Is this the right trailer for me?

[s219]

Yeah, be careful about weight. I specifically backed off from a full-on equipment trailer just because the extra weight took too much out of my tow vehicle's available gross. In retrospect, that was a smart choice, since I have more margin for unexpected cargo loads that come up from time to time. A heavier trailer would have really limited me with my current tow vehicle.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Lets start with the truck.

I am a part time trailer dealer and have access to all tow ratings for trucks built since the late 90's

I need to know the Make, Model, Cab Style, Bed Length, 4x4 or not, Engine, and most importantly the tranny type and rear end gear.

On a Ford the rear end gear will be a code on the sticker on the passengers side door. It will say axle and give a code like 71 or B6.

Give me all that info and I can tell you what the truck can legally tow.

Chris

 

[Duffster]

in pa, to tow any trailer over 10,000lbs requires a cdl A license.

No it doesn't.

The only time that a trailer over 10k GVWR requires a CDL class A is when the CGVWR is over 26k as well.

 

[strum456]

No it doesn't.

The only time that a trailer over 10k GVWR requires a CDL class A is when the CGVWR is over 26k as well.

I think the key here is "in Pa". Please provide a link showing this pa dot code.

 

[shortthrow50]

No it doesn't.

The only time that a trailer over 10k GVWR requires a CDL class A is when the CGVWR is over 26k as well.

I think the key here is "in Pa". Please provide a link showing this pa dot code.

im from PA and pull equipment on a trailer rated for over 10k as well. What the guy stated is somewhat correct. you need a medical card . If you get pulled over, you will get a nice fine. They do not need a scale either. If the trailer is rated for over 5 ton, you will be fined if you do not have a medical card. I dont have a link but we have all the necessary info at work. We learned the hard way when an employee got hit by state police pulling with a utility body dulley and a 6 ton trailer with skid steer.

 

[shortthrow50]

No it doesn't.

The only time that a trailer over 10k GVWR requires a CDL class A is when the CGVWR is over 26k as well.

you are somewhat wrong my friend. You need a medical card towing a trailer rated over 5 ton. need a cdl for vehicle weight over 26k or has air brakes under that

 

[Duffster]

I think the key here is "in Pa". Please provide a link showing this pa dot code.

Doesn't your google work?:laughing:

PA has the same requirements for CDL as the other 48 normal states.

you are somewhat wrong my friend. You need a medical card towing a trailer rated over 5 ton. need a cdl for vehicle weight over 26k or has air brakes under that

Needing a medical card has nothing to do with needing a CDL. Nor does needing a medical card have anything to do with whether or not your trailer is over or under 10k. Medical card is needed at 10k GVWR or CGVWR. so if you need one for a 12k tailer you would still need one for a 10k trailer.

Air brakes makes no difference.

 

[3930dave]

I don't pretend to know the USA regs, as I can barely comprehend mine (Ontario).

1) Many trailers are rated at 9990#, for reasons listed above.

2) For the person who started the thread, you might want to evaluate an aluminum trailer.

I'm coming across more and more people who are shelling out the extra $ to go to aluminum. Most of these people are not what I'd call wealthy; as fuel costs continue to climb I expect to see more aluminum trailers sold.

Comparing a 20' Big Tex in steel to a 24' in aluminum, the Aluminum trailer is 700# lighter.

Aluminum Equipment Trailers | Lanchester Trailer

Best Trailer, Best Price | open | flatbed | utility | goosenecks | landscape | auto haulers | ATV | equipment | trailers | Big Tex

Not really an apples to apples comparison, but you get the idea.... I'm not suggesting that is a low cost aluminum trailer, just picked it for an empty weight data point.

The aluminum trailer will give you some load capacity back, and lessen the load on the tow vehicle. Unless you tow only short distances from home, the aluminum trailer will save you fuel as the miles roll on.

Depending on the tractor you choose, an aluminum trailer may be necessary to stay under 10,000#, esp. with attachments.

Enjoy the researching/looking.

Rgds, Dave.

 

[namesray]

my bad on the needing a class a cdl to only tow 10,000 lbs. it is 10,000 lbs but when total gvwr is over 26,000 lbs. like was stated. here are the rules i found that might help. click the website link below and go down a bit on their page or i just copied it here below.

http://www.cdl-course.com/faq-pa.html

When do I need a Pennsylvania CDL instead of my regular Pennsylvania Drivers License?
A Pennsylvania CDL is required if you operate any of the following CMV's . . .
1. A vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs.
2. A vehicle towing a unit with a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. when the GCWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.
3. A vehicle used to . . .(a.) carry 15 or more passengers (excluding the driver), or (b.) carry (15) or less people (including the driver) when carrying children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
4. A vehicle carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.

 

[strum456]

my bad on the needing a class a cdl to only tow 10,000 lbs. it is 10,000 lbs but when total gvwr is over 26,000 lbs. like was stated. here are the rules i found that might help. click the website link below and go down a bit on their page or i just copied it here below.

PENNSYLVANIA CDL TEST | CDL License FAQs | Get Your CDL (Best)

When do I need a Pennsylvania CDL instead of my regular Pennsylvania Drivers License?
A Pennsylvania CDL is required if you operate any of the following CMV's . . .
1. A vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs.
2. A vehicle towing a unit with a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. when the GCWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.
3. A vehicle used to . . .(a.) carry 15 or more passengers (excluding the driver), or (b.) carry (15) or less people (including the driver) when carrying children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
4. A vehicle carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.

Thanks for the info. What is the process for getting a medical card. I wonder why more people dont get them.