7k trailer weight

[cperky]

I have an 18' tandem 7k metal bed car hauler(bumper hitch). If I were to be pulled over by law enforcement and they were to check my weight would I be over if:

I have a total of 7500 lbs trailer+cargo but the weight was distributed so that 7k was on the axle and 500 on the tounge/tow vehicle rear?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[JB4310]

We were talking about that same situation not long ago, I don't know if we came to a conclusion, if they weighed the axles it would not be over, but if the inspector had half a brain he would know you have weight on the tongue, so I don't know if they would then try and weigh the jack stand?
Some one mentioned that on goose neck trailers the combined axle weight rating is less than the trailers GVW, cause they figure the G-necks have a higher percentage of weight on the pin.
JB,

 

[john_bud]

The solid 100% answer is, probably!

If you are pulled over and he pulls out the scales and the 4 tires come in at 7000, you are probably toast. Why?

1) The load would need to be evenly distributed across the 2 axles. 3500 # each per the spec on the axles. You would most likely be nabbed here.

2) The load would need to be evenly distributed between the 2 tires on each axle and not exceed the load cap of the rim or tires

3) The cop would probably put his 5th scale under the tongue.



Now if you have the load secured in a neat and professional manor with quality chain & binders and you are polite - you may walk. In some cases you could be looking at a stack of tickets if they decide you are commercial and don't have USDOT numbers, inspections, com insurance, triangles. fire ext, etc etc etc.

I've had the DOT enforcer get up right on my bumper and inspect my binders at 55 mph. It's why I use chain and ratchet binders! If he feels comfy, I feel comfy (because it means its being done safely!).

 

[firedog]

Well I guess I'll cast the disenting vote here. (this is based on my understanding of the regs & driving a rig. Your experiences may vary)
The weight rating of the trailer is based on the axle ratings not the opposite. In other words, the 7K rating is a number generated by the axle load capacity not a set in stone number for the overall trailer.
I have never been asked to separate the trailer from the truck or even seen a calulation done with that respect. I've rolled thru weigh stations, both POE and portable and this is the way it's gone every time.
the front tractor axles first, then the rear tractor tandems, and then the trailer tandems. (if portables are used then each axle at a time).
They look for overweight axles (or axle sets) and overall weight. If I'm over the axle rating; I'm busted, or if I'm over my registered weight; I'm busted.

If say your weight is distributed so that each trailer axle weighs 3400 lbs, but the rear truck axle is over then you'll probably get cited. (but on a good day they just might let you redistribute your weight to try and bring it down.)
If your under on all your weights, you're good to go.

Some years ago, a buddy of mine rolled thru a POE scale 6K over max (80K) and was able to convince them that it was due to ice buildup on the pipe he was hauling. They bought it and gave him a hour to bust the ice loose and re-weigh.

 

[firedog]

I guess the other thing is, that if you have to jockey your weight around to keep the axles under the limit, then you probably need a bigger setup or a smaller load.

 

[Soundguy]

I'd like to add to the probably good info already displayed here.. is that if you are not a comercial driver hauling a comercial load.. and IF your load looks safe, safely tied down, all lamps working, and tag in place and lit.. tires looking good.. plenty of securely fitting load binders or straps or whatever.. and the truck ain't bouncing downt he highway, or fishtailing.. or your rear isn't squatted to 2" of the ground.. and you are not speeding... DOT probably ain't gonna look you over much past that.. It's hard to 'eyeball' 500# overweight on a rig..

I just made a 2300 mile round trip run to texas from florida... went thru missippi, alabama, lousiana into and out of texas.. etc.

passed plenty of weight scales. Some were the drive thru to the right kind.. some had a camera setup and told you if you could bypass the scale.

I'm not sure if i was suposed to drive thru the scales or not.. but i didn't see any other pickup trucks with trailers hitting them.. so i didn't.. I was hauling a 16' car hauler and an old ford tractor with a dismantled loader frame tucked under it. I must have probably been right at max weight for the trailer ( but way under for the truck combined )..

Saw plenty of DOT.. some were parked along the road zipping in and getting semi's dodging scales.. had them pass me before.. and passed plenty of scales that had a row of cars waiting outside.. never got a second glance... my 'bet' is that they don't scrutinize non comercial vehicles that look fairly safe and legal.. that's just an opinion... if we have any LEO's here.. lets see what they say..

soundguy

 

[firedog]

.......and you are not speeding.....

.......into and out of texas.......

must of been speeding .........I didn't even see you

 

[cperky]

Thanks for the replies and input. I have tried to search my state dot website but I have a hard time getting through all the mumbo jumbo. I hope I don't find out from first hand experience

Chris

 

[Soundguy]

must of been speeding .........I didn't even see you

I-10 to houston.. then seally, then north.. on?? ( 35 or 36.. ).. and then back again.

No speeding.. but had 2 drivers so we drove straight thru.. except for a small rest stop and to wait for the sun to come up a lil to load the tractor.

soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

Thanks for the replies and input. I have tried to search my state dot website but I have a hard time getting through all the mumbo jumbo. I hope I don't find out from first hand experience

Chris

Gov't websites aren't actually designed to help you... same with most of the gov't programs..

soundguy