CLASS A and "AR" licencing
Oct 13, 2011
For those
that stay on top of the licencing for larger fifth wheels, the new laws
are now and have been in effect since July 01 2011.
What You Need to Know:
Driver's licenced in Ontario will now be able
to operate/tow/drive recreational vehicles up to the 11,000kg "combined
vehicle weight" with a Class G Licnece when towing 1 vehicle for
personal use.
Combined vehicle weight (GVW) means the " Total
Gross Vehicle Weight" for the tow vehicle (car or truck) AND the
recreational vehicle. I would suggest to get a weigh ticket of the
truck and trailer and keep it with you.
PLEASE NOTE: Originally the MTO was going to
require that a completed RV Safety and Towing Checklist/test be
completed and a subsequent identification card issued showing competency
be required as well. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. The MTO has made this part
VOLUNTARY. At this point there is no requirement by either the MTO or
the Insurance Bureau of Canada for such as test. Not to say that the
Insurance Bureau of Canada may require this in the future. I would
check with your insurance company if they will offer any reduction if
you do take the test and pass. If for your peace of mind we can perform
this test/checklist for the fee of $150 and you will upon successful
completion receive a card indicating so. This test is conducted here at
the dealership by dealership staff. It is NOT an MTO administered
test. It is easy and stresses safety.
For more information you can attend the MTO's
website and print off the information on this. I would keep this with
you in the truck and a copy of the weights so that if pulled over by an
uninformed Police officer you have the back up information you may
need. To access the MTO's site and the news on this click on the link
below.
http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2011/06/making-it-easier-for-rv-operators-to-enjoy-summer.html
For everyone that either has an RV
or thinking of getting one there are a few things to be aware of.
Currently within the Province of Ontario the class G licence will allow
you to pull a trailer or fifth wheel up to 11,000kg total between the tow
vehicle and the trailer being towed. So make sure to weight the trailer
"loaded" and then weigh your truck. There are a number of places to get
this done at. Here in Waterford we have Norfolk Disposal where you can
ask to do this. Have a slip in the truck with the combined weight is a
good idea. Now onto the ownership. Every car dealer will automatically
just put on the minimum amount on the ownership. You are supposed to
purchase extra if the combination of truck and trailer are over 4500kg.
So once you get your combination weighed head over to Service Ontario
and make sure your ownership is registered for the total amount between
truck and trailer. Your ownership will say 4500kg from when you bought
the vehicle. So if your truck and trailer come in at 9300kg then you
will have to purchase more weight. I believe the offer it in 500kg
increments. So you would register your ownership for 9500kg. So when the
MTO pulls you over (very rare for recreational trailers) and you show
them your weight tag along with your ownership you will be good. There
is one catch to this however. Once you register the ownership for
anything over 4500kg you are required to get and annual safety
inspection on the tow vehicle. You don't have to apply for a CVOR
(commercial vehicle operators registration) but you need to get the
safety done. This is a pain in the behind and it isn't cheap. So. Now
you know the rules of the road. Verification of this info is best found
by contacting and MTO enforcement office and speaking with and officer.
There is a branch in London and they are quite helpful. If you need I
can assist with this. I may have an email that I can share with you as
well.
Another question that pops up when
regarding weights is respect to GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight
Recommended. When the MTO mentions Gross Weight they mean the weight as
measure on the scale. People mistake this for what the trailer weights.
GVWR is the combination of what the trailer weighs empty and what it can
carry based upon what the axle/s are capable of carrying. So if a
trailer weighs 2000lbs empty and has a 3500lb axle under it the trailer
can effectively carry in the range of 1500lbs. and the GVWR is somewhere
in that 3500lbs area for multiplicities sake. If you were to put a
5500lbs axle under that same trailer the UVW might not change much but
the GVWR goes through the roof. What you want to know is what the
trailer weighs loaded as you would for camping thus the reason to take
it to a scale. When buying a trailer get the UVW or unloaded vehicle
weight and then add what you would for paraphernalia and that will give
you what your vehicle will see. I have seen too many times people
passing by a trailer because they are looking at the GVWR and it is too
heavy for their vehicle but if the UVW plus your supplies are well under
your tow capacity then you will be good and safe. Hope this all helps.
Happy and SAFE travels peeps.
Peter
