Agent Information

1.005 Agents (CVC §9858)

CVC §9858 authorizes DMV to appoint undocumented vessel registration agents by contractual agreement after approval of the Application for Appointment and Agreement as a Non-Public Undocumented Vessel Registration Agent (OL 54) form.

1.010 Appointment Termination (CVC §9858 and CCR §190.34)

DMV may authorize any person to act as an agent for the issuance of a certificate of number or temporary certificate of number. By applying, the agent has agreed to comply with responsibilities, duties, and conditions set forth on the agreement of appointment. Failure to comply will result in termination of the agent’s authorization.

1.015 Business Licensing

DMV does not license vessel and marine dealers. Contact the Board of Equalization (BOE) and your local county or city administration offices for information regarding retail business licenses.

1.020 Conditions for Appointment (CCR §190.34)

To be appointed, a vessel agent must:

• Maintain a place of business related to the marine industry that is open to the general public.
• Identify the place of business by a sign or other prominent display of the business name.
• Keep all monies collected for the registration of vessels separate and account for these funds on forms in accordance with procedures established by DMV (CVC §9859). 
• Make supplies issued by DMV available for review and return them on demand to an authorized DMV employee.
• Notify DMV immediately in writing of any change in the business, including location, termination of business, or other circumstances which would warrant discontinuation of the appointment.

1.025 Dealer and Manufacturer Numbers (CCR §190.08)

Undocumented vessels using California waters must display a current registration number (CF number).

A vessel dealer or manufacturer may obtain a special series number for demonstrating or testing a vessel held in inventory which is not currently registered. Refer to the Application for Special Numbers (Dealers and Manufacturers) section in Chapter 2. The number is valid only during the period of test or demonstration and must not be permanently affixed to any vessel. These numbers are not transferable. The letter suffixes are as follows:

Dealer: DA-DZ
Manufacturer: MA-MY
Example: CF1234DA

These numbers are issued only from DMV headquarters and cannot be issued over the phone. To obtain a dealer or manufacturer number:

• Complete an Application for Boat Registration Number Dealer-Manufacturer (BOAT 101A) form.
• Circle Dealer or Manufacturer on the form.
• Show the dealer’s or manufacturer’s Board of Equalization account number on the form.
• Mail the form with the required fee to: Department of Motor Vehicles Vessel Section, MS C272 PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

1.030 Document Preparation Service Fee (CVC §9858.1)

A vessel agent may charge a document preparation fee not to exceed twenty ($20) dollars. This fee is collected at the vessel agent’s discretion and is not remitted to the department. It is unlawful to represent this as a government fee.

1.035 Duties of Agents (CVC §§9858, 9859 and CCR §§190.36, 190.38)

Vessel agents may process the following applications for their customers:

• Original vessel registration.
• Transfer of vessel ownership.
• Renewal of vessel registration.
• Duplicate California Certificates of Ownership, California Certificates of Number, and stickers.

Important Vessel agents can only register the vessels or trailers they sell.

Vessel agents must:

• Remit state funds on the agent’s check, certified check, or money order made payable to DMV for the amount of fees collected.
• Prepare and send to DMV a Transmittal of Vessel Registration Applications (ADM 173-1) form for all transactions processed with the documents and fees at least once a week.
• Complete and provide a Quarterly Physical Inventory (BOAT 124-1) form by the fifth of January, April, July, and October.
• By the end of the month, if no transactions have been processed, submit a BOAT 124-1 stating “No transactions during the month.”
• Not send registration applications or fees to a local field office.
• Not request accountable items or forms from a local field office. Only DMV headquarters can process vessel agent work.
• Send their work/fees directly to DMV headquarters with a Cashiers Daily Record (ADM 173) form to:
  
  Department of Motor Vehicles
  Vessel Section, MS C272
  PO Box 942869
  Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

1.040 Occupational Licensing (OL) Branch

Contact the OL Branch for forms, application packages, or general questions at (916) 229-3126. DMV’s website provides vessel agents with up-to-date information and forms. Search for Occupational Licensing or click Forms.

1.045 Ordering Vessel Forms and Supplies for Agent’s Use Only

There is no charge to order vessel agent forms and supplies. Vessel agents may obtain forms by submitting a request on vessel agent letterhead which identifies the forms needed by number and name, quantities required, street address for delivery (no P.O. Box), contact name, and phone number to DMV by:

• Phone at (916) 229-3126
• Fax at (916) 229-4728
• Mail to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Occupational Licensing Branch, MS L224
PO Box 932342
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420

DMV sends supplies first class mail or courier service; therefore, to ensure delivery, someone must be present to receive the order. Allow a minimum of 10 working days for delivery.

Upon receipt of accountable items:

• Verify the numeric sequences.
• Note any discrepancies on the white copy of the Notice of Transfer of Accountable or Controlled Items (ADM 518) form.
• Sign, date, and return the white copy of the ADM 518 to the address above. Treat these items like cash.

1.050 Ordering Vessel Registration-Related Forms

There is no charge to order vessel forms and supplies. Vessel agents may obtain forms by submitting a request on vessel agent letterhead which identifies the forms needed by number and name, quantities required, street address for delivery (no P.O. Box), contact name, and phone number to DMV by:

• Mail to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Materials Management
4201 Sierra Point Dr. Ste. 112
Sacramento, CA 95834-1998
Fax at: (916) 928-6817

• E-mail to dmvasdpublicforms@dmv.ca.gov

Form Number	Form Name
Form Number ADM 518	Form Name Notice of Transfer of Accountable or Controlled Items
Form Number BOAT 100*	Form Name Application for Historical Vessel Plaque
Form Number BOAT 101*	Form Name Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel
Form Number BOAT 101A*	Form Name Application for Boat Registration Number (Dealer-Manufacturer)
Form Number BOAT 110*	Form Name Vessel Dealer or Manufacturer’s Sales Tax Certification
Form Number BOAT 111*	Form Name Vessel Verification
Form Number BOAT 124-1*	Form Name Quarterly Physical Inventory
Form Number BOAT 152*	Form Name Application for Lien Sale Authorization and Lienholder’s Certification Vessel or Vessel/Trailer Valued Over $1,500
Form Number REG 5*	Form Name Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate-California Titled Vehicle or Vessels Only
Form Number REG 101*	Form Name Statement to Record Ownership/Statement of Error or Erasure
Form Number REG 102*	Form Name Certificate of Non-Operation/Planned Non-Operation Certificate
Form Number REG 119*	Form Name Certificate of Repossession-Conditional Sale Contract
Form Number REG 135*	Form Name Bill of Sale
Form Number REG 138*	Form Name Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability
Form Number REG 156*	Form Name Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (Duplicate or Substitute Vessel Sticker/Certificate of Number)
Form Number REG 166*	Form Name Lien Satisfied/Legal Owner/Title Holder Release
Form Number REG 227*	Form Name Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title
Form Number REG 256*	Form Name Statements of Facts
Form Number REG 256A*	Form Name Miscellaneous Certifications
Form Number REG 260*	Form Name Power of Attorney
Form Number REG 262	Form Name Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form
Form Number DMV 14*	Form Name Notice of Change of Address
Form Number INFO 1126*	Form Name Registration Information Request for Lien Sale
Form Number ADM 173	Form Name Cashier’s Daily Record
Form Number ADM 173-1	Form Name Transmittal of Vessel Registration Applications
Form Number BOAT 124-1	Form Name Quarterly Physical Inventory
Form Number OL 54**	Form Name Application for Appointment and Agreement as a Non-Public Undocumented Vessel Registration Agent
Form Number BOAT 102*	Form Name Permanent Vessel Number and Temporary Certificate of Number
Form Number BOAT 103*	Form Name Miscellaneous Receipt and Temporary Certificate of Number
Form Number BOAT 104*	Form Name Vessel Registration Sticker
Form Number *Accountable forms must be ordered. They are no longer automatically distributed.
Form Number ** This form is only available on the DMV website.

1.055 Quarterly Reporting (CCR §190.36)

Complete and submit to DMV a Quarterly Physical Inventory (BOAT 124-1) form by the fifth of January, April, July, and October listing all accountable items issued during the quarter.

At the end of the quarter, if no accountable items have been issued, submit a BOAT 124-1 stating, “No items issued during quarter.”

Submit the BOAT 124-1 to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Occupational Licensing, MS L224
PO Box 932342
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420

1.060 Registration-Related Services for Vessel Owners

An agent may provide the following information and forms to the public:

• Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) form. The seller of an undocumented numbered vessel must notify DMV within 5 days of the date of the sale (CVC §9911). Do not forward this form to DMV. It must be submitted on the DMV website or mailed by the seller directly to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942859
Sacramento, CA 94259-0001

• Notice of Change of Address (DMV 14) (PDF)form. The owner must complete a DMV 14 on the DMV website or in writing. Advise the owner to correct the address shown on the Certificate of Number by lining out the old address and writing the correct address. Send written DMV 14 forms to DMV along with the weekly agent’s Transmittal of Vessel Registration Applications (ADM 173-1) or have the applicant mail the DMV 14 to DMV at the address shown on the form.

 

1.065 Renewal of Dealer and Manufacturer Numbers

Dealer and manufacturer certificates of number expire every odd year on December 31. Applications for renewal of dealer or manufacturer certificates of number are mailed approximately 60 days prior to the December 31 expiration date. If the renewal fee is not paid by midnight of December 31, a new application and fee are required.

1.070 Undocumented Vessel Registration Program

DMV-appointed vessel agents accept registration or transfer applications for undocumented vessels, issue permanent vessel numbers and temporary certificates of number, and submit documents and fees to DMV. Vessel agents are appointed but not licensed by DMV. They are assigned a unique vessel agent number, which is entered on registration documents.

The Registration Operations Division Vessel Section at DMV headquarters reviews and processes vessel registration documents submitted by vessel agents.

The Licensing Operations Division Occupational Licensing (OL) Branch processes vessel agent applications, appoints applicants to act as agents, maintains appointment records, and ensures compliance of vessel agent program responsibilities.

A list of OL locations is available on the DMV website or by calling (916) 229-3126.

Documented vessels are processed by the U.S. Coast Guard and issued a marine certificate. Throughout this handbook the term “vessel” refers to an undocumented vessel.

For Information About	Contact
For Information About Vessel registration. Transfer applications.	Contact Registration Operations Vessel Section, MS C272 PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001 (916) 657-6288
For Information About Requests for inventory issuance. An application for appointment. Submission of a Quarterly Physical Inventory Report (Boat 124-1).	Contact Department of Motor Vehicles Occupational Licensing Unit, MS L224 PO Box 932342 Sacramento, CA 94232-3420 (916) 229-3126

1.075 Urgent Requests for Forms

A vessel agent or agent’s authorized representative may obtain accountable forms (BOAT 102, 103, and 104) by contacting the local Occupational Licensing Branch office (see Occupational Licensing (OL) Branch section in this chapter). There is no charge to order vessel forms and supplies. Vessel agents may obtain forms by submitting a request on vessel agent letterhead which identifies the forms needed by number and name, quantities required, street address for delivery (no P.O. Box), contact name, and phone number to DMV. The authorized person must display sufficient identification (e.g., a driver license or identification card) before accountable items will be released.

1.080 Yacht and Ship Brokers (CH&NC §701)

Yacht and ship brokers negotiate the purchase, sale, or exchange of yachts, they do not own the yachts. Yacht and ship brokers (and “for hire” operators) are licensed by the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). For yacht/ship brokers and for hire vessel operator’s licenses see the DBW website or write to:

California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways Vessel for Hire Program One Capitol Mall, Ste 500 Sacramento, CA 95814

Agent’s Handbook for Registration of Undocumented Vessels

This manual, formerly called Agent’s Handbook for Registration of Undocumented Vessels, is designed to provide vessel agents, registration services, and financial institutions, with vessel registration transaction requirements. The Agent’s Handbook for Registration of Undocumented Vessels is available online only.

Dismantler’s Handbook of Registration Procedures

The purpose of this pamphlet is to inform the prospective dismantler applicant of the requirements to obtain a license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and provides detailed information and instructions in completing and submitting your application.

California Driver’s Handbook

Secretary’s Message

IRP Handbook

This handbook has been prepared as a guide to obtaining apportioned registration for motor carriers based in California. The instructions in this handbook should provide the basic information needed when preparing original, annual registration renewal, and supplemental applications.

This publication conveys the laws, regulations, and policies in effect on the date of printing. California laws, International Registration Plan (IRP or Plan) regulations, and California Department of Motor Vehicles policies for IRP registration are subject to change at any time and active California IRP registrants may or may not be notified of those changes as they occur.

Disclaimer

When using this handbook, please remember that it is only a summary of the laws and regulations. DMV, law enforcement, and courts follow the full and exact language of the law contained in the California Vehicle Code. You may buy a copy of the California Vehicle Code (PDF) at any DMV office or visit our website at www.dmv.ca.gov.

Glossary

Breakaway switch-a safety device that automatically activates the brakes of a towing vehicle if it separates from the trailer hitch.

Bus-any vehicle, including a trailer bus, designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than 15 persons, including the driver, for hire or for carrying more than 10 persons, including the driver, by any non-profit organization. (CVC §233)

Camper-structure designed to be mounted to a vehicle which provides facilities for human habitation or camping. (CVC § 243)

Camp trailer-vehicle under 16 feet in length designed to be used on a highway capable of human habitation for camping or recreational purposes. (CVC §242)

Curb weight-the weight of the vehicle with full fuel, water, and propane tanks.

CVC §-California Vehicle Code Section.

Dolly-a mobile platform that rolls on casters or wheels, used for moving loads.

Endorsement-permission granted by a licensing authority to applicants qualified by examination to drive specified vehicles.

Fifth-wheel-vehicle designed for recreational purposes to carry persons or property on its own structure and so constructed as to be drawn by a motor vehicle by means of a kingpin connecting device. (CVC §432)

GAWR-gross axle weight rating (for each axle)-the maximum weight that can be safely carried by each axle. Distribute the weight properly so you don’t exceed the GAWR ratings.

GCW-gross combination weight-the total weight of a powered unit plus trailer(s) plus the cargo.

GCWR-gross combination weight rating-the maximum GCW specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus the load.

Gross weight-the weight of the vehicle plus its load.

GVWR-gross vehicle weight rating-the maximum weight that your RV can carry, including driver, passengers, and cargo.

Hazardous Material-any material that poses an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property during transportation.

Housecar-motor vehicle originally designed, or permanently altered, and equipped for human habitation, or to which a camper has been permanently attached. (CVC §362)

Landing gear-equipment designed to support the weight of a vehicle and its load on the ground.

Motorhome-vehicle designed to provide temporary living quarters, built as an integral part of, or permanently attached to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or van.

Tracking-also called offtracking. The rear wheels of a vehicle or trailer follow a different path than the front wheels.

Trailer bus-motor truck or truck tractor pulling a trailer or semitrailer designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of more than 10 persons, including the driver. (CVC §636)

Trailer coach-vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, designed for human habitation or human occupancy for industrial, professional, or commercial purposes, for carrying property on its own structure, and for being drawn by a motor vehicle. Includes “park” trailer. (CVC §635)

Payload-the discretionary weight, measured by subtracting the curb weight from the GVWR to determine the amount of cargo and passengers that you can safely carry. (Example: If your RV’s curb weight is 10,500 pounds, and its GVWR is 12,500 pounds, the payload limit is 2,000 pounds)

Unladen weight-weight of a vehicle equipped and ready for operation on the road including five gallons of fuel, required equipment and permanent attachments to the vehicle. Does not include any load. (CVC §660)

Towing Your Trailer Safely

Perform a safety inspection before each trip. Make sure that:

• The pin securing the ball mount to the receiver is intact.
• The hitch coupler is secured.
• Spring bar hinges are tight with the safety clips in place (load equalizer or weight distributing hitches).
• Safety chains are properly attached.
• The electrical plug is properly installed.

People who tow trailers share the same safety concerns as other RV drivers. However, a tow vehicle and a trailer form an articulated (hinged) vehicle which presents an additional set of concerns. The weight considerations described on pages 30 and 31 are very important to safe towing. The tow vehicle must be a proper match for the trailer. If the trailer is properly equipped, it can perform safely under a variety of driving conditions. The tow vehicle should also have enough power to climb mountain grades without excessive loss of speed. There are three basic types of trailers which mostly differ in the way they are hitched:

1. Conventional travel trailers, including folding camping trailers.
2. Fifth-wheel trailers.
3. Motorcycle, tent, and cargo trailers.

Conventional Trailers

The ball and coupler hitch is used on a wide variety of tow vehicle and trailer combinations. This hitch consists simply of a ball attached to the rear of the tow vehicle and a coupler (socket) at the tip of a tongue or A-frame attached to the front of the trailer. This hitch is commonly used on recreational trailers.

A load-distributing hitch is used for heavier models such as utility trailers, boat trailers, and travel trailers. (See the Balance and Hitch Adjustment sections) These load-distributing hitches use special equipment to distribute the tongue load to all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer to help stabilize the tow vehicle. Here are some terms you should know when discussing hitch adjustment and in evaluating hitch performance:

• Receiver: Hitch platform fitted to the tow vehicle.
• Ball Mount: A removable steel component that fits into the receiver. The hitch ball and spring bars (only on load- distributing hitches) are attached to it.
• Sway Control: A device designed to lessen the pivoting motion between the tow vehicle and trailer when a ball-type hitch is used.
• Coupler: The ball socket at the front of the trailer A-frame that receives the hitch ball.
• Spring Bars: Load-leveling bars used to distribute hitch weight among all axles of the tow vehicle and the trailer in a load-distributing ball-type hitch.

Fifth-wheel Trailers

Not as much attention is given to balance, hitching procedures, and weight restrictions for fifth-wheel trailers because they are basically very stable. A disadvantage that a fifth-wheel has over conventional trailers is that much of the truck bed space is not available. The fifth- wheel hitch occupies the center of the truck bed and the hitch pin is in front of the center line of the tow vehicle’s rear axle. The hitch weight of fifth-wheel trailers is usually around 20 percent of the trailer weight. Hitches are rated for up to 15,000 pounds of gross trailer weight. Here are some terms used to describe typical fifth-wheel hitch components:

• Fifth-wheel Plate: Unit that contains the hitch plate, plate jaws, and a handle mounted in the truck bed.
• Handle: Device used to release or lock the plate jaws.
• Hitch Plate: “Wheel” that allows the trailer to rotate.
• Pin: The connecting device attached to a fifth-wheel trailer and designed to fit into the plate jaws mounted in the truck bed.
• Pin Box: Structure attached to the bottom front section of the trailer frame (the pin is attached to the bottom).
• Plate Jaws: Holds the pin.
• Side Rails: Support rails which are bolted to the tow truck bed to support the fifth-wheel hitch.

Motorcycle, Tent, and Cargo Trailers

There are several types of couplings between the towing vehicle and the trailer, which are:

• Ball and socket.
• Ball type with a swivel.
• Universal-joint type with a detachable pin.
• Pin and swivel type.

The coupling you choose should be:

• Non-slip, non-loosening, and non-binding.
• Easy to hook and unhook.
• Free moving.

Motorcycle riders towing a trailer must remember to ride closer to the center of the road. You have the width of your trailer to worry about. Be careful of the “oil strip” in the center of the road at intersections. Also, watch for uneven road surfaces and road edges which can unbalance the trailer.

Transporting Passengers

Here are the rules for transporting people in RVs or recreation trailers:

• People are not allowed in a trailer coach while it is being towed (CVC §21712(d)).
• People are allowed in a fifth-wheel trailer coach while it is being towed (CVC §21712 (f), (i)).
• A camper with people in it must have an unblocked exit door which can always be opened from both the inside and outside (CVC §23129).

Weighing a Trailer

You can find a public scale by looking under “Public Scales” in the yellow pages of your local telephone directory.

Trailers must be carefully weighed to make sure that loads are properly distributed, front to rear as well as left to right. There are two additional considerations with trailer weights:

1. The tow vehicle pulling the trailer.
2. The hitching system that connects the two.

Both the tow vehicle and the hitching system have weight capacities which affect the safe handling of the vehicle. As a new RV owner or driver you should be aware of this.

• Tow Vehicle – do not exceed the GVWR of the tow vehicle. This includes the curb weight of the vehicle, payload, and hitch weight. Hitch weight is the percentage of the trailer weight that is placed on the trailer coupler of the tow vehicle. (Refer to the next section on Trailer Vehicle Hitch Weight.) Tow vehicles also have gross axle weight rating (GAWR) limits. The payload and hitch weight must be divided evenly between the axles to conform to the maximum weight limits and to avoid oversteering problems.
• Trailer Vehicle Hitch Weight – approximately 10-15 percent of a trailer’s gross weight is designed to be loaded in front of the front axle and onto the hitching mechanism. This ensures the stability needed for road handling. If your trailer is not stable, you may have a problem with not enough weight on the hitch. Here is a method to figure out the hitch weight:
  1. Park your loaded trailer on a scale so that the hitch coupler extends beyond the end of the scale, but the tongue jack post (the post on the front of the trailer which rests on the ground when unhitched) is on the scale.
  2. Block the trailer vehicle wheels, unhitch the tow vehicle, and obtain a weight rating. This is the curb weight of the trailer vehicle alone.
  3. Place a jack stand or 4″ x 4″ blocks under the coupler and beyond the scale so that the tongue jack post is supported off the scale and the trailer is fairly level. Note this weight rating.
  4. Subtract the reading in #2 from the reading in #3 for the hitch weight. In any RV, vehicle stability and safety can be affected by weight distribution. For example, if the rear axle weight is low, it is best to load the heaviest supplies toward the rear. Keep the heaviest supplies at the bottom of the RV, to keep the center of gravity low and ensure the best handling.

Balance

Before you tow a trailer, evaluate the trailer’s weight distribution. Hitch weights for travel trailers should typically be at least 10 percent of the trailer’s gross weight for acceptable handling. In some cases it can go to 15 percent or higher. Hitch weight for larger trailers is limited by the capacities of the tow vehicles and hitches. The strongest load- distributing hitch is rated for a maximum hitch weight of 1200 pounds. Most passenger car suspensions cannot handle that much weight and the trailer should be towed with a pickup truck or van. Improper weight distribution can cause the trailer to fishtail (sway back-and-forth across the lane).

Hitch Adjustment

If the hitch weight is less than 10 percent of the gross trailer weight, you can compensate for some of this by loading heavy supplies such as tools and canned goods as far forward as possible. If your trailer’s water tank is behind the axle(s), travel with as little water in the tank as possible to reduce weight in the rear. Trailers with water tanks located in front usually handle best when the tanks are full, because the water adds to the hitch weight.

Be sure that the spring bars of the load-distributing hitch are rated high enough to handle the hitch weight of your trailer, plus a safety margin of at least 10 percent. Check for adequate rear suspension of the tow vehicle. This means that the vehicle sits relatively level prior to hitching the trailer.

Load-distributing hitches are designed to distribute the hitch weight relatively evenly to all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. The tow vehicle and trailer should be in a level position (altitude) in order for the hitch to do its job properly. Here is how to check:

1. With the tow vehicle loaded for a trip, measure the distance between the vehicle and the ground at reference points, which you can establish, in front and rear. Keep the figures handy for later use.
2. Hitch the trailer and adjust the tension on the spring bars so the tow vehicle remains at roughly the same attitude (i.e., if the rear drops an inch after hitching, the front should also drop an inch).
3. Inspect the trailer to be sure it is level. If it is not level, the hitch ball height should be raised or lowered, as necessary. You may need spring bars rated for more weight if you cannot keep the tow vehicle from sagging in the rear.

Safety chains are required for travel trailers. Safety chains are not required for fifth-wheel trailers. The purpose of safety chains is to prevent the trailer from separating from the tow vehicle in event of a hitch failure, such as a hitch ball that has loosened. The chains should be crossed in an “X” fashion below the ball mount, with enough slack to allow unrestricted turning, but not enough to allow the coupler to hit the ground.

Breakaway switches are also required for any trailer having a gross weight of 1500 pounds or more and manufactured after December 31, 1955. They are designed to activate trailer brakes if the tow vehicle becomes separated from the trailer. One end of the breakaway switch is attached to an electrical switch on the trailer frame and the other end is looped around a stationary hitch component on the tow vehicle. If the two vehicles become separated, the cable pulls a pin inside the breakaway switch and applies full power from the trailer battery to the trailer brakes.

Even though hitch component failure is rare, the breakaway switch and the safety chains must be in good working order.

The hitch on the motorcycle trailer should be on the same plane as the rear axle on the motorcycle or slightly below. This will help prevent the trailer from pushing up on the rear end when braking. Also, the hitch should be as close to the rear tire as possible to provide a more solid support without interfering with the tire. Anchor the hitch so that two mounts are on each side. One of the two mounts on either side should resist a downward force and one of the two mounts on the other side should resist the rearward pull.

The tongue length on the trailer is generally twice the trailer wheel width but no more than six feet from the axle to the end of the tongue. Good design will allow for good sway control. If the tongue is too short, the trailer will sway. If too long, the trailer will be sluggish and cut corners when turning.

For motorcycle trailers, you should use a trailer designed for motorcycles because auto trailer tongue weights are too heavy. A trailer with a good aerodynamic design will enhance handling and performance. Maintaining a low center of gravity will improve handling as well.

Sway Control

The trailer should handle well if the weight and hitch adjustments are correct. However, the coupling between a tow vehicle and trailer should also prevent side-to-side motion for the best possible towing comfort and safety. If you detect sway in your trailer, stop to check if the load has shifted. Check for suspension problems and make sure the tires and wheels are secure and inflated properly. Be sure the trailer hitch is secure. A small reduction in tire air pressure or a slight increase in the tongue weight may help. A sway control device should be included when the hitch is installed. This device helps give the tow vehicle and trailer a “one-vehicle” feel. There are two basic types of sway control systems available:

• Friction bar – slides in and out and is activated by the motion of the vehicles. When you brake or turn, the trailer weight compresses the bar which then compresses the trailer against the tow vehicle.
• Dual cam sway control – usually works better for large trailers with heavy tongue weights. The cam action is applied to the spring of the trailer to reduce sway and shifts the weight forward. It also adjusts a weight shift which allows the trailer to follow the tow vehicle.

Trailer Lights

Trailers in California are required to have reflectors, tail, brake, and license plate lights. Signal lights are also required if the tow vehicle’s lights are hidden. Trailers over 80 inches wide must have clearance lights. Most manufacturers comply with these requirements; however, it is up to you to be sure that all lights operate correctly.

Trailer Brakes

In California, brakes are required on any trailer coach or camp trailer having a gross weight of 1500 lbs. or more. Usually the braking capacity on tow vehicles is good; however, it may not be good enough to safely stop the several hundred to several thousand additional pounds that your trailer weighs. Most conventional and fifth-wheel trailers have electric brakes, activated by a controller in the tow vehicle. The controller automatically coordinates the tow vehicle and trailer braking so the two systems work together when the brake pedal is applied.

The controller can also be helpful in stabilizing a trailer that sways because of bad road conditions. Manually applying the trailer brakes by using the hand lever on the controller will stabilize a trailer that is likely to sway.

Folding camp trailers and boat trailers are usually fitted with surge brake systems which operate separately from the tow vehicle’s brakes.

Surge brakes are applied by a mechanism attached to the receiver/ball connection. As the tow vehicle slows, the forward motion of the trailer compresses the mechanism which in turn applies the trailer brakes.

Motorcycle trailers do not need brakes unless the weight exceeds 1500 pounds gross. If you install brakes on your motorcycle trailer, be sure the brakes do not brake harder than the motorcycle or the motorcycle may flip backwards over the trailer when the brakes are applied. The brakes must always be properly adjusted.

Trailer Backing

Backing a trailer can be frustrating for inexperienced owners. The most important thing to remember is that the trailer will go in the opposite direction of the tow vehicle. It is helpful to have another person help you back the trailer.

Here are two methods for backing trailers:

1. Turn the vehicle’s wheels to the right to make the trailer go left, and vice versa.
2. Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. The trailer will go in the same direction your hand moves (moving your hand to the right will cause the trailer to go right, and vice versa).

Sharp steering wheel corrections will cause the trailer to jackknife and may cause damage to the rear of the tow vehicle or the front of the trailer.

Conclusion

This booklet gives you some important information about RV and trailer safety. A good understanding of RV and trailer safety and lots of driving practice will help you operate your vehicle with greater confidence and enjoyment.

Be safe and enjoy your travels.

Driving Your RV Safely

It’s fun traveling with your RV as you explore the different regions of the country. However, it can be dangerous if you are not familiar with the differences that your RV’s weight, size, and visibility demands of your driving. The transition from driving the family car to driving an RV is different, but not necessarily difficult. The points discussed below will help you to be a safe RV driver.

RV Heights

Most RVs are taller than passenger vehicles so you will need to learn quickly about the height clearance of roads, service station canopies, bridges, and to watch for low-hanging obstacles such as tree branches. Your owner’s manual, RV dealer, and RV manufacturer are the best sources for helping you determine the maximum road height for your RV. Once you know the maximum road height, post it somewhere on the RV or tow vehicle so it will always be handy as a reference.

RV Lengths

Many highways either restrict or recommend non-use for vehicles over a certain length. California Vehicle Code §35400 restricts the operation of housecars over 40 feet to only specified highways and within one mile on either side of those highways for access to fuel, food, or lodging. These highways include, but are not always limited to, the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and all state routes. For exceptions to this list, visit the Caltrans website at: www.dot.ca.gov.

Maneuvering the RV

The additional weight, height, width, and length of an RV makes it less maneuverable than a passenger vehicle. A safe maneuver in your family car may be dangerous in an RV. Since it is heavier, an RV may not stop as quickly so you will need more following distance. Defensive driving in an RV requires making changes slowly, braking gradually, and being familiar with its handling characteristics.

Braking

Most RVs are heavier than passenger vehicles and require greater braking distances. You must allow more time for the vehicle to slow or stop. If you are towing an RV, you must also worry about brake fade. Brake fade can happen when the brakes are overheated from prolonged use or the brakes are out of alignment. To help avoid brake fade on downgrades, use the lower gears to allow the engine to help slow the vehicle.

Speed

RVs are naturally slower than passenger vehicles. It takes longer to climb a hill in an RV because it’s heavier than a passenger vehicle. Keep this in mind, practice good manners, and observe the law by using turnouts when there are five or more vehicles behind you that wish to pass. The drivers behind you will be able to see ahead more easily if you try not to drive next to the center of the lane. If you are traveling with other RVs in a caravan, be sure to leave enough space between your RV and the RV in front of you for other drivers to enter when they want to pass.

Safety Belts

Always wear your safety belt when driving. Even though many RVs accommodate passengers in places where safety belts are not required by federal law (i.e., dining table), if the area has a safety belt-wear it. Riding in a place which is not equipped with a safety belt increases the danger of injury in case of a collision.

Weather Conditions

Bad weather conditions such as wind, fog, snow, and ice are hazards to all drivers. An RV driver has an advantage over drivers of other passenger vehicles because of the added weight over the drive wheels. This gives the vehicle better traction in bad weather. However, its added weight can also make it more difficult to move if it gets stuck. Plan your trips to avoid bad weather conditions as much as possible.

Remember, if hazardous weather conditions require the use of windshield wipers you must also turn on your headlights.

RVs Towing Cars or Other Vehicles

Towing small cars behind an RV has become a popular way of providing transportation after the RV is parked at a campsite. Towing a car differs from towing travel trailers or fifth-wheel trailers. Very little hitch weight is involved when the car is towed on all four wheels and only minimal hitch weight is involved when the car is towed on a dolly.

If you wish to tow a vehicle behind your RV, you need to consider whether or not your motor home can handle the extra weight under all conditions (i.e., climbing steep hills or mountains). Your vehicle must have sufficient power to climb grades without holding up traffic and its braking power must be sufficient to stop the combined weight of the RV plus the car and/or tow dolly effectively. RV chassis manufacturers provide limits on the gross combined weight of the RV plus car.

If you are towing a car, be sure the hitch attachment on the RV is secure. Hitch weight ratings are usually stamped on the hitch assemblies. The tow bar attachment is also a concern because of the integrated frame construction used in most small cars. If you use a tow bar, safety chains are required, but a breakaway switch is not. Fully operational tail, brake, and turn signal lights are required on the towed car.

It’s easy to forget you are towing a car when driving a large RV because you can’t see it. So remember to allow extra space when entering a freeway or passing another vehicle so you won’t cut off the other driver. Your vehicle combination cannot exceed 65 feet. However, cities and counties may prohibit vehicle combination lengths over 60 feet, when posted (CVC §35401).

One other thing to consider-you may only tow one vehicle with your noncommercial Class A, B, or C driver license. You may not tow two vehicles or trailers with a noncommercial Class A, B, or C driver license. EXAMPLE: You cannot tow a boat trailer and a car behind your vehicle.

Handling Emergencies- Information for All Drivers

All drivers are placed in emergency situations at some point. Although you can’t avoid emergency situations, you can mentally prepare for them. Think about emergency situations and decide how you would handle them so you will be better prepared to react properly if they really happen.

Collisions

Good defensive driving techniques will help you from becoming involved in collisions. One important technique is to keep a three- second or more following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Keeping your distance gives you time to react and avoid a collision. Refer to the California Driver Handbook for information on three- second following distances.

Plan Your Escape

To successfully avoid a collision, you need to plan your escape. As a defensive driver you already prepared for this by maintaining a space cushion around your RV, which you will need to avoid an emergency. Glance at the shoulder of the road. Does it look firm and wide enough to support your vehicle? Is your vehicle well maintained so that you don’t have to worry about unexpected mechanical problems? Remember to make gentle steering movements.

Signal Your Intentions

Always use your vehicle’s mechanical signals when you move through or out of traffic. In an emergency, and once you are on the side of the road, use emergency flashers, flares, or some other emergency signaling device to warn oncoming traffic. Emergency signaling devices are even more important if you are unable to pull completely away from the flow of traffic, on the top of a hill, or around a curve in the road where other drivers cannot see you.

If you have a flat tire, make sure the person who changes the tire is not in the way of oncoming traffic. If the vehicle cannot be parked far enough away from traffic flow, use safety precautions such as emergency signaling devices and a person to flag traffic away from the scene. Be sure the jack is adequate to lift the vehicle and the wheels are blocked.

Fires

All recreational vehicles must carry at least one dry chemical or carbon dioxide (CO2) type extinguisher in working condition with a rating of at least 4-B. The most effective fire extinguishers use halon gas and are good investments for RV safety. It can keep a small, manageable fire from becoming a major, uncontrollable fire.

The best fire protection includes:

• Proper maintenance and inspection of fuel systems and electrical equipment.
• Use of a smoke detector.
• Use of an LP gas detector.

Make sure the fire extinguisher is suitable for the type of fire and is large enough to put out the fire. If you have a fuel or electrical fire, first try to shut off the source of the fuel by turning off the fuel valves and unplugging the electrical circuits. If you aren’t sure what type of fire it is, shut off everything. All family members should be able to put out a small gas or oil fire with the extinguisher.

The most common extinguisher is a 2 1/2 lb. ABC which is suitable for all types of fires, including fuel fires and electrical fires. There is no substitute for the correct type of fire extinguisher. The letter designates the type of fire suitability:

• A-ordinary materials like wood and paper.
• B-petroleum products such as gasoline, propane, and kerosene.
• C-electrical.

Be sure to recharge the extinguisher after it is used, even if it is not totally empty. Conventional CO2 extinguishers should be recharged periodically even if they are not used. The dry powder used in CO2 extinguishers tends to compact with road vibration. Before using the CO2 extinguisher, rap it sharply on the side and bottom to shake the powder loose.

Put the extinguishers where fires are most likely to occur and where they can be easily reached. For example, with a tow vehicle and travel trailer, you should have an extinguisher in the tow vehicle and another near the kitchen in the trailer.

Fuels

RVs normally carry two types of fuels: gasoline and propane; although some RVs use diesel and propane. Very few do not have propane on board.

Propane is no more dangerous to use than gasoline or diesel. All three fuels, if mishandled, can cause disaster. Propane vapor is just as explosive as gasoline or diesel vapor. When propane leaks from one of the lines inside an RV, the volume can build up to the point where it may explode. Leaking gasoline can also cause an explosion if its vapor collects in a closed area. Of course, a source of ignition must be present to set it off. In any case, both fuels deserve healthy respect. Knowledge and preventive maintenance are the keys to safety.

Make frequent inspections of your RV’s fuel systems. Look closely to see if lines are rubbing against sharp edges of the vehicle. Check to see: Is the neoprene (synthetic rubberlike plastic) gasoline line cracking because it is old? Is the carburetor starting to leak? Do the joints in the propane lines have a leak? Wash the propane lines with soapy water, and if bubbles appear there is a leak.

If your vehicle is equipped with a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquified natural gas (LNG) tank in a hard-to-see area of the vehicle, it must be identified by the letters “LPG,” “CNG,” or “LNG.” The letters must be one inch tall or larger and placed in a visible spot as close to the tank as possible.