Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives Tow ratings.

Was browsing the the Ram 2500 and 3500 tow rating charts earlier today for some clarity on what my 2023 2500 4X4 is rated to tow. (Cummins with 68RFE auto trans). Happened to start with the 3500 chart and saw a max tow rating of over 37k lb. Sooo, does one need a CDL now to drive a maxed out 3500?

It also turns out that my truck is rated to tow 19980, compared with the 16900lb of the 2014 (same configuration) and 13900lb of my ‘03, also same setup.

Any guesses on what the next generation will be capable of?

Depends on the state. In our state, if you are commercial (and that includes cowboys going to rodeo where a prize can be won), if the trailer is over 10K you need a CDL, even if you are pulling it with a bicycle. Ag exemptions typically exempt the first 150 air (nautical) miles from home.

If commercial and crossing state line, and over 10K CGVW, you need a DOT#, medical card, log books, and all that jazz.

Here's a list of states that do or do not require a CDL for RV's over 26k. CDL FOR RV'S
WI is an exception. Most states with CDL requirements go by weight. WI requires one for combinations over 45'. Almost all larger camp trailers or 5th wheels will exceed that.

States That Require A Commercial Driver’s License
Arkansas: CDL required for vehicle with a GVWR over 26,000 lb

Connecticut: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle with a GVWR over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined (GCWR) weight over 26,000 lb

Hawaii: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb

Kansas: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb

New Mexico: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb

Washington, D.C.: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb

Wisconsin: CDL required over 45 feet

States That Require A Non-Commercial Special Driver’s License
California: Class B license required over 26,000 lb or over 40 feet; Class A license required for towing over 10,000 lbs

Maryland: Class B license required over 26,000 lb

Michigan: Recreational Double “R” Endorsement required to tow a fifth wheel plus a trailer

North Carolina: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb

Nevada: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb; “J” Endorsement required to tow a vehicle over 10,000 lb (if the combined weight is less than 26,000 lb)

New York: Recreational Vehicle or “R” endorsement required for vehicles over 26,000 lb

Pennsylvania: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; equired for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb

South Carolina: Class E license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class F license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb

Texas: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb

Wyoming: Class B license required for vehicle over 26,000 lb and towing under 10,000 lb; Class A license required for vehicle over 26,000 lb and towing over 10,000 lb


States That Do Not Require a Special Drivers License

Finally, here are the states where you’re free and clear to drive an RV with your regular driver’s license (per our latest update).

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Colorado

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Massachusetts

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

New Hampshire

New Jersey

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Tennessee

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia