[Hook'em_Horns!]

"A CDL must be obtained by the driver of any of the following vehicles: Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds."

This ^ is misunderstood by many.

Where it comes into play for example, is with a MD Class 6 box truck.
Like you'd rent to move household stuff.
Single axle, that truck has a GVWR of 25.9 (Or, 26 if you will, and not a oz over).

Any trailer hooked to it would put you into CDL territory (combined now exceeds 26k).
But this provision allows you to hook a trailer on and not be pushed into CDL, as long as the trailer towed doesn't exceed 10k gvwr.

Even though you're now at 35.9k lbs GCW.
It doesn't mean that because you hook onto your tandem 7k axle utility trailer (14k gvwr) with your 1-ton truck, that you now need a CDL.

Which you don't, because the sum of the two doesn't exceed 26k.

You'll see this combo all the time, a box truck (Penske / Haul-U) with a car hauler hooked on, moving the family on their merry way across the Country.

 

[Hook'em_Horns!]

If it's not used commercially

Now you're getting into the DOT number/signage tags, compliant, not a death threat card...and inspection stations.

But unless you've got an AG exemption, even for personal use, 26001+ combo = CDL A
28k lbs...you're there, RV or not.

True, most States overlook the RV for inspections. "Overlook", as in they've got bigger fish to prey on.
Some States (TX is one) now offer a Non-Commercial CDL license just for this.

 

[Hook'em_Horns!]

It's not the end of the world, stepping into CDL areas.
Just study the book and go take the test.
You're not messing with HazMat, Passenger, multiples, or air brakes, so none of that testing is required.

Just the basic general test is all. It's not difficult.
And you'll most likely learn something you didn't know. :neener