If your loaded trailer weighs more than 3,000 pounds, most states require trailer brakes and breakaway switch, hitch safety chains, flares or reflective signs, a fire extinguisher, wheel chocks and a gas detector.
New York and North Carolina require trailer brakes at 1,000 pounds. California, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada and Tennessee require them for campers weighing more than 1,500 pounds. Regulations in Mississippi, Ohio and Utah mandate brakes on trailers weighing in excess of 2,000 pounds.
Generally, the maximum combined length of two vehicles is 65 feet with a maximum single trailer length of 40 feet. In Washington, D.C. and Maryland, the maximum combined length of the vehicles is less than 55 feet while in Colorado, Iowa and Louisiana, it's 70 feet.
Most states permit a trailer up to 8.5 feet wide and 13.5 feet high. Some roads in Illinois, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York permit widths of only 8 feet. Colorado limits heights to 13 feet.
Maryland, Massachusetts and New York prohibit propane tanks in tunnels. In New York, it's also forbidden on the lower levels of the George Washington and Verrazano-Narrows bridges and I-95 through Manhattan. Close propane tank valves while traveling in Virginia and New Jersey.
California, Washington, Ohio and Colorado require the use of chains and/or snow tires during winter months.
South Dakota requires Weigh Station stops for all towed vehicles, motor trucks or trailers weighing more than 8,000 pounds.
It's legal for individuals to ride in travel and fifth-wheel trailers in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska and West Virginia. Riders over the age of 14 can ride in campers in Kansas.
Colorado, Montana, New York and North Dakota permit riders in fifth-wheel trailers. It's legal if some form of communication exists between the trailer and the driver in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin. California and Oregon require safety glass and an unobstructed exit. Wisconsin mandates an individual more than 16 years old accompany riders younger than 12.
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington permit motor homes, fifth-wheel and travel trailers to stop at rest areas overnight, unless otherwise posted.
Some rest areas in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nevada, Missouri and Wyoming permit over-night stays.
