Texas trailer regulations???

[RickS]

I have purchased 33 acres of mesquite and dry dirt near Wichita Falls, TX, and plan to cultivate it for hay and such. Nothing commercial. Just for myself. I am looking at different tractors and trailers to haul a tractor on. Here is my question...

Having been inspired by several posts here about not overloading a trailer, I'm considering skipping the tandem 3500 lb car hauler trailer and going up to a tandem 5200 lb axle trailer. I have even considered a tandem 7000 lb axle trailer. I have an F150 and will likely purchase a JD 3038e which will not even approach the limits of a light duty trailer. But I've started looking at heavier trailers just to have the extra limits.

What sort of regulations would be involved in owning a heavier trailer? Would I have to have a higher class of drivers license?

Thanks to any and all.

 

[Bird]

No higher class of drivers license until you get over 26,000 pounds (gross combined weight), but your trailer registration (license plate) will cost more for heavier trailers unless you can register it as a farm trailer.

 

[JIGBUILDER]

I had a 16' car hauler with two 3500 lb axles/8 ply rated tires carrying my 50 hp blue tractor/FEL/6' mower. I knew the trailers tires was ok but was over its axle ratings so I bought a 18'/dove tail 10k GVWR car hauler with two 5200 lb axles and 16" 3500 lb capacity tires. Ran the combo down to my area feed mill scales and it grossed 9420 lbs on the trailers axles and 980 lbs on the wifes 1500 crew cab chevy Z71 truck rear axle.

I don't know how heavy your JD is but two 3500 lb axles isn't much considering the trailer may weigh 1750-2000 lbs depending. That leaves around 5000-5200 lbs for your tractor and equipment.

 

[RickS]

Thanks, guys. A local dealer has a 20' carhauler (18'+2' dovetail) with tandem 5200# axles that is rated for 9998 lbs. Is it rated thus to avoid a higher registration fee?

 

[Bird]

Thanks, guys. A local dealer has a 20' carhauler (18'+2' dovetail) with tandem 5200# axles that is rated for 9998 lbs. Is it rated thus to avoid a higher registration fee?

Probably, but you need to ask your local county tax collector because there are some variations in different counties.

 

[tractorboy5500]

I have a GN and have it rated for 25,900lbs, as of now I have farm plates on it and it cost me $6.38 a year, now if I had regular plates it would cost me $225 a year, I have been looking to get regular plates since I am starting to use my trailer for other than farm use, dont know what the fine would be, just trying to do the right thing. And this was just a few days ago on the price differents.

 

[PoorMansCat]

Thanks, guys. A local dealer has a 20' carhauler (18'+2' dovetail) with tandem 5200# axles that is rated for 9998 lbs. Is it rated thus to avoid a higher registration fee?

Make sure it has atleast 1 braking axle and definitely register it as a farm use trailer.

 

[StanR]

Not many know about this but if it will haul over a certain weight you have to get it inspected. I am pretty sure if it has a farm tag it is exempt.

 

[PoorMansCat]

Not many know about this but if it will haul over a certain weight you have to get it inspected. I am pretty sure if it has a farm tag it is exempt.

years ago, the law book in Texas read something along the lines of " single axle trailers did NOT require annual inspection." BUT, it never stated that multiple axle trailers DID require it..... I'm sure they have since corrected it... I used to keep a copy of it in my glovebox due to an overzealous DPS officer that kept trying to interpet the law as he saw fit....

 

[downslope]

Thanks, guys. A local dealer has a 20' carhauler (18'+2' dovetail) with tandem 5200# axles that is rated for 9998 lbs. Is it rated thus to avoid a higher registration fee?

It is probably rated thus because you can pull it with a heavier truck where the combined weights are over 26,000 pounds and still not be required to have a CDL.
Of course it may also save on registration fees, depending on your location.