Trailering in Illinois (Info)

[MF1455v]

I'm going to central Illinois next week to pick up a Farmall Super MTA and a 4 bottom plow. Found out they require chains for securing the tractor. Not a problem as I prefer to use them anyway.

Need to find out if I can use straps on the plow. Also if there are any other trailering laws to be aware of in the state. Did a Google search but that's like looking for a needle in a hay stack. Texas and Oklahoma are no problem and I have a friend from Missouri says I will be good. Any help on Illinois would be great.

Here's a little back ground on what my setup is.
1 ton Dodge Diesel
32ft gooseneck with tandem 10k Dexters

I'm sure I left something out so go easy. I'm usually over the state requirements, I just want to avoid any unknown surprises.

Thanks
James

 

[Diamondpilot]

Straps are fine. I trailer in Illinois quite often being from Indiana. Clean rig, good chains, working lights and they will not even bat a eye.

Chris

 

[Timm250]

If your registration in for more than 26,000 lbs be careful. I have heard of people from KY being ticketed because they had farm plates & the registration was for more than 26,000 lbs. I actually lowered the registration on my pu because of this. The fine is for not paying the road taxes & it is over $1000.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If your registration in for more than 26,000 lbs be careful. I have heard of people from KY being ticketed because they had farm plates & the registration was for more than 26,000 lbs. I actually lowered the registration on my pu because of this. The fine is for not paying the road taxes & it is over $1000.

Farm plates are limited to 150 miles from the registration address and not valid over state lines. At least here.

Chris

 

[MF1455v]

Thanks for the information guys. This was exactly what I was looking for. I do have farm tags on the trailer and its rated at 20,000 lbs. Truck is rated at 18,000 if I remember right. Need to double check. I got my Class A CDL because both were over 36,000 lbs. I've never used it for anything but this rig.

Known people to get pulled over and get the truck and trailer impounded for not having a CDL for the same size setup. But then again you see utility trailers with no lights, tags and stuff not strapped down all the time down here. Go figure.

I just completed a full inspection of the trailer this afternoon. Found the battery for the emergency break away bad. Need to stop and pick up a new one tomorrow.

 

[MF1455v]

Thought I include a picture of my rig.

 

[dodge man]

Nice looking rig, where in Illinois are you going?

 

[rustyshakelford]

Me personally would run thru the night in Illinois. Never had good luck and would be better all around to not draw any additional attention

Brett

 

[Todd727]

I've run my farm plates all over the country, just not when towing.

 

[mikehaugen]

I have never heard of the chain law, but that doesn't mean it isn't there. I haul my tractor with a chains on the front, and use straps on the back to to draw up the tension on the chains. (I know it would probably make more sense to do it the other way, but the way my trailer/tractor is configured, this works better... besides if the straps were going to break, I would rather have the tractor roll into the back of my truck than off the trailer.) Anyway though, I have never been questioned, but I have also never been pulled over with this setup or given an officer a reason to start checking stuff. I also don't have as big of a setup as you, so maybe I am a little less conspicuous.

 

[Rock knocker]

I don't think the prohibition against straps exists. If it did, it would have to come from the FMCSA or other Fed Dept. Because freight is crossing state lines, it becomes a question of interstate commerce.

 

[schmism]

I run back and forth in central IL all the time between my 2 properties. NO issues even with some odd loads. But im usually towing at or below the speed limit.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have never heard of the chain law, but that doesn't mean it isn't there. I haul my tractor with a chains on the front, and use straps on the back to to draw up the tension on the chains. (I know it would probably make more sense to do it the other way, but the way my trailer/tractor is configured, this works better... besides if the straps were going to break, I would rather have the tractor roll into the back of my truck than off the trailer.) Anyway though, I have never been questioned, but I have also never been pulled over with this setup or given an officer a reason to start checking stuff. I also don't have as big of a setup as you, so maybe I am a little less conspicuous.

You need to rethink that. My BIL had one of his crews get in a head on at 60 mph pulling a BobCat with a F450. LEO said that all 3 should have been decapitated by the BobCat but the rear chains held. One on each 4 corners.

I dont want it coming off the trailer period but I would want it going the opposite way of me and my family if it did.

Think about the forces involved in a head on or tee bone accident.

Chris

 

[mikehaugen]

I don't really have a distrust for straps, in fact in industrial rigging you will never see guys using chains... only lifting straps. The problem with straps is that they are easier to damage, which will seriously degrade their reliability. As long as they are in good shape, and are not around any sharp corners I personally feel safe up to their rated capacity. I don't mean to start this discussion again (as it has been beat to death here), but that is my viewpoint.

 

[Dozernut]

One thing to add, a goose neck hitch must have safety chains in Illinois, they are not required on a fifth wheel hitch.

 

[MF1455v]

Nice looking rig, where in Illinois are you going?

Thanks, we are going to Washington Illinois. Just outside Peoria.

 

[MF1455v]

One thing to add, a goose neck hitch must have safety chains in Illinois, they are not required on a fifth wheel hitch.

Thanks Dozernut, I do have the safety chains. Stopped and picked up a new emergency release brake battery today and its working correctly.

 

[MF1455v]

I run back and forth in central IL all the time between my 2 properties. NO issues even with some odd loads. But im usually towing at or below the speed limit.

Wow, Steve, looks like we are going to be in your neighborhood. Would love to meet up for a cup of coffee, but its going to be all business on this trip. Maybe next time.

Thanks for the information.

 

[schmism]

drop me a line when your in town, id love to get together and chat

 

[dodge man]

Thanks, we are going to Washington Illinois. Just outside Peoria.

Small world, I was there 2 nights ago for my daughters swim meet. I live about 100 miles west of Washington in Macomb. Good luck with your trip.