For what it's worth, I am 73' total length. We have had several combinations over the past 20 years with the same length. Presently, we have a 45' XL with a triple axle box trailer, we have made numerous trips to and from D.C. , Florida, New Mexico, Colorado, Illinois, and most places in between. So far, so good. No tickets and the only time we have been stopped was for an illegal alien search deep in northern NM. By the way, have you looked at the current crop of semis? I have measured many while at our favorite truck stops and most are now between 73 and 80' . Just my previous and current experience.