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Topic: Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ... (Read 463 times) previous topic - next topic
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Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ...
I'm considering an LD but noted it's width is slightly over 8'. Some states (e.g. Utah, New Mexico) have an 8' limit on local roads (not interstates).

Has anyone had problems in those states? It sounds a bit far fetched as they are prime RV destinations, and I don't think the LD is not the only RV over 8' wide.
Re: Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ...
Reply #1 –
Quote from: ttmetro  - 
I'm considering an LD but noted it's width is slightly over 8'. Some states (e.g. Utah, New Mexico) have an 8' limit on local roads (not interstates).
Has anyone had problems in those states? It sounds a bit far fetched as they are prime RV destinations, and I don't think the LD is not the only RV over 8' wide.

While there are narrow roads in every state, we have never had an issue in New Mexico or Utah, after years of exploration .
Almost all Class Cs and As today have 99" wide bodies.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ...
Reply #2 –
The only  “width restriction” I’ve ever encountered is taking a too-narrow bridge or a road with little, if any, side clearance.

Obviously, if there is a posted sign prohibiting vehicles over a certain width from using a particular road, heed it. But, otherwise, if one uses good sense about road choices, driving a wide body RV is a non-issue.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ...
Reply #3 –
I've been all over New Mexico and parts of Utah, mostly on back roads, and have never run into a width restriction that would have prevented me from traveling in my Lazy Daze (2003 midbath).
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ...
Reply #4 –
Many thanks for these responses, which confirm my suspicion that the rules are not enforced.

FYI: this site shows the "official" limits by state:  State Road Laws for RVs - RV Trip Wizard.

My practical problem is more physical dimensions - usually from below on rutty forest roads.
Re: Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ...
Reply #5 –
"My practical problem is more physical dimensions - usually from below on rutty forest roads."

What I believe you are trying to describe is known as 'ground clearance'. Depending on the length of the coach you would be wise to avoid such roads, unless of course you have scouted them previously and know where and how bad the rough areas are. I have seen some huge Class A motorhomes at the end of roads that I would not drive a high centered Honda CRV over.   :o  Forget the thousands of miles traveled over some roads that 1st looked impossible... in an 4x4 International Scout!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ...
Reply #6 –
I'd have to concur with you about width of motorhome's not being enforced. Texas, Utah, and New Mexico limit at 8 feet wide. That pretty much excludes all Class 'C's built on an E450.. Only one state listed that awnings were allowed if they were over a certain height.   Trip Wizard listed the length restriction of Ca. at 40'. Last I heard was some 45' length motorhomes were ticketed for being over 40', even ones legally registered in Ca. The state faced with the option of refunding all of the registration fees (class action) collected for these illegal coaches, just changed the law retroactively so that they were allowed on 'designated roads'. I suspect that they had to refund ticket fees to anyone who noticed.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ...
Reply #7 –
Quote from: ttmetro  - 

My practical problem is more physical dimensions - usually from below on rutty forest roads.

The E450 has a truck chassis and, with the dual rear tires, good traction. Ground clearance is limited usually by the holding tanks dump valves and cargo boxes.  Deep ruts are not passable unless a route is pre-scouted and a pathway determined where the rig can be placed to stay out of the ruts. Taking a clue from the off-road crowd, using a spotter can be a lifesaver.
A word of warning, the tanks and valves are easy to damage and a nasty mess to deal with. Be careful.

If you want to camp on back roads, having a toad, used to scout potential roads and sites, is a good way to go.
From a practical point of view, driving a loaded LD distances on rough roads is not a pleasure, the vibration, shuttering, noises from things bouncing and the loud drumming loses its appeal quickly. The ride is poor due to the suspension having limited wheel travel, stiff springs and high pressure tires.
We do it when we have to but shy away from long dirt road drives, preferring to save the wear and tear on LD and to use the Jeep to explore deeper into an area.YMMV

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ...
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
A word of warning, the tanks and valves are easy to damage and a nasty mess to deal with. Be careful.

We returned from our first RV trip in Arizona and Utah. We liked it so much that we are now considering buying an RV and the LD is at the top of our list.

We only do "boondocking" (stayed only once at a full service campground at Monument Valley to learn that campgrounds are not for us - perhaps not surprising coming from backpacking with a tent). Although we found that many BLM lands are fairly accessible, for most at least the access road is dirt. We also traveled some "reasonably good" dirt roads e.g. in southern Capitol Reef.

We'd rented a Roadtrek RS (sprinter van) that handled those roads ok, although it had lots of stuff hanging below the chassis. Some (like the exposed generator) were probably poor choices in this particular model, but I realize that all (?) RVs rely on the space below the chassis for things like the dump tanks.

The other problem with the RS was space and the lack of a usable shower. The LD would fix this. I found one for rent in southern CA that we plan to check out for a week or so and also visit the factory as part of the same trip.

Towing a 4x4 looks like a good addition. Unfortunately I have a fairly new Forester that can't be towed. But of course that's a fixable constraint. RV first though, and it must at least be capable to get us a bit into the backwoods for camping, even with a 4x4 for exploring and getting to trailheads.

Like many, we are juggling compromises and wonder where they fall ...
We look forward to tips and experiences from seasoned RVers to complement our own explorations to arrive at a decision.
 
Re: Width Restrictions in Utah, NM, ...
Reply #9 –
I think you will find an LD is quite capable of getting into many forest and desert areas, as long as there is some type of semi-improved road. Traction, or the lack it, has never been problem.
Still, there are many dirt roads that I will not go down without first investigating, having done so and regretted it, after backing out a half mile or more. Side and height clearances are a big issue, these rigs are much wider and taller than regular cars and SUVs.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze