Towing capacity

[Chewwy]

. . . If you buy a heavy duty 3/4 ton truck, you will have to go through the scales . . .

In most U.S. states going thru the scales (i.e., weigh stations) is only required for commercial vehicles.

 

[RandyT]

In most U.S. states going thru the scales (i.e., weigh stations) is only required for commercial vehicles.

But need to keep in mind that sometimes what states classify as commercial can be vague. In IL a vehicle with D plates(12K pounds) or larger is classified as commercial.

 

[Egon]

This should have ended the thread back at post #76

But a LOT of misinformation gets dribbled in.


I've an F350 dually. When I tow it was with either a Hudson 12K rated trailer, filled to the brim, (or my "new" 10K rated cargo trailer for the last trip), from Va. to Ms and back. Probably 15 times in the last 10 years. Never once had to go through the scales.


Disagree, My F350 and MANY trucks are set up so they are butt high unloaded.

How to set up a load leveller hitch! Procedure indicates as close to level as possible.

8 Simple Steps! Complete Weight Distribution Hitch Setup

Weight distribution hitch installation involves leveling the trailer, measuring vehicle and trailer height, mounting the hitch head, shank, spring bars and hookup brackets, and adjusting the weight distribution hitch as needed. In this guide, we will cover step by step how to set up a weight...

www.curtmfg.com

 

[fishdrivel]

This should have ended the thread back at post #76

But a LOT of misinformation gets dribbled in.


I've an F350 dually. When I tow it was with either a Hudson 12K rated trailer, filled to the brim, (or my "new" 10K rated cargo trailer for the last trip), from Va. to Ms and back. Probably 15 times in the last 10 years. Never once had to go through the scales.


Disagree, My F350 and MANY trucks are set up so they are butt high unloaded.

What Vehicles need to Stop?​

"Laws vary by state, but generally, commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds need to stop at all open scales. Some companies will send their trucks along pre-approved routes where drivers know from the beginning whether or not their vehicle can access the roadway. A driver should stop at scales when in doubt to avoid heavy tickets if caught carrying an overweight load. If the load is under the limit, at least the inspection lets the driver know how much the vehicle’s tires can handle.

Typically, commercial semis and rental vans with heavy loads will need to stop at all open weigh stations. Signs pointing to scales will usually state the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) needed to go through weigh stations, and most rented ones will have it printed on the side. The laws for specific vehicles and weights vary by state"

 

[newbury]

How to set up a load leveller hitch! Procedure indicates as close to level as possible.

8 Simple Steps! Complete Weight Distribution Hitch Setup

Weight distribution hitch installation involves leveling the trailer, measuring vehicle and trailer height, mounting the hitch head, shank, spring bars and hookup brackets, and adjusting the weight distribution hitch as needed. In this guide, we will cover step by step how to set up a weight...

www.curtmfg.com

Yes, ideally get it level, but many vehicles run butt high unloaded.

What Vehicles need to Stop?​

"Laws vary by state, but generally, commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds need to stop at all open scales. Some companies will send their trucks along pre-approved routes where drivers know from the beginning whether or not their vehicle can access the roadway. A driver should stop at scales when in doubt to avoid heavy tickets if caught carrying an overweight load. If the load is under the limit, at least the inspection lets the driver know how much the vehicle’s tires can handle.

Typically, commercial semis and rental vans with heavy loads will need to stop at all open weigh stations. Signs pointing to scales will usually state the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) needed to go through weigh stations, and most rented ones will have it printed on the side. The laws for specific vehicles and weights vary by state"

You did not say COMMERCIAL in your post.

Most trailers are not fully compliant. If you buy a heavy duty 3/4 ton truck, you will have to go through the scales. The Highway Patrolman will let you know if you are non-compliant. That's all I got.

And you definitely didn't say you were talking about commercial trucks over 10,000 lbs.

 

[MossRoad]

I'd guess 90% of the time we travel, the weigh stations are closed. Do they have a schedule?

 

[fishdrivel]

Yes, ideally get it level, but many vehicles run butt high unloaded.


You did not say COMMERCIAL in your post.

And you definitely didn't say you were talking about commercial trucks over 10,000 lbs.

What is a commercial vehicle varies from state to state.

 

[Chewwy]

What is a commercial vehicle varies from state to state.

But that only applies to vehicles registered in that state. If it’s not classified as a commercial vehicle in the state where it is registered, it is unlikely to be treated as a commercial vehicle in any state. A state cannot require a commercial DL if the state that issued your license does not.

 

[fishdrivel]

Truck towing overloaded kills, driver gets felony charges.

Here it is, the unicorn everyone asks about.... Where the driver gets charges based on an overloaded truck. https://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/2021/nov/23/truck-was-towing-double-max-weight-carson-city-cra/

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[JWR]

Help me understand what you are saying. An F150 used to be a 1/4 ton truck because it's payload was 500 pounds, or a quarter of a ton. Modern F150s are a wide range from 1280 lbs to over 3200 lbs. Most configurations are well over 1700 lbs payload. That makes most modern f150s at least a 3/4 ton truck. There was probably a time when an f150 had a 1000 lb payload. Is that what you mean? You have an older f150 that only has 1000 pound payload?

No idea how I missed replying to your post when it was current. My F-150 is 2015, 4WD., towing package equipped, EcoBoost 3.5L V6. First year of the aluminum ones. Many old timers refer to the 150's as 'half ton' and the 250's as '3/4 ton' to distinguish the class regardless of actual or specified load ranges. Same with 1500 versus 2500 in other brands. I have no doubt that many a 2022 Ford Ranger qualifies as a half ton truck by the numbers but for casual day- to- day talk you will never find a person calling it that.