Private coach non-commercial special case

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by booksix, Feb 6, 2025.

  1. booksix

    booksix Bobtail Member

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    Feb 6, 2025
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    Apologies in advance - I can tell this topic has been beat to death, but I can't find much info on this specific case and I'm a bit lost in the info (even from gov agencies). Going to call around more but am curious on y'alls thoughts. Here's my situation:

    I've got a private coach (Prevost Marathon Coach Motorhome conversion), registered as RV. I currently use the vehicle for recreation but will also begin using it to travel to some of my shows (musical performer). My insurance company is aware of my plans so that is all sorted. TN very clearly, by their own documents, do not require a CDL or commercial registration for operation of an RV... but what is the thought about highway attention when using the personal vehicle to get to and from some of my shows, both in and out of state (I do get paid to perform but am not hired for transport)?

    Secondarily (to be addressed separate from the above), if I should wrap the vehicle with my name (no money changes hands for this, obviously - it's just me and my name on my own vehicle) will this attract unwanted attention even though I'd be in compliance for TN (assuming it could be a camping trip or drive to a show)? What about adding my beverage brand (again, no money changing hands for the 'advertising')?
     
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  3. Frank Speak

    Frank Speak Road Train Member

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    A few states require all vehicles of a certain weight to enter weigh stations, including RVs, 5th wheels, etc... regardless of what it's used for. It's best to check the state(s) you're planning to travel to / through.
     
  4. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    Wrapping it could make it a vehicle engaged in commerce, which can raise some questions.

    Me, I skip wrapping it and then just treat it like an rv.
     
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  5. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Concerning the issue if you are required to pull into weigh stations, it depends. Many or most states DO NOT require or expect a Prevost RV or U-haul type truck to enter the weigh station and a small number do. Stop in a truck stop and look in the state-specific pages on a book they sell there called the Rand-McNally Motor Carrier Road Atlas (MCRA), Do not confuse it with the sometimes sold R-M Road Atlas, which does NOT have the useful info in it. The books look very similar. They are large format, size of top-half of a newspaper, and have maps for the states. the MCRA always has a truck in the scenic front cover. That's what you want.

    You can probably search online for the state DOT or Highway Patrol, or whatever they call their highway cops (troopers, highway patrol, DPS etc). It may be included in the state 511 service phone app or state 511 web page. You can call or email the Highway patrol.

    If in doubt, pull into the the weigh station, cross the scale. Even if you were not required to do it for that state, you won't get into trouble. You probably won't even be able to see the people inside if theye were rolling their eyes.
     
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  6. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    Don’t wrap it….just act like every other rich retired tourist.,,,no one’s gonna pay any attention
    Unless you give them reason too
    Enjoy
     
  7. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    You don't have to worry about your home state (assuming it is Tennessee) but other states where they will enforce a commercial enterprise. You are hauling your "band" around, you are hauling your equipment around, you are doing this as a commercial venture so it doesn't matter if the vehicle is "for hire" or not, it is a commercial venture.
     
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  8. Ex-Trucker Alex

    Ex-Trucker Alex Road Train Member

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    Aside from the legal aspects of being 'commercial' or not, the rule I've always heard about whether you need a CDL or not is; if it has air brakes, you need a CDL....
     
  9. Accidental Trucker

    Accidental Trucker Road Train Member

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    FALSE. We operate an U26,000 box truck with air brakes, no CDL required.
     
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