total axle length

tractorboy5500 · Sep 10, 2006

i am in the process of building a trailer, after i put my wheels and tires on, i have a total lenght of 104", but is the legal length 102"?? on any part of the trailer on width. i figure this would be a good place to ask.

gordon21 · Sep 10, 2006

I did a quick look for your answer and didn't find it yet. I did find this though which will affect how you light and decal your trailer. You will be subject to a lot more rules than a narrow trailer. The red and white decals are a couple bucks each and you will need several placed at the proper points.

Trailer Poster Table for Website

Bob_Skurka · Sep 10, 2006

tractorboy5500 said:
i am in the process of building a trailer, after i put my wheels and tires on, i have a total lenght of 104", but is the legal length 102"?? on any part of the trailer on width. i figure this would be a good place to ask.

It is my understanding that the legal MAXIMUM WIDTH of a trailer is 102" and it is my understanding that is the OVERALL WIDTH including all parts like the fenders, etc. If I understand it correctly, then you weed to get a wide-load permit every time you take that trailer on the road, probably need a yellow flashing dome light, red flags and a wide load sign too. In some states you might also need an escort vehicle?

gordon21 · Sep 10, 2006

The standards for 49 states are exactly 102". The only things allowable beyond 102" are the plastic lenses for side lights and mirrors unless you want to be an oversized vehicle subject to a ton of restrictions and extra costs. Tires, rims and mileage meters must be within the 102" limit.

FMCSA - 658.15

tractorboy5500 · Sep 10, 2006

i guess i have to get differnt tires and rims, maybe just rims, thanks guys.and as far as the lights and decals, i got most of them now, waiting to put them on when i finish painting.

plowking · Sep 10, 2006

The newer snowmobile trailers come 10 or 12 feet long by 102 inches wide. The big rig trailers are 53 feet long by 102 inches wide also. They have to take advantage of the most square feet allowed to get maximum loads on their runs. plowking