What are the plans for drivers license coverage during this trip? It would seem like a traditional US Operator license will get you a B-C international license, which will *limit trailer weight to 1,650 lbs or GCWR to about 7,700lbs when towing*. The international C license basically puts no weight limit on the truck *as long as you are not towing*. As far as I can tell you need a US CDL-C to get E rating on your international license, which will let you go beyond 1,650 lbs to a regular Airstream trailer weight.
a regular u.s. drivers license does allow us to drive >7700lbs, pulling heavy trailers and with more than 8 passengers....
the plan was to join aaa, apply and use there license.
the rules for things like this change regularly so who knows what we will need in 09...
which reminds me, when did my license expire?
cheers
2air'
Check out this link: Application for International Driver License, International Driver's Permit, IDl, IDP
You see the "E" option? That is what you need for towing anything above 750Kg (1650lbs). One of the issuers I talked with said it requires a valid US CDL-B or CDL-A to get the "E" option which actually jives with comparable requirements in Europe for a "E".
You can also check out this excerpt from chapter 4 the UN Convention that governs the international drivers license:
For the purpose of the application of paragraph 1 and sub-paragraph 2 (c) of this Article: (a) A motor vehicle of the category B referred to in Annexes 6 and 7 to this Convention may be coupled to a light trailer, it may also be coupled to a trailer whose permissible maximum weight exceeds 750 kg (1,650 LB) but does not exceed the unloaded with of the motor vehicle if the combined permissible maximum weights of the vehicles so couple does not exceed 3,500 kg (7,700 LB); (b) A motor vehicle of the category C or of the category D referred to in Annexes 6 and 7 to this convention may be coupled to a light trailer without the resultant combination ceasing to belong to category C or category D.
Bottom line is that you need an "E" option on your card to tow a trailer with a weight greater than 1650. The question is if AAA will grant you the E option from a US operator license. The issuer I talked with said he needed a valid IDL-B or IDL-A to honor a request for an "E" option.
Not sure if this relates, in any way, to insurance you might need for this trip, presumably underwritten by someone here in the US.
I think the other option to explore is if you are in-transit that you might be allowed to ride your truck/trailer combo since it is legal in your home country. But I do not know.
Regards,
>Per
Incidentally, around here in the North East, it sounds like the going rate for getting a CDL-B is about $3K including the test. It requires about 80 hours of training. The CDL-A is about $5K, including the test. It requires about 160 hours of training.
I just spoke with someone at the police in Stockholm, Sweden, asking them how they interpret the rules. Here is what he said:
1. If you are a tourist in transit and have a valid license in your home country for what you are driving, you'll be fine. E.g., a regular US drivers license should be fine for a truck and Airstream. As long as your license is in Latin letters (as is the case for the US) he did not think an IDL was needed.
2. Your trailer must not weight more than the GVWR of your truck
3. It must be possible for the police to determine what you are entitled to drive, either through the license itself (not the case with the US) or with an accompanying document, such as IDL or some papers from your state. In my case, the NH drivers manual spells out what you are entitled to do. You obviously must carry a valid licese with you.
4. It must be possible to determine the GVWR of your truck and trailer to verify point #2. Generally, the truck info is on a sticker by the door and the trailer info is on a plate near the drivers front of the trailer.
5. Width might be an issue for wide-body as far as the police is concerned. Normal rules require that you label a vehicle wider than 2.5m (wide body is about 2.6m).
"Incidentally, around here in the North East, it sounds like the going rate for getting a CDL-B is about $3K including the test. It requires about 80 hours of training. The CDL-A is about $5K, including the test. It requires about 160 hours of training."
In MO-USA you can simply schedule to take the written CDL-B at the local DMV, then when you are ready (you can purchase video tapes and manuals or hire a training facility) you schedule to take the pre-trip & driving potion of the exam. I've had employees that I supervise pass all on the first try, others the pre-trip & driving takes a couple of tries...I think it goes on mechanical aptitude and taking it seriously. Anyway, having met Joe, I think he would have no problems with any of this. I hear he does good on tests! )
thanks for the post info, and WOW what an adventure you are taking...
we are aware of the carnet de passage...
essentially a passport/visa/bond for imported vehicles/trailer.
required at the border crossing for some of the countries in route.
cheers
2air'
Right you are.
In theory, the objective of the carnet is prevent people from bringing in vehicles and selliing them for profit thereby reducing the maket for locals.
AAA Canada handles all carnets for vehicles registered in North America.
Be aware that you must get the carnet stamped upon entry AND exit of a country. If the vehicle is NOT with you when you exit, or the carnet does not have an exit stamp, you forfit the bond that you posted for the carnet. Generally the carnet value will be 3 to 4 times the value of the vehicle.
This alone is one reason why most folks do not travel with new vehicles; or vehicles that might be "perceived" to be worth much.
Good luck in your adventures...
Jim
__________________
We are travelers with an attitude. We get to go anywhere, anytime, and have attitudes about what we see and hear.
"Travel is fatal to bigotry, prejudice and being narrow minded."
We committed eleven months ago to this fantastic dream, but were more involved with sticks'n'bricks, work, family, stuff. A few weeks ago one of the other CCCC people commented to me, "the people without a trailer for the Africa trip may not feel very committed yet." Bingo!
For me, the trip seemed a little dreamy, pretty unreal being so far in the future. (even though it isn't, considering all the stuff we all have to do to get ready)
I just wasn't really getting into it until we locked into a trailer this week. We pick it up Monday, an Argosy 24. Now we're tuning in more sharply. Now I find this forum. Now I find the CCCC group site (at least I think/hope I did). Read this thread tonight and it pumps me up. This is great!
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Jim N5RTG & Deb KI4OKI
WBCCI #4822 / WBCCI ARC/ RV SVC Network
Escapees full-timing in our CCD 25 blue streak
sometimes seen behind the magnificent 2500HD 8.1L/Allison 6spd 3.73
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