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

[stumblinhorse]

Ive noticed a lot of postings that are confusing personal license and vehicle use with commercial cdl vehicle use.

There us a zero tolerance policy for alcohol in commercial vehicles. Doesn’t matter what limit you are under.

Another is get your cdl and borrow someones truck when you need it. Your personal vehicle policy probably wont cover you in a commercial vehicle. For his insurance to cover you he would have to list you on his policy and the insurance company would have to approve you. Plus he would have to pay premiums for you.

Some think that they have never been pulled over so its ok. In our state the dot are the only ones really qualified to handle commercial vehicle infractions. The state police, sheriffs dept. and local police will get you for the standard traffic violations only.
My brother in law went 25 years before a dot got behind him one day. His 3/4 ton pickup and 16’ trailer almost got towed.

Unfortunately when it comes to farm use most states have their own rules to make it more confusing.

Thanks for the post. To be clear, No one is saying anything about drinking and driving. We are saying getting a ticket for weight “rating” is like getting a DUI for buying alcohol but not drinking it, or having a Porsche driving it 55 and getting a ticket for speeding since it has a limit of 186mph.

I think the heartburn here is that many of us buy something that has more capacity then we need to ensure longevity and margin of error. My trailer is 18K GVWR. I didn’t buy a dual 7k axle trailer since if I load my tractor on it with any implements I am either right at max or right above depending on the implement. But I will never go down the road at 26001, and if an ever did, give me a ticket. But I have a 1 ton and trailer of 18k so I am not pushing any limit.

 

[Hay Dude]

And don’t kid yourself about CDL fines, either. Anything you do wrong while operating a CDL vehicle carries a more substantial fine than a non CDL vehicle.

I got a seat belt violation and it was $135. Standard vehicle was like $80.

 

[George2615]

Thanks for the post. To be clear, No one is saying anything about drinking and driving. We are saying getting a ticket for weight “rating” is like getting a DUI for buying alcohol but not drinking it, or having a Porsche driving it 55 and getting a ticket for speeding since it has a limit of 186mph.

I think the heartburn here is that many of us buy something that has more capacity then we need to ensure longevity and margin of error. My trailer is 18K GVWR. I didn’t buy a dual 7k axle trailer since if I load my tractor on it with any implements I am either right at max or right above depending on the implement. But I will never go down the road at 26001, and if an ever did, give me a ticket. But I have a 1 ton and trailer of 18k so I am not pushing any limit.

So your 1 ton has a GVWR of less than 8K?

 

[stumblinhorse]

So your 1 ton has a GVWR of less than 8K?

No it does not. Def more than 8k. What i am saying is that I will not carry a load that makes me 26001 or more. By rating my 1 ton GCWR is 25,300, GVWR IS 11,700, towing max is 17,800 and my trailer GVWR is 18k.

 

[George2615]

So the GCVWR of truck and trailer is 29,700. Its been many years since I took math in school but I think 29,700 is greater than 26,000. Many states go by GCVWR not actual weight and would require a CDL to operate your truck/trailer.

 

[stumblinhorse]

So the GCVWR of truck and trailer is 29,700. Its been many years since I took math in school but I think 29,700 is greater than 26,000. Many states go by GCVWR not actual weight and would require a CDL to operate your truck/trailer.

Lol, yes I know… and it is about $5000 to get a CDL now, in any state. And I will have sit in training and learn about equipment I will never use or even have a license to operate. Welcome to the thread.

 

[Bearsixty7]

I just pulled this from the Ohio BMV. So does this mean there's no need for a cdl in Ohio with a 3/4 ton? I borrow a friend of mines tandem dual gooseneck (18,000 gvw?) with my 2018 Ram 2500 who's gvw is 10,000 lbs?

The combined GVWR is 28k so you need a CDL or in Texas, a Non-CDL Class A if for personal use only.

 

[MGP4506]

No it does not. Def more than 8k. What i am saying is that I will not carry a load that makes me 26001 or more. By rating my 1 ton GCWR is 25,300, GVWR IS 11,700, towing max is 17,800 and my trailer GVWR is 18k.

Don't confuse GCWR (Ford was the only one that use to put this on their trucks) with GVWR. The GCWR is what the manufacture says the truck is rated for when in combination. The law in almost every State is based off of GVWR or actual weight of the truck and trailer whichever is highest (They mirror the Federal Law). PA, as far as I know, use to use GCWR and I think they had to back away from this after their driver's were placed out of service in other States for operating out of class.

 

[Elviscaretaker]

I’m talking about for full time farming, like myself.
On edit: even then, I’m not buying any new tractors, but some new attachments.

I'd consider what I do more of a life style choice since I spend 12-14 hours a day out there. This time of the year repairing field damage, moving the animals to new paddocks and training etc. Others would consider that a full time plus job.

 

[two_bit_score]

I'd consider what I do more of a life style choice since I spend 12-14 hours a day out there. This time of the year repairing field damage, moving the animals to new paddocks and training etc. Others would consider that a full time plus job.

So, if you aren’t doing what you’re doing to make a living from it. I think lifestyle choice is an accurate description.

 

[Sid Post]

I think that’s something to be proud of. Your dad must have thought you were an impressive young man. I remember my dad letting me drive at 14.

At 13, I was driving our 1-ton Ford dually work truck ~16miles each way to fuel the tractor and do basic maintenance so, I did have a lot of experience on public roads for someone my age. I also drove a wheat truck to town some when I was 14 and 15 which most would call a 2-ton or 2.5-ton truck with a 20' grain bed.

 

[Sid Post]

They don't want the liability. And there is no definitive answer either.

Your average 14k bumper pull trailer probably weighs 3000#....and a well balance load can probably have 2k tongue weight

In theory that allows an actual payload of ~13k

Now if the trailer mfg states that.....

And some jackwagon double stacks pallets of bricks as far forward as possible on the trailer....they are probably overloading both the truck, hitch, and front axle. And they don't want to assume the liability because they told you the payload is 13k.

Even so.... Some trailers DO list it. They give you a tire information sticker similar to trucks that says something like "max cargo and payload shal not exceed......" Which is usually just the sum of the axles minus the tare weight of the trailer. But technically you can legally haul more if you account for tongue weight

My BigTex 14PI is ~3100lbs without chains or any mud.

Weight distribution is required to tow safely. Yes, you want weight on the tongue of the trailer so it doesn't POGO going down the road and will stop safely but, 1~2,000lbs is plenty. Also, remember that the load will often shift forward over time going down the road as well if you travel very far. Even though you use a cheater bar on those chain booms, there is still tension enough to let a heavy load creep forward some. That's why you see a lot of trucks pulled over checking the tension on chains and straps. Straps especially tend to stretch and become loose so, you are being foolish if you don't stop and check them periodically. It generally takes me ~200 miles to get straps to settle down and stay tight.

 

[Sid Post]

I’d like to see that in writing. I just looked again. I could drive his plow truck if the township road superintendent declared a “snow emergency” but that’s the only exclusion I could find. I’m pretty sure either of the two dump trucks are rated over 26,000 pounds and they have air brakes.

It varies from State to State. I know in Dallas they had the bus mechanics get their CDL for insurance cost reasons.

 

[LD1]

I know people often mention the tow vehicle and being able to stop a load as a reason to have a bigger truck....

In reality, the trailer should be able to handle it's own braking regardless of tow vehicle. And a trailer rated for a 25k excavator, simply activating the trailer brakes should drag the truck to a halt rather quickly.

I can pull my 3000# dump trailer empty, or my GN with a D3 dozer in it (~24k) and my stopping distance is the same

Not that I am advising anyone to tow a 25k excavator behind a 3/4 ton (because I don't see how it's possible for a properly balanced load)....but what's the difference in towing 30-35k with a 7500lb truck, vs towing 80k with a 15,000# semi? If anything the ratio of truck vs trailer is better with the 3/4-ton.

 

[Sid Post]

The Federal government has certain exceptions for farmers when it comes to license. That being said you have to check with your home state to 1. see if what you are doing counts as being a farmer. 2. What special license or endorsements you need if over 26,000lbs (GVWR or actual). 3.If you are a farmer what type of vehicle registration you need. Under the feds and MAP21 each State had to have 1 way to identify farmers to take advantage of the exceptions. Some use the license plate, some use a form to be carried in the vehicle... For the weight you are carrying if you have too small of a truck you will just wear it out and or break something.

It all depends on the State. Several (I think more than half0 have a licensing requirement for vehicles over 26k (GVWR or actual) that includes RV's. It is up to your home State.

Dad had a friend tagged for Thou$ands in a weight fine in New Jersey hauling his travel trailer. All trailers were forced to cross the scales and guess what, that monster 5th wheel travel trailer combined with a Ram 3500 dually was over 26K#'s.

Seems like his fine to the state of New Jersey was $3200.

 

[stumblinhorse]

Agree with @LD1. Everything you haul should be within the specs of what you are hauling it with and it should be safe. It is a given that people these days see a truck and trailer coming and jump out in front assuming you will keep them from getting to their important business, whatever that is. With the power of todays rigs it is very easy to pull 15k around with a 3/4 ton and 20k with a 1 ton. The one thing that I see that makes me cringe is what people are putting on a bumper pull trailer. Somehow in the last few years, manufacturers are putting hitches on at the factory that weren’t even thought possible. I put on a Reese titan class 5 on my 01 3/4 ton so I felt safe with my bumper pull, and that thing was stout and heavy. Now that is like half of what my 16 Ram can have attached to the bumper hitch.

 

[Sid Post]

I'm sure of the current Ford F-350's but, the F-450/550 have a 3" receiver.

Most Diesel Rams (not 4500/5500) have a 2 1/2" receivers with a sleeve to reduce it to 2". The problem my friend has with his Dodge pickup is not the tow vehicle but, the receiver ball he sticks on it. Yes, it is a 2 5/16th ball but, the tube connecting it to the pickup is not rated the same as the ball! Like a chain, the weak link is where the problem is so, not necessarily the tow vehicle or trailer!

And yes, my solid 30K# ball receiver hitch for my 2" and 2 5/16" balls is not the weakest link but, they also cost more than the 2" receiver hitch with 2 5/16" ball from Walmart.

 

[RandyT]

Agree with @LD1. Everything you haul should be within the specs of what you are hauling it with and it should be safe. It is a given that people these days see a truck and trailer coming and jump out in front assuming you will keep them from getting to their important business, whatever that is. With the power of todays rigs it is very easy to pull 15k around with a 3/4 ton and 20k with a 1 ton. The one thing that I see that makes me cringe is what people are putting on a bumper pull trailer. Somehow in the last few years, manufacturers are putting hitches on at the factory that weren’t even thought possible. I put on a Reese titan class 5 on my 01 3/4 ton so I felt safe with my bumper pull, and that thing was stout and heavy. Now that is like half of what my 16 Ram can have attached to the bumper hitch.

Something I have also been wondering. Years ago anything over 600# tongue or 6K trailer required weight distributor hitch. And the main reason was to keep from unloading the front axle weight. So how are they preventing that unloading with the new pickup trucks that don't require weight distributors towing 15K.

 

[stumblinhorse]

I'm sure of the current Ford F-350's but, the F-450/550 have a 3" receiver.

Most Diesel Rams (not 4500/5500) have a 2 1/2" receivers with a sleeve to reduce it to 2". The problem my friend has with his Dodge pickup is not the tow vehicle but, the receiver ball he sticks on it. Yes, it is a 2 5/16th ball but, the tube connecting it to the pickup is not rated the same as the ball! Like a chain, the weak link is where the problem is so, not necessarily the tow vehicle or trailer!

And yes, my solid 30K# ball receiver hitch for my 2" and 2 5/16" balls is not the weakest link but, they also cost more than the 2" receiver hitch with 2 5/16" ball from Walmart.

Yup in 01 the Reese was all there was with a 2 1/2 receiver. No one that saw that thing knew they existed. So my 16 uses the same 2 1/2 receiver. But the titan is rated for 10k. There is no limit for my 2016. Only the capacity for the truck…