>
>
> I have a current DOT rules and regulations book at work to keep the
> trucks there legal.

Regs for commercial trucks and trailers are FAR more restrictive than for
automobiles.

It's a federally mandated highway law, which overrides any and all state
> law's, which is regulated, and enforced by the DOT.

DOT only has jurisdiction over interstate commerce. DOT regs don't apply to
personal and/or intrastate use of automobiles beyond what may be duplicated
in state law. If guys towing those twin axle monstrosities full of dirt
bikes out to the desert with their giant pickup trucks don't have to apply
red and white stripes in compliance with to DOT regs, why would said regs
apply to a Vanagon?