Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements

[Omega Woods]

On a different thread, I've discussed possibly getting a small truck, trailer and mini excavator and the feedback I've received has been very helpful. Now, I have a specific question regarding weights and CDL requirements.

If I have a class 6 truck (GVW 19501-26000) that have a bed empty, fueled weight of 10k pounds, then I should be able to put up to 7.99 tons of gravel it it and still be below the CDL requirements, correct?

If I have a trailer and mini ex that weighs 9900 pounds and pull it with that same truck (empty, of course), then I am still below CDL requirements, correct?

I want to make absolutely certain I understand what the rules are before I go buying a truck and excavator only to discover I've missed something with the weight and CDL requirements.

I've read the DOT website requirements and I think I understand but I trust you folks to give me insights that can't be gleaned from just reading government regulations.

Thanks!

 

[LD1]

Truck under 26k + trailer under 10k = no CDL. Keep it to a "27" class excavator (~6000lbs)

 

[Tinhack]

Is this for business or personal use?

 

[Omega Woods]

Is this for business or personal use?

Both. Why?

 

[Omega Woods]

Truck under 26k + trailer under 10k = no CDL. Keep it to a "27" class excavator (~6000lbs)

Just so I'm clear. This means that the total of both truck and trailer, including load, must be under 26k. Is that right?

 

[Snobdds]

Just so I'm clear. This means that the total of both truck and trailer, including load, must be under 26k. Is that right?

correct

 

[Hay Dude]

On a different thread, I've discussed possibly getting a small truck, trailer and mini excavator and the feedback I've received has been very helpful. Now, I have a specific question regarding weights and CDL requirements.

1. If I have a class 6 truck (GVW 19501-26000) that have a bed empty, fueled weight of 10k pounds, then I should be able to put up to 7.99 tons of gravel it it and still be below the CDL requirements, correct?

2. If I have a trailer and mini ex that weighs 9900 pounds and pull it with that same truck (empty, of course), then I am still below CDL requirements, correct?

3. I want to make absolutely certain I understand what the rules are before I go buying a truck and excavator only to discover I've missed something with the weight and CDL requirements.

I've read the DOT website requirements and I think I understand but I trust you folks to give me insights that can't be gleaned from just reading government regulations.

Thanks!

1. Yes or 15,999lbs, but theres few trucks in that class that weight 10,000lbs empty. If we are talking something like an F-650 dump truck, expect to be about 13,000-15,000 empty.
2. Based on the assumption that it’s 10,000lbs empty, yes. I would add my Ram 5500 crew cab weighs 11,000lbs so I kind of doubt you’ll be 10,000lbs. My IH7500 truck weighs ~14,000lbs with no bed on it empty.
3. That’s exactly what you should do.

 

[Peter 315]

You also need usdot numbers..

 

[LD1]

Just so I'm clear. This means that the total of both truck and trailer, including load, must be under 26k. Is that right?

NO, that is not what I ment.

States may superceed (r be more strict) than federal requirements.

But per federal, you can be 36000 and NOT need a CDL. Truck 26k or less, trailer 10k or less. So if you have a 26k truck and a 10k trailer....no CDL per Federal. (state may require it though). Just keep the mini a a 27 class or less. A 35 class mini is pushing your luck on a 10k trailer

 

[LD1]

correct

Could vary by state. But that is not a federal requirement. Federal allows 36k

 

[Omega Woods]

Could vary by state. But that is not a federal requirement. Federal allows 36k

Thanks. I didn't read the federal requirements that way. I'll study up on the TN requirements...

 

[Omega Woods]

1. Yes or 15,999lbs, but theres few trucks in that class that weight 10,000lbs empty. If we are talking something like an F-650 dump truck, expect to be about 13,000-15,000 empty.
2. Based on the assumption that it’s 10,000lbs empty, yes. I would add my Ram 5500 crew cab weighs 11,000lbs so I kind of doubt you’ll be 10,000lbs. My IH7500 truck weighs ~14,000lbs with no bed on it empty.
3. That’s exactly what you should do.

Good info. Thank you. Looks like I should start calculating how I'm going to work a job and get my CDL at the same time...

 

[4570Man]

10k is on the light side for what the truck will weigh. My gas Topkick weighed 12,000 and my diesel Ford weighs 15k. My suggestion would be to get a 2500 truck or a single rear wheel ton with a 14k trailer that could haul a mini excavator or skid steer without a CDL or get a CDL and whatever dump truck you want.

 

[LD1]

Good info. Thank you. Looks like I should start calculating how I'm going to work a job and get my CDL at the same time...

 

[Hay Dude]

Good info. Thank you. Looks like I should start calculating how I'm going to work a job and get my CDL at the same time...

You might be better off with a 2500HD with the heaviest machine you can put on a trailer and keep your combo under 26K.
Then go get an older 25,999 dump truck for hauling. The way the rules & regs are with CDL’s it’s very tough to combine a truck that can haul a lot with a truck that can tow a lot.

I got my CDL 30+ years ago and it was one of the best things I did

 

[Chewwy]

Could vary by state. But that is not a federal requirement. Federal allows 36k

The FEDs don’t issue drivers licenses.

 

[LD1]

The FEDs don’t issue drivers licenses.

No but they set the minimum requirements for CDL classes....most states follow their guidelines.

Tennessee happens to follow the federal guidelines. Meaning you have a truck under 26k.....it can ALSO pull a trailer UNDER 10k with NO CDL. Meaning you can have a combination of 36k and NO CDL.

Either read the classification, or follow the flow chart. Its black and white

 

[LD1]

Follow the flow chart... 26k truck and a 10k or less trailer

Combination....YES
Is trailer 10,001 or more....NO
IS the single vehicle 26,001 or more....NO
Is the vehicle designed to carry more than 16 people....NO
IS it a school bus.....NO
Does it have haz-mat placard.....NO

YOU DONT NEED A CDL

 

[Gee Ray]

The weight of the truck or the trailer means very little. It is the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight that the DOT looks at when inspecting the truck.

My 2007 GMC is rated for 11,400 gross weight. My trailer is de-rated to 14,500 pounds. Thus the GCVW is 25,900 pounds. The empty weight is approximately 15,000. Thus pay load is 11,001 pounds. Any combination over 26,001 will require a CDL according to the Fed guidelines. Any actual weight over 26,001 pounds may result in a fine.

In addition the weight on each axle must been under the rating on the spec sheet.

For example my trailer has 7000 pound axles. If the load of 8000 pounds is placed on the trailer to far to the rear and the trailer axles weigh more then 14,000 pounds I would be overweight and subject to a fine. If the load is placed to far forward the rear axle of the truck could be overloaded.

You also need to check the weight capacity of the tires and not overload them either.

 

[4570Man]

Follow the flow chart... 26k truck and a 10k or less trailer

Combination....YES
Is trailer 10,001 or more....NO
IS the single vehicle 26,001 or more....NO
Is the vehicle designed to carry more than 16 people....NO
IS it a school bus.....NO
Does it have haz-mat placard.....NO

YOU DONT NEED A CDL

Even if that’s true it doesn’t help you a lot. You would be limited to probably a 26 class excavator or at the very top end a 35 class excavator. Maybe consider aluminum ramps and load the excavator in the dump truck. I could load a 57 on mine and still be under payload.