Forrest roads and OHV width

I'm looking to do some forest trails this summer in Lincoln National Forest. Their listing say only OHV no more than 50 inches. I'm trying to determine if the CJ5 qualifies. Where is the measurement made? Body width? Outside to outside of tires? Center line of tires? I know there are lots of trails in Colorado, but our cabin is in Ruidoso, NM so I want to start there. Any ideas? I'll stop by the ranger station when there next, but trying to learn first.

 

Most go by overall width, I.e. The widest point of the vehicle. I would contact your local Forest Service officials for clarification. Then check with a few others for comparison. Then compare that to the written regulations.
My experience has been you can get conflicting info depending on "the stance" of the official in question. Being informed and having a copy of the regulations in hand can minimize issues on the trail.
All this applies to my area, the Pacific Northwest. Your area may vary.

 

According to the specs on my 60 CJ5 it is 71 3/4" wide (over all). That's quite a ways from 50". I'm betting you are out of luck on this one.

 

I'm guessing from your comment that you have never been stopped. If stopped and found over 50", how many days in the federal pen do you get?

 

Take the spare tire off the right rear fender, and fold in your mirror!
-Donny

 

In Michigan it cost $200.00 to find out. I think they are making the difference between Orv's and Jeeps. A lot of the new ORV's are almost as big as my Jeep.
Here in Michigan there are ORV Trails and ORV routes. On the route all you need is a license plate, or a ORV sticker, if you have a plate you don't need the sticker.

 

My thought also. At the state level in NH, the distinction is all about taxation - whether the vehicle licensed for the road. If not it must have an ORV tag to be used on trails.

 

Measuring across the back of the tub just behind the seats my tape measure says about 59 inches on the '63, no spare.

Fortunately we have old logging roads on the Targhee in Idaho, so this hasn't been an issue for us.

According to the link that Glenn posted, Jeeps are considered UTV's, and, if over 50" wide, are not allowed on ATV trails.

I also wonder how long this regulation will be around. ATV's and UTV's are getting bigger, pressure from user groups could bring about a change in the reg.

If you want a clarification in your case, go directly to the district ranger for your area. But it seems like 50 inches is 50 inches, not sure how you'll get around that. Let us know what you find out.

 

I guess it's time to wash the jeep with hot water and then put it in the dryer on hot. This works on my jeans, at least temporarily.

Or measure it in a very cold day, that way I get 'shrinkage factor' (for those who remember Seinfeld).

 

I think the old days of jeep trails have been supplanted with these new 4 wheelers and dirt bikes, which in my opinion are noiser, smellier and more destructive than the jeeps, which tend to move slower. But what do I know.

 

If not sure put 2 big posts in the ground. They must measure 50" on the inside of the 2 post. Now try and drive your jeep in between the posts. If you hit the posts you lose.