Here is how I figure out what a trailer can SAFELY carry(bumper pull, NOT 5th wheel or gooseneck)

I will use my 14k pintle ring trailer for example

it weighs 5100lbs empty

So subtract 5,100lbs from 14,000lbs = 8,900lbs

Then you can add 1000-1500 for tongue weight going on the tow vehicle

8,900lbs + 1000lbs = 9,900lbs Ican SAFELY tow on the trailer

Every trailer is a lithe different with the tongue weight and ATCUAL weight.

Do NOT go by what the empty weight is by the manufacture, THEY LIE. actually WEIGH the trailer

 

Thanks. So basically, there's enough buffer in the GVWR to account for bumps.

FORDF250HDXLT - Nice pics. Yeah, ya'll convinced me that I CAN carry it. But I don't want to be sweating each time I pass a weigh station. I need to do it legally. Hence the trailer questions.

 

Just an update. I just got back from the scrap yard. My truck weighed 6720 pounds. That was with me 220#, and half tank of diesel in the front tank, and a 1/4 in the rear. I have a few tools in it, but not enough to mention really.

So I actually could legally barely carry the lathe in the back,.. as long as I registered it for 10k. But that's not a question any more. The truck will likely have my zero-turn and 4 wheeler in it. I got the tandem axle trailer for the lathe and mill.

I've since heard plenty of stories of folks who have no clue to register their trucks higher,.. .heck,.. with they weight they've pulled, they would need a cdl. And they pull down the interstate across state lines every day. So tempting,.....

 

Okay, I may get a rash of heat for this but, I'm a retired NYSP DOT Inspector. If I read the posts correctly the OP is moving this stuff across state lines. Is the lathe and mill business related at all? I mean is it related to the functioning of any commercial enterprise in any way? Farm? Machine shop? Molding company? If it's strictly for home use and you're crossing state lines it's one thing. If it's related to your gunsmithing operation or your repair shop or something like that you're ina different ball park when you have a vehicle or combination with a GVWR or CGVWR over 10,001 lbs.

If you want to stay legal I'll help if I can. If you want complain about cops, I'm not interested.

 

I'm a computer guy and don't own my own business. My machines are strictly hobby. They're WWII era stuff. But I know they will attract a lot more attention since they look work related. So there's a lot higher possibility that I will get checked than someone carrying furniture. Of course, a slightly slower glance will reveal a 4 wheeler and lawnmower in the truck, and a moving fan following it,...

I'll probably get it registered. Will have enough to freak out about with driving a '94 12 hours pulling 6,000 pounds.

 

Okay, if it's strictly hobby tools and if you're moving your residence yourself then you shouldn't have to be concerned with the FMCSR and Federal DOT issues. That was my concern. Any vehicle with a GVWR or combination with a CGVWR of 10,001 lbs or more and engaged in a commercial enterprise is a Commercial Motor Vehicle. That opens you to Log Books, tie downs, safety equipment, Medical Cards, fuel taxes, etc. That was my concern.

Be advised that different states may have different rules on weigh stations and who can drive by. Better to pull in and get waved through than to ignore them and get someone PO'd.