If you travel with a 5th wheel camper, large travel trailer, or Class A RV, you may wonder what the rules and regulations are at weigh stations in different states. We're here to help you understand if and when you need to stop.

We'll cover things like the maximum weight of your pickup truck and recreational trailer, states that require you to stop, exceptions to the rules, and more.

Just remember that if you're ever unsure of state laws, it's always a good idea to research the specific state you're traveling to. The following is general information to serve as a guide, not a comprehensive guide of state laws.

What Are Weigh Stations?

Weigh stations are typically located along highways and check the weight of large vehicles, such as commercial trucks, to ensure they are within legal limits. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires commercial vehicles to stop at weigh stations to weigh their cargo and check their DOT numbers.

Weigh stations are important for enforcing weight limits and preventing unsafe conditions on the road. Vehicles that are overloaded can pose a serious risk to other drivers and can cause damage to the roadways.

Do RVs Need to Stop at Weigh Stations?

Most RVs do not need to stop at weigh stations because most RVs' gross combined weight doesn't exceed 10,000 pounds. However, larger motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers weighing over 10,000 pounds may need to stop in certain states.

If your gross combined weight (GCW) doesn't exceed 10,000 pounds, then you almost never need to stop your RV at a weigh station. This is true whether you have a motorhome or towable RV. 10,000 pounds is the weight limit in most states, and in some states, it's higher.