mikehaugen
Elite Member
Every vehicle I have owned (cars included) have had this information on the sticker in the door jamb. Trailer... well they "should" have this information on a placard somewhere, but as you said, they aren't always there.
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Every vehicle I have owned (cars included) have had this information on the sticker in the door jamb. Trailer... well they "should" have this information on a placard somewhere, but as you said, they aren't always there.
Copperhead
Veteran Member
And even if a semi truck has a 600 hp 2050 lb torque engine under the hood, when hauling livestock they are going to accelerate at a slower pace than what they could do with a dry box full of some other product. You don't need livestock falling down and being trampled. Only advantage to the power in that kind of setup is less downshifting on grades and being able to maintain a good pace when up to speed on the highway.
But for anything else, a livestock hauler would brake like they had only one working brake, accelerate like they only had a Honda 4 cylinder engine, and take corners like the truck might tip over at any moment. When these things are not an issue, then yes, do 80 mph if you want. Once they are moving, cattle could give a rip how fast you are going, except it is less stressful on them to get where you are going quicker and get them unloaded.
But for anything else, a livestock hauler would brake like they had only one working brake, accelerate like they only had a Honda 4 cylinder engine, and take corners like the truck might tip over at any moment. When these things are not an issue, then yes, do 80 mph if you want. Once they are moving, cattle could give a rip how fast you are going, except it is less stressful on them to get where you are going quicker and get them unloaded.
DavesTractor
Elite Member
Our DOT guys tend to pretty much know axle ratings, but I'd say they would look for tags on the truck door jamb for the truck first, then look for the trailer tag. If you have no tag on the trailer, I'm not sure what they do, but I'm pretty sure they would make it your problem. Probably fine you for not having a tag! At minimum they will look at tire ratings and do the math and make sure you are not over that.
The best way to not get checked by the CHP commercial guys in our area is to properly secure your load and make sure your breakaway chains are hooked up correctly and are obvious. If you look like a yard sale on the way to the dump....you are just too tempting of a target.
Copperhead
Veteran Member
That's pretty much it. DOT is more up to speed on what pickups can do than most folks realize. And they are going to look at OEM axle ratings and tires. You could be legal with axles but not with tires. They can get pretty picky if you give them reason to. Commercial drivers deal with this all the time. The DOT LEO's are paid by the hour, so they could care less how much time they spend with you. They have reams of manuals or can make lots of calls and can determine a lot without manufacturer tags showing axle limits and such. Best thing is to know all the details yourself and not make yourself a target. The more you look legit, the less chance they will take notice.
Can't speak to other states, but Iowa is spending a lot more time with personal users, farm owners, and others towing with pickups. Seems to be a trend. And if you are doing anything related to business use and farm stuff, if you are over 10,000 lb GCW you better have your CDL and medical certification up to date.
Can't speak to other states, but Iowa is spending a lot more time with personal users, farm owners, and others towing with pickups. Seems to be a trend. And if you are doing anything related to business use and farm stuff, if you are over 10,000 lb GCW you better have your CDL and medical certification up to date.
