Pickups and Legal Trailer Weight Limits

RayH · Nov 21, 2005

(
Iowa has the flowchart in it's CDL pamphlet, also:
Iowa CDL Information )

Thanks Mike, Thats exactly the same chart WV has but I couldnt get it to post. Follow the chart fellas, you do not need a CDL to pull a 10000lbs+ trailer unless the combination is over 26000lbs.PERIOD, (unless its HAZMAT or passenger related) that is federally regulated.

LarryRB · Nov 21, 2005

I've been in these trailer discussions many times before and I will say again, it is local interpretation by the DOT or state police and that interpretation that causes one thing or another. In Connecticut I have to cross the scale every single time because I pull a 12,000 trailer. Loaded, with a L 48 TLB and added implements, and they make sure I cross.. The flow chart that states, is the trailer 10K GVW or more, is the que. They don't care what the pulling power is or if the combined weight is 26K or more, it is a trailer over 10 g's.. For me, it isn't a big deal since I've had a class one, now called CDL 'A" since 1967... My offer in all this discussion is to see how this interpretation is being enforced where ever you live...

RayH · Nov 21, 2005

If you follow the flow chart, the first thing that is asked is it over 26000lbs. yes or no.
I just looked at the CT manual. You need a class 1 noncommercial license and a USDOT number (thats why you stop at scales) to pull your setup. With all due respect, its not about interpretation , its in black and white.
web page

Actually if you read CT manual and DOT definations, NO ONE can operate any commercial vehicle between 10000lbs and 26000lbs GVWR unless its carrying HAZMAT or passengers, then you need a Class C CDL. Its crazy.

QRTRHRS · Nov 25, 2005

( ( the pa dot code is very clear any trailer having a weight rating in excess of 10,000 lbs and you must have a valid CDL and a medical card. it does not matter if it is for your own use or not. If you have it for hire you must also have DOT number clearly posted on truck. )

Please show me.
Theres plenty of info on the internet. Search Penndot. )Look up the PA vehicle code http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/vehicle_code/index.shtml
Chapter 15, section 1504 states the usual Class's vs weights in keeping with FMCS guidelines. Unlike the FMCS guidelines though, there is no distinction between commercial/non commercial.

To the best of my knowledge, for commercial operation, the class's/weights are standard in the lower 48. As has been mentioned, regs vary for non commercial from state to state. Always check but license wise, if you are legal in your home state, you should be legal in others.

Once off of the federal highway system, you may have equipment concerns such as that 102" trailer.

Reading the PA regs, I can't quite discipher the med card requirment for non commercial. I have a class A with everything except the rugrat endorsement.

Also, check this site out for state to state guidlines. http://www.wecamp2.com/size.html /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

tlbuser · Nov 28, 2005

OK, can't stand not adding my experience anymore. I use a 1 ton truck (gvw 10000) to pull a 18000 GVW trailer. I do have USDOT registration and DOT physical card, carry break down triangles and a fire extinguisher. I do stop at scales when loaded and have about a 98% wave off rate. I do use at least 4 tie down chains (grade 43) and lever type load binders. Everytime I've been inspected, I've been legal and I no longer have a CDL. Your state of record is what matters for your license and tag requirements.

tlbuser · Nov 28, 2005

Oh yeah, good luck trying to get a CDL (in Md. at least) just because your trailer is over 10000 GVW. Md. has a demonstrated skills test and they won't allow you to use your 1/2 or 3/4 ton pickup to qualify. Reason being, you would then be licensed to drive bigger stuff, but you wouldn't really be qualified to operate it.

kcook · Nov 28, 2005

( OK, can't stand not adding my experience anymore. I use a 1 ton truck (gvw 10000) to pull a 18000 GVW trailer. I do have USDOT registration and DOT physical card, carry break down triangles and a fire extinguisher. I do stop at scales when loaded and have about a 98% wave off rate. I do use at least 4 tie down chains (grade 43) and lever type load binders. Everytime I've been inspected, I've been legal and I no longer have a CDL. Your state of record is what matters for your license and tag requirements. )

Try grade 7 chains they are DOT requirements.

KC

tlbuser · Nov 28, 2005

No, they (grade 7? or 70) are not. What is in the DOT rulebook is working load limits. Check section 393.

NHWOODSMAN · Nov 28, 2005

I have my CDL A no restrictions and this is how I see it. In New Hampshire and I think ME, VT and MA you need a class B licence if your combined weight is over 26000 pounds, if you are over 26000 pounds gross and your trailer being over 10000 pounds then you need a cdl A. If you are under 26000 pounds even with a trailer over 10000 pounds you do not need a CDL. Class C is for any vehicle requiring placarded hazmat, passengers over 16 including driver (this does not constitute a bus endorsement) and tank vehicles. These are essentially the same as the Federal guidelines.
Now if you are a commercial outfit and need any CDL and are crossing state lines you need to be part of the Interstate fuel agreement (IFTA) for all states you will enter, logging miles, aveage miles per gallon and pay the states accordingly for their road tax. This is done montly or quarterly buy buisnesses if I remember correctly.
I forget who posted earlier about not being able to take a Class A skills test with their 10000 pound truck and 18000 pound trailer, their is nothing federally that says you can't. If your trailer is a pintle or ball mount (not a fith wheel) then you will have to have a pintle restriction on your license preventing you from driving a TT unit, you will probably have an Air break restriction as well. However you will need to pass the appropriate written test and probably have to go through a pre trip inspection test, parking and manuvering test, and a road test by your state. Hope this helps some.

RayH · Nov 28, 2005

God, am I glad some people with actually CDL experience that have personal knowledge of the laws and not getting it second or third hand have finally joined in. It was getting frustrating standing alone and ridiculous copying every state manual trying to prove my point.