Virginia DMV rules and How do you verify GVWR?

[pclausen]

I live in Virginia and have towed the following on Interstates and through cities:

And

I have permanent tags on the 14k trailer and a non-truck (under 7500 lbs) tag on the truck (no front tag due to a winch being mounted there). I did the regular tags on the truck as I would not otherwise qualify for the personal property vehicle tax relief program even though I don't use the truck commercially.

I have never been pulled over and have passed/been passed by several LEOs, even in town.

That boom lift is about 12.5K (the JD 6405 w/ FEL and filled tires about the same), the trailer empty is 4.8k, the truck empty is 8.2k, so the whole rig was around 25.5k. I think Chevy rated the 2002 3500 at 22k GCWR, but I have never left like I was being unsafe or straining the truck.

If I ever did get pulled over hauling that kind of load, I wonder how much trouble I would get in?

 

[thatguy]

I live in Virginia and have towed the following on Interstates and through cities:

And

I have permanent tags on the 14k trailer and a non-truck (under 7500 lbs) tag on the truck (no front tag due to a winch being mounted there). I did the regular tags on the truck as I would not otherwise qualify for the personal property vehicle tax relief program even though I don't use the truck commercially.

I have never been pulled over and have passed/been passed by several LEOs, even in town.

That boom lift is about 12.5K (the JD 6405 w/ FEL and filled tires about the same), the trailer empty is 4.8k, the truck empty is 8.2k, so the whole rig was around 25.5k. I think Chevy rated the 2002 3500 at 22k GCWR, but I have never left like I was being unsafe or straining the truck.

If I ever did get pulled over hauling that kind of load, I wonder how much trouble I would get in?

I talked with a DMV weigh enforcement agent when I tagged my 2500 Dodge/Ram/Cummins - he recommended that I go same as you 7500 lbs car tags.. That way they would have to weigh the truck and trailer separately if they wanted to check your weight.. The truck and trailer would stand alone vs having the truck grossed enough to cover truck + Trailer + load..

IF they wanted to stop you, they mostly focus on commercial trucks, you would probably get a ticket/summons for being over gross on the trailer for approximately 3,300 lbs it seems (Trailer EW + Load = 17.3k > trailer gross of 14)

Brian

 

[Dmace]

IF they wanted to stop you, they mostly focus on commercial trucks, you would probably get a ticket/summons for being over gross on the trailer for approximately 3,300 lbs it seems (Trailer EW + Load = 17.3k > trailer gross of 14)

Technically, if he had the proper 20% tongue weight 3500 lbs +/- then the trailer wouldn't be overloaded.

 

[pclausen]

Thanks guys. In another thread the tongue weight came up which basically means my payload capacity would technically be 12,700 lbs, which I don't believe I have ever exceeded. Maybe that's why they have been leaving me alone?

I will go ahead and get some binders and chains for hauling these loads around instead of the straps I currently use.

Well, I feel better now. Thanks!

 

[thatguy]

The reason they are leaving you alone is that they dont mess with the small fish.. There are always bigger fish (log trucks, dump trucks, tractors w/dump trailers) that draw their attention, and these generate bigger revenue and more high profile..

b

Thanks guys. In another thread the tongue weight came up which basically means my payload capacity would technically be 12,700 lbs, which I don't believe I have ever exceeded. Maybe that's why they have been leaving me alone?

I will go ahead and get some binders and chains for hauling these loads around instead of the straps I currently use.

Well, I feel better now. Thanks!

 

[Duffster]

Md. goes on to define a non-commercial trailer as being 10K or less.

Where?