Truck & Trailer ideas to tow 14,000 and be under 26,000 pounds

[stumblinhorse]

I think the best thing to do, sadly, is get a 2500 Cummins and overload it with the trailer. Seems the law is more inclined to allow that than hauling under a spec. Tow vehicle 10k will never get you in trouble. And no one is gonna stop a 2500 truck and ask for a CDL. Even with a 21k trailer behind it…. Stupid but true.

 

[aczlan]

I had to look at this for a few minutes to get it, and I'm still not 100% that I understand what it's saying.

My goal is to use my Class C drivers license with Farm tags on the truck and trailer to avoid having to upgrade my license.

Is it accurate that if I have a truck with a GVWR less then 26,000 pounds, I can haul a trailer with a maximum GVWR of 20,000 pounds or less?

Would a GVWR of 14,000 pounds for the truck, and a GVWR of 20,000 pounds on the trailer, for a total GVWR of 34,000 pounds, and I would be legal with Farm tags? Or even a higher GVWR of 20,000 pounds for the truck be legal with a 20,000 pound GVWR on the trailer for a total of 40,000 pounds?

If I have it figured out, I need to stick with looking at one ton trucks, and a trailer with a GVWR of 20,000 pounds or less to be legal.

As I read it, the limiting factor would be the trailer GVWR of under 20,000# and the truck GVWR of under 26,000# OR truck GVWR plus trailer GVWR of under 26,000#
So you could get a truck with a GVWR of 25,900 and a goosneck trailer with a GVWR of 19,900 and not need a CDL as long as you have farm plates.
If you want to maximize your carrying capacity, look at an aluminum trailer, Eby and Featherlight both make aluminum goosenecks.

Aaron Z

 

[Furu]

Avenger,

Interesting that we live in the same state ( and I think, in the same county) and got different answers (interesting but not surprising).

I reached at to The Washington State Patrol Commercial Enforcement division with the same question and was told that it didn’t matter if it was not for hire or for hire, if I was over 26000# on Washington roads and highways I needed a CDL unless I had the AG exemption.

Kind of wonder which answer is correct:

You are correct. Over 26K unless operating as a farm vehicle and licensed as a farm vehicle you need a CDL in this state or anywhere else. Now they may not enforce it but the rules say you are correct. That is why I got a CDL even though I am not for hire or anything else. State Patrol told me I was playing roulette with 3 bullets in the revolver. The ticket cost would have been higher than the cost of the course.

 

[Hersheyfarm]

I didn’t read through this whole thread, but if your hauling equipment to your own farm, as long as you don’t live on a nanny state like Cali, you absolutely do not need a cdl. You are private and not doing this for money, and if you are farming you would be farm exempt so get that tag.
I deal with a lot. It’s pia to skate around the arbitrarily limit congress came up with. Yes, congress, pulled a number for a limit out of their behinds in 1994.
But private operators are exempt from cdl’s under federal dot laws. Again, a few nanny states have went loopy put their own laws in place.
But, there is no combination of truck and trailer you can legally haul 14k for a business. I have a thread going and had to go with an aluminum trailer to haul 11600lb legally. My truck has a gvwr of 11400, the lightest truck you can get that can legally haul that weight is an f250 with high tow capacity. It comes with a gvwr of 10800. You’re going to need a trailer with at least 18500 gvwr as long as the trailer weighs 4500lb or less, but that puts you way over. But it probably the closest combination I can think of.
But again, if you’re not operating a business you’re not required to have a cdl. Even if you have a business, unless your engaging in business, you can still pull privately for your own wants.

 

[sandman2234]

After reading this thread and seeing what you guys have to go through, I feel damn lucky I have had my Class A CDL with air brakes for 30 years.
I know its a ***** and expensive, but I still think it’s worth it.

Seeing y’all trying to figure ways “around it” is really an eye opener. Almost seems better to just have someone do the hauling for you sometimes.

I am with you on that! I see what others go thru trying to figure out what they can haul, and I tend to try to figure it out, but in reality, the rules are so vague and change from state to state (although CDL is a Fed) that I am glad I have one (at times)! Now there are times when I wished I didn't have a CDL in my pocket, like when I have to go get a medical card, or a rule applies to me that wouldn't apply if I had a regular license.
Consider what happens when you slide under a railroad crossing as the lights start blinking and the arms haven't come down yet so you blow across them. With a regular license you are violating running a red light. With a CDL, it is a first time offense of 6 months suspension of your license! That ticket then opens up a whole new can of worms. Nobody will hire you with a recent suspension within 3-5 years. Once you get 3-5 years done flipping burgers at Macky D's, and try to go back to driving, nobody will hire you because you don't have any recent experience. So you are out of the trucking business.
Sorry for the rabbit hole, back to Eddie's issue!
David from jax

 

[MGP4506]

What about this trailer that I just saw on FB?

Facebook

www.facebook.com

For those that don't have FB, I'll copy what it says.

2023 TIGER 32 x 102" drive over fender trailer $11,200​

New Tiger 2023 32' x 102" Drive Over Fender, Triple axle, 3 - # 7000 EZ lube brake axles, 16" 10 ply radial tires with spare tire, lockable chain box, dual 12K jacks, stand up ramps, LED lights, 10" channel iron fenders, stake pockets and rub rails, 21,000ib GVWR, empty weight 5700lbs, carrying cap. 15,300lbs, Black $11,200

View attachment 781663

If I buy a Ram 3500 dually 6.7 4x4 diesel truck with Farm tags, and I get this trailer registered for Farm use, could I haul my 14,000 backhoe the 62 miles to my hay farm with my normal Class C drivers license?

Is 32 feet long enough to load my Massey 4707 tractor on it with my 12 foot batwing and haul them both at the same time? What about the tractor with a bailer, a hay rake and a cutter? If I can haul the tractor and the implement at the same time, it would be a lot easier to load them on the tractor, and a lot faster then having to make two trips to get them there.

If 32 feet isn't long enough, how long should the trailer be?

It all depends on your State. 1st do you meet the definition of a farmer in your State? 2nf does your State require a CDL even for farmers? A special endorsement for farmers to operate CMV's over 26k? 3rd Does your State restrict the distance farm plates can be used. 4th Are you crossing State lines? 5th How wide are you? Does your State allow for wider widths for farmers? Does that width depend on if it is being pulled or hauled on a trailer / truck? Do o you have a Farm bureau? A Commercial vehicle Enforcement Unit? Both are good places to start.

All States are different. What State are youin?

 

[sandman2234]

It all depends on your State. 1st do you meet the definition of a farmer in your State? 2nf does your State require a CDL even for farmers? A special endorsement for farmers to operate CMV's over 26k? 3rd Does your State restrict the distance farm plates can be used. 4th Are you crossing State lines? 5th How wide are you? Does your State allow for wider widths for farmers? Does that width depend on if it is being pulled or hauled on a trailer / truck? Do o you have a Farm bureau? A Commercial vehicle Enforcement Unit? Both are good places to start.

All States are different. What State are youin?

EddieWalker is from the great state of Texas!
David from jax

 

[Hersheyfarm]

I am with you on that! I see what others go thru trying to figure out what they can haul, and I tend to try to figure it out, but in reality, the rules are so vague and change from state to state (although CDL is a Fed) that I am glad I have one (at times)! Now there are times when I wished I didn't have a CDL in my pocket, like when I have to go get a medical card, or a rule applies to me that wouldn't apply if I had a regular license.
Consider what happens when you slide under a railroad crossing as the lights start blinking and the arms haven't come down yet so you blow across them. With a regular license you are violating running a red light. With a CDL, it is a first time offense of 6 months suspension of your license! That ticket then opens up a whole new can of worms. Nobody will hire you with a recent suspension within 3-5 years. Once you get 3-5 years done flipping burgers at Macky D's, and try to go back to driving, nobody will hire you because you don't have any recent experience. So you are out of the trucking business.
Sorry for the rabbit hole, back to Eddie's issue!
David from jax

100%. Who wants to be in bed with the government more than you have to. Like I posted, cdl limits are just arbitrary numbers that congress cooked up in 1994. It creates more revenue through additional costs, like med cards. They run you through little clinics here for $75. State fuel tax, some make you start logging for extra fuel tax. People like me who have pulled equipment and trailers for 30 years but only pull for business occasionally are really screwed. I’m farm exempt but not for my plumbing biz. It’s a racket, same as nfa tax stamps. How ignorant are we to vote for this bs.

 

[MGP4506]

I didn’t read through this whole thread, but if your hauling equipment to your own farm, as long as you don’t live on a nanny state like Cali, you absolutely do not need a cdl. You are private and not doing this for money, and if you are farming you would be farm exempt so get that tag.
I deal with a lot. It’s pia to skate around the arbitrarily limit congress came up with. Yes, congress, pulled a number for a limit out of their behinds in 1994.
But private operators are exempt from cdl’s under federal dot laws. Again, a few nanny states have went loopy put their own laws in place.
But, there is no combination of truck and trailer you can legally haul 14k for a business. I have a thread going and had to go with an aluminum trailer to haul 11600lb legally. My truck has a gvwr of 11400, the lightest truck you can get that can legally haul that weight is an f250 with high tow capacity. It comes with a gvwr of 10800. You’re going to need a trailer with at least 18500 gvwr as long as the trailer weighs 4500lb or less, but that puts you way over. But it probably the closest combination I can think of.
But again, if you’re not operating a business you’re not required to have a cdl. Even if you have a business, unless your engaging in business, you can still pull privately for your own wants.

Farming is a business. It does not matter if you are the sole owner. The question is are you in commerce? (Make money, lose money, claim it on taxes yes I know this is very generic but I think you get my point) And the last I checked about 1/2 the States if not more require either a special license or endorsement for vehicles (even recreational vehicle) over 26,000lbs used for personal use. In some States it is just passing a road test.
In 2016 when the feds passed MAP21 there was a changes to what farmers are and are not exempt from. You can read the definitions at www.FMCSA.DOT.Gov in 390.5 section. Again most States use the federal regulations as their own. Yes the Feds exempt farmers within 150 air miles of their farm from CDLs, States for the most part don't. My point is you have to check with your home State (even non-nanny states) to see if you are legal.

 

[Hay Dude]

I think the best thing to do, sadly, is get a 2500 Cummins and overload it with the trailer. Seems the law is more inclined to allow that than hauling under a spec. Tow vehicle 10k will never get you in trouble. And no one is gonna stop a 2500 truck and ask for a CDL. Even with a 21k trailer behind it…. Stupid but true.

That is a “sad but true” reality.
And the more “farm” it looks, the better.
In Eddy’s case, put “Ed’s Farm” on the sides and try to transport tractors and crops and he should be fine. Farm plates are a big plus.