New Utility Trailer + Wimpy Truck

[4570Man]

So is it against the law to tow a trailer that has a higher capacity than your truck is rated for even if it’s empty? I’m new to trailers so I have no idea.

I’ve never heard of such a law.

 

[aczlan]

So is it against the law to tow a trailer that has a higher capacity than your truck is rated for even if it痴 empty? I知 new to trailers so I have no idea.

It is in some states.

Aaron Z

 

[3930dave]

So is it against the law to tow a trailer that has a higher capacity than your truck is rated for even if it痴 empty? I知 new to trailers so I have no idea.

Depends where you are... and I don't know the regs in your State.

In this neck 'o woods, unless you have an SMV sign on a slow moving farm trailer (depending how far your dump site is, that may be an option for you....), then the least hassle to own regulation wise is a single axle trailer. Dual+ axle utility trailers here tend to get regulated as if they are commercial, regardless of personal use.....

Regs often aren't intuitive, so check with your DOT before buying a trailer. In areas with heavy enforcement, getting written up by DOT can be seriously spendy....

Rgds, D.

 

[gilraine]

id like you to find that law. as long as you are not overweight on any axles or tires you are legal. GCWR is not a legally enforceable rating.

 

[4570Man]

I’d like to see the law that says I can’t put my lawnmower on my Big Tex trailer and hook it behind a new F-150. The trailer GVWR is 23,900 which is about double a F-150s tow rating, but it’s only 5800 pounds empty well within a new half ton trucks tow rating. How much hitch weight can a F-150 take on a GN legally? That’s probably the limiting factor in that setup. Btw I’m not recommending using a 10 ton GN behind a half ton truck. That trailer cost twice as much and weighs twice as much as something more suitable for the job.

 

[Reb954]

It is hard for me to imagine a state would prohibit someone from pulling an empty or lightly loaded trailer that is rated for more weight than the pulling vehicle is rated for. But with that said, it is also hard for me to imagine that law abiding citizens would be prohibited from owning a handgun in certain states/cities.

I guess it comes down to, it is what the law abiding citizens have allowed to happen or allowed to continue to happen.

 

[robertsa]

I’d like to see the law that says I can’t put my lawnmower on my Big Tex trailer and hook it behind a new F-150. The trailer GVWR is 23,900 which is about double a F-150s tow rating, but it’s only 5800 pounds empty well within a new half ton trucks tow rating. How much hitch weight can a F-150 take on a GN legally? That’s probably the limiting factor in that setup. Btw I’m not recommending using a 10 ton GN behind a half ton truck. That trailer cost twice as much and weighs twice as much as something more suitable for the job.

The pin weight on an F150 depends on configuration so varies greatly, just like the SD. Ford makes it easy to look up though: RV & Trailer Towing Guides
| fleet.ford.com

I'd also like someone who says you can't haul a higher GVWR trailer than tow capacity of the truck to show that law. I looked for a while and couldn't find anything for any state about it. I'm not saying it isn't true but came up empty when searching.

If it were true here, it'd be a nightmare. Just about everyone owns a tandem with at least 3500lb axles underneath it. Most people on the roads with a trailer would be breaking that law.

 

[3930dave]

Example from a Canadian province:

When Is a Yellow Sticker Required for Motor Vehicles/Trailers in Ontario? - First Place Trailers

Combined over 10k# - deemed commercial. Only exemption AFAIK is an SUV with all the seats still installed.

Not the trailer issue discussed, and of no direct use to OP..... just cited that as an example of how heavily regulated certain jurisdictions are......

Can be an unpleasant surprise to the wallet if you just look at new truck specs and think "Great, now I can do ____________" and start pulling away loaded.

What is legal in one jurisdiction can be an expensive stop in another one.....

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Looks like VA considers 10k# towed CDL territory. Not OP's immediate target, but FYI....

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/dmv109.pdf

Rgds, D.

 

[terryknight]

Looks like VA considers 10k# towed CDL territory. Not OP's immediate target, but FYI....

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/dmv109.pdf

Rgds, D.

i've never heard of the laws that we are talking about and i can't fin anything in the PDF about 10K requiring a CDL

OP you can do it either way save and buy a truck first and a trailer second, or buy the trailer now and upgrade the truck at a later date.just don't over load your ridgeline.