Virginia DMV rules and How do you verify GVWR?

[SuperCobra]

Hello,
I'm looking at a used trailer that doesn't have the data tag on the tongue filled out (either faded completely or just left blank) and I haven't been able to get an answer from the manufacturer yet. The seller says it is rated at 12,000 GVWR but how do I tell? The title (MD) just lists a vehicle weight of 3000. I've looked for tags elsewhere (on the axles) to no avail. Is there any way to tell? When I go to get a title and inspection in my home state (VA) do they need to reverse engineer it to come up with the weight? (For example 2-5/16", dual axle, six bolt wheels, 16.5 tires, and XX I beam = 12,000 GVWR. Or can it be registered/titled/tagged/and inspected without a know GVWR?

Also, anyone familiar with Virginia's rules? I understand the part about inspections dependent upon brakes and weight but do you still need an annual inspection if you have permament tags? Do farm tags need an annual inspection? Any pro/cons for a farm tag over a permament trailer tag? I've looked on the DMV website but couldn't find that. Not trying to waste anyone's time if I can do the research myself - just wondering if someone knew this off the top of their head.
Thanks,
Randy

 

[JohnDeere4300]

Hello,
I'm looking at a used trailer that doesn't have the data tag on the tongue filled out (either faded completely or just left blank) and I haven't been able to get an answer from the manufacturer yet. The seller says it is rated at 12,000 GVWR but how do I tell? The title (MD) just lists a vehicle weight of 3000. I've looked for tags elsewhere (on the axles) to no avail. Is there any way to tell? When I go to get a title and inspection in my home state (VA) do they need to reverse engineer it to come up with the weight? (For example 2-5/16", dual axle, six bolt wheels, 16.5 tires, and XX I beam = 12,000 GVWR. Or can it be registered/titled/tagged/and inspected without a know GVWR?

Also, anyone familiar with Virginia's rules? I understand the part about inspections dependent upon brakes and weight but do you still need an annual inspection if you have permament tags? Do farm tags need an annual inspection? Any pro/cons for a farm tag over a permament trailer tag? I've looked on the DMV website but couldn't find that. Not trying to waste anyone's time if I can do the research myself - just wondering if someone knew this off the top of their head.
Thanks,
Randy

Do you know who makes the trailer?

 

[newbury]

Search is your friend.
I read some thread recently where there was discussion of how many bolts meant how many pounds and I think it was in this forum, but might have been in about any of the forums on this site, and it could have been of any age.

 

[SuperCobra]

Do you know who makes the trailer?

The sticker on the trailer says: Perone Performance Products but I haven't verified if they make them or just sell them.

 

[SuperCobra]

Search is your friend.
I read some thread recently where there was discussion of how many bolts meant how many pounds and I think it was in this forum, but might have been in about any of the forums on this site, and it could have been of any age.

Thanks for narrowing that down! I tried both the search function (193 threads in just this forum) and manually wading through the posts prior to asking. Not asking for someone to bend over backwards doing my research just wondering if someone could rattle off answers off the top of their head without wasting too much of their time as I know there are a lot of helpful experts here.

 

[aczlan]

Thanks for narrowing that down! I tried both the search function (193 threads in just this forum) and manually wading through the posts prior to asking. Not asking for someone to bend over backwards doing my research just wondering if someone could rattle off answers off the top of their head without wasting too much of their time as I know there are a lot of helpful experts here.

Look on the axles, they should have a tag on them with a manufactures name and model # on them, from that you should be able to call the manufacturer and say I have a trailer made by you with lets say dexter ab123 axles, and a 2 5/16ths ball, what is it rated for.
Or, to make it easier, does the title or the trailer list a VIN? if you, you should be able to get the specs for that trailer from the manufacturer. Speaking of which Perone Performance Products appears to be from MD, and they are listed as a trailer manufacturer, here is an address and phone #: Perone Performance Products trailer, usa - Google Maps

HTH

Aaron Z

 

[Diamondpilot]

99% of the time 6 lug axles will be 5,200 or 6,000# So that is a good starting point.

Chris

 

[GIJOE]

I agree with Chris. My 14k is an eight lug.

Joe

 

[thatguy]

I am not positive.. But I think you can register the trailer at any gross weight as long as you are willing to pay the registration fees.. I have seen farmers register their 1 ton dually pickup for 40 to 80,000lbs because they use a gooseneck trailer and haul hay at times..

this part I am more familiar with though:

a) if the trailer is registered for more than 3k lbs you must have an annual safety inspection

b) I am unfamiliar with a 'farm' trailer plate (there are farm tags for power vehicles).. The permanant trailer plates are the best option though IMHO.. 1x fee and run for as long as you own the trailer..

c) By farm plate are you meaning something that says "farm use", not a real license plate?

Just to clarify you are going to Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles ?

Brian

 

[stoneyfork]

Here are the rules on Farm Use trailers from the VA DMV website. Major disadvantage are the use restrictions

Unregistered Farm Vehicles (Farm Use)

You are not required to register a vehicle (obtain license plates and decals) or pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer used exclusively for agricultural or horticultural purposes on lands owned or leased by the vehicle's owner. This exemption applies only to vehicles that are not operated on or over any public highway for any purpose other than:
- crossing a highway;
- operating along a highway for a distance of no more than thirty miles from one part of the owner's land to another, irrespective of whether the tracts adjoin;
- taking the vehicle or attached fixtures to and from a repair shop for repairs;
- taking another vehicle exempt from registration under any provision of Va. Code ｧｧ 46.2-664 through 46.2-668 or ｧ 46.2-672, or any part or subcomponent of such a vehicle, to or from a repair shop for repairs, including return trips;
- operating along a highway to and from a refuse disposal facility for the purpose of disposing of trash and garbage generated on a farm; or
- operating along a highway for a distance of no more than thirty miles for the purpose of obtaining supplies for agricultural or horticultural purposes, seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, or animal feed. (Va. Code ｧ 46.2-665)