Alaska trailer laws for towing in 2026
Length, width, height, brake thresholds, breakaway rules, mirror requirements, and a few quirks unique to Alaska (mobile home speed limits, doubles).
Alaska is one of the more permissive states for trailer rules. Maximum combination length 75 ft, max width 102 in, max height 14 ft, breakaway required over 5,000 lb. Doubles are allowed with a Class A CDL. Mobile homes are speed-limited to 45 mph. Statute references are in 13 AAC and AS 28.
| Rule | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Brakes required | Standard federal interstate norms apply (49 CFR 393.42, generally 3,000 lb) |
| Breakaway system | Required over 5,000 lb gross |
| Max combination length | 75 ft (truck plus trailer) |
| Max trailer length alone | 40 ft |
| Max width | 102 in |
| Max height | 14 ft |
| Mobile home tow speed | 45 mph |
| Doubles allowed | Yes, with Class A CDL |
Registration
Trailers used on Alaska public roads have to be registered with the Division of Motor Vehicles. Out-of-state trailers passing through don’t need Alaska plates, but trailers permanently kept in Alaska do.
Size limits
- Combination length: 75 ft for tow vehicle plus trailer. That’s 10 ft more than most lower-48 states.
- Trailer length: 40 ft maximum.
- Width: 102 in (8 ft 6 in) without a permit on most public roads.
- Height: 14 ft. Most other states cap at 13 ft 6 in, so a tall load that’s legal in Alaska may not be legal once you cross into Canada or the lower 48.
Permits for oversize loads come from the Alaska DOT Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.
Brakes and breakaway
Federal interstate rules apply on through routes, which generally means brakes are required on any trailer 3,000 lb or more (49 CFR 393.42). For trailers over 5,000 lb gross, Alaska specifically requires a breakaway system that automatically applies the trailer brakes if the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle.
Safety chains, cable, or an equivalent device are required in addition to the main hitch. Cross the chains under the tongue so a failure doesn’t drop the drawbar to the ground.
Doubles and special configurations
Unlike many states, Alaska permits double-trailer setups with a Class A commercial driver’s license. The two trailers must be connected with an approved coupling device. This matters more for hauling firewood, heavy equipment, or fuel in the Interior than for typical RV use.
Lighting requirements
Every trailer on Alaska roads needs:
- Tail lights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- License plate light
- Two clearance lights
- Two side markers
- Two reflectors (rear)
This is the same federal-style list most states share. Trailers wider than 80 in also need amber clearance lights at the front corners.
Speed limits while towing
The default is the posted limit, with two specific exceptions:
- Mobile homes: capped at 45 mph regardless of the posted limit
- Posted lower limits in school zones, work zones, and certain mountain passes
If your trailer is causing instability at the posted limit, an officer can cite you for unsafe operation. Common ones in Alaska: gusty crosswinds on the Glenn Highway, ice patches in shoulder seasons, and the long downhills on the Parks Highway.
Mirror requirements
At least one functioning rearview mirror on the left side. The second mirror can be either an interior rearview or a right-side mirror.
If the trailer width or load makes the factory mirrors useless, clip-on tow mirrors or extended pin-on units are the standard fix.
Towing rules
- Riding in a house trailer or travel trailer while moving is not allowed.
- Riding in the bed of a pickup or in an open trailer is permitted, which is a notable carve-out compared with most states.
- Safety chains or cable required.
Cross-border notes
Driving a trailer from Alaska through Canada to the lower 48 (or the reverse) means complying with whichever rule is stricter at each step. Canadian provincial rules typically cap at 13 ft 6 in height and 8 ft 6 in width, so an Alaska-legal 14 ft trailer needs a separate permit through Canada.
A note for Ford owners in 2026
If you tow a 2021 to 2026 F-150, 2022 to 2026 Super Duty, 2024 to 2026 Ranger, 2022 to 2026 Expedition, 2022 to 2026 Maverick, 2022 to 2026 Lincoln Navigator, or 2026 Transit, check recall 26C10 (NHTSA 26V104000). The Integrated Trailer Module software fault affects trailer stop lamps, turn signals, and electric trailer brakes at startup. Given Alaska’s gravel roads, frost heaves, and the distance between dealers, you do not want to discover this fault halfway up the Dalton Highway. The OTA fix started rolling out in May 2026.