trailer weights 9990 or 10000

[257NH]

I see trailers around that have a rating of 9990 instead of 10000.And I was wondering what the legal benefit is?

[Heywood Jannockitov]

In Ontario I would need a "A" class driver's license to haul a trailer over 4500 kg (10,000 lbs) instead of a regular "G" license.

[wushaw]

That number keeps you from needing a CDL liscense or a class A non-CDL.

[Builder]

Originally Posted by wushaw

That number keeps you from needing a CDL liscense or a class A non-CDL.

You do not need a CDL to tow a 10,000 lb trailer, or a 12,000lb trailer for that matter as long as the combination of vehicles does not exceed 26,000 lbs.

[kevinj]

Originally Posted by Builder

You do not need a CDL to tow a 10,000 lb trailer, or a 12,000lb trailer for that matter as long as the combination of vehicles does not exceed 26,000 lbs.

The following is from the Michigan law. Pretty much says for commercial you need a CDL for a trailer of 10,001# but an individual for personal use only is exempt.

Who Needs a CDL?
Any resident who intends to operate:
�� VEHICLES:
Having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
�� COMBINATION VEHICLES:
Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more with a gross combination
weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
�� ANY VEHICLES:
Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver)
Carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the recommended maximum total weight of the vehicle and load as
designated by the vehicle manufacturer. The GVWR label is usually found on the driver side door post of the
power unit and on or near the front of the trailer. The GVWR should not be confused with the elected GVW which
is declared by the vehicle owner for registration purposes.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum
loaded weight of a combination vehicle. In the absence of a label, the GCWR will be calculated by adding the
GVWR of the power unit to the GVWR of the vehicle(s) or trailer(s) being towed.

Are There CDL Exemptions?The following people do NOT need a Commercial Driver License (CDL):
�� ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY: Operating military vehicles with military licenses (includes National Guard).
�� POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS: Operating authorized emergency vehicles.
�� FARMERS: Operating vehicles within a 150 mile radius of their farm.
An F-endorsement is needed by farmers operating combination vehicles whose towing vehicle has a
GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. A knowledge test, but no skills test, is required to obtain the Fendorsement.
The F-endorsement is NOT a CDL.
Farmers who carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards while operating combination
vehicles whose towing vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a single vehicle with a GVWR
of 26,001 pounds or more, need a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement.
�� INDIVIDUALS: Operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions
or family members, for non-business purposes.

Kevin, with CDL AT

[Builder]

Originally Posted by kevinj

The following is from the Michigan law. Pretty much says for commercial you need a CDL for a trailer of 10,001# but an individual for personal use only is exempt.

Who Needs a CDL?
Any resident who intends to operate:
�� VEHICLES:
Having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
�� COMBINATION VEHICLES:
Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more with a gross combination
weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
�� ANY VEHICLES:
Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver)
Carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the recommended maximum total weight of the vehicle and load as
designated by the vehicle manufacturer. The GVWR label is usually found on the driver side door post of the
power unit and on or near the front of the trailer. The GVWR should not be confused with the elected GVW which
is declared by the vehicle owner for registration purposes.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum
loaded weight of a combination vehicle. In the absence of a label, the GCWR will be calculated by adding the
GVWR of the power unit to the GVWR of the vehicle(s) or trailer(s) being towed.

Are There CDL Exemptions?The following people do NOT need a Commercial Driver License (CDL):
�� ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY: Operating military vehicles with military licenses (includes National Guard).
�� POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS: Operating authorized emergency vehicles.
�� FARMERS: Operating vehicles within a 150 mile radius of their farm.
An F-endorsement is needed by farmers operating combination vehicles whose towing vehicle has a
GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. A knowledge test, but no skills test, is required to obtain the Fendorsement.
The F-endorsement is NOT a CDL.
Farmers who carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards while operating combination
vehicles whose towing vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a single vehicle with a GVWR
of 26,001 pounds or more, need a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement.
�� INDIVIDUALS: Operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions
or family members, for non-business purposes.

Kevin, with CDL AT

Right, you DO need a CDL for a trailer over 10,001 BUT you also must have a combination that is over 26,001, too! BOTH requirements must be met to need a CDL.

So if you have a pickup with a GVWR of 12,000lbs and a trailer that is 12,000 lbs would you need a CDL?

NO!

Because the GCWR of both vehicles is only 24,000lbs

which is UNDER 26,001!!!!!!

If you read the next sentence after the one you highlighted in blue, you'd understand the law properly.

[Diamondpilot]

Builder is right. The reason for it being under 10,000# is just as he says, to keep you under the 10,000# rule while towing with a CGVWR over 26,001#

Lets say you have your favorite Diesel pick up truck that weighs 8,000# empty. If it has a CGVWR of 26,000# you could tow a trailer up to 18,000# without a CDL. This will work for most of us who tow just our own stuff not for hire like campers, boats, utility trailers, ect.

Chris

[kevinj]

If you read the next sentence after the one you highlighted in blue, you'd understand the law properly.[/quote]

DOH..... Too early. I really do know that. Thanks

[Builder]

Originally Posted by kevinj

If you read the next sentence after the one you highlighted in blue, you'd understand the law properly.

DOH..... Too early. I really do know that. Thanks [/quote]

No problem. Sorry if I "shot the messenger" (you) . It's just that we've been over this about 100 times in this forum.

The CDL law is a poorly written law and difficult to understand. I think it's done that way on purpose to make it easy to hand out fines.

I think that my second cup of coffee made me snippy.

[MrJimi]

I have a question,, In Florida we can register a truck for less weight than the door jamb sticker. To use a real example my door sticker reads 17,500 pounds and I will be registering it for 9,999 pounds to pull my 14K trailer, I think I should be legal
Jim