Mid-size RV, often referred to as the best of both worlds</li><li>Built on a van frame or truck chassis</li><li>Fuel, runs on gas or diesel</li><li>Stretches 21 to 41 feet in length with attached cab</li><li>Drivability, much easier to drive and park than the larger Class A</li><li>Space: sleeps up to 8 people, more space than the small Class B</li><li>Amenities: bedroom, bunkhouse, bathroom with shower, pull out sofas, cabinets, countertops, dinette, microwave, oven, compact fridge, heat and air conditioning, tv mount and slide-out option</li><li>Visit <a href="http://mangorv.com">MangoRV.com</a> to see the different Class C types available for rent</li></ul><div><br><br></div><h1><strong>Tips for choosing a RV for family of 4</strong></h1><div><br></div><div>When choosing an RV for a family of four, we encourage you to be an informed <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/other-motor-vehicles/beginners-guide-to-rv-trailers/">consumer</a> and consider size, drivability, space, length and overall amenities. Choosing the right RV for your family means eliminating concerns about traveling comfortably and ensuring your family's needs are met while on the road.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

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