Do you think it should be a required to have a special license or an endorsement in order to tow a trailer? Similar to a CDL.
At one point everyone was a rookie at towing. For some towing comes natural. Others tow for years and still talk about how scared they are and how they have difficulty backing up. There is also the constant "How much can my vehicle tow" question.
Thinking back to when YOU first hooked up to a trailer, would it have been nice to have had a weekend course to teach the basics? Would you feel better knowing that the guy pulling the trailer in the lane next to you passed a basic test before he hooked up to that trailer?
How about a behind the wheel test driving around some obstacles. Back up straight and backup while turning. As for a written, maybe go over stopping distance and Gross Combined Weight Rating -vs- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating so people can figure out how much a vehicle is capable of towing.
I think it would be very beneficial to have a licensing system like this. What do you think?
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
I voted yes, but a somewhat qualified yes. I'd hate to see anything add another cost or level of bureaucracy to any process, much less anything having to do with the state, but I've seen some drivers who should really have some instruction (or a slap upside the head 😮 ).
I honestly can't remember how I did the first time I towed ... a danger of having passed another birthday ... but I've never had a problem with it. Of course, I also learned to drive in a dump truck when I was 13.
I see way too many drivers who have a trailer hooked up weaving through traffic like they were in sports car. It's only the reaction of other drivers that have averted accidents. I've also seen 20-year-old half-ton trucks pulling 30-foot fifth wheels and each spring at mulching time see the guys who pull the utility trailer out for its once a year trip hooked up (barely, in some cases) to the unibody family sedan that has spent many winters in Pennsylvania's rust belt.
On the same topic, I tried to teach a neighbor how to handle a trailer when he pulled in one morning with a bass boat. Despite trying to teach him, and he really tried to learn, he never mastered it and sold the boat. A system of some sort would have saved him frustration and money, since he sold the boat at a loss.
John
I can't remember anything from my drivers ed course that I took when I was 16. At that time driving a car required all of my attention, I was not even thinking about towing a trailer at the time. I did not pull my first trailer until I was 20. If there was a chapter on towing in drivers ed, I would have forgotten it by that time.
I do remember getting my Class C (for a bus) CDL license when I was 21. I wanted it and I studied for it and I was/am prepared to drive a bus. I remember going for a 20 minute road test that included a highway, backing up straight, and backing up along a curve into a "loading dock". It was very beneficial and I feel safer knowing that other people driving a bus have gone through something similar in their state.
As for adding cost to the license.....you would be paying for training and literature that would educate the person towing that trailer. I think it costs me an extra $20 to renew my Class C license. I only renew it every 4 years (I think) so the cost is minimal. I understand my brother pays over $100 for his Class A with all kinds of Hazmat and other endorsements. I don't think it would be a huge fee for a "recreational trailer" endorsement.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
I am glad I did not have to go through another driving class. I took a 39 hour emergency vehicle class for work that covered all kind of information on weight of vehicle and stopping distances. That really helped with towing as I know that it takes much longer.
I have a great dad that gave me pointers on how to tow. The PUP tows much easier than his utility trailer that I borrow from time to time.
Some drivers should take a course. It would be a good thing for RV dealers to offer an informative class that includes practical driving in a closed course. Another value added reason to use that dealer. More likely to get return business for larger vehicles.
I learned to tow when I was a kid (12yoa) from my dad and grandfather. They both gave me time behind the wheel and helped with different pointers. It was a full sized tractor trailer combination with 18 tons of construction equipment on board. I learned to use mirrors to back up and how to follow the trailer while using mirrors. When I hooked up the popup the first time it was very easy to get down the road because of this practice. I know this is not a true comparison but my point is I learned from someone else and didn't have to try to figure it out on my own. I plan to have my kids learn when they begin to drive. This way they will learn it now before the develop habits in driving that will make it harder to tow later.
I don't think requiring a driving test or special license to tow would have much impact. I mean, I spend almost 8 hrs a day on the road (Class B CDL w/ 3 endorsements) & I see licenced private & commercial drivers pulling all kind of crazy stunts that I know they didn't do to pass their driving test. When people get on the road, they are going to do what they want to do.
However, I think an optional towing course would be beneficial to many who want to learn more about towing. But then again, those that take the course are also probably those that, course or not, are going to research online, find a video or friend, & go out & practice on their own.
Funny, It seems like mostly the No's are commenting and the Yes's are not. Currently 5 no, 3 yes, and 6 yes over a certain weight/no under a certain weight.
I see everyones point. It seems like everyone agrees to an extent that there should at least be an option for people. Is anyone aware of a course offered by a state DMV or dealership? I would be interested in knowing about it.
Would you have taken a course if one was offered at a dealership or by the state? And I don't mean after you have been driving with a trailer for years. I mean would you have taken it when you first got a trailer. Would you take your wife/husband or children to it?
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
[quote author=Lone Lock link=topic=1216.msg9197#msg9197 date=1320338346]
Would you have taken a course if one was offered at a dealership or by the state? And I don't mean after you have been driving with a trailer for years. I mean would you have taken it when you first got a trailer. Would you take your wife/husband or children to it?
Yes.
The first time I ever towed a trailer was when I picked up our camper from the dealer last year. Some common sense and basic understanding of towing made my 180-mile trip home safe but a lesson on backing up would help me greatly.
Just for information:
Here we need an aditional driving license for vehicle/trailer exceding GVWR 3.500 kg (7400 pounds +-) and the driving license is an exam with teory and practice. The written exam is an A,B,C selection test and the practice is a two parts exam on the road and on a close circuit. You must aprox the trailer to a ramp. keeping the trailer/vehicle on the ramp just with the engine and going frowar, also you must park the trailer between two lines, etc...The TV is manual , not automatic.
From my experience with boat trailers, travel trailers and cargo trailers: its necesary.
Also the trailer has his own license plate (a red one) and the TV license plate on the right. You must have an insurance for the trailer and has an inspection every TWO years. Also all cars has inspection at 5 years(from the registration) and every two years after the 5th year. After 10 yeras old, the inspection is annually.
They check brakes, suspension, lights, pollution info, tires, etc.
Each inspection is around 60$ for each vehicle and if you pass, they give you a decal to stick on the windshield.
If somebody doesnt make the inspection, the fine is 500$ and the police can keep the vehicle off the road.
Regarding special driving licenses: YES in 95% most folding campers
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