Uh oh . Florida ? They have a "different " way of determining your GVW . Many states let you use the GCVW of your truck . Florida adds the GVWR of the truck to the GVWR of the trailer . That's what they go by even if your actual weight is less . Make sure that total is under 26,000 lbs unless you have a CDL .

 

rick what is different about it, that is the way most states do it. Same in Ala, and Ga.

 

See message 68 on page 5 . Federal law uses the ACTUAL weight of the trailer and load . Some states use the GVWR stamped on the trailer . Federal law allows having a light load on a heavy rated trailer . In FL you'd need a CDL just pulling that trailer empty .

 

I am planning on getting a CDL in the future, but I was wondering if I will need it before i go pick up the trailer that i want. The GVWR of the trailer is 24,999lbs. and i have a 2500 ram. I just plan on pulling it from Texas back to Iowa empty.....you guys think i will run into any problems?
-Nate-

 

Something's not right here . The GVWR you give for the trailer is more than the GCVW of a 3500 dually . You'd need a CDL to haul it in some states . You'll need at least a DOT physical card . I dunno about a DOT inspection on the truck but you'll need one on the trailer .

 

It is a brand new dual tandum axle trailer built by Brute Trailers.

 

RICKG - you and I always seem to be hitting on this topic here and on HotShot Hauling, eh ?

Nice trailer, Herb. My 44' gooseneck weighs 12,000# - I don't know how yours can weigh what you said. Maybe mine has gold bricks hidden in it....I'm gonna start lookin' !

I am here in Florida. I am not only "private -not for hire", (I haul my own toys), but my magnetic door signs also state "not commercial, not in commerce". You can be "not for hire", but still in business, hence you need to comply. I don't need a DOT #, a medical card, or anything else. Most state DOT's follow federal guidelines.

BUT............since my GVW RATING on the Dodge is 12,200 (which is what I am tagged for) AND (operative word here is AND), my trailer has a GVW RATING (per the decal) of OVER (operative word is OVER) 10,000#, (20,000# on the flatbed, 15,600# on the enclosed goose) AND (operative word is AND) together they have a COMBINED WEIGHT RATING (not scale weight, not cargo weight, not curb weight -RATING) of OVER 26,001# (32,200# with the equipment hauler and 27,800# with the enclosed goose)..........

I am REQUIRED to have a CDL CLASS A, even though "private, not for hire, not commercial, not in commerce".

Folks can try and de-regulate trailer, etc. My experiences with the DOT teach me that they look at RATINGS, actual SCALE GROSS WEIGHT (as it relates to ratings), individual axle weights (as they relate to axle ratings AND tire ratings), how loads on open trailers are secured, and of course (for the commercial driver) all applicable paperwork. If I exceed my "maxium towing capacity" on the Dodge, and damage something, the warranty will not cover it, and some sharp lawyer (if there is an accident) will start digging. Being SAFE is knowing your curb weights (empty weight), and your laden weight, distributing your load properly, staying within your ratings, and making sure you can STOP WHAT YOU HAUL. Doing that will go a long way to keeping the DOT off your back, and your a** out of a lawsuit if you have a wreck.

 

So, what you guys are saying, if my truck has a GVW or 8,800 lbs and the trailer i want is 24,999 that equals 33,799 lbs, witch is over the 26,000 lbs number.....so even to haul it empty back home, I should get a CDL to be safe. I dont know how strick they will be since the trailer wont be registered in my name at the time either.
-Nate-

 

If it's not in your name then you're not the owner and you'll have a hard time convincing them you're not being paid to haul it . You'll face big fines and probably have to leave it at the scale until you either get it registered in your name and get a CDL or have someone with proper authority pull it .

 

Do you know when you get a new trailer if they give you a in-transit plate for it, kinda like a car so I can bring it back without having problems.
-Nate-

 

States are allowed by federal law to make the law stricter but not more lenient. In most states the cdl laws are changed to reflect the addition of the gross ratings instead of the federal actual weight on a trailer.

 

If you have a "recent" purchase, you should have ample paperwork to prove you just purchased the vehicle (title, bill of sale, etc). Some states allow you to drive back on a plate they've issued you (say you sold one truck ((and have documentation)) and you removed the plate and are driving the new truck home). Some states issue temp tags (in some states, only dealers do, in others, any citizen can purchase one...). As an aside, I have not yet found an exclusion from the CDL A requirement for "private-not commercial" use - I know that if one purchases an "RV", certain states exclude requirements for license which, by weight alone, would apply for another vehicle. I also see no exemption for "I just bought it and am driving it home...". I presume the law expects the vehicle(s) to be operated by correctly licensed operators. Often it is "no harm, no foul" - if you don't get stopped or you don't get involved in an accident, and you drive properly, maybe you'll make it to your property without incident - it is cost/benefit. Then you can get the license required by your state to operate pursuant to THEIR interpretations of federal regs and their own state statutes. Best of luck !

 

we got stopped a while back with our not for hire sign on by DOT and were told that was an invite for them to stop us.

 

Another question while im in a asking mood.... I have my truck licensed for 3 tons, didnt need to haul anything.....but what is the highest you can go without going to a commercial license....and even if so....what is the highest possible with a pickup...
-Nate-

 

That depends on the state. Many states will sell you a tag for what you want. Others have standards that cannot be exceeded. My 2500 is registered for 33,000. Remember you have to have the truck registered for the full weight of the truck and trailer, at least for commercial use.

The cdl laws apply if you are not pulling a vehicle that fits the rv laws. Generally, if you are legally licensed in your home state, you are good to go in other states. ie California has stricter laws, but a licensed driver in Alabama is legal there. Same for vehicle registration, in states where a pickup cannot be registered heavy, my truck is still legal because it is legally registered for that weight in Alabama.