How large of a trailer can I tow?
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
Pappyman, my state NV offers a non comercial class a. Strange part is , as far as I know its only for semi tractors operating privatly. I say that because they have a "J" and "R" endorsement for pickups pulling over 10000 lbs and up to 70 ft in lenght.....The over 10000 endorsement does not stop at 26000 according to what I have read. It seems explicitly for pick ups rather then tractors.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: SE Texas
The trailer I'm looking at is a 36' 5th wheel stacker to carry two racecars.
I'll have 3 7,000# axles so the trailer will be rated for 21,000#. Both racecars are 65 Coronet. One is a 2800# Nostalgia Super Stocker A/NSS and the other is a 3700# bracket car. The trailer will be quite heavy -- but I'll be just under the 21000# with the trailer, two cars and equipment.
I'll have 3 7,000# axles so the trailer will be rated for 21,000#. Both racecars are 65 Coronet. One is a 2800# Nostalgia Super Stocker A/NSS and the other is a 3700# bracket car. The trailer will be quite heavy -- but I'll be just under the 21000# with the trailer, two cars and equipment.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
The troopers are looking for people that are hauling without paying for a weighted tag. Just make sure that each axle is not overweight, they can ticket you for that, but they do not know what the gcwr is, and most trucks the gvwr is on the door, but not the combined weight, so as long as you dirtibute it properly, you will be ok.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 4
From: Cypress, TX
If the trailer is going to run a GVW of 21,000 lbs, you'll certainly be over 26,001 lbs GCW. At 26,001 lbs and running race cars for prize money, many states say you're hauling commercial. This makes it a whole different ball game! 
Rusty
Rusty
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Used to be missoula, montana: Now in Sonoma County California
Originally posted by horselady
The troopers are looking for people that are hauling without paying for a weighted tag. Just make sure that each axle is not overweight, they can ticket you for that, but they do not know what the gcwr is, and most trucks the gvwr is on the door, but not the combined weight, so as long as you dirtibute it properly, you will be ok.
The troopers are looking for people that are hauling without paying for a weighted tag. Just make sure that each axle is not overweight, they can ticket you for that, but they do not know what the gcwr is, and most trucks the gvwr is on the door, but not the combined weight, so as long as you dirtibute it properly, you will be ok.
They are required in thier training to know where your door tag is, thee fact is that GCVWR's from the factory are not relivent. If they were every tractor trailer driver who hauls duobles, or spread axles that are in excess of 80k would be shut down. Thier door tag says 80k gcvwr.
Max wieght is based on physics, distance and lbs per axle, meaning that you can only bridge spread so much wight over any distance and a given numebr of axles before ione of those axles will be baring too much weight.
As to the Rest get your CDL and pay the taxes, sounds like you're going to be butting in on DOT territory
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
I would bet a 32 ft stacker will be lighter then my trailer......so the loaded weight with those cars will be a tad less......plus I haul a 450lb quad and some lounge stuff.......under 26000..GCVW.....total. Around 23000 to 25500 basically and my truck is probably heavier too. I do keep junk to a bare minimum.
I would guess that it would go in around 21-23k gcvw. My only concern would be a single rear wheel if its not a duallie, and the tire loads then.
Find out the trailer weight, probably 7500 to 8500?
Don t most 5 th hitches only rate to 16k? So why would they build a trailer with a gvw at 20-21 and put a 5th hitch on on instead of a GN? I don t know why a 5th hitch even exists, I can t see why a GN would have a down side in comparison?
I would guess that it would go in around 21-23k gcvw. My only concern would be a single rear wheel if its not a duallie, and the tire loads then.
Find out the trailer weight, probably 7500 to 8500?
Don t most 5 th hitches only rate to 16k? So why would they build a trailer with a gvw at 20-21 and put a 5th hitch on on instead of a GN? I don t know why a 5th hitch even exists, I can t see why a GN would have a down side in comparison?
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 4
From: Cypress, TX
Originally posted by 1320
Don t most 5 th hitches only rate to 16k? So why would they build a trailer with a gvw at 20-21 and put a 5th hitch on on instead of a GN? I don t know why a 5th hitch even exists, I can t see why a GN would have a down side in comparison?
Don t most 5 th hitches only rate to 16k? So why would they build a trailer with a gvw at 20-21 and put a 5th hitch on on instead of a GN? I don t know why a 5th hitch even exists, I can t see why a GN would have a down side in comparison?
The new 30K 5th Wheel from Reese provides a big, 30,000 lb. towing capacity. Clearances are designed to permit the use of the Reese Gooseneck Hitch in conjunction with. The front to rear tilt capability enables easy hook-up on uneven ground. The lowprofile design can be vertically adjusted 3" to permit level trailering. Featuring the Reese exclusive new side-to-side rocker design for smooth trailering. Build for serious trailering; especially designed for use on medium duty conversion trucks.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 0
From: Hollidaysburg PA
5th wheel hitches are available in the higher ratings they just cost more. 5th wheels are easier to hook and unhook with 1 person and are lots more stable at highway speeds with tall trailers. Goosenecks are for farm trailers that see lots off road twisting and turning. Horse/cattle trailers and bobcat/tractor trailers for ex. Try to keep under 26,000 and avoid the hassles.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: arizona
Just another thought to throw in the mix here !!!!!
If you are over the 26k limit, have to license the vehicle Commercial, and it's a 3500 Dually, then you should also contact the state about getting a "Fuel Permit".
I know when I was coming back into my state (Arizona) pulling my snowcat with my 2500, we were stopped at the DOT border inspection weigh station. Didn't have any problem with the weight or weight distribution on the unit, But they wanted to know if I had a fuel permit ????
Finally, one of the more knowledeable inspectors stated that a 2500 (3/4 ton) didn't need one, but a 3500 (1 ton) did need one !!!!!
Just letting you know what they told me........
If you are over the 26k limit, have to license the vehicle Commercial, and it's a 3500 Dually, then you should also contact the state about getting a "Fuel Permit".
I know when I was coming back into my state (Arizona) pulling my snowcat with my 2500, we were stopped at the DOT border inspection weigh station. Didn't have any problem with the weight or weight distribution on the unit, But they wanted to know if I had a fuel permit ????
Finally, one of the more knowledeable inspectors stated that a 2500 (3/4 ton) didn't need one, but a 3500 (1 ton) did need one !!!!!
Just letting you know what they told me........
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: SE Texas
Fold Down Gooseneck
Designed to allow full access to truck bed when not in use. Simply pull up on the access plate ring to activate the REESE Gooseneck. This will automatically raise the hitch ball. The plate can then be lowered, locking the ball in place. The new under the bed design of this Gooseneck includes all the features of the current goose from Reese. A plastic trim ring feature makes the unit virtually flush. Installation instructions include a template for cutting the bed.
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Bottom View
Fold-down design allows full use of the truck bed when the hitch is not in use
Rated for 25K gross trailer weight, 6,250 lbs. vertical load
Integrated drop-down, spring-loaded safety chain loops
Heat-treated 2-5/16" chrome ball
Top plate and substructure are made with 3/8" thick steel
Wider top plate footprint projects greater strength and stability
Large pull ring allows user to pull up access plate while wearing gloves
Zerk fitting is visible and easily accessible
Designed to allow full access to truck bed when not in use. Simply pull up on the access plate ring to activate the REESE Gooseneck. This will automatically raise the hitch ball. The plate can then be lowered, locking the ball in place. The new under the bed design of this Gooseneck includes all the features of the current goose from Reese. A plastic trim ring feature makes the unit virtually flush. Installation instructions include a template for cutting the bed.
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Bottom View
Fold-down design allows full use of the truck bed when the hitch is not in use
Rated for 25K gross trailer weight, 6,250 lbs. vertical load
Integrated drop-down, spring-loaded safety chain loops
Heat-treated 2-5/16" chrome ball
Top plate and substructure are made with 3/8" thick steel
Wider top plate footprint projects greater strength and stability
Large pull ring allows user to pull up access plate while wearing gloves
Zerk fitting is visible and easily accessible
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
Originally posted by ddestruel
They are required in thier training to know where your door tag is, thee fact is that GCVWR's from the factory are not relivent. If they were every tractor trailer driver who hauls duobles, or spread axles that are in excess of 80k would be shut down. Thier door tag says 80k gcvwr.
Max wieght is based on physics, distance and lbs per axle, meaning that you can only bridge spread so much wight over any distance and a given numebr of axles before ione of those axles will be baring too much weight.
As to the Rest get your CDL and pay the taxes, sounds like you're going to be butting in on DOT territory
They are required in thier training to know where your door tag is, thee fact is that GCVWR's from the factory are not relivent. If they were every tractor trailer driver who hauls duobles, or spread axles that are in excess of 80k would be shut down. Thier door tag says 80k gcvwr.
Max wieght is based on physics, distance and lbs per axle, meaning that you can only bridge spread so much wight over any distance and a given numebr of axles before ione of those axles will be baring too much weight.
As to the Rest get your CDL and pay the taxes, sounds like you're going to be butting in on DOT territory