Hello guys, I've got some questions for you.
I'm going to be driving out to San Fran area from phoenix next week to pick up a tractor and haul it back. I've heard that California has some laws/restrictions other states don't, and I just want to make sure I'll be on the up&up so as not to **** off CHP.

First off, I'm driving a 8,000lb f-350 with a 3,000lb flatbed trailer. The tractor weighs 12,000lbs. So I'm going to be right up there around 24,000-24,500lbs with all the gear and fuel. In AZ, your allowed up to 26,000lbs before you need a CDL and all that stuff. But I heard a rumor it was 18,000lbs in CA? Am I going to be ok on the weight?

Isn't the trailer speed limit only 55mph out there? That's gonna make for some slow going. Is there any leeway on that? I'd like to run 65 if I can.

Any other tips or possible problems you can for see? Any and all input is appreciated.

 

Cant help you on weight but yes the limit is 55 out here. I generally push it higher with an eye out for what the truckers are doing. Did get a ticket for going 70 on I-5 coming back from Barstow at 2 am hauling some quads by CHP who had nothing better to do. That being said, Merry Christmas.

 

The trailer speed limit is 55 but when I was towing cars up and down California I stayed at 55 and was passed by everything, semis, other people pulling trucks and trailers etc. So it all depends on if the particular CHP officer is in a bad mood or not. Can't help with the weight question though. I never pulled anything over 8k with a truck that weighed in around 6k

Jim

 

Read this .... https://apps.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648.pdf

 

Has anyone had problems with the dot scales? I've hauled the same load from South Dakota to Arizona. Went past all the scales no problem. I'll still be under 26,000. The only problem is that my trailer tires will be over the rating.

 

I would be really surprised if anyone hassled you. Does the truck have any stickers on it anywhere that might lead anyone to think that it might be a commercial vehicle? If not, I wouldn't worry about it.

Yes the limit is 55 for towing. I generally see trucks running in the 60-63 range max. I wouldn't push it if you're overweight just in case a cop is bored and wants to be a jerk.

I would play dumb with the weight of the trailer and cargo if I were you. If you get asked any questions, don't admit that you know it's overweight.

 

That's kinda the plan.

The truck has commercial plates, because it's an F-350. But it's just a regular SRW pickup. I'm mapping out a way to dodge the scales anyway.

 

I have never seen a non commercial vehicle in the scales. Even the signs that say all trucks stop at scales, will say No pickups at the bottom. You should be fine.

Jim

 

Yea I don't think I'll have a problem. I have some "NOT FOR HIRE" magnets I'll throw on the doors just to be safe.

 

There and back, no problems at all. I was even speeding a lot. I passed CHP doing 70 a couple times and they didn't seem to care.

 

Good deal, glad to hear you made it okay.

Jim

 

I was towing a trailer from the Bay area to Phoenix about 15 years ago and I was doing 70. A CHP pulled up next to me and flashed his open hand twice and mouthed "FIFTY FIVE" at me.

I slowed down.

 

I guess getting caught doing 95MPH up the 101 might have had more severe consequences then? Lol

 

You'd go to jail.

 

I was on high alert for sure. I had a car pass me doing 95 so I let them get out in front aways and be my "blocker". It was about 2am so there wernt any other cars anywhere hardly.