lo-boy versus over-the-wheel flatbed gooseneck?

westcliffe01 · Sep 28, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold]
Michigan CDL http://www.michigan.gov/documents/cdlmanul_16090_7.pdf
Who Needs a CDL?
[/FONT][/FONT]

Any resident who intends to operate:

&#56256;&#56377;

[FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold]VEHICLES:

[/FONT][/FONT]

Having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

&#56256;&#56377;

[FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold]COMBINATION VEHICLES:

[/FONT][/FONT]

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.

So is my interpretation correct that the trailer weight only comes into play when the combined weight is over 26k ? Typically trailer weights step from 7k to 10k to 14k. Typican 1 ton pickups have a gvw of 14k, that leaves only 12k if the truck + tongue weight is at the limit. Many 1 ton trucks may not be rated to tow over 10k in the first place.

To ask the question the right way, how many pickups may in fact legally tow 14k trailers ?

Duffster · Sep 28, 2009

westcliffe01 said:
[FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold]
Michigan CDL http://www.michigan.gov/documents/cdlmanul_16090_7.pdf
Who Needs a CDL?
[/FONT][/FONT]
Any resident who intends to operate:
&#56256;&#56377;

[FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold]VEHICLES:

[/FONT][/FONT]

Having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

&#56256;&#56377;

[FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold]COMBINATION VEHICLES:

[/FONT][/FONT]

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.

So is my interpretation correct that the trailer weight only comes into play when the combined weight is over 26k ? Typically trailer weights step from 7k to 10k to 14k. Typican 1 ton pickups have a gvw of 14k, that leaves only 12k if the truck + tongue weight is at the limit. Many 1 ton trucks may not be rated to tow over 10k in the first place.

To ask the question the right way, how many pickups may in fact legally tow 14k trailers ?

All of mine can. (even my S-10

)

horse7 · Sep 29, 2009

Raw Dodge said:
Be careful with "derated" trailers.Just because the tag is 9900,doesnt mean you dont need a cdl.If your stopped and weighed and the actual weight is over 9900,you will be out of class,no different than a higher gvwr trailer,in fact worse,because now your getting an overweight ticket,and an out of class because the trailer is underegistered.Also check on the legalitys,if its for personal use,I dont think you need a CDL,even if its over 9900.

In my experience they aren't that sophisticated, just looking at the ratings for the trailer and the truck-- and I've known a few people who have put on lower rated tires on a trailer to "derate" it so the mfg would put the plate on with lower numbers (my presumption is that the mfg don't want to get involved directly in the numbers game).

They will definitely nail you though if the trailer and truck are near totally empty and the dry weight is far below 26000 but the name plate numbers add up to anything over 26000.... don't ask... should have used the SRW that day not the DRW...

I agree with the others, 20' seems pretty short.

flusher · Sep 29, 2009

Raw Dodge said:
Be careful with "derated" trailers.Just because the tag is 9900,doesnt mean you dont need a cdl.If your stopped and weighed and the actual weight is over 9900,you will be out of class,no different than a higher gvwr trailer,in fact worse,because now your getting an overweight ticket,and an out of class because the trailer is underegistered.Also check on the legalitys,if its for personal use,I dont think you need a CDL,even if its over 9900.

Yep, you're right about the consequences of being overweight.

Here in CA with a basic Class C license you can operate a two-axle vehicle with GVWR of 26,000 lb or less and you can tow a single vehicle with GVWR of 10,000 lb or less.

With a tow vehicle weight of 4000 lb or more unladened, you can tow a 5th wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lb, but not exceeding 15,000 lb, GWVR when towing is not for compensation and with an endorsement on your Class C license.

PJ Trailers offers the 9990 lb derating on their flatbeds as a option.

PJ Trailers - 6" Channel Equipment Tilt

DanD78 · Sep 29, 2009

I have a deck over that has 20' bed and 5' bever tail then 5' flip out ramps. When the ramps are flipped up the bever tail can be made flat with a sheet of plywood so you can haul more hay. I have made short sides that fit in the stake pockets for hauling loose stuff. I have a smaller trailer with fenders and they are always in the way.

Get 7 ~ 10 K axles. It's a waste of a good trailer to get the light ones.

Dan

Diamondpilot · Sep 29, 2009

Here in Indiana you do not need a CDL until your load rig exceeded 26K. My F350 weighs 7,600# so I can legally tow up to 18,400# with out a CDL. Now this all changes if you are for hire. There is also a waiver if you have farm plates and within 150 miles of your home and have not exceeded your trucks or trailers ratings. This time of the year you see 17 year old kids driving 18 wheelers loaded with grain. Its just a way of life. I have hired on for a few days years ago just driving semis 10 miles to the co-op.

There is also a waiver if its plated as a recreation vehicle. All the rules are out the door. I know this is wishy washy but RV's, Boats, and Farming is our business and I guess the Lobbiest did a good job for the manufactures to keep them in business. You know, I can never remember a accident either. It seems like the ones who wreck are the ones who are tired or breaking some law.

Chris

Duffster · Sep 29, 2009

Diamondpilot said:
Here in Indiana you do not need a CDL until your load rig exceeded 26K. My F350 weighs 7,600# so I can legally tow up to 18,400# with out a CDL. Now this all changes if you are for hire.

What changes Chris?

flusher · Sep 29, 2009

Diamondpilot said:
Here in Indiana you do not need a CDL until your load rig exceeded 26K. My F350 weighs 7,600# so I can legally tow up to 18,400# with out a CDL.
-------
Chris

That's what I thought the situation was in CA until I checked the CA DMV website and had a talk with the PJ folks at the trailer store in Chico.

On a basic Class C license in CA a farmer or farmer's employee can drive any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,000 lb or less IF used exclusively in agricultural operations and is not for hire or compensation.

Unfortunately, in CA you need a commercial Class A license to tow a single vehicle with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb with the exception of a 5th wheel travel trailer as I noted previously.

Big Bri · Sep 29, 2009

Duffster said:
What changes Chris?

i think what chris was saying is that if you are for hire ie hot shot driver or something like that you will need a cdl for lower weights.

wkpoor · Sep 29, 2009

Hey Chris, I'm going to be in your state on Monday near Martinsville. I'm guessing I might not be legal there with my truck and trailer? My CVWR is 16K. Now my actual will be well below but the potential with the 14K trailer is way over. Here in Ohio it is not a problem. And of course I'm not for hire.