Full Version: Proper Tow Vehicles A Must!
Because of this very topic is the reason I flew back to Tennesse to pick up a semi this last thurs(I read this topic when I got home). I have been pulling a 38ft 5th wheel for 2 years with a duramax and have not felt safe, its been over loaded and hard to stop. Its just a matter of time before something was going to happen I believe,not to say it can't happen with this new setup either but it is better than what I had. I hope things go ok for your friend we all can learn from this story!
| QUOTE (ntenufsun @ Jul 19 2004, 03:58 PM) |
| [QUOTE] [QUOTE]With full water, 1/2 tank of fuel and no toys... tongue weight goes to 1800lbs.[/QUOTE] This is usually my setup. So, since I have 1000lb distrubrution tongue rated hitch, what steps do I have to make to get back to the legal confines? Is it as easy as buying another hitch? Really would like to know. Jeff |
One way to get legal is to install a Reese Titan V receiver, it is rated at 17,000/1,700lbs.
Your WD system would then have to be all Reese Titan stuff. It is all rated at 14,000lbs total weight and 1700lbs tongue weight.
Or you can look at a Hensley or Pullrite system which I think are rated at 20,000lbs, but I don't know as much about these as I do the Reese Stuff.
I upgraded my receiver to the Reese Titan V and am running the Equalizer brand WD hitch rated at 1,400/14,000lbs with a 30,000lb ball on top.
I never tow with only water, it is either empty or water plus quads so I know I am within my tow limits.
| QUOTE |
| my dad tows our heavy flat bed trailer with just my bike about 80 mph all the way to elsinore |
| QUOTE |
| spending all that money to be safe and sound sometimes isnt an option |
| QUOTE |
| Cost difference= a lot! Cost of being liable in an accident like the one described in this thread= infinite! |
That story is so sad it's unreal. NO amount of money can replace the lost life of a loved one. I am jus dyin inside reading this thread. Stay off the road if you cant afford to be safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bet there will be alot of eyes open when the season comes around, I know when I was pulling my 38' 5er with my F350 I thought I was fine, then when I started looking into weights and limits, I thought to myself, if I am over then I know that guy is over, and that guy, and that guy, I have no doubt in my mind that 70% of people that tow stuff is either over their max, or unsafe in some way shape or form, the most nervous part of going to the dunes is the drive home around all those people.
Tell me you have not been passed up by some idiot trying to get passed you after the 86/78 turnoff
Hell Im doin 55-65 hauling a trailer and idiots are still on my ass.
Stupid effers
Slow the eff down
Hell Im doin 55-65 hauling a trailer and idiots are still on my ass.
Stupid effers
Slow the eff down
| QUOTE (Screamin Ian @ Jul 19 2004, 11:32 PM) |
| ... if I am over then I know that guy is over, and that guy, and that guy, I have no doubt in my mind that 70% of people that tow stuff is either over their max, or unsafe in some way shape or form, the most nervous part of going to the dunes is the drive home around all those people. |
On a trip home from a pre- Thanksgiving trip, I counted 109 F250/350/Duramax/whatever else pulling huge toy haulers from the INS checkpoint to Lake Henshaw. Never thought about it then but, it was basically a constant line of rigs (there were smaller ones I didn't count... I was counting the "big" set-ups) going about 60 mph. I started counting at that point because I was going
from Glamis to that point... so much money out there it's UNREAL.It would suck if one guys setup failed and put the test to everyone behind him.
Sure was a pretty sight though.
a friend has an fs30 and got the titan with the 1700# bars and the reese duel cam set up. you also need sway control. and make sure your break away break cable is shorter than your safty chains.
| QUOTE (ntenufsun @ Jul 19 2004, 03:58 PM) | ||||
I thought about doing this but didn't know if it was legal for nontruckers to get their stuff weighed. So it's alright and no one will flip out(i.e: police)?
This is usually my setup. So, since I have 1000lb distrubrution tongue rated hitch, what steps do I have to make to get back to the legal confines? Is it as easy as buying another hitch? Really would like to know. Jeff |
I own a 100 foot scale in Fontana and one in Rancho Cucamonga. If anyone out there wants to check out their weights, just p.m. me to get directions. No charge of course.
great topic!
Where in SD are there public scales?
here's my set-up:
2004 Duramax soon to be lifted with 35 "E" rated tires.
Would I need to upgrade the OEM receiver for the below trailer/hitch combo?
I have a ultrahitch.com rapid hitch (work of art) rated at 10,000 lb. Trailer GVWR and 1,500 lb. Tongue weight.
I am looking at trying this trailer out:
http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/specs/s.asp?model=GB260FS
It's GVWR is 11,400 (fully loaded). Will I be towing safe if this is fully loaded?
Should I get a distribution set-up?
Where in SD are there public scales?
here's my set-up:
2004 Duramax soon to be lifted with 35 "E" rated tires.
Would I need to upgrade the OEM receiver for the below trailer/hitch combo?
I have a ultrahitch.com rapid hitch (work of art) rated at 10,000 lb. Trailer GVWR and 1,500 lb. Tongue weight.
I am looking at trying this trailer out:
http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/specs/s.asp?model=GB260FS
It's GVWR is 11,400 (fully loaded). Will I be towing safe if this is fully loaded?
Should I get a distribution set-up?
| QUOTE (Mike330R @ Jul 20 2004, 06:54 AM) |
| great topic! Where in SD are there public scales? here's my set-up: 2004 Duramax soon to be lifted with 35 "E" rated tires. Would I need to upgrade the OEM receiver for the below trailer/hitch combo? I have a ultrahitch.com rapid hitch (work of art) rated at 10,000 lb. Trailer GVWR and 1,500 lb. Tongue weight. I am looking at trying this trailer out: http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/specs/s.asp?model=GB260FS It's GVWR is 11,400 (fully loaded). Will I be towing safe if this is fully loaded? Should I get a distribution set-up? |
You need a new receiver rated higher since the trailer has a GVWR of over 10,000lbs.
You will need the Titan V or Pullrite hitch Class V rated at 1700lbs of tongue weight.
You will also need a WD system rated at probably 1400 or 1700lbs of tongue weight.
Now the bad news, once you put 35" tires on there, you will have to regear to still maintain the factory tow ratings.
Increasing tire size, decreases gear ratio which in turns lowers your GCWR.
Either regear or don't go tires that big.
You will also need to make sure you get wheels rated high enough to cover your GAWR and GVWR of your truck.
Here is some advice I gave another person on a different forum when he wanted a heavy duty setup for his Ford. You would need the receiver for a Chevy, but everything else applies.
Here ya go:
1. Hitch Shank: Part# R54976, $87.40.
2. Titan WD Kit: Part# R66006, $371.60
3. If you want sway control: Part# 26002, $145.45
4. Reciever for your truck: Part# R45002, $288.15
Click on Sway Control on the link below to see part# 26002
5. Hitch Ball: Part# 74905, $20.10. This ball is rated at 14,000lbs. I went with a #30,000 ball from Putnam but don't have a link for them.
http://www.reese-hitches.com/titan_heavy_duty_weight.htm
This setup is the most heavy duty setup you can get.
Hope this helps.
Linc
mike..it's my understanding with all these towing things, the chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. In other words, even though you put a 30,000 lb rated ball on a 10,000 lb rated hitch, the most you should put on that hitch is 10,000 lbs. So, if you get a 11,400 GVWR trailer, and your hitch is rated at 10,000 you could have an issue. I don't know the legalities of putting a higher GVWR trailer on the hitch if you never exceed the hitch rating. But to give yourself peace of mind, if you buy that trailer, a new hitch might be a cheap investment.
lincster-what is the OEM receiver rated at on Chevy's?
That trailers dry weight is 6464 pounds. With what I would put in it (1 quad, gear, etc) I'd be just over 7000 pounds. It would never be fully loaded.
That would not be safe?
That trailers dry weight is 6464 pounds. With what I would put in it (1 quad, gear, etc) I'd be just over 7000 pounds. It would never be fully loaded.
That would not be safe?
Aside from the towing issues, on the financial side of this, high limit insurance ($500k on the liability, plus a $1mil or $2mil excess liability rider) helps allot, as well as what is called Homesteading you house will protect something like $100k in equity from lawsuits. I am very surprised that he simply didn't go BK to protect his assets.
The excess liability rider usualy costs under $500 a year.
Don't think liability is just limited to the highway, you lunch someone in the sand you may have a problem. This year I bought liabiliy insurance for all my toys.
The excess liability rider usualy costs under $500 a year.
Don't think liability is just limited to the highway, you lunch someone in the sand you may have a problem. This year I bought liabiliy insurance for all my toys.
Reading more about it (rv.net) the OEM CheBy's have had problems.
HERE IS AN EXTREME CASE.
Guess I'll look into a better one
HERE IS AN EXTREME CASE.
Guess I'll look into a better one
For you guys that live in SoCal, check out a place called The Custom Truck Shop.
customtruckshop.com
Ask for Louie, he is the owner, and let him know Joe Cuccio refered you. He will set you up properly at a fair price. Almost every issue of Trucking Magazine has one of his trucks featured in it. He was also at the Sand Sports Show last year. Very dependable guy.
Its good to see people taking a good look at there current set-ups. But also sad that it took a story like this to open so many eyes. I was so mad last night after reading this thread! I hope everyone reads this and comes away with the knowledge that what we all do can easily effect the lives of the people around us. Respect your fellow humans and be safe.
customtruckshop.com
Ask for Louie, he is the owner, and let him know Joe Cuccio refered you. He will set you up properly at a fair price. Almost every issue of Trucking Magazine has one of his trucks featured in it. He was also at the Sand Sports Show last year. Very dependable guy.
Its good to see people taking a good look at there current set-ups. But also sad that it took a story like this to open so many eyes. I was so mad last night after reading this thread! I hope everyone reads this and comes away with the knowledge that what we all do can easily effect the lives of the people around us. Respect your fellow humans and be safe.
| QUOTE (Mike330R @ Jul 20 2004, 07:21 AM) |
| lincster-what is the OEM receiver rated at on Chevy's? That trailers dry weight is 6464 pounds. With what I would put in it (1 quad, gear, etc) I'd be just over 7000 pounds. It would never be fully loaded. That would not be safe? |
The Chevys I have looked at are rated at 15,000/1,500, but I have read about these hitches bending under heavy loads.
You can't go by the dry weights, dry means no options.
You have to add weight of genny, fuel station, fuel, 2 propane tanks, batteries, camping stuff and then water.
The dry weight on my FS3000 is around 7000lbs.... but when I am loaded, the scale says I am at 11,500lbs going down the road.
Your water tanks are 100% in front of your front axle, so when you fill them, all of that weight will be on the tongue.
| QUOTE |
| I thought about doing this but didn't know if it was legal for nontruckers to get their stuff weighed. So it's alright and no one will flip out(i.e: police)? |
My company owns a 70' public scale in Anaheim. We will weigh anybody that wants to get their stuff weighed. Truckers can just wait if someone is on the scale ahead of them.
We will axle weigh, get gross weight, and weigh side-to-side for $10.00. Weigh just axles/gross for $7.00.
Police have nothing to say about who comes on our scales, they belong to US and not them.
If you're in Orange County and want directions, send me a pm and I'll help you out.
(As a side note; if you're buying a new pickup you will pay a "weight fee" every year you own it and it never goes down. Look at what the DMV figures your truck weighs and then check it at a certified scale. It could save you money.)
Thanks Brian for the help. Unfortunatly, I live up here in Oregon so OC's out of the question for me. Again, thanks though.
Jeff
Jeff
O.k all, I just looked under the Reese website. The biggest rated hitch/receiver they make is a 14,000lb/ 1400lb. Now why can't I find a more heavier duty receiver? My dad has a 15,000lb/ 1500lb on his Duramax and that's what came stock on his truck. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong place. Any thoughts?
Jeff
Jeff
Mike
Go to any Moving company They always have a scale so they can weigh their trucks. Cost is around 5 bucks. Some of you have brought up a good point about recievers and balls. I use a 10000 lb reciever with a 12000 lb ball. This goes into a factory hitch that has been reinforced to handle at least 10000 lbs. Most stuff you buy is rated at 3500 to 5000. This heavier stuff is not cheap!!!!!!!!!!!!! but it is available.
Like many have said never guess! always know for sure!
Good luck
Fuzzy
Go to any Moving company They always have a scale so they can weigh their trucks. Cost is around 5 bucks. Some of you have brought up a good point about recievers and balls. I use a 10000 lb reciever with a 12000 lb ball. This goes into a factory hitch that has been reinforced to handle at least 10000 lbs. Most stuff you buy is rated at 3500 to 5000. This heavier stuff is not cheap!!!!!!!!!!!!! but it is available.
Like many have said never guess! always know for sure!
Good luck
Fuzzy
| QUOTE (Washroad @ Jul 20 2004, 12:07 PM) | ||
My company owns a 70' public scale in Anaheim. We will weigh anybody that wants to get their stuff weighed. Truckers can just wait if someone is on the scale ahead of them. We will axle weigh, get gross weight, and weigh side-to-side for $10.00. Weigh just axles/gross for $7.00. Police have nothing to say about who comes on our scales, they belong to US and not them. If you're in Orange County and want directions, send me a pm and I'll help you out. (As a side note; if you're buying a new pickup you will pay a "weight fee" every year you own it and it never goes down. Look at what the DMV figures your truck weighs and then check it at a certified scale. It could save you money.) |
Just a note to clear up that Brian is talking about Public Scales, NOT the scales that you see while driveing down the highway. DO NOT pull into those scales unless you are in a truck that is suposed to.
Pumptup,
I forgot to extend my thanks to you too. Again, this Oregon thing really fouls things up. Can't get my stuff weighed, can't go to pizza night, no get togethers at Glamis on short notice.
Jeff
I forgot to extend my thanks to you too. Again, this Oregon thing really fouls things up. Can't get my stuff weighed, can't go to pizza night, no get togethers at Glamis on short notice.
Jeff
Sandemon,
I"m glad you said something. That would have definatly sucked to make that mistake. Why is that?
I"m glad you said something. That would have definatly sucked to make that mistake. Why is that?
| QUOTE (Mike330R @ Jul 20 2004, 06:54 AM) |
| great topic! Where in SD are there public scales? here's my set-up: 2004 Duramax soon to be lifted with 35 "E" rated tires. Would I need to upgrade the OEM receiver for the below trailer/hitch combo? I have a ultrahitch.com rapid hitch (work of art) rated at 10,000 lb. Trailer GVWR and 1,500 lb. Tongue weight. I am looking at trying this trailer out: http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/specs/s.asp?model=GB260FS It's GVWR is 11,400 (fully loaded). Will I be towing safe if this is fully loaded? Should I get a distribution set-up? |
I have scales in San Diego also.
| QUOTE |
| I"m glad you said something. That would have definatly sucked to make that mistake. Why is that? |
Yes, John is correct. Public scales are privately owned and can weigh anybody they want to. Granted, they cater to the trucking industry, but they can still weigh anybody they want.
The scales along the freeways/highways are for "commercial" vehicles only. I'm sure the CHP (or whatever state you're in) could make a lot more $$$ is they weighed RVs, but they don't unless there is an accident like the one that started this thread.
BE SAFE OUT THERE! ! ! !
You will save your own life.
And your family's lives.
What's more important than that?
| QUOTE (PumptupPredator @ Jul 20 2004, 03:03 PM) |
| I have scales in San Diego also. |
interested!!! Where and how much?
| QUOTE (ntenufsun @ Jul 20 2004, 12:54 PM) |
| O.k all, I just looked under the Reese website. The biggest rated hitch/receiver they make is a 14,000lb/ 1400lb. Now why can't I find a more heavier duty receiver? My dad has a 15,000lb/ 1500lb on his Duramax and that's what came stock on his truck. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong place. Any thoughts? Jeff |
What type of truck?
This thread reminds me of Mike's 35' 5er and big a$$ truck for sale. Sure sounds like a bargain compared to jail and everything else. I need to talk the wife into a Freightliner...
| QUOTE |
| What type of truck? |
That would be some helpful information, now wouldn't it.
I have a Ford crewcab f350 with a 6.5" lift, 36" tires, and 4.56 gears with a v10.Jeff
With all the follow up post about what happened, all I am reading is about weights and limits. Yes, they are all great points and tongue weight is important. So much so I bought a scale from Camping World to keep check mine, as my loads kept changing with new toys.
But the one thing I have not seen anyone comment on is the 1/4 tank of water he was caring. The first time I took my WW out, I did not drain the water before heading home. After having a few rigs pass me going the other way, it felt like I was about to flip. Then after a few turns I realized that the water in my tank moving back and forth was causing my trailer to sway much more. After I drained the 1/4 tank or so, the remaining 250 miles were no problem. I will always tow full or empty on my water now.
I have had made one mod to my water tanks, I went to Camping World and bought a valve like on the gray tank and placed it in line with the line joining the two water tanks. Then added a tank spray cleaner to the rear water tank to work like a filler. When I go out for a short trip, I just use the valve to separate the two tanks and fill the rear tank this keeps the tongue weight down and keeps my rig from swaying. The ride is better and I still have plenty of water for a 2 or 3 day trip.
Just something to think about, water at 8.8 pounds per gallon. And 1/4 to 1/2 a tank would be 30-60 gallons or 264-528 lbs moving back and forth will cause a trailer to act differently.
Drive safe, see you all in Glamis!!!
But the one thing I have not seen anyone comment on is the 1/4 tank of water he was caring. The first time I took my WW out, I did not drain the water before heading home. After having a few rigs pass me going the other way, it felt like I was about to flip. Then after a few turns I realized that the water in my tank moving back and forth was causing my trailer to sway much more. After I drained the 1/4 tank or so, the remaining 250 miles were no problem. I will always tow full or empty on my water now.
I have had made one mod to my water tanks, I went to Camping World and bought a valve like on the gray tank and placed it in line with the line joining the two water tanks. Then added a tank spray cleaner to the rear water tank to work like a filler. When I go out for a short trip, I just use the valve to separate the two tanks and fill the rear tank this keeps the tongue weight down and keeps my rig from swaying. The ride is better and I still have plenty of water for a 2 or 3 day trip.
Just something to think about, water at 8.8 pounds per gallon. And 1/4 to 1/2 a tank would be 30-60 gallons or 264-528 lbs moving back and forth will cause a trailer to act differently.
Drive safe, see you all in Glamis!!!
very good point Editdog, I have never pulled my 5er without the water tanks either full or empty, and I only pull it about 40 miles on flat straight ground before I get to the dump station to empty the grey and black, but I would imaging if you have a 100 gallons for fresh water and 1/4 full, that is 220 lbs. slopping from one side to the other, that would be enough to make a difference.
| QUOTE (ntenufsun @ Jul 20 2004, 07:39 PM) | ||
That would be some helpful information, now wouldn't it. I have a Ford crewcab f350 with a 6.5" lift, 36" tires, and 4.56 gears with a v10.Jeff |
Here ya go dude, it is the one at the bottom of the page. With using a WD system, then it is rated higher at 14,000/1,700.
When not using a WD system, it is rated at 12,000/1,200.
http://search.cartserver.com/search/search...+F-350&GO=GO%21
| QUOTE (Washroad @ Jul 20 2004, 03:14 PM) | ||
Yes, John is correct. Public scales are privately owned and can weigh anybody they want to. Granted, they cater to the trucking industry, but they can still weigh anybody they want. The scales along the freeways/highways are for "commercial" vehicles only. I'm sure the CHP (or whatever state you're in) could make a lot more $$$ is they weighed RVs, but they don't unless there is an accident like the one that started this thread. BE SAFE OUT THERE! ! ! ! You will save your own life. And your family's lives. What's more important than that? |
Added note:
If you do pull in to a Checkpoint scale on the freeway, and can talk them into weighing you and you ARE over limit they will cite you and hold your rig there until you can get it under the limits. At least that is what they do with my commercial trucks.
there are scales all over the city, most of them are next to/in a moving companies parking lot, like mayflower, etc, also Millies Kitchen in El Centro will weigh you as well, I will work on getting a list together for San Diego.
To my Glamis Family,
I have 70 foot plus scales in the following cities.
El Monte
Fontana
Rancho Cucamonga
Hesperia
San Diego
Bakersfield
Lancaster
If any of you are desirous to find out what your rig weighs, I would be happy to allow you to weigh during normal business hours. Of course there will be no charge. What is family for?
These scales are pretty busy with my business so I would need to know when you are planning to arrive so that I can let my people know that it is okay and so that it does not conflict with the normal course of business. Just P.M. me if you would like to schedule an approximate time and day and directions. I will be more than happy to do this. I have outside weight indicators so you can check axles, truck, trailer and combined all without having to leave your rig.
Thank you all for your kind words. It is so encouraging to know that this group is responsible enough to be concerned about something like this. I now believe that the guy who passes me down by the Salton Sea with his 40 foot 5'er and 35" wheels and 6 inch lift at 80 with not a clue he is driving an accident waiting to happen is the anomoly and not the norm.
I have 70 foot plus scales in the following cities.
El Monte
Fontana
Rancho Cucamonga
Hesperia
San Diego
Bakersfield
Lancaster
If any of you are desirous to find out what your rig weighs, I would be happy to allow you to weigh during normal business hours. Of course there will be no charge. What is family for?
These scales are pretty busy with my business so I would need to know when you are planning to arrive so that I can let my people know that it is okay and so that it does not conflict with the normal course of business. Just P.M. me if you would like to schedule an approximate time and day and directions. I will be more than happy to do this. I have outside weight indicators so you can check axles, truck, trailer and combined all without having to leave your rig.
Thank you all for your kind words. It is so encouraging to know that this group is responsible enough to be concerned about something like this. I now believe that the guy who passes me down by the Salton Sea with his 40 foot 5'er and 35" wheels and 6 inch lift at 80 with not a clue he is driving an accident waiting to happen is the anomoly and not the norm.
Wow...preadator, thank you for the kind offer. I for sure will be taking you up on your offer in a couple months. As soon as I get my car finished, I am very interested to see just what my rig will actually weigh fully loaded. And empty. Would it be better to make two trips on different days so I could get an "empty" and full snapshot? (I'd be going to the Lancaster location)
Very cool Predator. We too would like take you up on your generous offer. I'll be PMing you! 
| QUOTE (Editdog @ Jul 20 2004, 07:49 PM) |
| Just something to think about, water at 8.8 pounds per gallon. And 1/4 to 1/2 a tank would be 30-60 gallons or 264-528 lbs moving back and forth will cause a trailer to act differently. |
I once talked to a gasoline tanker driver and he said they will not deliver fuel to the station unless they can take the full load of fuel.
He said driving with a half load (4,000 Gals) sloshing around makes for one heck of a ride.
| QUOTE (PumptupPredator @ Jul 21 2004, 06:27 AM) |
| To my Glamis Family, I have 70 foot plus scales in the following cities. El Monte Fontana Rancho Cucamonga Hesperia San Diego Bakersfield Lancaster If any of you are desirous to find out what your rig weighs, I would be happy to allow you to weigh during normal business hours. Of course there will be no charge. What is family for? These scales are pretty busy with my business so I would need to know when you are planning to arrive so that I can let my people know that it is okay and so that it does not conflict with the normal course of business. Just P.M. me if you would like to schedule an approximate time and day and directions. I will be more than happy to do this. I have outside weight indicators so you can check axles, truck, trailer and combined all without having to leave your rig. Thank you all for your kind words. It is so encouraging to know that this group is responsible enough to be concerned about something like this. I now believe that the guy who passes me down by the Salton Sea with his 40 foot 5'er and 35" wheels and 6 inch lift at 80 with not a clue he is driving an accident waiting to happen is the anomoly and not the norm. |
where in hesperia?
Any major truck stop has scales Flying J etc
there's a cheap hay scale here! if your in the 951
WOW.. thanks for the offer.
Thanks for the offer effer 
In Hesperia, they are just off I avenue. PM ME if you want to use them.
I know this topic has been around for a while but......It's great to see a "over loaded" topic that people aren't getting offended over. Usually people are in great denial and feel since their truck can move the load, all is well and good. Too many 3/4 ton trucks pulling big ass 5ers. It's not what your truck can pull, but what the sticker in the door jamb states. I have a 31' LE 5er w/a F350 and think I'm about 1000lbs over when completely loaded. Even w/ a dooley payload would be ok but GVWR would be over.
I have no excuses.
I have no excuses.
I was just talking to my dad (licensed truck driver) about this topic last night and learned something very interesting, I thought I should share. Maybe it has already been said and I didn't see it. If that is the case then sorry for the repeat. If you are pulling any trailer with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs or more, but not exceeding 15,000 lbs you have to have atleast a CLASS A non commercial license to be legal. It gets more complicating then that, but that is the basic. That is if you only pull your own, not for business purposes. I have a WW FB2200 and the GVWR is 11,100 lbs. So i know everything bigger is even more. I'm looking into going and getting my Class A license now.
I was unaware of that, is there a fine or something associated with driving without a Class A? I am sure lots of people dont know that you need that, but I will look into getting an A as well, it would be cool to have a Class C, M and A.
A commercial vehicle is a motor vehicle or combination used for hire to transport passengers or property or which:
Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
Is designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than 10 passengers, including the driver
Tows a vehicle or trailer, which has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more
Transports hazardous materials, which requires placards
Tows any combination of two trailers or vehicle and trailer
In the first line the words "For Hire" are used, since the truck and trailer is not "For Hire" does that mean it does not apply? and is that why you see "Not for Hire" painted on the side of bigger tow rigs?
Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
Is designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than 10 passengers, including the driver
Tows a vehicle or trailer, which has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more
Transports hazardous materials, which requires placards
Tows any combination of two trailers or vehicle and trailer
In the first line the words "For Hire" are used, since the truck and trailer is not "For Hire" does that mean it does not apply? and is that why you see "Not for Hire" painted on the side of bigger tow rigs?
I just pulled this off the DMV website, to me it reads that if it is for recreational purposes and the 5th wheel is not over 15K GVWR then a class C is ok, but I am not sure about regular trailers.
License Classes - Class C
You may drive:
- any 2-axle vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less.
- any 3-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or less gross.
- any housecar.
- a vanpool vehicle, designed to carry more than 10 but less than 15 persons including the driver. The driver must have a valid medical on file and carry a valid medical card. The driver must also have a signed certification stating he/she has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or hit- and-run in the last five years. (VC §12804.9[j])
You may tow:
- a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less including a tow dolly, if used.
- a boat trailer provided the GCWR does not exceed 26,000 lbs. when the towing is for recreational purposes or repair, is not used in commerce or contract carrier operations, or in business, is not for hire, and doesn't require an oversize permit (VC §35780).
With a vehicle weighing at least 4,000 lbs., you may tow a:
- trailer coach or 5th-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation.
- 5th-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation and with endorsement.
License Classes - Class C
You may drive:
- any 2-axle vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less.
- any 3-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or less gross.
- any housecar.
- a vanpool vehicle, designed to carry more than 10 but less than 15 persons including the driver. The driver must have a valid medical on file and carry a valid medical card. The driver must also have a signed certification stating he/she has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or hit- and-run in the last five years. (VC §12804.9[j])
You may tow:
- a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less including a tow dolly, if used.
- a boat trailer provided the GCWR does not exceed 26,000 lbs. when the towing is for recreational purposes or repair, is not used in commerce or contract carrier operations, or in business, is not for hire, and doesn't require an oversize permit (VC §35780).
With a vehicle weighing at least 4,000 lbs., you may tow a:
- trailer coach or 5th-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation.
- 5th-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation and with endorsement.
Ya, If your not for hire then all you need is a Class A non commercial lisence. You have it all right. If you get caught they can take you to jail right there, and impound all your stuff. All it takes is for someone else to hit you and your world as you know it is done.
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