New Trailer Questions

[jpwazz]

My wife recently bought me a new trailer and I've got a question or two you all can probably help with. The trailer is a Load Trail 20' car hauler. It's a bit bigger than I need right now, but she is such a sweetheart, I couldn't turn it down. Q1, I was taught to always load a trailer hooked up to the vehicle, but with the knee-ramps, do I still need to if I chock the wheels so the trailer doesn't move? Q2, After looking at the Wisconsin DOT website and coming away more confused than before I started, I am wondering if I need to license this trailer? I e-mailed the DOT but I figured you guys might know as well. By the way, I'll be hauling my JD 4310 w/FEL and usually a mower or tiller. JP.

 

[dodge man]

I'm not sure about where you live, but most states require you to license them if they go on public roads.

 

[gumshu]

My wife recently bought me a new trailer and I've got a question or two you all can probably help with. The trailer is a Load Trail 20' car hauler. It's a bit bigger than I need right now, but she is such a sweetheart, I couldn't turn it down. Q1, I was taught to always load a trailer hooked up to the vehicle, but with the knee-ramps, do I still need to if I chock the wheels so the trailer doesn't move? Q2, After looking at the Wisconsin DOT website and coming away more confused than before I started, I am wondering if I need to license this trailer? I e-mailed the DOT but I figured you guys might know as well. By the way, I'll be hauling my JD 4310 w/FEL and usually a mower or tiller. JP.

Where can I get a wife like that? You are one lucky guy!

 

[kebo]

I'm not sure about where you live, but most states require you to license them if they go on public roads.

SC doesn't!! :thumbsup:

 

[George2615]

To answer your first question it is usually better to load your trailer while it is connected to the tow vehicle. That way you don't have to worry about the chance of having the wheel chocks moving or kicking out allowing the trailer to roll.

Licensing your trailer depends on whether your state requires it. Your best option would be go to your local Dept. of Motor Vehicles and ask.

Very nice of your wife to buy you a trailer, does she have any sisters?

 

[jpwazz]

Only one sister, but I definitely got the pick of the litter. She did mention that I probably owe her (us) two weeks in Hawaii though.

 

[Redbug]

I usually set my parking brake on my truck when loading and loading, also.

 

[Duffster]

Does your wife always spend that kind of money without you knowing?

The trailer will need to be licensed for the amount weight the trailer will weight loaded. Most register them at the GVWR. I would register it for a little less than that unless you think you will max it out regularly which I doubt you will.

 

[clemsonfor]

id just call the DMV and ask about licensing, then if yes ask if you still do if for farm use , personal (non business) under xxx lbs etc. SC requires licensing except boat trailers under like 2500#'s personal trailers (whatever that means) and farm trailers. so that only really leaves business trailers or commercial that need to be licensed. We covered this in a post several weeks ago.

 

[kubob]

You can probably do an internet search on your state's DMV website which usually has info on requirements as well as fees if any.

 

[jpwazz]

It was either her buy it or I buy it, she bought, so now I owe her.

 

[Ford tractor]

After looking at the Wisconsin DOT website and coming away more confused than before I started, I am wondering if I need to license this trailer? I e-mailed the DOT but I figured you guys might know as well. By the way, I'll be hauling my JD 4310 w/FEL and usually a mower or tiller. JP.

Yes, you do. All trailers over 3500# total weight need to be licensed in WI.

Are you going to be hauling the tractor to do paid work or to perform "improvements" on your own property? If so, you may need to get USDOT numbers and follow all the commercial vehicle regulations. Goofy as it sounds, in WI you may be a commercial vehicle. They are enforcing this aspect currently and it is costly (which is why they are using it to enrich the state).

WI statutes follow the Federal DOT and if the truck + load + trailer + load actual weight is 10,001 pounds or more, it is a "commercial vehicle" and must follow the same regs as the big rigs. The only loophole is if the truck AND trailer are both farm tagged, you don't need USDOT # until you cross 26,001 pounds.

Laws change, so check with the State Highway Patrol. NOT the DMV. They know next to nothing, go to the people that enforce the law.

 

[Duffster]

WI statutes follow the Federal DOT and if the truck + load + trailer + load actual weight is 10,001 pounds or more, it is a "commercial vehicle"

That is partially correct. Load has nothing to do with it. If the CGVWR is over 10k it is a CMV, loaded or empty.

The only loophole is if the truck AND trailer are both farm tagged, you don't need USDOT # until you cross 26,001 pounds.

Can you cite where it says that? They made a big deal out of making farmers with rigs over 10k get numbers a few years ago.