Well, I've already started looking into the Class A endorsement since we'll be driving state-to-state, but from what I see in Texas we could probably get away without it if we really wanted to. Still, if it's not a complex thing to add I can do it when I have to go in to renew my license this June anyway (time for a new pic apparently). Here's what the Texas site says:
Class A
Authorizes an individual to drive a vehicle or combination of vehicles:
*Not described under a Class B or Class C driver license
*With a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds including vehicles in Class B or Class C
Class B
Authorizes an individual to drive:
*Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR that does not exceed 10,000 pounds or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 pounds
*A bus with a seating capacity of 24 passengers or more including the driver
*Any vehicle included in Class C
Class C
Authorizes an individual to drive any single vehicle:
*Or combination of vehicles that are not included in Class A or Class B
*With a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds towing a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 pounds
*Designed to transport 23 or less passengers including the driver; vehicles rated as 16-23 passengers including the driver require a Class C CDL unless exempt
I guess it really depends on whether or not they would allow the RV under the "farm trailer" portion in the Class C rating, since it weighs less than 20,000lbs and the truck itself is well under 26,001lbs. The Class A sound like overkill if they are counting the truck and trailer separately, which is how it is worded with 2 different weight listings, but combined the max they could weigh is 29,000lbs - definitely more than 26,001lbs.
Like I said, though, if it's an easy thing to add I'll just do it. The hubby can add his sometime before we actually start traveling with it, which won't be for about a year anyway. Plenty of time!
Oh, and
STANG I found that exact IR thermometer on Amazon for $23.19. Should be here tomorrow! I also bought a digital tire gauge because it looks like I might not have the tire pressure warnings built into the truck. I saw "delete" somewhere on the sticker, and since we needed one anyway I just got a fancier one to try to help us stay on top of that.
I also found both of the ball mounts and that very same ball I linked to earlier on Amazon, too, so we should be all set! I decided to just get both since I don't have any way of knowing where the trailer will sit in relation to the truck until we are physically in front of it. I can always ship one back or just sell it to someone local. Once we finish building the house, though, we will definitely spring for the weight distributing hitch. That's a whole other kettle of fish, though, and that roughly $500 is needed for things like the composting toilet, wood-burning mini fireplace, or the general electrical work first. So much to do, so much moolah to spend!
Oh, and I got some cool magnetic signs to put on the truck doors while we're traveling to alert folks to join us on our blog. Now I just need to paint one to attach to the framed house, too. Fun!
Thanks again for all of your help! Getting totally excited now that we're only a few days away.