Talk me OUT of a buying a RAM 3500 Dual Cab Dually...

[CompactTractorFan]

Don't forget 10-20% of that weight will be on the truck.

You're correct - I didn't factor in the weight of the trailer at 2560# (Big Tex Heavy Duty Pipe Tandem Axle 18'), so that leaves me with a carry capacity of 9440#, which would cover 4 tons of grapes easy. Could still throw the fifth one in the bed...

That's always been a gray area for me...

You will see a trailer that has 2-3500# axles that has a 7,000# GVWR. You will see another trailer with 2-3500# axles that has 8,050# GVWR (115% of 7,000).

I always thought that you had to be within the GVWR no matter what.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I suppose I should put up a photo of the new "tour bus". Here's the new ride.

Very nice! :thumbsup:

 

[Dmace]

That's always been a gray area for me...

You will see a trailer that has 2-3500# axles that has a 7,000# GVWR. You will see another trailer with 2-3500# axles that has 8,050# GVWR (115% of 7,000).

I always thought that you had to be within the GVWR no matter what.

Even at 8,050lbs, you will be at the trailers 7000lb GVWR as long as at least 14% of that weight (1050 lbs +) is on the truck.

That GVWR is the weight the TRAILER and it's AXLES can "safely" handle. Put a scale under those tires with the proper tongue weight and it will not exceed the rating of the trailer and axles. Of course, too much tongue weight can overload most light duty trucks with low payloads. It's a balancing act.

 

[Soundguy]

not secure enough for the pres to carry one though..

 

[Turbys_1700]

Yes and no. The DOT people can be real butt heads. I had a guy tell me a story that was a full time farmer. He had a tandem dual flatbed trailer he bought and used to move his hay. He was remodeling his house and took the trailer to the lumber yard to get materials and got popped on the way back with all kinds of tickets because he was over 26k gvwr and it was not farm use. Another story I have heard was a similar deal except the farmer was hauling home a family members truck that broke down on the side of the road.

I have no idea why they rate these trucks for 12,300 lbs. They could leave 300 lbs off and simplify things for a lot of people. OP if I were you I would look at having a new trailer built with two 7k axles and have the manufacturer derate it to 13,700 gvwr.

I just hate the loss of flexibility in the use of the trailer if you try to get by on the agricultural exemption. You do not want a over 26k and no cdl ticket. They can really throw the book at you because there are lots more violations at play then just the license it could cost you thousands.

I guess that is one more reason why I like my 03 F350 dually 4x4 4 door...
Rated @ 11,500# on the door...
A 14K# trailer puts the total @ 25,500#...
No CDL required...
Just a lot of tag...LOL

 

[drivadesl]

Looking forward to photos of that beautiful truck!