Originally Posted by tom slick
Some folks think that driving any pickup with a trailer excludes them from a CDL but the vehicle, trailer, or combination can determine license requirements.
Any trailer over 10k GVWR requires a CDL regardless of what you re pulling it with. A 10k trailer is not very large.
No, only for class A vehicles:
Quote
CLASS A - Applies only to "combination" vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) more than 26,000 pounds, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. A driver with a Class A CDL (plus any appropriate endorsements) can also operate all vehicles included in Class B, C, and D (below)
CLASS B - Includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle is more than 26,000 pounds. The vehicle being pulled must not be more than 10,000 pounds. A driver with an California Class B CDL (plus appropriate endorsements) can also legally operate all vehicles in Class C or D.
For an example our F150 (GVWR 8200 LBS) pulling its max rating (we have the max tow package) of 11,300 LBS is well under the 26,000 LBS requirement. Even stepping up to an F350 11,000 lbs GVWR towing its max of 12,500 lbs is under 26,000 lbs.
Many states also have an RV exemption.