Towing with a Tundra - FYI

Bird · Dec 25, 2005

Daryl, I was about 40# smaller back then. It was OK once in it, but a little awkward getting in and out. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I even found this picture on the Internet that looks like the boat Dad had. And here's another picture. The only difference is that we had an Evinrude motor. Of course, pulling that boat with the Sprite would pull my gas mileage all the way down to 25 mpg. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

5030 · Dec 25, 2005

Being a commercial driver and a part time farmer, this whole thread was interesting.

Other than Bird being able to fit in the sprite physically (I know I can't), it seems we all push the law at one time or another.

No matter how big, wide, high or overlimits the load is remember one thing.... If you are involved in an accident, any accident whether it is you fault or not, moving or stationary, it becomes your fault. That is the law in any state of the Union, period.

Furthermore, with revenues dwindling for states and local municipalities, motor carrier and local law enforcement officers are actively looking for all violations of the law and that includes overweight and non DOT compliant vehicles.

One thing I can tell you folks for certain is that each and every enforcer of the complicated and sometime unclear ICC regulations can and will interpret those rules and regulations as they see fit and will fine you accordingly. Yes, you can go to court for a judges interpretation, but most likely you will pay a fine in the end, and, most likely, wind up with points on your license.

Those regulations don't just apply to big trucks, they apply to all trucks, pickup trucks pulling trailers, goosenecks, RV's, whatever. Just because you are hauling your CUT from the dealer to home or wherever don't exempt you from those rules.

It would be wise for anyone pulling anything to stop at the Secretary of State's office and get a free copy of the regs and read them to make sure you are compliant.

I have seen many threads here about load securement. Load securement is plainly stated in the regs. Types of chains and grades are also discussed as well as straps and legal width of straps. Remember, when you are hauling a secured load and it comes off the trailer, you might damage your load and you might kill the person following you. The consequences of poorly secured loads can be devistating to say the least, both from a monetary standpoint and from a legal (being sued) standpoint.

It's much better to play it SAFE and LEGAL than to get bit.

Jstpssng · Dec 25, 2005

( Is it that much "safer" to tow with an auto than a manual, NO) Actually I believe that is because of the gearing. Modern manual trannies are too high geared in 1st and second; whereas the auot compensates somewhat.
I'd still rather have a manual myself, though.JMHO, but operator experience has as much to do with safety as anything else; many of you can haul a large load safely without brakes; vs a novice like myself. It would be difficult to write laws to compensate that, however.

One thing that irks many commercial drivers is that campers are exempt from most laws. Camper trailers have their own registration, and how they get away with those car caddies without brakes I'll never know. I even saw someone towing a "Hummer" with a towbar; put that behind my truck and I'd have to have brakes for it, as well as a higher weight rating on my pickup.

Dateacha; PLEASE tell me you were joking about that load of lumber!! Because that bit about people in the bucket with the tractor bouncing the tires off the ground is one of the scariest things I've ever heard of. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Bird · Dec 25, 2005

The advice from Daryl (5030) is very good advice. As for towing the Hummer behind a motorhome, do you know whether the brakes worked on the Hummer? We have friends who have a motorhome with brakes, and they only town a full sized Honda sedan, but there is an air line with a quick coupler from the motorhome to the car so that when he applies the brakes on the motorhome, the car's brakes are also applied.

Jstpssng · Dec 25, 2005

( but there is an air line )

OK, that makes sense. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

LarryRB · Dec 25, 2005

( Modern manual trannies are too high geared in 1st and second; whereas the auot compensates somewhat.
)
I doubt this.. I have a Dodge Cummins diesel with 6sp manual, and I can walk as fast as this thing can move in first gear,, A slow gallop, and I can keep up with 2cnd too.

Jstpssng · Dec 25, 2005

( I have a Dodge Cummins diesel with 6sp manual ) How does that effect your tow rating? You have a heavier truck, more designed for working than the half tons which started this discussion.

5030 · Dec 25, 2005

I'd agree concerning Ford, Dodge and Chevy, but the import trucks are geared higher in lower gears, don't have the clutch diameter or the big brakes. Somehow, I can't see a Tundra or any imported pickup being stout like a Dodge 3500 or a Ford F350. I can see a Tundra in the bed of my 350 though. Pretty good load but nowhere capacity.

In as much as towing with a slush-o-matic, remember kids, you have to get rid of the heat just like a hydrostatic tractor and the factory transmission coolers are marginal. Heat kills seals and I don't mean the oceanic ones.

Farmwithjunk · Dec 25, 2005

I agree with most of what you said. However, I take exception to the comparison between a 3500 Dodge or the F350 Ford being compared to a Tundra. That's a 1/2 ton vs. a couple 1-tons. A fair comparison would be with Tundra vs. F150. That being said, I wouldn't try towing much of anything with ANY brand of 1/2 ton truck. You can "get away with it" for a while, but you'll regret it at some stage.

I've towed a trailer weighing (with cargo) around 10,800 lbs behind my Dodge 2500 AUTOMATIC averaging over 15,000 a year (40,000 yearly average on truck, total) Never a whimper from the automatic. I made but ONE modification to the truck from stock. The addition of a GOOD transmission temperature gauge. So far, only miniscule temperature rise when towing (in the hottest months of summer)

I'm 110% in agreement with the need for commercial and NON commercial trucks (and trailers) to be in compliance with DOT regs. I scoff at all the folks who think theycan interpret these laws to their benifit. The DOT officer or a judge doesn't care in the slightest what your, my, or anyones interpretation of the law is. They already have THEIR version that will determine how much of a fine you'll be facing

BE LEGAL. BE SAFE.

5030 · Dec 25, 2005

Junk:

The thread is about a Tundra towing a BIG load. My statement is simply that a BIG load belongs behind a BIG truck whatever the brand. Enough said.

Merry Christmas to you.