[COLOR=Red]Where did you get your limiting factors from?
Only one of those things can be the weakest link that is the limiting factor.[/COLOR]

 

Yeah funny stuff. Take an 80,000 lb truck with a lowboy trailer. Max GCW is 80,000 now if you want to haul an 80,000 lb bulldozer you just go by an over weight permit, and just like that you are hauling 40,000 lbs more, 120,000 GCW, and been there done that.
Like in all driving or pilotage situations its the "driver" that will determine whether it is done safely or not. There are thousands of trucks running over weight everyday. The main important thing is the tire loading. Its always this "brakes" deal that comes up.
The trailer you tow has brakes. If I tow a 14k trailer behind an F250 that weighs 6.5 k
that is 20.5 K, the brake capacity is more than sufficent. The brakes on the trailer will take its 14K because that is its design weight. The truck will take its weight to because in essence its not taking any extra weight on the brakes because of the trailer. But since the manual says max GCW of 18,500 it would be considered over something. Its not the stopping ability they worry about in setting the GCW its the HP to pull it, just look at how they do the calculations. Its based on engine power, transmission and rear end gearing. That is it.
Other mention frame, the frame on the 250 is the same as the 350, so whats that tell you?

 

I have 7,000# tags. My GVWR is 6,800#. I sometimes tow a 3,300# trailer. I weighed the combo at the dump and the total was 8,400#.

- Do I need 9,000# tags? I see lots of people towing stuff w/ passenger tags.

- Does the trailer need an inspection sticker?

- The trailer I'm towing is not for business purposes - it is the trailer for the Cub Scout pack my son is in.

Mike in Raleigh

 

Technically, yes, you do need 9k tags Mike. But, not many people care. I tow a GCWR combination of 19k with 7k tags because the DMV won't give me more! They keep telling me nobody will ever check, so why bother?

Of course, the plates I have have dual registration, 24k farm use or 7k personal use. When I renew I need to ask how to get the farm version printed on the registration paper so I'm legal.

As far as stickers, that depends on your state. In NH you did not need an inspection, but you did need plates. In Kentucky, no inspection and no tags needed, but you do need to be registered. Colorado used to not require tags but now does. If you do not have plates you can not legally remove the trailer from the state, even in states that do allow plate-less trailers.

 

Hey Mike, yes I believe you do need to have at least 9k tags on your truck. Now, a few folks choose not to bother but, I'd rather be safe when in comes to the DMV and fines! With regards to your trailer needing an inspection sticker? Well for my horse trailer it is the law! Alot of folks don't know this but, it's required. As for your trailer I'd suggest a call to the DMV or just stop by. FYI, the SHP has been known to stop folks with trailers just to "check" on Capital heading north of 401. It has happened to me twice in the last four years on my way home to Wake Forest from the horse complex! Both times they asked for my registration saw that I had a 18k rating and let me go on. Hope this helps.

 

It's pretty conveluted in NC - it matters if you are towing 'commerically', for 'personal use' or 'recreationally' (camper).

Commerically - you're scewed! You have to cover everything.

Personally - you can get buy with it, unless you come across an 'buy the book' officer that won't let you slide.

Recreationally - this is the easiest one. Your tag has to cover your vehicle weight and the 'pin' weight of the camper (tounge or 5'er) - has absolutely nothing to do with combined weight.

Oh yeah, then you throw in the type of vehicle. My Excursion is considered a 'passenger vehicle' and therefore, i do not have to have a 'weighted tag'. Trucks, on the other hand, are considered 'propery hauling vehicles' and have to have the approiated weighted tag.

If you really want to read up - take a look at the NC Title Manual. Don't trust the folks at the tag office - most of the tag offices are 'contract offices' and they don't do a lot of training - h3ll, even the actualy state office can't get it right most of the time - it has a lot to do with 'interpretation'

 

Mike, Legally your plate has to cover the total combined weight in NC. I think there is some grace weight, but not sure. To answer your question, yes, you need to cover the load weight. It doesn't matter whether it's used for business or pleasure. There are also speed limit signs all over the place around Raleigh but who is abiding? Don't know of an inspection sticker, but you can ask the guy that you use next time you are at his place. Check the NC DOT site it should have all that info on it.

I wouldn't worry about it if it were mine.


John

 

Hey Mark, I fully agree that it's very convoluted in NC and yes if you happen to come across an 'buy the book' trooper/officer you could be screwed! After all, this state is always looking for ways to get more $$ all the time. Heck in Raleigh they recently banned all new garbage disposals and if you get caught with one it could be a $25,000 fine. Yes $ 25K.. LOL news article below...

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/2587326/

Anyway, like I said earlier I'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to tags and weight restrictions. So for both of my pickups (see sig) I have 18K and 9K tags accordingly. Just my $.02.

 

in illinois, if the law thinks your overloaded they'll drag you to the scales, and yes they are pimps!