Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements

[Omega Woods]

On a different thread, I've discussed possibly getting a small truck, trailer and mini excavator and the feedback I've received has been very helpful. Now, I have a specific question regarding weights and CDL requirements.

If I have a class 6 truck (GVW 19501-26000) that have a bed empty, fueled weight of 10k pounds, then I should be able to put up to 7.99 tons of gravel it it and still be below the CDL requirements, correct?

If I have a trailer and mini ex that weighs 9900 pounds and pull it with that same truck (empty, of course), then I am still below CDL requirements, correct?

I want to make absolutely certain I understand what the rules are before I go buying a truck and excavator only to discover I've missed something with the weight and CDL requirements.

I've read the DOT website requirements and I think I understand but I trust you folks to give me insights that can't be gleaned from just reading government regulations.

Thanks!

 

[LD1]

Truck under 26k + trailer under 10k = no CDL. Keep it to a "27" class excavator (~6000lbs)

 

[Tinhack]

Is this for business or personal use?

 

[Omega Woods]

Is this for business or personal use?

Both. Why?

 

[Omega Woods]

Truck under 26k + trailer under 10k = no CDL. Keep it to a "27" class excavator (~6000lbs)

Just so I'm clear. This means that the total of both truck and trailer, including load, must be under 26k. Is that right?

 

[Snobdds]

Just so I'm clear. This means that the total of both truck and trailer, including load, must be under 26k. Is that right?

correct

 

[Hay Dude]

On a different thread, I've discussed possibly getting a small truck, trailer and mini excavator and the feedback I've received has been very helpful. Now, I have a specific question regarding weights and CDL requirements.

1. If I have a class 6 truck (GVW 19501-26000) that have a bed empty, fueled weight of 10k pounds, then I should be able to put up to 7.99 tons of gravel it it and still be below the CDL requirements, correct?

2. If I have a trailer and mini ex that weighs 9900 pounds and pull it with that same truck (empty, of course), then I am still below CDL requirements, correct?

3. I want to make absolutely certain I understand what the rules are before I go buying a truck and excavator only to discover I've missed something with the weight and CDL requirements.

I've read the DOT website requirements and I think I understand but I trust you folks to give me insights that can't be gleaned from just reading government regulations.

Thanks!

1. Yes or 15,999lbs, but theres few trucks in that class that weight 10,000lbs empty. If we are talking something like an F-650 dump truck, expect to be about 13,000-15,000 empty.
2. Based on the assumption that it’s 10,000lbs empty, yes. I would add my Ram 5500 crew cab weighs 11,000lbs so I kind of doubt you’ll be 10,000lbs. My IH7500 truck weighs ~14,000lbs with no bed on it empty.
3. That’s exactly what you should do.

 

[Peter 315]

You also need usdot numbers..

 

[LD1]

Just so I'm clear. This means that the total of both truck and trailer, including load, must be under 26k. Is that right?

NO, that is not what I ment.

States may superceed (r be more strict) than federal requirements.

But per federal, you can be 36000 and NOT need a CDL. Truck 26k or less, trailer 10k or less. So if you have a 26k truck and a 10k trailer....no CDL per Federal. (state may require it though). Just keep the mini a a 27 class or less. A 35 class mini is pushing your luck on a 10k trailer

 

[LD1]

correct

Could vary by state. But that is not a federal requirement. Federal allows 36k