Scaled my tow rig

[Duffster]

The law clearly states that Recreational vehicles, Motor homes, personal property, Farm uses, ect is exempt.

If it is so clear why don't you show us where it says this.

 

[Duffster]

I thought the laws go by what the GVW is, 20,000 pounds on the trailer and 10,000? on the truck is 30,000 GVW.

It goes by GVWR. So yes, 20k GVWR trailer plus a 8800 GVR truck = 28,800 GCWR ( or CGVWR).

 

[Duffster]

I do believe he is under 26,000 lbs, unless i'm missing something why would he be considered Commercial use. Just ask'in

What Is a CDL Class B? | eHow.com

EHow? :laughing: That BS in the link should be enough to have them yanked from the WWW.

His combined GVWR is well over 26k. He is considered commercial unless specifically exempted. Like a RV or a farm vehicle. This combinations not a RV even though some would like to think it is.

 

[Duffster]

Classes of License:

from the U.S. DOT web site

The Federal standard requires States to issue a CDL to drivers according to the following license classifications:

Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Class B -- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Class C -- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR Part 172 or is transporting any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73.

all other vehicles fall under non CDL standards.

The state can expand the vehicle group if they wish like I previously said CA is an example of this.

 

[bcp]

Note the part I underlined.



From:
Commercial Driver's License Program (CDL/CDLIS) - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Drivers are required to obtain and hold a CDL if they operate in interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce if they drive a vehicle that meets any of the classifications of a CMV described below.

Classes of License:

The Federal standard requires States to issue a CDL to drivers according to the following license classifications:

Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Class B -- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Class C -- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR Part 172 or is transporting any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73.

 

[ovrszd]

Point #1 is how much lighter your truck is than my 2004 that is identical for the most part and my 06 F-350 that once again is the same for the most part.

Point #2 is that I was in the same boat as you. Had the F-250 and bought a heavier boat. The F-250 was just not enough truck and had to get the F-350.

Chris

Chris, I don't know why our weights would be that much different. I do know the GVWR raised on the Super Duty in later years but I thought that change was 2005?? That would justify a heavier weight, probably heavier frame, etc.

 

[ovrszd]

If I did my math correctly, your two vehicles together weigh 8210lb. You would be pretty close on the gross with a 14k trailer.

Yeah, I agree. Keeps coming back to the same point. I think I would need a heavier duty truck to solve this limitation.

 

[ovrszd]

Sweet setup and if I was you don't worry about 1k of wieght, but it does make me wonder what type of hitch you have in the bed?? How far in front of the axle is the ball on my trucks I like puting them about 6-8inchs infront of the axle which I find adds more wieght to the front than what you are getting.

All and all I would feel very safe to meet you on the highway and feel you have a good grasp on what a safe limit on your set-up is.

Thanks for the support and compliments!!!

I can't remember the brand off hand, but it's a folding ball hitch welded to the truck and bed. I haven't measured it to see where it's located exactly but I don't think it's 6" forward of the rear axle. I'll measure it tonight.

 

[ovrszd]

Echo that comment from RandyT.
I had to get my CDL to upgrade to a tandem dually from a 14K with my F350 Dually. The DOT laws are quite clear, but not enforced consistently.

Yeah I think you are right.

Just a few minutes ago I met a Super Duty SRW pulling a GN dually trailer hauling a Case 580 backhoe. I see that all the time around here. Trailers hauling a variety of equipment, supplies, etc. Obviously hauling waaaayyyyy more weight than I am. I don't believe I've ever saw DOT pull one over.

On the other side of that yesterday one of my Jeeper buddies was talking about a big horse event that was held here a couple weeks ago. People came from several states around us. DOT setup camp just down the road from the event and stopped every trailer that came by. He said there were a LOT of tickets written. I'd just like to have a setup that could get thru something like that.

 

[trailbuilder]

Richard,
Don't be scared by the CDL class A license. You can use your exisiting set up for the test. The book test is fairly easy and the driving test is too. Just make sure you know the pre trip inspection.