Truck & Trailer ideas to tow 14,000 and be under 26,000 pounds

[3930dave]

Eddie - just read the first couple of pages only (might be repeating, apologies if so).... you may be all set with Ag exempt, but wanted to post an option we have here.

We have a Restricted Class A (at least in some provinces), which gives the higher trailer weight limit, but does away with the air-brake endorsement and the requirement to test in a full-size tractor. With the higher tow capacity of modern ton+ pickups, it was recognized that there were utility and personal users who need/want to tow that heavy, but have no interest in air-brake Medium+ platforms.

IDK if this ^ classification is available in TX, but if it is, may give you a legal option for non-farm activities if that comes up.

Rgds, D.

 

[stumblinhorse]

So I have a SRW Ram 3500 with a GVWR of 11,700, trailer max of 17,300 and a GCWR of 25,300 and I have a GN trailer with a GVWR of 18,000. So can I take the test with that combo? Get a CDL-A for no air-brake, automatic only and no 5th wheel? Or will they laugh at me?

 

[LD1]

So has anyone (or know someone that has) taken a CDL-A test with nothing more than a dually and a 16' bumper pull 14k trailer?

 

[kf4uda]

Eddie, I like your choice of truck. I think a 1 ton flatbed would serve you well. Reading your needs list I almost think I would focus on a trailer that would haul the hay, tractors/attachments and forget the backhoe since it requires so much more trailer. Since you are thinking about needing it for just 1 round trip you could most likely hire someone to move it for you. I don't have a way to move my backhoe either and that is what I did when I needed it on another property. Lack of ability to move it also keeps my "friends" list shorter

Just a thought.

 

[RandyT]

You need to reread the requirements for taking a CDL test in Illinois. There is no way to take a CDL test with a pick up and trailer and receive a class A with air brake endorsement. They also distinguish between a CDL with an automatic transmission or a manual transmission. There is also a distinction between having an air brake endorsement which would be a class a license, and a non-airbrake endorsement, which would be a semi truck with out airbrakes. A class B license.

Please reread your information before giving more advice.

You need to read my post again because I said minus air brake endorsement, and there is no way for a pickup to get class B because the tow vehicle is under 26K with or without air brakes. Class B is tow vehicles over 26K with trailer under 10K. Has nothing to do with air brakes or not. Class A is combination over 26K trailer over 10K. Pickup/trailer combination would be class A with L restriction,

 

[RandyT]

So I have a SRW Ram 3500 with a GVWR of 11,700, trailer max of 17,300 and a GCWR of 25,300 and I have a GN trailer with a GVWR of 18,000. So can I take the test with that combo? Get a CDL-A for no air-brake, automatic only and no 5th wheel? Or will they laugh at me?

From just reading my state CDL website I would say no due to verified GCWR under 26K.

 

[Hay Dude]

So has anyone (or know someone that has) taken a CDL-A test with nothing more than a dually and a 16' bumper pull 14k trailer?

Yup
We we are told to test in what you intend to drive.

There’s still some hydraulic braked trucks out there that are over the limit for combo ratings. I’d hate to be driving one.

I tested in a large air braked class 8 dump truck with an air braked trailer.

 

[stumblinhorse]

From just reading my state CDL website I would say no due to verified GCWR under 26K.

My truck is 11,700 and my trailer is 18,000. 29,700 total rating…. Capacity 25,300.

 

[4570Man]

So has anyone (or know someone that has) taken a CDL-A test with nothing more than a dually and a 16' bumper pull 14k trailer?

I took my test in my dump truck because it has air brakes so I got that endorsement but you could have taken the test in a pickup. There’s no rule against it. I pulled my 14k trailer behind the dump truck. I have a class a which isn’t limited to a 10k trailer like a class b is but I have a 5th wheel restriction. I’m guessing a gooseneck trailer behind a pickup would still get you a 5th wheel restriction but I don’t know for sure.

 

[Hay Dude]

A 5th wheel restriction? Never heard of that

 

[4570Man]

A 5th wheel restriction? Never heard of that

This is what I have. I’m surprised you didn’t get the same thing if you tested in a dump truck.

 

[RandyT]

My truck is 11,700 and my trailer is 18,000. 29,700 total rating…. Capacity 25,300.

Your combo is over 26K but the verifiable either by door sticker or other documents show the 25,300 so according to the IL CDL testing documents that would not meet the requirements for road testing for CDL but I guess could very by state.

 

[Alan W.]

After reading all of the post I am glad I kept my class A license and endorsements. Plus yearly med card due to my S endorsement.
Its a pain and expense to get them now. Buddy of mine retired after I did and gave up his saying he would never need them again.
He calls me the other day asking if there was a way for him to legally drive a borrowed non farm triaxle. Told him to go get his license.
Seems like all the states have their own extra rules over the mandated fed ones. At times it seems not only confusing but contradictory.
You can always locate your local dot officer and ask them for guidance.
Another resource may be your states farm bureau insurance. Ours has the farm rules broke down in plain English and guidance for what can and cant be done.

My F 700 is below cdl and farm tagged but I hope to get a gooseneck trailer for it.

 

[Morning Wood]

I don’t see how you can do it safely without being over 26k combined. Just get the class A and outfit the truck (dual rear wheels) and trailer properly and be done with it.

 

[dodge man]

I had a coworker who took his CDL in a pickup with a trailer. This is in Illinois and he did it several years ago. He later on got other endorsements, such as air brakes and tanker, I think those with just written tests.

 

[LD1]

I had a coworker who took his CDL in a pickup with a trailer. This is in Illinois and he did it several years ago. He later on got other endorsements, such as air brakes and tanker, I think those with just written tests.

So now legal to drive a tractor trailer across this country.....

Just mind blowing...

But it's good to hear someone actually did it in a truck...and didn't get laughed out of the building

 

[Hay Dude]

I had a coworker who took his CDL in a pickup with a trailer. This is in Illinois and he did it several years ago. He later on got other endorsements, such as air brakes and tanker, I think those with just written tests.

You actually have to perform an air brake test. Its a physical demonstration. One has to monitor the air brake chamber(s) filling with air, then pump the brakes to bleed them down, etc.


If someone given a Class A CDL in a dually pickup with a gooseneck is now licensed to drive an air braked 18 wheeler with a 53’ trailer,,,,, we are gonna be in heap big trouble.

 

[Hay Dude]

After reading all of the post I am glad I kept my class A license and endorsements. Plus yearly med card due to my S endorsement.
Its a pain and expense to get them now. Buddy of mine retired after I did and gave up his saying he would never need them again.
He calls me the other day asking if there was a way for him to legally drive a borrowed non farm triaxle. Told him to go get his license.
Seems like all the states have their own extra rules over the mandated fed ones. At times it seems not only confusing but contradictory.
You can always locate your local dot officer and ask them for guidance.
Another resource may be your states farm bureau insurance. Ours has the farm rules broke down in plain English and guidance for what can and cant be done.

My F 700 is below cdl and farm tagged but I hope to get a gooseneck trailer for it.

Its a double edged sword. Yes you have the bi-annual med card exam and IF you are pulled over in a CDL vehicle for a violation, the fines are larger.
However, with most cops, I have seen a higher level of respect for “knowing my sh*t”, too. You are given a modicum of respect for your knowledge. And of course, you can drive money-making, commercial vehicles.
I was pulled over by a little gal with a pony tail, could’ve passed for my daughter. She knew nothing about the inter-workings of trucks. Dumb as a fence post on ‘em, but probably knew where all the best nail salons were. She let me go. Goes about the same with younger male cops. One pulled me over because “your tires look low on air”. He ended up letting me go after I assured him I was confident the tires would be fine.

 

[3930dave]

I don’t see how you can do it safely without being over 26k combined. Just get the class A and outfit the truck (dual rear wheels) and trailer properly and be done with it.

Having the top CDL opens up plenty of options.

For a one-and-done run with Eddie's backhoe, hiring somebody to float it is probably the most $ efficient. Then, he can get on with setting up a truck to haul his lighter stuff. Short distance use like Eddie described, if I was looking at modern p/u's, I'd start with big-block gasoline.

Having a CDL (I do), since I'm setting my own truck parameters (as opposed to a big-fleet O/O contract), I'd probably spend the time chasing down a pre-emission diesel capable of hauling (legally) my Max load trailer wise.

Plenty of Canadians chase down USA Medium duty+ trucks; first priority is southern US, non-coastal use ideally. Depending on the year (of the chase), geography, $ ratio, phase-of-the-moon etc....... you may save money, you may not. What Canucks can gain, is more choice than what is available in our domestic market, and hopefully little/no salt damage..... As stated, >I< would be chasing a pre-emission White Rhino. Any competent heavy truck mechanic should be able to fix an air-brake system quickly.

IF Eddie is interested in non-farm use (ie. construction contracting), then medium-duty trucks open up a world of possibilities. If a medium-duty truck can address his hauling needs, then a box on a straight truck also gives plenty of haul/secure site-storage options, or could be set up as a mobile workshop.

You can set up a modern pickup to haul relatively heavy, but it's not inexpensive to do, and depending where it's plated (non-farm esp.), can put you back into CDL-required anyway....

Rgds, D.

 

[Hay Dude]

I just chased down and bought a “white rhino”. I am now restoring it from years of neglect. Still a lot cheaper than spending $150,000 on a new one.
Pre-emissions, high powered class 8 4x4 with an automatic. Rare as hen’s teeth.