logan97
Gold Member
is there a standard width for a 16 or 18' utility trailer ? or 10,000 2 5400 axles trailer , flat beds.
Usually 76" between the fenders. They make them wider and its a good option. Usually runs about another $200 for a 16-18 trailer. My 18' trailer has the wide option taking it to 82" between the fenders.is there a standard width for a 16 or 18' utility trailer ? or 10,000 2 5400 axles trailer , flat beds.
I guess I should elaborate here a little. Since you said utility trailer I was only talking between the finders. The max width that can be towed down public roads in most states is 8'6" or 102". This is the max width, from wheel to wheel or whatever sticks out the farthest on the trailer. If any wider you must get a wide load permit. In Indiana its very easy to do via the Fax machine which we do a few times a year to transport larger boats.
You can get a deck over trailer that is 102" wide with a flat deck. On these the tires ride below the deck. This is not considered a utility trailer and they have there place. I had one and the main disadvantages to them is the high deck and steep ramp angles associated with it for loading.
Chris
In Virginia you can do 102 without any issues.
Maximum Legal Limitations
Height 13'6"
Width 8'6"
Length 40' - Motorized Vehicle other than Buses or Motor Homes
48' - Trailer (53' trailers allowed on interstate system)
65' - Vehicle/Trailer Combination
Overhang 4' - Rear 3' - Front
Weight 20,000 - Single Axles
34,000 - Tandem Axle
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/cts/legal_weight_limits.aspx
You sure about that? States can restrict 102's on other than federally funded highways.In Virginia you can do 102 without any issues.
Maximum Legal Limitations
Height 13'6"
Width 8'6"
Length 40' - Motorized Vehicle other than Buses or Motor Homes
48' - Trailer (53' trailers allowed on interstate system)
65' - Vehicle/Trailer Combination
Overhang 4' - Rear 3' - Front
Weight 20,000 - Single Axles
34,000 - Tandem Axle
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/cts/legal_weight_limits.aspx
In Virginia you can do 102 without any issues.
Maximum Legal Limitations
Height 13'6"
Width 8'6"
Length 40' - Motorized Vehicle other than Buses or Motor Homes
48' - Trailer (53' trailers allowed on interstate system)
65' - Vehicle/Trailer Combination
Overhang 4' - Rear 3' - Front
Weight 20,000 - Single Axles
34,000 - Tandem Axle
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/cts/legal_weight_limits.aspx
Speed limit for VA is wrong. 65 MPH on the Interstates for sure. 55 MPH thru the tunnels on I-77. When they're not stop and go.Here are the rules as I have them in my trailer towing book. May not all be correct but you can contact each state to check
Virginia:
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:N/A'L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y (If over 7' high and 7' wide)
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes: Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 804-786-2787
Tennessee:
Maximum Speed Limit: 65
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:48' L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:65'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:N/A
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes: Y
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:Y
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 615-741-3821
Chris
Speed limit for VA is wrong. 65 MPH on the Interstates for sure. 55 MPH thru the tunnels on I-77. When they're not stop and go.
Old Fed standard was 8'/96". When my truck was built in 2001 it was built to the new Fed Std of 8'6"/102" as measured at the outside of the tires. Many states restricted vehicles that met the new Std on state/county roads with 10' or less lanes. WV being one of those that finally changed their laws in about 2003. Utility/landscape trailers come in 6', 6.5', and 7' beds. The 7' ones push the tires out right to the 8' mark. Our 6' one follows the inside tires of a dually. Width over fenders is 92". There are still many Federal Highways where duallys hang tires off the side of the road and over the centerline at the same time. US-52 in VA as an example.
Just going in one from the old Fed Std to the new one was a pain for me. Punched a hole in the fender when it had 700 miles on it. After years of driving crew cab utility bed duallys. $1200 per fender installed makes you think sometimes. 2 right fenders in 103K miles, once my fault and once when someone backed into it. Like you can't see this big truck in your mirrors? :confused2: Next new truck will be smaller and 4X4 for the winters up here. But the big fat truck is nice in 50-75 mph winds.The reasons you mention is why I have not driven a dually since 1990's when I had a 454 GMC as a work issued truck. 7 out of 10 dually's you see around here have the fenders all beat to heck. They also are very tough to drive compared to a SRW truck in the snow we get. It seems they can never figure out which rear wheel to let follow the front wheels.
My view would be totally different if I was traveling mainly primary roads pulling loads larger than I am now and did not have to drive in 12" plus snow storms in the winter.
That's the way my 97' Dodge was with the front tires tracking in the center of the duals. Don't know about all makes but I think I read that the cab/chassis models come like my Dodge did and that trucks with factory beds have wider rear tracks so that the front tire lines up with the inner rear?The reasons you mention is why I have not driven a dually since 1990's when I had a 454 GMC as a work issued truck. 7 out of 10 dually's you see around here have the fenders all beat to heck. They also are very tough to drive compared to a SRW truck in the snow we get. It seems they can never figure out which rear wheel to let follow the front wheels.
My view would be totally different if I was traveling mainly primary roads pulling loads larger than I am now and did not have to drive in 12" plus snow storms in the winter.