Why virtually no single axle 5,000 lb GVWR cargo trailers

[Copperhead]

Best bet is to visit the FMCSA web site and FMSCA SAFER to determine when you need what credentials FEDERALLY...Remember though, you still have to contact each state.
there are servi e provixers out tbere that claim to know all this for you...they don't.

And keep in mind, Federal regulations in this regard only apply if one crosses state lines. Within a state, state regulation apply. Many states follow the FMCSA stuff, but some really go their own way when it comes to intrastate.

 

[RandyT]

And keep in mind, Federal regulations in this regard only apply if one crosses state lines. Within a state, state regulation apply. Many states follow the FMCSA stuff, but some really go their own way when it comes to intrastate.

Very true. California basically requires anybody towing a trailer over 10K to have a CDL but I can drive my pickup truck towing a 14K trailer into California without one,

 

[sawtooth]

Over 10k requires a CDL? Really? We all know that state is really strange anyways. It’s almost like they are another country all together. Lol

 

[ultrarunner]

Yep... it is a big deal unless you happen to by towing a boat or camper... then the 10k restriction doesn't apply.

A lot of trailers are de-rated here... mine is 12k but the plate for California is 9,980 lbs.

Same with pick ups... Ford offers option to de-rate the F250 and F350 Super Duty...

 

[4570Man]

Over 10k requires a CDL? Really? We all know that state is really strange anyways. It’s almost like they are another country all together. Lol

That’s internet BS. Pulling a trailer that weighs over 10k yes illegal in some states. Pulling a 14,000 stamped trailer loaded to 9,000 legal in at least the upper 48.

 

[terryknight]

That’s internet BS. Pulling a trailer that weighs over 10k yes illegal in some states. Pulling a 14,000 stamped trailer loaded to 9,000 legal in at least the upper 48.

in CA if you have a GVWR on a trailer that is not a RV or boat you need a CDL A.

fourth bullet point under "who needs a CDL"

Section 1: Introduction

they also have lots of other "special" rules just for them

 

[Copperhead]

Some states do some bizarre things. The CDL standard is set by the FMCSA and is primarily meant for Commercial users. Even a 1/2 ton van that is hauling some types of hazmat, the driver is required to have a CDL with hazmat endorsement. Weight of vehicle has nothing to do with it. And the CDL wasn't intended for a private user using a pickup truck and 14K rated trailer for their personal stuff, but some states have taken it upon themselves to set that standard. Of course, along with the CDL thing, comes the requirement for medical certification tied to it. No longer a separate medical card. The medical certification must be sent into DMV and tied to the CDL in the system.

Government dweebs sure come up with a lot of nonsense that affects the average person out here in the cheap seats. I have a CDL A with all endorsements, but I am involved in commercial trucking. For the average person with a pickup truck and trailer, it makes no sense to saddle the average user with such nonsense and is just a hassle and cost that they shouldn't have to deal with. Maybe an endorsement of some sort on a standard drivers license, but not a full blown CDL.

 

[RandyT]

Copperhead, You bring up some interesting situations with your post. The guy driving the 1/2 ton van with Hazmat wouldn't qualify to take the driving test for his CDL in the 1/2 ton van he would be driving. He would need to borrow, seal, rent a CDL class B truck to take the test in. Just like they won't let the guy driving the F450 pulling a gooseneck to take the CDL class A road test since that license would allow the guy to drive a tractor trailer.

 

[Copperhead]

Copperhead, You bring up some interesting situations with your post. The guy driving the 1/2 ton van with Hazmat wouldn't qualify to take the driving test for his CDL in the 1/2 ton van he would be driving. He would need to borrow, seal, rent a CDL class B truck to take the test in. Just like they won't let the guy driving the F450 pulling a gooseneck to take the CDL class A road test since that license would allow the guy to drive a tractor trailer.

Even a small van driver for the local public school system, that is nothing more than a 6-8 passenger vehicle is still required to have a CDL and passenger bus endorsement. So while they are driving a small van, they still have to jump thru the hoops like the guy driving the 1/2 ton van carrying 100 lb of radioactive material. Both must take the CDL general exam and skills test. Only difference is one is going the passenger bus route and the other going the hazmat route.

Yep, to do the skills test portion, they would have to get the appropriate vehicle for the test. I am oft amazed at how those who have never gone thru the CDL testing regimen can drive a huge class A RV and tow behind it while someone that is a small bus driver or van driver hauling hazmat has to jump thru all the hoops. But as a side note, I have driven 49 states and most of Canada for decades and I have never seen a class A RV that has done a full gainer in the ditch. I suppose it has happened somewhere. On the other hand, I have seen a lot of accidents of pickups pulling trailers, and many who have a CDL do some pretty stupid things with a vehicle and end up in some wild, contorted positions in a ditch.

CDL or not, one cannot fix stupid.

 

[Bootstrap]

I've been looking for a cargo trailer, 6' by 12' or 14' and can't find one on the web that uses 5,000 lb axle. I called the local "Custom" trailer shop and they only do 3,500 lb axles, single or dual.

Is there some law I don't know about?

I've a vehicle w/ a 5K tow rating.
Virginia has been written about on TBN as having the police stop and check the axles etc. to determine if you are pulling too much, so getting a tandem derated to 5K lbs would not work well in this case.

/edit - it seems like many places will swap out two 3,500 lb axle for two 5,200 lb axles for ~ $1,500.

When you say cargo trailer, do you mean enclosed or open trailer? I run a trailer sales shop,I have Diamond C 77肺 12 With a single 5200lb axle with brakes. I also have a PJ 83 x 13 tilt equipment trailer with a single 7k axle. The 5200 lb springs are a direct bolt in to replace the 3500 lb suspension. If you mean a cargo trailer,I can check options tomorrow. The enclosed trailer MFG痴 may not offer a single 5200 lb though.