Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements

[K5lwq]

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.

Where are you getting this information from?

View attachment 792553

This is correct and clearly shows you can have a combination up to 36,000 lbs.

 

[Fixastuff]

I'm trying to figure out if this site is legit for getting requirements to take the cdl test and get licensed.

Unlock all CDL exam-like questions and pass the first time. An official FMCSA-approved national Entry-Level Driver Training theory provider.

Unlock all CDL exam-like questions and pass the first time. An official FMCSA-approved national Entry-Level Driver Training theory provider.

driving-tests.org

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

consider if you will ever cross state lines.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

The FEDs don’t issue drivers licenses.

CDL is a federal requirement. The CDL is a federal license issued and administered by the states according to federal regulations.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

I'm trying to figure out if this site is legit for getting requirements to take the cdl test and get licensed.

Unlock all CDL exam-like questions and pass the first time. An official FMCSA-approved national Entry-Level Driver Training theory provider.

Unlock all CDL exam-like questions and pass the first time. An official FMCSA-approved national Entry-Level Driver Training theory provider.

driving-tests.org

I have heard that you now have to take one of the CDL courses and have a CDL learners permit in some states before you can take the test. Passing the knowledge test is a requirement for the learner's permit.

CDL Federal Requirements | DMV.ORG

Getting a commercial driver’s license is regulated primarily by federal laws. Here are federal requirements for obtaining a CDL.

www.dmv.org

• To be eligible to apply for a commercial driver license, federal rules state that you must:
  • Must be 21 years old to: Drive across state lines. OR operate a vehicle containing hazardous materials.
  • Have no prior disqualifying criminal offenses. Certain criminal felonies may disqualify you from CDL eligibility.
  • Complete an entry-level commercial driver training program (see below for more details on this CDL requirement).

 

[LD1]

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.

1000% WRONG

 

[LD1]

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. View attachment 792571

Thats why I said a couple of times a class 27 excavator would be about the limit because a 35 would be pushing a 10k trailer too far.
He hasnt actually said what he wants for an excavator yet?

 

[Omega Woods]

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

That's exactly what I was thinking this afternoon!! Great idea!

Mrs. Woods and I are both planning to get our CDLs but it takes time I just don't have at the moment.

 

[Omega Woods]

I'm trying to figure out if this site is legit for getting requirements to take the cdl test and get licensed.

Unlock all CDL exam-like questions and pass the first time. An official FMCSA-approved national Entry-Level Driver Training theory provider.

Unlock all CDL exam-like questions and pass the first time. An official FMCSA-approved national Entry-Level Driver Training theory provider.

driving-tests.org

I don't know this site is legit or not but you can do your knowledge training and take the theory test without attending in-person classes. You still have to pass the skills test.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

1000% WRONG

Actually, he is partly right. He can overload his trailer or truck axles and be under gross. However, a 26,000 GVWR truck can pull a 10,000 GVWR trailer without a CDL. Step up to a 14,000 GVRW trailer and even if it is empty behind his 26,000 rated truck, he needs a CDL. It is all based on manufacturers gross vehicle weight ratings. He was also correct on the weight rating of tires and axles.

 

[Omega Woods]

Thats why I said a couple of times a class 27 excavator would be about the limit because a 35 would be pushing a 10k trailer too far.
He hasnt actually said what he wants for an excavator yet?

At least 3.5, as much as 5 if I get my towing situation sorted.

 

[Omega Woods]

So, let's talk about pickup trucks and towing for a minute. If, as Hay Dude said, I got a 3/4 or one ton pickup with a weight of 10k and a towing capacity of 20k plus as 14k rated trailer that weighs 3k, then I could put on a 11k excavator and be at 24k total. Would that work? I see people with 3.5+ ton mini exes on pickup trailers all the time. I'm sure they don't have a CDL.

I could buy a dump truck separately and not worry about towing with it.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

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

But you can smoke dope in some states when federal law says it's illegal...

 

[LD1]

Actually, he is partly right. He can overload his trailer or truck axles and be under gross. However, a 26,000 GVWR truck can pull a 10,000 GVWR trailer without a CDL. Step up to a 14,000 GVRW trailer and even if it is empty behind his 26,000 rated truck, he needs a CDL. It is all based on manufacturers gross vehicle weight ratings. He was also correct on the weight rating of tires and axles.

Actually, the part I put in BOLD is the part I was commenting about.....and that is exactly as I say.....WRONG

 

[LD1]

So, let's talk about pickup trucks and towing for a minute. If, as Hay Dude said, I got a 3/4 or one ton pickup with a weight of 10k and a towing capacity of 20k plus as 14k rated trailer that weighs 3k, then I could put on a 11k excavator and be at 24k total. Would that work? I see people with 3.5+ ton mini exes on pickup trailers all the time. I'm sure they don't have a CDL.

I could buy a dump truck separately and not worry about towing with it.

Yes, a 14k trailer is the minimum for a 50 class excavator. Which allows you a truck with a GVWR up to 12k....which is most modern SRW 1-ton or 3/4 ton trucks. Game over if you step to a dually. Most of those have been over 12k rated for a few decades now.

So yea....a 3/4-ton or SRW 1-ton and a 14k trailer stays under 26k combined. And that would work for excavators up to the 5-ton class

 

[Hay Dude]

So, let's talk about pickup trucks and towing for a minute. If, as Hay Dude said, I got a 3/4 or one ton pickup with a weight of 10k and a towing capacity of 20k plus as 14k rated trailer that weighs 3k, then I could put on a 11k excavator and be at 24k total. Would that work? I see people with 3.5+ ton mini exes on pickup trailers all the time. I'm sure they don't have a CDL.

I could buy a dump truck separately and not worry about towing with it.

Now that I’ve given you all that solid advice, let me give you a little more. Get yourself a nice Ram/Cummins to pull it.
Call Kaufman and ask them for a price on their lightest 14-16k trailer.

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

until you accept payment for a service, your not commercial.

 

[Squirrel Tooth Alice]

@Omega-Woods, I hope you don't mind me asking a question on your thread, but it might yield some advice that is beneficial to you, as well...

I have a Kubota that weighs in at 13,000 lbs. Based on what I've read in this thread, I won't be able to trailer it without a CDL, period. But I could haul it on the back of a truck without a CDL if I could find a truck with a GVW below 26,000 lbs AND the capacity to carry 13,000 lbs. on it.

Is there such an animal? Am I looking for something like a rollback? Thanks in advance!

 

[notaz3]

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

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/CDL_Classifications.pdf

Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
Any combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, if the trailer(s) has a GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds

 

[notaz3]

Drivers | FMCSA

Drivers have been required to have a commercial driver's license (CDL) in order to drive certain commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) since April 1, 1992. The types of vehicles and operations requiring a CDL are outlined below. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has developed...

www.fmcsa.dot.gov

Regardless of the weight you are hauling in the truck, or towing on the trailer;

If "ANY combination of vehicles which has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) whichever is greater" you are in need of CDL