I've been following this thread and some of these look like great deals. However, the majority are over the GVWR limits in most states for operation without a CDL, have air brakes, more than 2 axles, etc.
Is there some kind of RV exemption that is available for over-weight vehicles so they can be driven without a CDL?
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Edit 2012-07-10: To more clearly and directly answer the question: A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is not typically required to drive these trucks if the camper box is built to meet the requirements of the state of title & registration for non-commercial RVs. Those requirements are typically X of Y required attributes or systems. For instance, 3 of 5 required attributes or systems: toilet, stove, fresh water tank & system, bed or living area.
If your finished RV built on one of these chassis has a GVW of more than 26,000 pounds, you may be required to have a specific type of driver's license in your state of residence. These specific weight class licenses are not CDLs and the test to obtain them is just a superset of a normal driver's license, just like a motorcycle license. You may or may not need to take both a written and driving test to obtain the specific license required, depending on your state's requirements.
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I am not qualified to comment in every state.
It is my understanding that some states allow you to use your regular license to drive an RV of any weight, size and number of axles on a regular license.
Other states require different licenses based on weight.
Some states require certification for air brakes.
You could probably find authoritative, or, at least native, information on license requirements for your state here:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm or check your state's DMV web site.
As an example, here's the DMV information for Texas:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/internetforms/Forms/DL-7.pdf
CLASSIFIED DRIVER LICENSE (Texas Transportation Code, Section 521)
The following listed Class A, B, C, and M licenses will be issued to persons who are exempt from obtaining a Commercial Driver License or persons who are not required to obtain a Commercial Driver License:
1. Class A driver license permits a person to drive any vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds; including a vehicle included in Class B or Class C, except a motorcycle or moped.
Minimum Ages: 18, or 17 with completion of an approved driver education course including classroom and practical training or approval of minor’s hardship application.
Fee: $24.00 for 6 years. Applicants under the age of 18 are charged $5.00 for a license to expire on the next birthday.
2. Class B driver license permits a person to drive the following vehicles, except a motorcycle or moped:
a. a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing either a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating that does not exceed 10,000 pounds, or a farm trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating that does not exceed 20,000 pounds;
b. a bus with a seating capacity of 24 passengers or more, including the driver; and
c. a vehicle included in Class C.
Minimum Ages: 18, or 17 with completion of an approved driver education course including classroom and practical training or approval of a minor’s hardship application.
Fee: $24.00 for 6 years. Applicants under the age of 18 are charged $5.00 for a license to expire on the next birthday.
3. Class C driver license permits a person to drive the following vehicles, except a motorcycle or moped:1-4
a. a single unit vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that is not a Class A or B; and
b. a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds, towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or a farm trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating that does not exceed 20,000 pounds.
Minimum Ages: 18, or 16 with completion of an approved course of driver education including classroom and practical training, or 15 with approval of minor’s hardship application.
Fee: $24.00 for 6 years. Applicants under the age of 18 are charged $5.00 for a license to expire on the next birthday.
4. Class M driver license permits a person to drive a motorcycle or moped.
Minimum Ages:
a. Motorcycle—18, or 16 with completion of an approved course of driver education (32 hours classroom and the 16-hour Department approved Basic Motorcycle Operator Training Course)
b. Moped—15 years of age
Motor-driven cycle of 250cc or less
a. 15 with Department approval for minor’s hardship license
b. 15 with completion of an approved course of driver education (32 hours classroom and the 16-hour Department-approved Basic Motorcycle Operator Training Course)
